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Radomsky T, Anderson RC, Millar RP, Newton CL. Restoring function to inactivating G protein-coupled receptor variants in the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis 1. J Neuroendocrinol 2024:e13418. [PMID: 38852954 DOI: 10.1111/jne.13418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 03/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are central to the functioning of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis (HPG axis) and include the rhodopsin-like GPCR family members, neurokinin 3 receptor, kappa-opioid receptor, kisspeptin 1 receptor, gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor, and the gonadotropin receptors, luteinizing hormone/choriogonadotropin receptor and follicle-stimulating hormone receptor. Unsurprisingly, inactivating variants of these receptors have been implicated in a spectrum of reproductive phenotypes, including failure to undergo puberty, and infertility. Clinical induction of puberty in patients harbouring such variants is possible, but restoration of fertility is not always a realisable outcome, particularly for those patients suffering from primary hypogonadism. Thus, novel pharmaceuticals and/or a fundamental change in approach to treating these patients are required. The increasing wealth of data describing the effects of coding-region genetic variants on GPCR function has highlighted that the majority appear to be dysfunctional as a result of misfolding of the encoded receptor protein, which, in turn, results in impaired receptor trafficking through the secretory pathway to the cell surface. As such, these intracellularly retained receptors may be amenable to 'rescue' using a pharmacological chaperone (PC)-based approach. PCs are small, cell permeant molecules hypothesised to interact with misfolded intracellularly retained proteins, stabilising their folding and promoting their trafficking through the secretory pathway. In support of the use of this approach as a viable therapeutic option, it has been observed that many rescued variant GPCRs retain at least a degree of functionality when 'rescued' to the cell surface. In this review, we examine the GPCR PC research landscape, focussing on the rescue of inactivating variant GPCRs with important roles in the HPG axis, and describe what is known regarding the mechanisms by which PCs restore trafficking and function. We also discuss some of the merits and obstacles associated with taking this approach forward into a clinical setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tarryn Radomsky
- Centre for Neuroendocrinology, Department of Immunology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Ross C Anderson
- Centre for Neuroendocrinology, Department of Immunology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Robert P Millar
- Centre for Neuroendocrinology, Department of Immunology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
- Deanery of Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- School of Medicine, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, UK
| | - Claire L Newton
- Centre for Neuroendocrinology, Department of Immunology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
- Deanery of Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
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Reese TC, Devineni A, Smith T, Lalami I, Ahn JM, Raj GV. Evaluating physiochemical properties of FDA-approved orally administered drugs. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2024; 19:225-238. [PMID: 37921049 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2023.2275617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Analyses of orally administered FDA-approved drugs from 1990 to 1993 enabled the identification of a set of physiochemical properties known as Lipinski's Rule of Five (Ro5). The original Ro5 and extended versions still remain the reference criteria for drug development programs. Since many bioactive compounds do not conform to the Ro5, we validated the relevance of and adherence to these rulesets in a contemporary cohort of FDA-approved drugs. AREAS COVERED The authors noted that a significant proportion of FDA-approved orally administered parent compounds from 2011 to 2022 deviate from the original Ro5 criteria (~38%) or the Ro5 with extensions (~53%). They then evaluated if a contemporary Ro5 criteria (cRo5) could be devised to better predict oral bioavailability. Furthermore, they discuss many case studies showcasing the need for and benefit of increasing the size of certain compounds and cover several evolving strategies for improving oral bioavailability. EXPERT OPINION Despite many revisions to the Ro5, the authors find that no single proposed physiochemical rule has universal concordance with absolute oral bioavailability. Innovations in drug delivery and formulation have dramatically expanded the range of physicochemical properties and the chemical diversity for oral administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanner C Reese
- Department of Urology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, USA
| | - Anvita Devineni
- Department of Urology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, USA
| | - Tristan Smith
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, USA
| | - Ismail Lalami
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, USA
| | - Jung-Mo Ahn
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, USA
| | - Ganesh V Raj
- Department of Urology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, USA
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Casati L, Ciceri S, Maggi R, Bottai D. Physiological and Pharmacological overview of the Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone. Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 212:115553. [PMID: 37075816 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/21/2023]
Abstract
Gonadotropin-releasing Hormone (GnRH) is a decapeptide responsible for the control of the reproductive functions. It shows C- and N-terminal aminoacid modifications and two other distinct isoforms have been so far identified. The biological effects of GnRH are mediated by binding to high-affinity G-protein couple receptors (GnRHR), showing characteristic very short C tail. In mammals, including humans, GnRH-producing neurons originate in the embryonic nasal compartment and during early embryogenesis they undergo rapid migration towards the hypothalamus; the increasing knowledge of such mechanisms improved diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to infertility. The pharmacological use of GnRH, or its synthetic peptide and non-peptide agonists or antagonists, provides a valid tool for reproductive disorders and assisted reproduction technology (ART). The presence of GnRHR in several organs and tissues indicates additional functions of the peptide. The identification of a GnRH/GnRHR system in the human endometrium, ovary, and prostate has extended the functions of the peptide to the physiology and tumor transformation of such tissues. Likely, the activity of a GnRH/GnRHR system at the level of the hippocampus, as well as its decreased expression in mice brain aging, raised interest in its possible involvement in neurogenesis and neuronal functions. In conclusion, GnRH/GnRHR appears to be a fascinating biological system that exerts several possibly integrated pleiotropic actions in the complex control of reproductive functions, tumor growth, neurogenesis, and neuroprotection. This review aims to provide an overview of the physiology of GnRH and the pharmacological applications of its synthetic analogs in the management of reproductive and non-reproductive diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lavinia Casati
- Department of Health Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Samuele Ciceri
- Dept. of Pharmaceutical Sciences (DISFARM), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano Italy
| | - Roberto Maggi
- Dept. of Pharmaceutical Sciences (DISFARM), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano Italy.
| | - Daniele Bottai
- Dept. of Pharmaceutical Sciences (DISFARM), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano Italy
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Yang X, Lin G, Xia A, Liu J, Zhang S, Zhou P, Wang Y, Zhang J, Zhou Y, Chen P, Wang Y, Zheng T, Li L, Yang S. Discovery of Small Molecule Agonist of Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Receptor (GnRH1R). J Chem Inf Model 2022; 62:5009-5022. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.2c00639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Xin Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Guifeng Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Anjie Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Jingming Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Shiyu Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Drug Targeting and Drug Delivery System of Ministry of Education, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Pei Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Drug Targeting and Drug Delivery System of Ministry of Education, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Yiwei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Jiahao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Yangli Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Pei Chen
- Key Laboratory of Drug Targeting and Drug Delivery System of Ministry of Education, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Yifei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Tao Zheng
- Engineering Research Center of Medical Information Technology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Linli Li
- Key Laboratory of Drug Targeting and Drug Delivery System of Ministry of Education, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Shengyong Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
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Kotlyar AM, Pal L, Taylor HS. Eliminating Hormones With Orally Active Gonadotropin-releasing Hormone Antagonists. Clin Obstet Gynecol 2021; 64:837-849. [PMID: 34668887 DOI: 10.1097/grf.0000000000000664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) analogues have been used in clinical practice for nearly 3 decades. Beginning with GnRH agonists, these agents have been used to treat hormone-dependent disease and to suppress gonadotropin production in assisted reproductive technologies. With the development of GnRH antagonists and especially small-molecule antagonists, our ability to achieve gonadotropin and sex steroid suppression has become increasingly effective and convenient. In this review, we will briefly describe the development of GnRH analogues, review the evolution of orally active small-molecule GnRH antagonists and provide an overview of the expanding role of small-molecule GnRH antagonists in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander M Kotlyar
- Section of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut
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Tzoupis H, Nteli A, Androutsou ME, Tselios T. Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone and GnRH Receptor: Structure, Function and Drug Development. Curr Med Chem 2021; 27:6136-6158. [PMID: 31309882 DOI: 10.2174/0929867326666190712165444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2019] [Revised: 06/18/2019] [Accepted: 06/19/2019] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone (GnRH) is a key element in sexual maturation and regulation of the reproductive cycle in the human organism. GnRH interacts with the pituitary cells through the activation of the Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone Receptors (GnRHR). Any impairments/dysfunctions of the GnRH-GnRHR complex lead to the development of various cancer types and disorders. Furthermore, the identification of GnRHR as a potential drug target has led to the development of agonist and antagonist molecules implemented in various treatment protocols. The development of these drugs was based on the information derived from the functional studies of GnRH and GnRHR. OBJECTIVE This review aims at shedding light on the versatile function of GnRH and GnRH receptor and offers an apprehensive summary regarding the development of different agonists, antagonists and non-peptide GnRH analogues. CONCLUSION The information derived from these studies can enhance our understanding of the GnRH-GnRHR versatile nature and offer valuable insight into the design of new more potent molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Agathi Nteli
- Department of Chemistry, University of Patras, Rion GR-26504, Greece
| | - Maria-Eleni Androutsou
- Vianex S.A., Tatoiou Str., 18th km Athens-Lamia National Road, Nea Erythrea 14671, Greece
| | - Theodore Tselios
- Department of Chemistry, University of Patras, Rion GR-26504, Greece
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7
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Wu HM, Chang HM, Leung PCK. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogs: Mechanisms of action and clinical applications in female reproduction. Front Neuroendocrinol 2021; 60:100876. [PMID: 33045257 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2020.100876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2020] [Revised: 09/23/2020] [Accepted: 10/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Extra-hypothalamic GnRH and extra-pituitary GnRH receptors exist in multiple human reproductive tissues, including the ovary, endometrium and myometrium. Recently, new analogs (agonists and antagonists) and modes of GnRH have been developed for clinical application during controlled ovarian hyperstimulation for assisted reproductive technology (ART). Additionally, the analogs and upstream regulators of GnRH suppress gonadotropin secretion and regulate the functions of the reproductive axis. GnRH signaling is primarily involved in the direct control of female reproduction. The cellular mechanisms and action of the GnRH/GnRH receptor system have been clinically applied for the treatment of reproductive disorders and have widely been introduced in ART. New GnRH analogs, such as long-acting GnRH analogs and oral nonpeptide GnRH antagonists, are being continuously developed for clinical application. The identification of the upstream regulators of GnRH, such as kisspeptin and neurokinin B, provides promising potential to develop these upstream regulator-related analogs to control the hypothalamus-pituitary-ovarian axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsien-Ming Wu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Medical Center, Chang Gung University School of Medicine, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Hsun-Ming Chang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V6H 3V5, Canada
| | - Peter C K Leung
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V6H 3V5, Canada.
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8
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Wang S, Yu B, Liu HM. Pd(II)-Catalyzed Intramolecular C(sp2)–H Arylation of Tryptamines Using the Nonsteric NH2 as a Directing Group. Org Lett 2020; 23:42-48. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.orglett.0c03668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sixi Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences & Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Preparation Technologies, Ministry of Education, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Bin Yu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences & Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Preparation Technologies, Ministry of Education, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Hong-Min Liu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences & Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Preparation Technologies, Ministry of Education, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
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9
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Yan W, Cheng L, Wang W, Wu C, Yang X, Du X, Ma L, Qi S, Wei Y, Lu Z, Yang S, Shao Z. Structure of the human gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor GnRH1R reveals an unusual ligand binding mode. Nat Commun 2020; 11:5287. [PMID: 33082324 PMCID: PMC7576152 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-19109-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2020] [Accepted: 09/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH), also known as luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone, is the main regulator of the reproductive system, acting on gonadotropic cells by binding to the GnRH1 receptor (GnRH1R). The GnRH-GnRH1R system is a promising therapeutic target for maintaining reproductive function; to date, a number of ligands targeting GnRH1R for disease treatment are available on the market. Here, we report the crystal structure of GnRH1R bound to the small-molecule drug elagolix at 2.8 Å resolution. The structure reveals an interesting N-terminus that could co-occupy the enlarged orthosteric binding site together with elagolix. The unusual ligand binding mode was further investigated by structural analyses, functional assays and molecular docking studies. On the other hand, because of the unique characteristic of lacking a cytoplasmic C-terminal helix, GnRH1R exhibits different microswitch structural features from other class A GPCRs. In summary, this study provides insight into the ligand binding mode of GnRH1R and offers an atomic framework for rational drug design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Yan
- Division of Nephrology and Kidney Research Institute, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - Lin Cheng
- Division of Nephrology and Kidney Research Institute, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Division of Nephrology and Kidney Research Institute, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - Chao Wu
- Division of Nephrology and Kidney Research Institute, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - Xin Yang
- Division of Nephrology and Kidney Research Institute, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - Xiaozhe Du
- Department of Biological Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Liang Ma
- Division of Nephrology and Kidney Research Institute, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - Shiqian Qi
- Department of Urology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Yuquan Wei
- Division of Nephrology and Kidney Research Institute, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - Zhiliang Lu
- Department of Biological Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Shengyong Yang
- Division of Nephrology and Kidney Research Institute, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - Zhenhua Shao
- Division of Nephrology and Kidney Research Institute, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China.
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10
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Newton CL, Riekert C, Millar RP. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone analog therapeutics. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018; 70:497-515. [PMID: 30264955 DOI: 10.23736/s0026-4784.18.04316-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Dysregulation at any level of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis results in, or aggravates, a number of hormone-dependent diseases such as delayed or precocious puberty, infertility, prostatic and ovarian cancer, benign prostatic hyperplasia, polycystic ovarian syndrome, endometriosis, uterine fibroids, lean body mass, as well as metabolism and cognitive impairment. As gonadotropin-releasing-hormone (GnRH) is an essential regulator of the HPG axis, agonist and antagonist analogs are efficacious in the treatment of these conditions. GnRH analogs also play an important role in assisted reproductive therapies. This review highlights the current and future therapeutic potential of GnRH analogs and upstream regulators of GnRH secretion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire L Newton
- Centre for Neuroendocrinology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa.,Department of Immunology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa.,Centre for Integrative Physiology, Deanery of Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Carmen Riekert
- Centre for Neuroendocrinology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa.,Department of Immunology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Robert P Millar
- Centre for Neuroendocrinology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa - .,Centre for Integrative Physiology, Deanery of Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.,Department of Physiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa.,Department of Integrative Biomedical Sciences, and Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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Flanagan CA, Manilall A. Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone (GnRH) Receptor Structure and GnRH Binding. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2017; 8:274. [PMID: 29123501 PMCID: PMC5662886 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2017.00274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2017] [Accepted: 09/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) regulates reproduction. The human GnRH receptor lacks a cytoplasmic carboxy-terminal tail but has amino acid sequence motifs characteristic of rhodopsin-like, class A, G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). This review will consider how recent descriptions of X-ray crystallographic structures of GPCRs in inactive and active conformations may contribute to understanding GnRH receptor structure, mechanism of activation and ligand binding. The structures confirmed that ligands bind to variable extracellular surfaces, whereas the seven membrane-spanning α-helices convey the activation signal to the cytoplasmic receptor surface, which binds and activates heterotrimeric G proteins. Forty non-covalent interactions that bridge topologically equivalent residues in different transmembrane (TM) helices are conserved in class A GPCR structures, regardless of activation state. Conformation-independent interhelical contacts account for a conserved receptor protein structure and their importance in the GnRH receptor structure is supported by decreased expression of receptors with mutations of residues in the network. Many of the GnRH receptor mutations associated with congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, including the Glu2.53(90) Lys mutation, involve amino acids that constitute the conserved network. Half of the ~250 intramolecular interactions in GPCRs differ between inactive and active structures. Conformation-specific interhelical contacts depend on amino acids changing partners during activation. Conserved inactive conformation-specific contacts prevent receptor activation by stabilizing proximity of TM helices 3 and 6 and a closed G protein-binding site. Mutations of GnRH receptor residues involved in these interactions, such as Arg3.50(139) of the DRY/S motif or Tyr7.53(323) of the N/DPxxY motif, increase or decrease receptor expression and efficiency of receptor coupling to G protein signaling, consistent with the native residues stabilizing the inactive GnRH receptor structure. Active conformation-specific interhelical contacts stabilize an open G protein-binding site. Progress in defining the GnRH-binding site has recently slowed, with evidence that Tyr6.58(290) contacts Tyr5 of GnRH, whereas other residues affect recognition of Trp3 and Gly10NH2. The surprisingly consistent observations that GnRH receptor mutations that disrupt GnRH binding have less effect on "conformationally constrained" GnRH peptides may now be explained by crystal structures of agonist-bound peptide receptors. Analysis of GPCR structures provides insight into GnRH receptor function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colleen A. Flanagan
- Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Physiology, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- *Correspondence: Colleen A. Flanagan,
| | - Ashmeetha Manilall
- Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Physiology, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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12
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Mayevu NMI, Choe H, Abagyan R, Seong JY, Millar RP, Katz AA, Flanagan CA. Histidine(7.36(305)) in the conserved peptide receptor activation domain of the gonadotropin releasing hormone receptor couples peptide binding and receptor activation. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2015; 402:95-106. [PMID: 25583361 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2015.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2014] [Revised: 01/06/2015] [Accepted: 01/06/2015] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Transmembrane helix seven residues of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) couple agonist binding to a conserved receptor activation mechanism. Amino-terminal residues of the GnRH peptide determine agonist activity. We investigated GnRH interactions with the His(7.36(305)) residue of the GnRH receptor, using functional and computational analysis of modified GnRH receptors and peptides. Non-polar His(7.36(305)) substitutions decreased receptor affinity for GnRH four- to forty-fold, whereas GnRH signaling potency was more decreased (~150-fold). Uncharged polar His(7.36(305)) substitutions decreased GnRH potency, but not affinity. [2-Nal(3)]-GnRH retained high affinity at receptors with non-polar His(7.36(305)) substitutions, supporting a role for His(7.36(305)) in recognizing Trp(3) of GnRH. Compared with GnRH, [2-Nal(3)]-GnRH potency was lower at the wild type GnRH receptor, but unchanged or higher at mutant receptors. Results suggest that His(7.36(305)) of the GnRH receptor forms two distinct interactions that determine binding to Trp(3) and couple agonist binding to the conserved transmembrane domain network that activates GPCRs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nkateko M I Mayevu
- Medical Research Council Receptor Biology Research Unit, Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine, Division of Medical Biochemistry, University of Cape Town Health Sciences Faculty, Observatory, Cape Town 7925, South Africa
| | - Han Choe
- Department of Physiology and Bio-Medical Institute of Technology, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul 138-736, Korea
| | - Ruben Abagyan
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92039, USA
| | - Jae Young Seong
- Graduate School of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul 136-705, Korea
| | - Robert P Millar
- Medical Research Council Receptor Biology Research Unit, Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine, Division of Medical Biochemistry, University of Cape Town Health Sciences Faculty, Observatory, Cape Town 7925, South Africa; Mammal Research Institute, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Arieh A Katz
- Medical Research Council Receptor Biology Research Unit, Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine, Division of Medical Biochemistry, University of Cape Town Health Sciences Faculty, Observatory, Cape Town 7925, South Africa
| | - Colleen A Flanagan
- Medical Research Council Receptor Biology Research Unit, Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine, Division of Medical Biochemistry, University of Cape Town Health Sciences Faculty, Observatory, Cape Town 7925, South Africa; School of Physiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, Private bag 3, Wits 2050, South Africa.
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Pham MT, Rajić A, Greig JD, Sargeant JM, Papadopoulos A, McEwen SA. A scoping review of scoping reviews: advancing the approach and enhancing the consistency. Res Synth Methods 2014; 5:371-85. [PMID: 26052958 PMCID: PMC4491356 DOI: 10.1002/jrsm.1123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1325] [Impact Index Per Article: 132.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2014] [Revised: 06/06/2014] [Accepted: 06/24/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Background The scoping review has become an increasingly popular approach for synthesizing research evidence. It is a relatively new approach for which a universal study definition or definitive procedure has not been established. The purpose of this scoping review was to provide an overview of scoping reviews in the literature. Methods A scoping review was conducted using the Arksey and O'Malley framework. A search was conducted in four bibliographic databases and the gray literature to identify scoping review studies. Review selection and characterization were performed by two independent reviewers using pretested forms. Results The search identified 344 scoping reviews published from 1999 to October 2012. The reviews varied in terms of purpose, methodology, and detail of reporting. Nearly three-quarter of reviews (74.1%) addressed a health topic. Study completion times varied from 2 weeks to 20 months, and 51% utilized a published methodological framework. Quality assessment of included studies was infrequently performed (22.38%). Conclusions Scoping reviews are a relatively new but increasingly common approach for mapping broad topics. Because of variability in their conduct, there is a need for their methodological standardization to ensure the utility and strength of evidence. © 2014 The Authors. Research Synthesis Methods published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mai T Pham
- Department of Population Medicine, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1, Canada.,Division of Public Health Risk Sciences, Laboratory for Foodborne Zoonoses, Public Health Agency of Canada, 160 Research Lane, Suite 206, Guelph, Ontario, N1G 5B2, Canada
| | - Andrijana Rajić
- Department of Population Medicine, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1, Canada.,Food Safety and Quality Unit, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Viale delle Terme di Caracalla, 00153, Rome, Italy
| | - Judy D Greig
- Division of Public Health Risk Sciences, Laboratory for Foodborne Zoonoses, Public Health Agency of Canada, 160 Research Lane, Suite 206, Guelph, Ontario, N1G 5B2, Canada
| | - Jan M Sargeant
- Department of Population Medicine, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1, Canada.,Centre for Public Health and Zoonoses, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Andrew Papadopoulos
- Department of Population Medicine, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Scott A McEwen
- Department of Population Medicine, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1, Canada
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Suppression of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis by TAK-385 (relugolix), a novel, investigational, orally active, small molecule gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist: studies in human GnRH receptor knock-in mice. Eur J Pharmacol 2013; 723:167-74. [PMID: 24333551 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2013.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2013] [Revised: 12/03/2013] [Accepted: 12/03/2013] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
TAK-385 (relugolix) is a novel, non-peptide, orally active gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist, which builds on previous work with non-peptide GnRH antagonist TAK-013. TAK-385 possesses higher affinity and more potent antagonistic activity for human and monkey GnRH receptors compared with TAK-013. Both TAK-385 and TAK-013 have low affinity for the rat GnRH receptor, making them difficult to evaluate in rodent models. Here we report the human GnRH receptor knock-in mouse as a humanized model to investigate pharmacological properties of these compounds on gonadal function. Twice-daily oral administration of TAK-013 (10mg/kg) for 4 weeks decreased the weights of testes and ventral prostate in male knock-in mice but not in male wild-type mice, demonstrating the validity of this model to evaluate antagonists for the human GnRH receptor. The same dose of TAK-385 also reduced the prostate weight to castrate levels in male knock-in mice. In female knock-in mice, twice-daily oral administration of TAK-385 (100mg/kg) induced constant diestrous phases within the first week, decreased the uterus weight to ovariectomized levels and downregulated GnRH receptor mRNA in the pituitary after 4 weeks. Gonadal function of TAK-385-treated knock-in mice began to recover after 5 days and almost completely recovered within 14 days after drug withdrawal in both sexes. Our findings demonstrate that TAK-385 acts as an antagonist for human GnRH receptor in vivo and daily oral administration potently, continuously and reversibly suppresses the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. TAK-385 may provide useful therapeutic interventions in hormone-dependent diseases including endometriosis, uterine fibroids and prostate cancer.
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15
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Abstract
Reproductive hormones affect all stages of life from gamete production, fertilization, fetal development and parturition, neonatal development and puberty through to adulthood and senescence. The reproductive hormone cascade has, therefore, been the target for the development of numerous drugs that modulate its activity at many levels. As the central regulator of the cascade, gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists and antagonists have found extensive applications in treating a wide range of hormone-dependent diseases, such as precocious puberty, prostate cancer, benign prostatic hyperplasia, endometriosis and uterine fibroids, as well as being an essential component of in vitro fertilization protocols. The neuroendocrine peptides that regulate GnRH neurons, kisspeptin and neurokinin B, have also been identified as therapeutic targets, and novel agonists and antagonists are being developed as modulators of the cascade upstream of GnRH. Here, we review the development and applications of analogues of the major neuroendocrine peptide regulators of the reproductive hormone cascade: GnRH, kisspeptin and neurokinin B.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert P Millar
- Mammal Research Institute, Department of Zoology and Entomology, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of Pretoria, South Africa.
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Janovick JA, Pogozheva ID, Mosberg HI, Cornea A, Conn PM. Rescue of misrouted GnRHR mutants reveals its constitutive activity. Mol Endocrinol 2012; 26:1179-88. [PMID: 22595961 DOI: 10.1210/me.2012-1089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCR) play central roles in almost all physiological functions, and mutations in GPCR are responsible for over 30 hereditary diseases associated with loss or gain of receptor function. Gain of function mutants are frequently described as having constitutive activity (CA), that is, they activate effectors in the absence of agonist occupancy. Although many GPCR have mutants with CA, the GnRH receptor (GnRHR) was not, until 2010, associated with any CA mutants. The explanation for the failure to observe CA appears to be that the quality control system of the cell recognizes CA mutants of GnRHR as misfolded and retains them in the endoplasmic reticulum. In the present study, we identified several human (h)GnRHR mutants with substitutions in transmembrane helix 6 (F(272)K, F(272)Q, Y(284)F, C(279)A, and C(279)S) that demonstrate varying levels of CA after being rescued by pharmacoperones from different chemical classes and/or deletion of residue K(191), a modification that increases trafficking to the plasma membrane. The movement of the mutants from the endoplasmic reticulum (unrescued) to the plasma membrane (after rescue) is supported by confocal microscopy. Judging from the receptor-stimulated inositol phosphate production, mutants F(272)K and F(272)Q, after rescue, display the largest level of CA, an amount that is comparable with agonist-stimulated activation. Because mutations in other GPCR are, like the hGnRHR, scrutinized by the quality control system, this general approach may reveal CA in receptor mutants from other systems. A computer model of the hGnRHR and these mutants was used to evaluate the conformation associated with CA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jo Ann Janovick
- Division of Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health and Science University, Beaverton, Oregon 97006-3448, USA
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Bieler M, Heilker R, Köppen H, Schneider G. Assay Related Target Similarity (ARTS) - Chemogenomics Approach for Quantitative Comparison of Biological Targets. J Chem Inf Model 2011; 51:1897-905. [DOI: 10.1021/ci200105t] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Michael Bieler
- Lead Identification and Optimization Support, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Birkendorfer Strasse 65, D-88397 Biberach, Germany
| | - Ralf Heilker
- Lead Identification and Optimization Support, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Birkendorfer Strasse 65, D-88397 Biberach, Germany
| | - Herbert Köppen
- Lead Identification and Optimization Support, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Birkendorfer Strasse 65, D-88397 Biberach, Germany
| | - Gisbert Schneider
- Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH), Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wolfgang-Pauli-Strasse 10, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland
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18
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Janovick JA, Patny A, Mosley R, Goulet MT, Altman MD, Rush TS, Cornea A, Conn PM. Molecular mechanism of action of pharmacoperone rescue of misrouted GPCR mutants: the GnRH receptor. Mol Endocrinol 2009; 23:157-68. [PMID: 19095769 PMCID: PMC2646616 DOI: 10.1210/me.2008-0384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2008] [Accepted: 12/08/2008] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The human GnRH receptor (hGnRHR), a G protein-coupled receptor, is a useful model for studying pharmacological chaperones (pharmacoperones), drugs that rescue misfolded and misrouted protein mutants and restore them to function. This technique forms the basis of a therapeutic approach of rescuing mutants associated with human disease and restoring them to function. The present study relies on computational modeling, followed by site-directed mutagenesis, assessment of ligand binding, effector activation, and confocal microscopy. Our results show that two different chemical classes of pharmacoperones act to stabilize hGnRHR mutants by bridging residues D(98) and K(121). This ligand-mediated bridge serves as a surrogate for a naturally occurring and highly conserved salt bridge (E(90)-K(121)) that stabilizes the relation between transmembranes 2 and 3, which is required for passage of the receptor through the cellular quality control system and to the plasma membrane. Our model was used to reveal important pharmacophoric features, and then identify a novel chemical ligand, which was able to rescue a D(98) mutant of the hGnRHR that could not be rescued as effectively by previously known pharmacoperones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jo Ann Janovick
- Oregon National Primate Research Center/Oregon Health Sciences University, Beaverton, Oregon 97006, USA
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Paulini KW, Baasner S, Gerlach M, Polymeropoulos EE, Schmidt P, Schuster T, Teifel M, Guenther EG. Development of AEZS-115 (ZEN-019) by Optimization of Structurally Unique, Orally Active, Peptidomimetic GnRH Antagonists. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2009; 611:521-2. [DOI: 10.1007/978-0-387-73657-0_227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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20
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Chen C, Wu D, Guo Z, Xie Q, Reinhart GJ, Madan A, Wen J, Chen T, Huang CQ, Chen M, Chen Y, Tucci FC, Rowbottom M, Pontillo J, Zhu YF, Wade W, Saunders J, Bozigian H, Struthers RS. Discovery of Sodium R-(+)-4-{2-[5-(2-Fluoro-3-methoxyphenyl)-3-(2-fluoro-6-[trifluoromethyl]benzyl)-4-methyl-2,6-dioxo-3,6-dihydro-2H-pyrimidin-1-yl]-1-phenylethylamino}butyrate (Elagolix), a Potent and Orally Available Nonpeptide Antagonist of the Human Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Receptor. J Med Chem 2008; 51:7478-85. [DOI: 10.1021/jm8006454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Chen Chen
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Department of Endocrinology, and Department of Preclinical Development, Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc., 12790 El Camino Real, San Diego, California 92130
| | - Dongpei Wu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Department of Endocrinology, and Department of Preclinical Development, Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc., 12790 El Camino Real, San Diego, California 92130
| | - Zhiqiang Guo
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Department of Endocrinology, and Department of Preclinical Development, Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc., 12790 El Camino Real, San Diego, California 92130
| | - Qiu Xie
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Department of Endocrinology, and Department of Preclinical Development, Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc., 12790 El Camino Real, San Diego, California 92130
| | - Greg J. Reinhart
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Department of Endocrinology, and Department of Preclinical Development, Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc., 12790 El Camino Real, San Diego, California 92130
| | - Ajay Madan
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Department of Endocrinology, and Department of Preclinical Development, Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc., 12790 El Camino Real, San Diego, California 92130
| | - Jenny Wen
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Department of Endocrinology, and Department of Preclinical Development, Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc., 12790 El Camino Real, San Diego, California 92130
| | - Takung Chen
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Department of Endocrinology, and Department of Preclinical Development, Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc., 12790 El Camino Real, San Diego, California 92130
| | - Charles Q. Huang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Department of Endocrinology, and Department of Preclinical Development, Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc., 12790 El Camino Real, San Diego, California 92130
| | - Mi Chen
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Department of Endocrinology, and Department of Preclinical Development, Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc., 12790 El Camino Real, San Diego, California 92130
| | - Yongsheng Chen
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Department of Endocrinology, and Department of Preclinical Development, Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc., 12790 El Camino Real, San Diego, California 92130
| | - Fabio C. Tucci
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Department of Endocrinology, and Department of Preclinical Development, Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc., 12790 El Camino Real, San Diego, California 92130
| | - Martin Rowbottom
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Department of Endocrinology, and Department of Preclinical Development, Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc., 12790 El Camino Real, San Diego, California 92130
| | - Joseph Pontillo
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Department of Endocrinology, and Department of Preclinical Development, Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc., 12790 El Camino Real, San Diego, California 92130
| | - Yun-Fei Zhu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Department of Endocrinology, and Department of Preclinical Development, Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc., 12790 El Camino Real, San Diego, California 92130
| | - Warren Wade
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Department of Endocrinology, and Department of Preclinical Development, Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc., 12790 El Camino Real, San Diego, California 92130
| | - John Saunders
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Department of Endocrinology, and Department of Preclinical Development, Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc., 12790 El Camino Real, San Diego, California 92130
| | - Haig Bozigian
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Department of Endocrinology, and Department of Preclinical Development, Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc., 12790 El Camino Real, San Diego, California 92130
| | - R. Scott Struthers
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Department of Endocrinology, and Department of Preclinical Development, Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc., 12790 El Camino Real, San Diego, California 92130
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21
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Coetsee M, Millar RP, Flanagan CA, Lu ZL. Identification of Tyr(290(6.58)) of the human gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) receptor as a contact residue for both GnRH I and GnRH II: importance for high-affinity binding and receptor activation. Biochemistry 2008; 47:10305-13. [PMID: 18771291 DOI: 10.1021/bi800911z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Molecular modeling showed interactions of Tyr (290(6.58)) in transmembrane domain 6 of the GnRH receptor with Tyr (5) of GnRH I, and His (5) of GnRH II. The wild-type receptor exhibited high affinity for [Phe (5)]GnRH I and [Tyr (5)]GnRH II, but 127- and 177-fold decreased affinity for [Ala (5)]GnRH I and [Ala (5)]GnRH II, indicating that the aromatic ring in position 5 is crucial for receptor binding. The receptor mutation Y290F decreased affinity for GnRH I, [Phe (5)]GnRH I, GnRH II and [Tyr (5)]GnRH II, while Y290A and Y290L caused larger decreases, suggesting that both the para-OH and aromatic ring of Tyr (290(6.58)) are important for binding of ligands with aromatic residues in position 5. Mutating Tyr (290(6.58)) to Gln increased affinity for Tyr (5)-containing GnRH analogues 3-12-fold compared with the Y290A and Y290L mutants, suggesting a hydrogen-bond between Gln of the Y290Q mutant and Tyr (5) of GnRH analogues. All mutations had small effects on affinity of GnRH analogues that lack an aromatic residue in position 5. These results support direct interactions of the Tyr (290(6.58)) side chain with Tyr (5) of GnRH I and His (5) of GnRH II. Tyr (290(6.58)) mutations, except for Y290F, caused larger decreases in GnRH potency than affinity, indicating that an aromatic ring is important for the agonist-induced receptor conformational switch.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marla Coetsee
- MRC Human Reproductive Sciences Unit, Centre for Reproductive Biology, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, Scotland, United Kingdom
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23
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Weil T, Renner S. Homology Model-Based Virtual Screening for GPCR Ligands Using Docking and Target-Biased Scoring. J Chem Inf Model 2008; 48:1104-17. [DOI: 10.1021/ci8000265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Tanja Weil
- Chemical R&D, Merz Pharmaceuticals GmbH, Eckenheimer Landstrasse 100, D-60318 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Steffen Renner
- Chemical R&D, Merz Pharmaceuticals GmbH, Eckenheimer Landstrasse 100, D-60318 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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24
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Betz SF, Zhu YF, Chen C, Struthers RS. Non-Peptide Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Receptor Antagonists. J Med Chem 2008; 51:3331-48. [DOI: 10.1021/jm701249f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Stephen F. Betz
- Endocrinology & Metabolism, Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc., 12790 El Camino Real, San Diego, California 92130
| | - Yun-Fei Zhu
- Endocrinology & Metabolism, Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc., 12790 El Camino Real, San Diego, California 92130
| | - Chen Chen
- Endocrinology & Metabolism, Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc., 12790 El Camino Real, San Diego, California 92130
| | - R. Scott Struthers
- Endocrinology & Metabolism, Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc., 12790 El Camino Real, San Diego, California 92130
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25
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Heitman LH, Ye K, Oosterom J, IJzerman AP. Amiloride Derivatives and a Nonpeptidic Antagonist Bind at Two Distinct Allosteric Sites in the Human Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Receptor. Mol Pharmacol 2008; 73:1808-15. [DOI: 10.1124/mol.107.043521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
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Millar RP, Pawson AJ, Morgan K, Rissman EF, Lu ZL. Diversity of actions of GnRHs mediated by ligand-induced selective signaling. Front Neuroendocrinol 2008; 29:17-35. [PMID: 17976709 PMCID: PMC2667102 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2007.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2007] [Revised: 06/22/2007] [Accepted: 06/26/2007] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Geoffrey Wingfield Harris' demonstration of hypothalamic hormones regulating pituitary function led to their structural identification and therapeutic utilization in a wide spectrum of diseases. Amongst these, Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone (GnRH) and its analogs are widely employed in modulating gonadotropin and sex steroid secretion to treat infertility, precocious puberty and many hormone-dependent diseases including endometriosis, uterine fibroids and prostatic cancer. While these effects are all mediated via modulation of the pituitary gonadotrope GnRH receptor and the G(q) signaling pathway, it has become increasingly apparent that GnRH regulates many extrapituitary cells in the nervous system and periphery. This review focuses on two such examples, namely GnRH analog effects on reproductive behaviors and GnRH analog effects on the inhibition of cancer cell growth. For both effects the relative activities of a range of GnRH analogs is distinctly different from their effects on the pituitary gonadotrope and different signaling pathways are utilized. As there is only a single functional GnRH receptor type in man we have proposed that the GnRH receptor can assume different conformations which have different selectivity for GnRH analogs and intracellular signaling proteins complexes. This ligand-induced selective-signaling recruits certain pathways while by-passing others and has implications in developing more selective GnRH analogs for highly specific therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert P Millar
- MRC Human Reproductive Sciences Unit, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK.
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27
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Lanier MC, Feher M, Ashweek NJ, Loweth CJ, Rueter JK, Slee DH, Williams JP, Zhu YF, Sullivan SK, Brown MS. Selection, synthesis, and structure–activity relationship of tetrahydropyrido[4,3-d]pyrimidine-2,4-diones as human GnRH receptor antagonists. Bioorg Med Chem 2007; 15:5590-603. [PMID: 17561404 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2007.05.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2007] [Revised: 05/08/2007] [Accepted: 05/10/2007] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The present article describes a selection of a new class of small molecule antagonists for the h-GnRH receptor, their preparation, and evaluation in vitro. Three computational methods were combined into a consensus score, to rank order virtual templates. The top 5% of templates were further evaluated in silico and assessed for novelty and synthetic accessibility. The tetrahydropyrido[4,3-d]pyrimidine-2,4-dione core was selected for synthesis and evaluated in vitro. Using an array approach for analog design and synthesis, we were able to drive the binding below 10nM for the h-GnRH receptor after two rounds of optimization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marion C Lanier
- Departments of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacology, Neurocrine Biosciences, 12790 El Camino Real, San Diego, CA 92130, USA.
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28
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Chen M, Guo Z, Lanier MC, Zhao L, Betz SF, Huang CQ, Loweth CJ, Ashweek NJ, Liu XJ, Struthers RS, Bradbury MJ, Behan JW, Wen J, O'Brien Z, Saunders J, Zhu YF. Identification of 2-(4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1H-pyrrolo[3,2-c]pyridin-3-yl)-ethylamine derivatives as novel GnRH receptor antagonists. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2007; 17:3845-50. [PMID: 17521908 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2007.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2007] [Revised: 05/03/2007] [Accepted: 05/04/2007] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
A novel series of 2-(4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1H-pyrrolo[3,2-c]pyridin-3-yl)-ethylamine derivatives were designed and synthesized as GnRH receptor antagonists. SAR studies led to a series of highly active molecules against both the rat and human receptors. Furthermore, one potent compound, 17j, demonstrated dose-dependent LH suppression in castrated rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mi Chen
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc., 12790 El Camino Real, San Diego, CA 92130, USA
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29
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Lu ZL, Coetsee M, White CD, Millar RP. Structural determinants for ligand-receptor conformational selection in a peptide G protein-coupled receptor. J Biol Chem 2007; 282:17921-9. [PMID: 17452338 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m610413200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
G protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) modulate the majority of physiological processes through specific intermolecular interactions with structurally diverse ligands and activation of differential intracellular signaling. A key issue yet to be resolved is how GPCRs developed selectivity and diversity of ligand binding and intracellular signaling during evolution. We have explored the structural basis of selectivity of naturally occurring gonadotropin-releasing hormones (GnRHs) from different species in the single functional human GnRH receptor. We found that the highly variable amino acids in position 8 of the naturally occurring isoforms of GnRH play a discriminating role in selecting receptor conformational states. The human GnRH receptor has a higher affinity for the cognate GnRH I but a lower affinity for GnRH II and GnRHs from other species possessing substitutions for Arg(8). The latter were partial agonists in the human GnRH receptor. Mutation of Asn(7.45) in transmembrane domain (TM) 7 had no effect on GnRH I affinity but specifically increased affinity for other GnRHs and converted them to full agonists. Using molecular modeling and site-directed mutagenesis, we demonstrated that the highly conserved Asn(7.45) makes intramolecular interactions with a highly conserved Cys(6.47) in TM 6, suggesting that disruption of this intramolecular interaction induces a receptor conformational change which allosterically alters ligand specific binding sites and changes ligand selectivity and signaling efficacy. These results reveal GnRH ligand and receptor structural elements for conformational selection, and support co-evolution of GnRH ligand and receptor conformations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Liang Lu
- Medical Research Council Human Reproductive Sciences Unit, Centre for Reproductive Biology, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, Scotland, United Kingdom.
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Kohout TA, Xie Q, Reijmers S, Finn KJ, Guo Z, Zhu YF, Struthers RS. Trapping of a Nonpeptide Ligand by the Extracellular Domains of the Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Receptor Results in Insurmountable Antagonism. Mol Pharmacol 2007; 72:238-47. [PMID: 17409285 DOI: 10.1124/mol.107.035535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Drugs that exhibit insurmountable antagonism are proposed to provide improved clinical efficacy through extended receptor blockade. Long-term suppression of the gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor (GnRHR) is an important therapeutic approach for a number of sex hormone-dependent diseases. In this study, we describe the mechanism and structural components required for insurmountable activity of a GnRHR antagonist. TAK-013 behaves as an insurmountable antagonist at the human receptor (hGnRHR) but as a surmountable antagonist at the macaque receptor (mGnRHR). Mutation of the eight residues that differ between hGnRHR and mGnRHR identified Ser-203 and Leu-300 in extracellular loops (ECL) 2 and 3 of hGnRHR as essential for the insurmountability of TAK-013. Substitution of the corresponding residues in mGnRHR with Ser and Leu (mGnRHR-P203S/V300L) converts TAK-013 to an insurmountable antagonist. In addition, mutation of Met-24 to Leu in the amino terminus of hGnRHR also ablates the insurmountable antagonism of TAK-013. The mechanism of insurmountability of TAK-013 was determined to be governed by its rate of dissociation from the receptor. Although the association rates of TAK-013 to hGnRHR, mGnRHR, and mGnRHR-P203S/V300L do not differ, the dissociation rate half-life correlates closely with the degree of insurmountability observed (169, 9, and 55 min, respectively). Taken together, these data suggest a model of the GnRHR in which ECL2, ECL3, and the amino terminus engage with TAK-013 upon its binding to the transmembrane region of the receptor. These additional interactions form a "trap door" above TAK-013, restricting its dissociation and thus resulting in its insurmountability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trudy A Kohout
- Department of Endocrinology, Neurocrine Biosciences Inc., 12790 El Camino Real, San Diego, CA 92130, USA.
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Struthers RS, Xie Q, Sullivan SK, Reinhart GJ, Kohout TA, Zhu YF, Chen C, Liu XJ, Ling N, Yang W, Maki RA, Bonneville AK, Chen TK, Bozigian HP. Pharmacological characterization of a novel nonpeptide antagonist of the human gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor, NBI-42902. Endocrinology 2007; 148:857-67. [PMID: 17095587 DOI: 10.1210/en.2006-1213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Suppression of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis by peptides that act at the GnRH receptor has found widespread use in clinical practice for the management of sex-steroid-dependent diseases (such as prostate cancer and endometriosis) and reproductive disorders. Efforts to develop orally available GnRH receptor antagonists have led to the discovery of a novel, potent nonpeptide antagonist, NBI-42902, that suppresses serum LH concentrations in postmenopausal women after oral administration. Here we report the in vitro and in vivo pharmacological characterization of this compound. NBI-42902 is a potent inhibitor of peptide radioligand binding to the human GnRH receptor (K(i) = 0.56 nm). Tritiated NBI-42902 binds with high affinity (K(d) = 0.19 nm) to a single class of binding sites and can be displaced by a range of peptide and nonpeptide GnRH receptor ligands. In vitro experiments demonstrate that NBI-42902 is a potent functional, competitive antagonist of GnRH stimulated IP accumulation, Ca(2+) flux, and ERK1/2 activation. It did not stimulate histamine release from rat peritoneal mast cells. Finally, it is effective in lowering serum LH in castrated male macaques after oral administration. Overall, these data provide a benchmark of pharmacological characteristics required for a nonpeptide GnRH antagonist to effectively suppress gonadotropins in humans and suggest that NBI-42902 may have clinical utility as an oral agent for suppression of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Scott Struthers
- Department of Endocrinology, Neurocrine Biosciences Inc., 12790 El Camino Real, San Diego, California 92130, USA.
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Sullivan SK, Hoare SRJ, Fleck BA, Zhu YF, Heise CE, Struthers RS, Crowe PD. Kinetics of nonpeptide antagonist binding to the human gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor: Implications for structure–activity relationships and insurmountable antagonism. Biochem Pharmacol 2006; 72:838-49. [PMID: 16930559 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2006.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2006] [Revised: 06/28/2006] [Accepted: 07/17/2006] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Numerous nonpeptide ligands have been developed for the human gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) receptor as potential agents for treatment of disorders of the reproductive-endocrine axis. While the equilibrium binding of these ligands has been studied in detail, little is known of the kinetics of their receptor interaction. In this study we evaluated the kinetic structure-activity relationships (SAR) of uracil-series antagonists by measuring their association and dissociation rate constants. These constants were measured directly using a novel radioligand, [3H] NBI 42902, and indirectly for unlabeled ligands. Receptor association and dissociation of [3H] NBI 42902 was monophasic, with an association rate constant of 93+/-10 microM(-1) min(-1) and a dissociation rate constant of 0.16+/-0.02 h(-1) (t(1/2) of 4.3 h). Four unlabeled compounds were tested with varying substituents at the 2-position of the benzyl group at position 1 of the uracil (-F, -SO(CH3), -SO2(CH3) and -CF3). The nature of the substituent did not appreciably affect the association rate constant but varied the dissociation rate constant >50-fold (t(1/2) ranging from 52 min for -SO(CH3) to >43 h for -CF3). This SAR was poorly resolved in standard competition assays due to lack of equilibration. The functional consequences of the varying dissociation rate were investigated by measuring antagonism of GnRH-stimulated [3H] inositol phosphates accumulation. Slowly dissociating ligands displayed insurmountable antagonism (decrease of the GnRH E(max)) while antagonism by more rapidly dissociating ligands was surmountable (without effect on the GnRH E(max)). Therefore, evaluating the receptor binding kinetics of nonpeptide antagonists revealed SAR, not evident in standard competition assays, that defined at least in part the mode of functional antagonism by the ligands. These findings are of importance for the future definition of nonpeptide ligand SAR and for the identification of potentially useful slowly dissociating antagonists for the GnRH receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan K Sullivan
- Department of Pharmacology and Lead Discovery, Neurocrine Biosciences Inc., 12790 El Camino Real, San Diego, CA 92130, USA
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Khasawneh FT, Huang JS, Turek JW, Le Breton GC. Differential Mapping of the Amino Acids Mediating Agonist and Antagonist Coordination with the Human Thromboxane A2 Receptor Protein. J Biol Chem 2006; 281:26951-65. [PMID: 16837469 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m507469200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the well documented involvement of thromboxane A(2) receptor (TPR) signaling in the pathogenesis of thrombotic diseases, there are currently no rationally designed antagonists available for clinical use. To a large extent, this derives from a lack of knowledge regarding the topography of the TPR ligand binding pocket. On this basis, the purpose of the current study was to identify the specific amino acid residues in the TPR protein that regulate ligand coordination and binding. The sites selected for mutation reside within or in close proximity to a region we previously defined as a TPR ligand binding region (i.e. the C terminus of the second extracellular loop and the leading edge of the fifth transmembrane domain). Mutation of these residues caused varying effects on the TPR-ligand coordination process. Specifically, the D193A, D193Q, and D193R mutants lost SQ29,548 (antagonist) binding and exhibited a dramatically reduced calcium response, which could not be restored by elevated U46619 (agonist) doses. The F184Y mutant lost SQ29,548 binding and exhibited a reduced calcium response (which could be restored by elevated U46619); and the T186A and S191T mutants lost SQ29,548 binding and retained a normal U46619-induced calcium response. Furthermore, these last three mutants also revealed a divergence in the binding of two structurally different antagonists, SQ29,548 and BM13.505. Two separate mutants that exhibited SQ29,548 binding yielded either a normal (F196Y) or reduced (S201T) U46619 response. Finally, mutation of other residues directly adjacent to those described above (e.g. E190A and F200A) produced no detectable effects on either SQ29,548 binding or the U46619-induced response. In summary, these results identify key amino acids (in particular Asp(193)) involved in TPR ligand coordination. These findings also demonstrate that TPR-specific ligands interact with different residues in the ligand-binding pocket.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fadi T Khasawneh
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60612
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