1
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Exploring the signaling space of a GPCR using bivalent ligands with a rigid oligoproline backbone. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:2108776118. [PMID: 34810259 PMCID: PMC8640787 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2108776118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
G protein–coupled receptors (GPCRs) are major players in cellular signal transmission. In this work, we have used rigid oligoproline backbones derivatized with two ligands at defined distances to induce GPCR dimer formation as a way to alter its signaling profile. We show that bivalent ligands at distances of 20 and 30 Å induce dimers of the GRPR receptor with different signaling responses. In addition, a nondimer–inducing bivalent ligand (with 10-Å distance between agonists) also induces different signaling patterns, most likely due to allosteric effects. These findings identify bivalent ligands with a stiff oligoproline backbone as tools to explore the natural signaling space of GPCRs. G protein–coupled receptors (GPCRs) are one of the most important drug–target classes in pharmaceutical industry. Their diversity in signaling, which can be modulated with drugs, permits the design of more effective and better-tolerated therapeutics. In this work, we have used rigid oligoproline backbones to generate bivalent ligands for the gastrin-releasing peptide receptor (GRPR) with a fixed distance between their recognition motifs. This allows the stabilization of GPCR dimers irrespective of their physiological occurrence and relevance, thus expanding the space for medicinal chemistry. Specifically, we observed that compounds presenting agonists or antagonists at 20- and 30-Å distance induce GRPR dimerization. Furthermore, we found that 1) compounds with two agonists at 20- and 30-Å distance that induce dimer formation show bias toward Gq efficacy, 2) dimers with 20- and 30-Å distance have different potencies toward β-arrestin-1 and β-arrestin-2, and 3) the divalent agonistic ligand with 10-Å distance specifically reduces Gq potency without affecting β-arrestin recruitment, pointing toward an allosteric effect. In summary, we show that rigid oligoproline backbones represent a tool to develop ligands with biased GPCR signaling.
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2
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Zlotos DP, Abdelmalek CM, Botros LS, Banoub MM, Mandour YM, Breitinger U, El Nady A, Breitinger HG, Sotriffer C, Villmann C, Jensen AA, Holzgrabe U. C-2-Linked Dimeric Strychnine Analogues as Bivalent Ligands Targeting Glycine Receptors. JOURNAL OF NATURAL PRODUCTS 2021; 84:382-394. [PMID: 33596384 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jnatprod.0c01030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Strychnine is the prototypic antagonist of glycine receptors, a family of pentameric ligand-gated ion channels. Recent high-resolution structures of homomeric glycine receptors have confirmed the presence of five orthosteric binding sites located in the extracellular subunit interfaces of the receptor complex that are targeted by strychnine. Here, we report the synthesis and extensive pharmacological evaluation of bivalent ligands composed of two strychnine pharmacophores connected by appropriate spacers optimized toward simultaneous binding to two adjacent orthosteric sites of homomeric α1 glycine receptors. In all bivalent ligands, the two strychnine units were linked through C-2 by amide spacers of various lengths ranging from 6 to 69 atoms. Characterization of the compounds in two functional assays and in a radioligand binding assay indicated that compound 11a, with a spacer consisting of 57 atoms, may be capable of bridging the homomeric α1 GlyRs by simultaneous occupation of two adjacent strychnine-binding sites. The findings are supported by docking experiments to the crystal structure of the homomeric glycine receptor. Based on its unique binding mode, its relatively high binding affinity and antagonist potency, and its slow binding kinetics, the bivalent strychnine analogue 11a could be a valuable tool to study the functional properties of glycine receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darius P Zlotos
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, The German University in Cairo, New Cairo City, 11835 Cairo, Egypt
| | - Carine M Abdelmalek
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, The German University in Cairo, New Cairo City, 11835 Cairo, Egypt
| | - Liza S Botros
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, The German University in Cairo, New Cairo City, 11835 Cairo, Egypt
| | - Maha M Banoub
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, The German University in Cairo, New Cairo City, 11835 Cairo, Egypt
| | - Yasmine M Mandour
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, The German University in Cairo, New Cairo City, 11835 Cairo, Egypt
- School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire hosted by Global Academic Foundation, New Administrative Capitol, 11865 Cairo, Egypt
| | - Ulrike Breitinger
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, The German University in Cairo, New Cairo City, 11835 Cairo, Egypt
| | - Ahmed El Nady
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, The German University in Cairo, New Cairo City, 11835 Cairo, Egypt
| | - Hans-Georg Breitinger
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, The German University in Cairo, New Cairo City, 11835 Cairo, Egypt
| | - Christoph Sotriffer
- Institute of Pharmacy and Food Chemistry, University of Würzburg, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Carmen Villmann
- Institute of Clinical Neurobiology, University Hospital, University of Würzburg, 97078 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Anders A Jensen
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ulrike Holzgrabe
- Institute of Pharmacy and Food Chemistry, University of Würzburg, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
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3
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Huang B, St Onge CM, Ma H, Zhang Y. Design of bivalent ligands targeting putative GPCR dimers. Drug Discov Today 2020; 26:189-199. [PMID: 33075471 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2020.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2020] [Revised: 07/15/2020] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) have been exploited as primary targets for drug discovery, and GPCR dimerization offers opportunities for drug design and disease treatment. An important strategy for targeting putative GPCR dimers is the use of bivalent ligands, which are single molecules that contain two pharmacophores connected through a spacer. Here, we discuss the selection of pharmacophores, the optimal length and chemical composition of the spacer, and the choice of spacer attachment points to the pharmacophores. Furthermore, we review the most recent advances (from 2018 to the present) in the design, discovery and development of bivalent ligands. We aim to reveal the state-of-the-art design strategy for bivalent ligands and provide insights into future opportunities in this promising field of drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boshi Huang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, 800 E. Leigh Street, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
| | - Celsey M St Onge
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, 800 E. Leigh Street, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
| | - Hongguang Ma
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, 800 E. Leigh Street, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, 800 E. Leigh Street, Richmond, VA 23298, USA.
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4
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Newman AH, Battiti FO, Bonifazi A. 2016 Philip S. Portoghese Medicinal Chemistry Lectureship: Designing Bivalent or Bitopic Molecules for G-Protein Coupled Receptors. The Whole Is Greater Than the Sum of Its Parts. J Med Chem 2019; 63:1779-1797. [PMID: 31499001 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.9b01105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The genesis of designing bivalent or bitopic molecules that engender unique pharmacological properties began with Portoghese's work directed toward opioid receptors, in the early 1980s. This strategy has evolved as an attractive way to engineer highly selective compounds for targeted G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) with optimized efficacies and/or signaling bias. The emergence of X-ray crystal structures of many GPCRs and the identification of both orthosteric and allosteric binding sites have provided further guidance to ligand drug design that includes a primary pharmacophore (PP), a secondary pharmacophore (SP), and a linker between them. It is critical to note the synergistic relationship among all three of these components as they contribute to the overall interaction of these molecules with their receptor proteins and that strategically designed combinations have and will continue to provide the GPCR molecular tools of the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Hauck Newman
- Medicinal Chemistry Section, Molecular Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse-Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, 333 Cassell Drive, Baltimore, Maryland 21224, United States
| | - Francisco O Battiti
- Medicinal Chemistry Section, Molecular Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse-Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, 333 Cassell Drive, Baltimore, Maryland 21224, United States
| | - Alessandro Bonifazi
- Medicinal Chemistry Section, Molecular Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse-Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, 333 Cassell Drive, Baltimore, Maryland 21224, United States
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5
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Karamitri A, Sadek MS, Journé AS, Gbahou F, Gerbier R, Osman MB, Habib SAM, Jockers R, Zlotos DP. O-linked melatonin dimers as bivalent ligands targeting dimeric melatonin receptors. Bioorg Chem 2019; 85:349-356. [PMID: 30658234 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2019.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2018] [Revised: 12/30/2018] [Accepted: 01/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
A series of dimeric melatonin analogues 3a-e obtained by connecting two melatonin molecules through the methoxy oxygen atoms with spacers spanning 16-24 atoms and the agomelatine dimer 7 were synthesized and characterized in 2-[125-I]-iodomelatonin binding assays, bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET) experiments, and in functional cAMP and β-arrestin recruitment assays at MT1 and MT2 receptors. The binding affinity of 3a-e generally increased with increasing linker length. Bivalent ligands 3a-e increased BRET signals of MT1 dimers up to 3-fold compared to the monomeric control ligand indicating the simultaneous binding of the two pharmacophores to dimeric receptors. Bivalent ligands 3c and 7 exhibited important changes in functional properties on the Gi/cAMP pathway but not on the β-arrestin pathway compared to their monomeric counterparts. Interestingly, 3c (20 atoms spacer) shows inverse agonistic properties at MT2 on the Gi/cAMP pathway. In conclusion, these findings indicate that O-linked melatonin dimers are promising tools to develop signaling pathway-based bivalent melatonin receptor ligands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angeliki Karamitri
- Inserm, U1016, Institut Cochin, Paris, France; CNRS UMR 8104, Paris, France; Univ. Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cite, Paris, France
| | - Mirna S Sadek
- The German University in Cairo, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, New Cairo City, 11835 Cairo, Egypt.
| | - Anne-Sophie Journé
- Inserm, U1016, Institut Cochin, Paris, France; CNRS UMR 8104, Paris, France; Univ. Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cite, Paris, France
| | - Florence Gbahou
- Inserm, U1016, Institut Cochin, Paris, France; CNRS UMR 8104, Paris, France; Univ. Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cite, Paris, France.
| | - Romain Gerbier
- Inserm, U1016, Institut Cochin, Paris, France; CNRS UMR 8104, Paris, France; Univ. Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cite, Paris, France
| | - Mai B Osman
- The German University in Cairo, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, New Cairo City, 11835 Cairo, Egypt
| | - Samy A M Habib
- The German University in Cairo, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, New Cairo City, 11835 Cairo, Egypt
| | - Ralf Jockers
- Inserm, U1016, Institut Cochin, Paris, France; CNRS UMR 8104, Paris, France; Univ. Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cite, Paris, France.
| | - Darius P Zlotos
- The German University in Cairo, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, New Cairo City, 11835 Cairo, Egypt.
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6
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Lensing CJ, Freeman KT, Schnell SM, Speth RC, Zarth AT, Haskell-Luevano C. Developing a Biased Unmatched Bivalent Ligand (BUmBL) Design Strategy to Target the GPCR Homodimer Allosteric Signaling (cAMP over β-Arrestin 2 Recruitment) Within the Melanocortin Receptors. J Med Chem 2018; 62:144-158. [PMID: 29669202 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.8b00238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Understanding the functional relevance of G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) homodimerization has been limited by the insufficient tools to assess asymmetric signaling occurring within dimers comprised of the same receptor type. We present unmatched bivalent ligands (UmBLs) to study the asymmetric function of melanocortin homodimers. UmBLs contain one agonist and one antagonist pharmacophore designed to target a melanocortin homodimer such that one receptor is occupied by an agonist and the other receptor by an antagonist pharmacophore. First-in-class biased UmBLs (BUmBLs) targeting the human melanocortin-4 receptor (hMC4R) were discovered. The BUmBLs displayed biased agonism by potently stimulating cAMP signaling (EC50 ∼ 2-6 nM) but minimally activating the β-arrestin recruitment pathway (≤55% maximum signal at 10 μM). To our knowledge, we report the first single-compound strategy to pharmacologically target melanocortin receptor allosteric signaling that occurs between homodimers that can be applied straightforwardly in vitro and in vivo to other GPCR systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cody J Lensing
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Institute for Translational Neuroscience , University of Minnesota , 308 Harvard Street SE , Minneapolis , Minnesota 55455 , United States
| | - Katie T Freeman
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Institute for Translational Neuroscience , University of Minnesota , 308 Harvard Street SE , Minneapolis , Minnesota 55455 , United States
| | - Sathya M Schnell
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Institute for Translational Neuroscience , University of Minnesota , 308 Harvard Street SE , Minneapolis , Minnesota 55455 , United States
| | - Robert C Speth
- College of Pharmacy , Nova Southeastern University , Fort Lauderdale , Florida 33328-2018 , United States.,Department of Pharmacology and Physiology , Georgetown University , Washington, D.C. 20057 , United States
| | - Adam T Zarth
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Institute for Translational Neuroscience , University of Minnesota , 308 Harvard Street SE , Minneapolis , Minnesota 55455 , United States.,Masonic Cancer Center , University of Minnesota , 2231 Sixth Street SE, 2-210 CCRB , Minneapolis , Minnesota 55455 , United States
| | - Carrie Haskell-Luevano
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Institute for Translational Neuroscience , University of Minnesota , 308 Harvard Street SE , Minneapolis , Minnesota 55455 , United States
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7
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Guidolin D, Marcoli M, Tortorella C, Maura G, Agnati LF. G protein-coupled receptor-receptor interactions give integrative dynamics to intercellular communication. Rev Neurosci 2018; 29:703-726. [DOI: 10.1515/revneuro-2017-0087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2017] [Accepted: 01/01/2018] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Abstract
The proposal of receptor-receptor interactions (RRIs) in the early 1980s broadened the view on the role of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCR) in the dynamics of the intercellular communication. RRIs, indeed, allow GPCR to operate not only as monomers but also as receptor complexes, in which the integration of the incoming signals depends on the number, spatial arrangement, and order of activation of the protomers forming the complex. The main biochemical mechanisms controlling the functional interplay of GPCR in the receptor complexes are direct allosteric interactions between protomer domains. The formation of these macromolecular assemblies has several physiologic implications in terms of the modulation of the signaling pathways and interaction with other membrane proteins. It also impacts on the emerging field of connectomics, as it contributes to set and tune the synaptic strength. Furthermore, recent evidence suggests that the transfer of GPCR and GPCR complexes between cells via the exosome pathway could enable the target cells to recognize/decode transmitters and/or modulators for which they did not express the pertinent receptors. Thus, this process may also open the possibility of a new type of redeployment of neural circuits. The fundamental aspects of GPCR complex formation and function are the focus of the present review article.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Guidolin
- Department of Neuroscience , University of Padova, via Gabelli 65 , I-35121 Padova , Italy
| | - Manuela Marcoli
- Department of Pharmacy and Center of Excellence for Biomedical Research , University of Genova , I-16126 Genova , Italy
| | - Cinzia Tortorella
- Department of Neuroscience , University of Padova, via Gabelli 65 , I-35121 Padova , Italy
| | - Guido Maura
- Department of Pharmacy and Center of Excellence for Biomedical Research , University of Genova , I-16126 Genova , Italy
| | - Luigi F. Agnati
- Department of Biomedical Sciences , University of Modena and Reggio Emilia , I-41121 Modena , Italy
- Department of Neuroscience , Karolinska Institutet , S-17177 Stockholm , Sweden
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8
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Lensing CJ, Adank DN, Wilber SL, Freeman KT, Schnell SM, Speth RC, Zarth AT, Haskell-Luevano C. A Direct in Vivo Comparison of the Melanocortin Monovalent Agonist Ac-His-DPhe-Arg-Trp-NH 2 versus the Bivalent Agonist Ac-His-DPhe-Arg-Trp-PEDG20-His-DPhe-Arg-Trp-NH 2: A Bivalent Advantage. ACS Chem Neurosci 2017; 8:1262-1278. [PMID: 28128928 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.6b00399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Bivalent ligands targeting putative melanocortin receptor dimers have been developed and characterized in vitro; however, studies of their functional in vivo effects have been limited. The current report compares the effects of homobivalent ligand CJL-1-87, Ac-His-DPhe-Arg-Trp-PEDG20-His-DPhe-Arg-Trp-NH2, to monovalent ligand CJL-1-14, Ac-His-DPhe-Arg-Trp-NH2, on energy homeostasis in mice after central intracerebroventricular (ICV) administration into the lateral ventricle of the brain. Bivalent ligand CJL-1-87 had noteworthy advantages as an antiobesity probe over CJL-1-14 in a fasting-refeeding in vivo paradigm. Treatment with CJL-1-87 significantly decreased food intake compared to CJL-1-14 or saline (50% less intake 2-8 h after treatment). Furthermore, CJL-1-87 treatment decreased the respiratory exchange ratio (RER) without changing the energy expenditure indicating that fats were being burned as the primary fuel source. Additionally, CJL-1-87 treatment significantly lowered body fat mass percentage 6 h after administration (p < 0.05) without changing the lean mass percentage. The bivalent ligand significantly decreased insulin, C-peptide, leptin, GIP, and resistin plasma levels compared to levels after CJL-1-14 or saline treatments. Alternatively, ghrelin plasma levels were significantly increased. Serum stability of CJL-1-87 and CJL-1-14 (T1/2 = 6.0 and 16.8 h, respectively) was sufficient to permit physiological effects. The differences in binding affinity of CJL-1-14 compared to CJL-1-87 are speculated as a possible mechanism for the bivalent ligand's unique effects. We also provide in vitro evidence for the formation of a MC3R-MC4R heterodimer complex, for the first time to our knowledge, that may be an unexploited neuronal molecular target. Regardless of the exact mechanism, the advantageous ability of CJL-1-87 compared to CJL-1-14 to increase in vitro binding affinity, increase the duration of action in spite of decreased serum stability, decrease in vivo food intake, decrease mice's body fat percent, and differentially affect mouse hormone levels demonstrates the distinct characteristics achieved from the current melanocortin agonist bivalent design strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cody J. Lensing
- Department of Medicinal
Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Danielle N. Adank
- Department of Medicinal
Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Stacey L. Wilber
- Department of Medicinal
Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Katie T. Freeman
- Department of Medicinal
Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Sathya M. Schnell
- Department of Medicinal
Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Robert C. Speth
- College of Pharmacy, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33328-2018, United States
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Georgetown University, Washington, D.C. 20057, United States
| | - Adam T. Zarth
- Department of Medicinal
Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, 2231 6th Street SE, 2-210 CCRB, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Carrie Haskell-Luevano
- Department of Medicinal
Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
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9
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Altwaijry NA, Baron M, Wright DW, Coveney PV, Townsend-Nicholson A. An Ensemble-Based Protocol for the Computational Prediction of Helix-Helix Interactions in G Protein-Coupled Receptors using Coarse-Grained Molecular Dynamics. J Chem Theory Comput 2017; 13:2254-2270. [PMID: 28383913 PMCID: PMC5557214 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jctc.6b01246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
![]()
The
accurate identification of the specific points of interaction
between G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) oligomers is essential for
the design of receptor ligands targeting oligomeric receptor targets.
A coarse-grained molecular dynamics computer simulation approach would
provide a compelling means of identifying these specific protein–protein
interactions and could be applied both for known oligomers of interest
and as a high-throughput screen to identify novel oligomeric targets.
However, to be effective, this in silico modeling must provide accurate,
precise, and reproducible information. This has been achieved recently
in numerous biological systems using an ensemble-based all-atom molecular
dynamics approach. In this study, we describe an equivalent methodology
for ensemble-based coarse-grained simulations. We report the performance
of this method when applied to four different GPCRs known to oligomerize
using error analysis to determine the ensemble size and individual
replica simulation time required. Our measurements of distance between
residues shown to be involved in oligomerization of the fifth transmembrane
domain from the adenosine A2A receptor are in very good
agreement with the existing biophysical data and provide information
about the nature of the contact interface that cannot be determined
experimentally. Calculations of distance between rhodopsin, CXCR4,
and β1AR transmembrane domains reported to form contact
points in homodimers correlate well with the corresponding measurements
obtained from experimental structural data, providing an ability to predict
contact interfaces computationally. Interestingly, error analysis
enables identification of noninteracting regions. Our results confirm
that GPCR interactions can be reliably predicted using this novel
methodology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nojood A Altwaijry
- Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology, Research Department of Structural and Molecular Biology, Division of Biosciences, University College London , London, WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom.,King Saud University , Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Michael Baron
- Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology, Research Department of Structural and Molecular Biology, Division of Biosciences, University College London , London, WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
| | - David W Wright
- Centre for Computational Science, Department of Chemistry, University College London , London WC1H 0AJ, United Kingdom
| | - Peter V Coveney
- Centre for Computational Science, Department of Chemistry, University College London , London WC1H 0AJ, United Kingdom
| | - Andrea Townsend-Nicholson
- Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology, Research Department of Structural and Molecular Biology, Division of Biosciences, University College London , London, WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
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10
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Castriconi F, Paolino M, Donati A, Giuliani G, Anzini M, Mennuni L, Sabatini C, Lanza M, Caselli G, Makovec F, Sbraccia M, Molinari P, Costa T, Cappelli A. Multivalent ligands for the serotonin 5-HT 4 receptor. MEDCHEMCOMM 2017; 8:647-651. [PMID: 30108781 DOI: 10.1039/c6md00458j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2016] [Accepted: 02/07/2017] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
5-HT4 receptors are known to form constitutive dimers in membranes. To explore whether multivalency can enhance ligand interactions and/or efficacy in 5-HT4 receptors, the structure of the partial agonist ML10302 was modified with oligo(ethylene glycol) chains, thus generating, by a gradual approach, short and long tethered bivalent or tetravalent ligands and the corresponding spanner-linked monovalent controls. Both bivalent and tetravalent ligands displayed a 10-20-fold increase in binding affinity compared to appropriate controls, but no multivalent ligand showed greater binding energy than ML10302 itself. Furthermore, the direct assessment of receptor-Gs interaction and studies of cAMP signalling indicated that multivalency does not enhance the efficacy of ML10302.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Castriconi
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie , Chimica e Farmacia and European Research Centre for Drug Discovery and Development , Università degli Studi di Siena , Via A. Moro 2 , 53100 Siena , Italy . ; ; Tel: +39 0577 234320
| | - Marco Paolino
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie , Chimica e Farmacia and European Research Centre for Drug Discovery and Development , Università degli Studi di Siena , Via A. Moro 2 , 53100 Siena , Italy . ; ; Tel: +39 0577 234320
| | - Alessandro Donati
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie , Chimica e Farmacia and European Research Centre for Drug Discovery and Development , Università degli Studi di Siena , Via A. Moro 2 , 53100 Siena , Italy . ; ; Tel: +39 0577 234320
| | - Germano Giuliani
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie , Chimica e Farmacia and European Research Centre for Drug Discovery and Development , Università degli Studi di Siena , Via A. Moro 2 , 53100 Siena , Italy . ; ; Tel: +39 0577 234320
| | - Maurizio Anzini
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie , Chimica e Farmacia and European Research Centre for Drug Discovery and Development , Università degli Studi di Siena , Via A. Moro 2 , 53100 Siena , Italy . ; ; Tel: +39 0577 234320
| | - Laura Mennuni
- Rottapharm Biotech S.r.l. , Via Valosa di Sopra 3 , 20900 Monza , Italy
| | - Chiara Sabatini
- Rottapharm Biotech S.r.l. , Via Valosa di Sopra 3 , 20900 Monza , Italy
| | - Marco Lanza
- Rottapharm Biotech S.r.l. , Via Valosa di Sopra 3 , 20900 Monza , Italy
| | | | - Francesco Makovec
- Rottapharm Biotech S.r.l. , Via Valosa di Sopra 3 , 20900 Monza , Italy
| | - Maria Sbraccia
- Dipartimento di Farmacologia , Istituto Superiore di Sanità , Viale Regina Elena 299 , 00161 Roma , Italy
| | - Paola Molinari
- Dipartimento di Farmacologia , Istituto Superiore di Sanità , Viale Regina Elena 299 , 00161 Roma , Italy
| | - Tommaso Costa
- Dipartimento di Farmacologia , Istituto Superiore di Sanità , Viale Regina Elena 299 , 00161 Roma , Italy
| | - Andrea Cappelli
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie , Chimica e Farmacia and European Research Centre for Drug Discovery and Development , Università degli Studi di Siena , Via A. Moro 2 , 53100 Siena , Italy . ; ; Tel: +39 0577 234320
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11
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Busnelli M, Kleinau G, Muttenthaler M, Stoev S, Manning M, Bibic L, Howell LA, McCormick PJ, Di Lascio S, Braida D, Sala M, Rovati GE, Bellini T, Chini B. Design and Characterization of Superpotent Bivalent Ligands Targeting Oxytocin Receptor Dimers via a Channel-Like Structure. J Med Chem 2016; 59:7152-66. [PMID: 27420737 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.6b00564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Dimeric/oligomeric states of G-protein coupled receptors have been difficult to target. We report here bivalent ligands consisting of two identical oxytocin-mimetics that induce a three order magnitude boost in G-protein signaling of oxytocin receptors (OTRs) in vitro and a 100- and 40-fold gain in potency in vivo in the social behavior of mice and zebrafish. Through receptor mutagenesis and interference experiments with synthetic peptides mimicking transmembrane helices (TMH), we show that such superpotent behavior follows from the binding of the bivalent ligands to dimeric receptors based on a TMH1-TMH2 interface. Moreover, in this arrangement, only the analogues with a well-defined spacer length (∼25 Å) precisely fit inside a channel-like passage between the two protomers of the dimer. The newly discovered oxytocin bivalent ligands represent a powerful tool for targeting dimeric OTR in neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders and, in general, provide a framework to untangle specific arrangements of G-protein coupled receptor dimers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Busnelli
- CNR, Institute of Neuroscience , Milan, Italy 20129.,Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano , Milan, Italy 20129
| | - Gunnar Kleinau
- Institute of Experimental Pediatric Endocrinology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin , Berlin, Germany 13353
| | - Markus Muttenthaler
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland , Brisbane, Australia 4072
| | - Stoytcho Stoev
- Department of Biochemistry and Cancer Biology, University of Toledo , Toledo, Ohio 43614, United States
| | - Maurice Manning
- Department of Biochemistry and Cancer Biology, University of Toledo , Toledo, Ohio 43614, United States
| | - Lucka Bibic
- School of Pharmacy, University of East Anglia , Norwich Research Park, Norwich, U.K. NR4 7TJ
| | - Lesley A Howell
- School of Pharmacy, University of East Anglia , Norwich Research Park, Norwich, U.K. NR4 7TJ
| | - Peter J McCormick
- School of Pharmacy, University of East Anglia , Norwich Research Park, Norwich, U.K. NR4 7TJ
| | - Simona Di Lascio
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano , Milan, Italy 20129
| | - Daniela Braida
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano , Milan, Italy 20129
| | - Mariaelvina Sala
- CNR, Institute of Neuroscience , Milan, Italy 20129.,Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano , Milan, Italy 20129
| | - G Enrico Rovati
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano , Milan, Italy 20133
| | - Tommaso Bellini
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano , Milan, Italy 20129
| | - Bice Chini
- CNR, Institute of Neuroscience , Milan, Italy 20129
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12
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Ikeda A, Omote M, Kusumoto K, Komori M, Tarui A, Sato K, Ando A. A dramatic enhancing effect of InBr3 towards the oxidative Sonogashira cross-coupling reaction of 2-ethynylanilines. Org Biomol Chem 2016; 14:2127-33. [PMID: 26782816 DOI: 10.1039/c5ob02558c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The addition of InBr3 to the oxidative Sonogashira cross-coupling reaction of 2-ethynylaniline with (E)-trimethyl(3,3,3-trifluoroprop-1-enyl)silane led to a dramatic increase in the reactivity to afford the corresponding 1,3-enynes bearing a trifluoromethyl group on their terminal sp(2) carbon. The subsequent cyclization of these 1,3-enynes under palladium catalysis provides access to the corresponding indoles bearing a 3,3,3-trifluoroprop-1-enyl group at their 2-position.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Ikeda
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Setsunan University, 45-1 Nagaotoge-cho, Hirakata, Osaka 573-0101, Japan.
| | - M Omote
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Setsunan University, 45-1 Nagaotoge-cho, Hirakata, Osaka 573-0101, Japan.
| | - K Kusumoto
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Setsunan University, 45-1 Nagaotoge-cho, Hirakata, Osaka 573-0101, Japan.
| | - M Komori
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Setsunan University, 45-1 Nagaotoge-cho, Hirakata, Osaka 573-0101, Japan.
| | - A Tarui
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Setsunan University, 45-1 Nagaotoge-cho, Hirakata, Osaka 573-0101, Japan.
| | - K Sato
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Setsunan University, 45-1 Nagaotoge-cho, Hirakata, Osaka 573-0101, Japan.
| | - A Ando
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Setsunan University, 45-1 Nagaotoge-cho, Hirakata, Osaka 573-0101, Japan.
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13
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Franco R, Martínez-Pinilla E, Lanciego JL, Navarro G. Basic Pharmacological and Structural Evidence for Class A G-Protein-Coupled Receptor Heteromerization. Front Pharmacol 2016; 7:76. [PMID: 27065866 PMCID: PMC4815248 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2016.00076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2015] [Accepted: 03/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell membrane receptors rarely work on isolation, often they form oligomeric complexes with other receptor molecules and they may directly interact with different proteins of the signal transduction machinery. For a variety of reasons, rhodopsin-like class A G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) seem an exception to the general rule of receptor-receptor direct interaction. In fact, controversy surrounds their potential to form homo- hetero-dimers/oligomers with other class A GPCRs; in a sense, the field is going backward instead of forward. This review focuses on the convergent, complementary and telling evidence showing that homo- and heteromers of class A GPCRs exist in transfected cells and, more importantly, in natural sources. It is time to decide between questioning the occurrence of heteromers or, alternatively, facing the vast scientific and technical challenges that class A receptor-dimer/oligomer existence pose to Pharmacology and to Drug Discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Franco
- Departament de Bioquímica i Biomedicina Molecular, Facultat de Biología, Universitat de BarcelonaBarcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red: Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos IIIMadrid, Spain; Institute of Biomedicine, University of BarcelonaBarcelona, Spain
| | - Eva Martínez-Pinilla
- Instituto de Neurociencias del Principado de Asturias, Departamento de Morfología y Biología Celular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de OviedoAsturias, Spain; Neurosciences Division, Centre for Applied Medical Research, University of NavarraPamplona, Spain; Instituto de Investigaciones Sanitarias de NavarraPamplona, Spain
| | - José L Lanciego
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red: Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos IIIMadrid, Spain; Neurosciences Division, Centre for Applied Medical Research, University of NavarraPamplona, Spain; Instituto de Investigaciones Sanitarias de NavarraPamplona, Spain
| | - Gemma Navarro
- Departament de Bioquímica i Biomedicina Molecular, Facultat de Biología, Universitat de BarcelonaBarcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red: Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos IIIMadrid, Spain
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14
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Lensing CJ, Freeman KT, Schnell SM, Adank DN, Speth RC, Haskell-Luevano C. An in Vitro and in Vivo Investigation of Bivalent Ligands That Display Preferential Binding and Functional Activity for Different Melanocortin Receptor Homodimers. J Med Chem 2016; 59:3112-28. [PMID: 26959173 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.5b01894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Pharmacological probes for the melanocortin receptors have been utilized for studying various disease states including cancer, sexual function disorders, Alzheimer's disease, social disorders, cachexia, and obesity. This study focused on the design and synthesis of bivalent ligands to target melanocortin receptor homodimers. Lead ligands increased binding affinity by 14- to 25-fold and increased cAMP signaling potency by 3- to 5-fold compared to their monovalent counterparts. Unexpectedly, different bivalent ligands showed preferences for particular melanocortin receptor subtypes depending on the linker that connected the binding scaffolds, suggesting structural differences between the various dimer subtypes. Homobivalent compound 12 possessed a functional profile that was unique from its monovalent counterpart providing evidence of the discrete effects of bivalent ligands. Lead compound 7 significantly decreased feeding in mice after intracerebroventricular administration. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of a melanocortin bivalent ligand's in vivo physiological effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cody J Lensing
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Minnesota , Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Katie T Freeman
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Minnesota , Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Sathya M Schnell
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Minnesota , Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Danielle N Adank
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Minnesota , Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Robert C Speth
- College of Pharmacy, Nova Southeastern University , Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33328-2018, United States.,Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Georgetown University , Washington, D.C. 20057, United States
| | - Carrie Haskell-Luevano
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Minnesota , Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
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15
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Huang G, Nimczick M, Decker M. Rational Modification of the Biological Profile of GPCR Ligands through Combination with Other Biologically Active Moieties. Arch Pharm (Weinheim) 2015; 348:531-40. [DOI: 10.1002/ardp.201500079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2015] [Revised: 03/26/2015] [Accepted: 03/27/2015] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Guozheng Huang
- Pharmazeutische und Medizinische Chemie; Institut für Pharmazie und Lebensmittelchemie; Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg; Würzburg Germany
| | - Martin Nimczick
- Pharmazeutische und Medizinische Chemie; Institut für Pharmazie und Lebensmittelchemie; Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg; Würzburg Germany
| | - Michael Decker
- Pharmazeutische und Medizinische Chemie; Institut für Pharmazie und Lebensmittelchemie; Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg; Würzburg Germany
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16
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Gilet M, Eutamene H, Han H, Kim HW, Bueno L. Influence of a new 5-HT4 receptor partial agonist, YKP10811, on visceral hypersensitivity in rats triggered by stress and inflammation. Neurogastroenterol Motil 2014; 26:1761-70. [PMID: 25316608 DOI: 10.1111/nmo.12458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2014] [Accepted: 09/18/2014] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adverse effects of previously developed 5-HT4 receptor agonists to treat functional constipation (FC) and constipation IBS (IBS-C) patients have limited their use but have given rise to new and more selective 5-HT4 receptor agonists. This work was aimed to evaluate the influence of YKP10811, a new potent 5-HT4 receptor partial agonist, on rat models of colorectal hypersensitivity to distension. METHODS Male and female rats were submitted to colorectal distension (CRD) before and after trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS) infusion, acute (PRS) or chronic (water avoidance -10 days - WAS) stress. Electromyographic (EMG) response of abdominal muscles to CRD (15-60 mmHg) was used to measure pain. Changes of colonic tone were also evaluated. The influence of YKP10811 was compared to that of tegaserod with or without exposure of rats to a 5-HT4 receptor antagonist in TNBS treated rats and to both tegaserod and CP-154,526, a corticotropine releasing factor-R1 antagonist in WAS. We tested a possible pharmacological tachyphylaxis of YKP10811 in TNBS-induced hypersensitivity. KEY RESULTS YKP10811 (30 mg/kg) had no effect on basal sensitivity and tone in male and female rats but suppressed TNBS-induced hypersensitivity, an effect blocked by the 5-HT4 receptor antagonist GR113808 (10 mg/kg, SC). YKP10811 attenuated acute PRS-induced but not chronic WAS-induced colonic hypersensitivity. In addition, YKP10811 but not tegaserod reduced TNBS-induced colorectal hypersensitivity after 7 days of treatment. CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES YKP10811exhibits antinociceptive activity in inflammation and acute stress-induced colonic hypersensitivity through 5-HT4 receptors but unlike tegaserod, YKP10811 maintains its activity after repeated administrations and may represent a new candidate to treat IBS-C patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Gilet
- Neurogastroenterology Unit INRA-Toxalim, Toulouse, France
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17
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Huang G, Pemp D, Stadtmüller P, Nimczick M, Heilmann J, Decker M. Design, synthesis and in vitro evaluation of novel uni- and bivalent ligands for the cannabinoid receptor type 1 with variation of spacer length and structure. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2014; 24:4209-14. [PMID: 25096297 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2014.07.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2014] [Revised: 07/13/2014] [Accepted: 07/14/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Using rimonabant, a potent inverse agonist for cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1R), as parent ligand, a series of novel univalent and bivalent ligands were designed by variation of spacer length and its chemical structure. The ligands synthesized were evaluated for affinity and selectivity by radioligand displacement and a functional steady-state GTPase assay. The results showed the nature of the spacer influences the biological readout. Albeit all compounds show significantly lower affinities than rimonabant, this fact could be used to demonstrate that affinities and selectivity are influenced by the chemical structure and length of the spacer and might be helpful for designing bivalent probes for other GPCR receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guozheng Huang
- Pharmazeutische und Medizinische Chemie, Institut für Pharmazie und Lebensmittelchemie, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Am Hubland, D-97074 Würzburg, Germany; Lehrstuhl für Pharmazeutische Chemie I, Institut für Pharmazie, Universität Regensburg, Universitätsstraße 31, D-93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Daniela Pemp
- Lehrstuhl für Pharmazeutische Biologie, Institut für Pharmazie, Universität Regensburg, Universitätsstraße 31, D-93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Patricia Stadtmüller
- Pharmazeutische und Medizinische Chemie, Institut für Pharmazie und Lebensmittelchemie, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Am Hubland, D-97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Martin Nimczick
- Pharmazeutische und Medizinische Chemie, Institut für Pharmazie und Lebensmittelchemie, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Am Hubland, D-97074 Würzburg, Germany; Lehrstuhl für Pharmazeutische Chemie I, Institut für Pharmazie, Universität Regensburg, Universitätsstraße 31, D-93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Jörg Heilmann
- Lehrstuhl für Pharmazeutische Biologie, Institut für Pharmazie, Universität Regensburg, Universitätsstraße 31, D-93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Michael Decker
- Pharmazeutische und Medizinische Chemie, Institut für Pharmazie und Lebensmittelchemie, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Am Hubland, D-97074 Würzburg, Germany; Lehrstuhl für Pharmazeutische Biologie, Institut für Pharmazie, Universität Regensburg, Universitätsstraße 31, D-93053 Regensburg, Germany.
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18
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Knipp RJ, Estrada R, Sethu P, Nantz MH. Thermally-Induced Substrate Release Via Intramolecular Cyclizations of Amino Esters and Amino Carbonates. Tetrahedron 2014; 70:3422-3429. [PMID: 25061237 DOI: 10.1016/j.tet.2014.03.092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The relative cleavage of an alcohol from a panel of amino esters and amino carbonates via intramolecular cyclization was examined as a mechanism for substrate release. Thermal stability at 37 °C was observed only for the 7-membered ring progenitors. Applicability of the approach was illustrated by δ-lactam formation within a poly(dimethylsiloxane) microchannel for release of a captured fluorescent probe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ralph J Knipp
- Department of Chemistry, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40292, USA
| | - Rosendo Estrada
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40292, USA
| | - Palaniappan Sethu
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40292, USA
| | - Michael H Nantz
- Department of Chemistry, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40292, USA
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19
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Journé AS, Habib SAM, Dodda BR, Morcos MNF, Sadek MS, Tadros SAA, Witt-Enderby PA, Jockers R, Zlotos DP. N1-linked melatonin dimers as bivalent ligands targeting dimeric melatonin receptors. MEDCHEMCOMM 2014. [DOI: 10.1039/c4md00079j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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20
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Functional significance of serotonin receptor dimerization. Exp Brain Res 2013; 230:375-86. [PMID: 23811735 DOI: 10.1007/s00221-013-3622-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2013] [Accepted: 06/10/2013] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The original model of G-protein activation by a single G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) is giving way to a new model, wherein two protomers of a GPCR dimer interact with a single G-protein. This article will review the evidence suggesting that 5-HT receptors form dimers/oligomers and will compare the findings with the results obtained from the studies with other biogenic amine receptors. Topics to be covered include the origin or biogenesis of dimer formation, potential dimer interface(s), and oligomer size (dimer vs. tetramer or higher order). The functional significance will be discussed in terms of G-protein activation following ligand binding to one or two protomers in a dimeric structure, the formation of heterodimers, and the development of bivalent ligands.
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21
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Hiller C, Kühhorn J, Gmeiner P. Class A G-Protein-Coupled Receptor (GPCR) Dimers and Bivalent Ligands. J Med Chem 2013; 56:6542-59. [DOI: 10.1021/jm4004335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Christine Hiller
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy,
Emil Fischer
Center, Friedrich Alexander University,
Schuhstraße 19, 91052 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Julia Kühhorn
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy,
Emil Fischer
Center, Friedrich Alexander University,
Schuhstraße 19, 91052 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Peter Gmeiner
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy,
Emil Fischer
Center, Friedrich Alexander University,
Schuhstraße 19, 91052 Erlangen, Germany
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22
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Chen J, Murad AK, Wakelin LPG, Denny WA, Griffith R, Finch AM. α₁-Adrenoceptor and serotonin 5-HT(1A) receptor affinity of homobivalent 4-aminoquinoline compounds: an investigation of the effect of linker length. Biochem Pharmacol 2013; 85:1534-41. [PMID: 23524075 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2013.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2013] [Revised: 03/12/2013] [Accepted: 03/13/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
α₁-adrenoceptor (α₁-AR) subtype-selective ligands lacking off-target affinity for the 5-HT(1A) receptor (5-HT(1A)-R) will provide therapeutic benefits in the treatment of urogenital conditions such as benign prostatic hyperplasia. In this study we determined the affinity of 4-aminoquinoline and eleven homobivalent 4-aminoquinoline ligands (diquinolines) with alkane linkers of 2-12 atoms (C2-C12) for α(1A), α(1B) and α(1D)-ARs and the 5-HT(1A)-R. These ligands are α(1A)-AR antagonists with nanomolar affinity for α(1A) and α(1B)-ARs. They display linker-length dependent selectivity for α(1A/B)-ARs over α(1D)-AR and the 5-HT(1A)-R. The C2 diquinoline has the highest affinity for α1A-AR (pKi 7.60±0.26) and greater than 30-fold and 600-fold selectivity for α(1A)-AR over α(1D)-AR and 5-HT(1A)-R respectively. A decrease in affinity for α₁-ARs is observed as the linker length increases, reaching a nadir at 5 (α(1A/1B)-ARs) or 6 (α(1D)-AR) atoms; after which affinity increases as the linker is lengthened, peaking at 9 (α(1A/1B/1D)-ARs) or 8 (5-HT(1A)-R) atoms. Docking studies suggest that 4-aminoquinoline and C2 bind within the orthosteric binding site, while for C9 one end is situated within the orthosteric binding pocket, while the other 4-aminoquinoline moiety interacts with the extracellular surface. The limited α(1D)-AR and 5-HT(1A)-R affinity of these compounds makes them promising leads for future drug development of α(1A)-AR selective ligands without α(1D)-AR and the 5-HT(1A)-R off-target activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junli Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medical Sciences, UNSW, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
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23
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Shen J, Zhang L, Song WL, Meng T, Wang X, Chen L, Feng LY, Xu YC, Shen JK. Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of bivalent ligands against A(1)-D(1) receptor heteromers. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2013; 34:441-52. [PMID: 23334237 DOI: 10.1038/aps.2012.151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM To design and synthesize bivalent ligands for adenosine A1-dopamine D1 receptor heteromers (A1-D1R), and evaluate their pharmacological activities. METHODS Bivalent ligands and their corresponding A1R monovalent ligands were designed and synthesized. The affinities of the bivalent ligands for A1R and D1R in rat brain membrane preparation were examined using radiolabeled binding assays. To demonstrate the formation of A1-D1R, fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) was conducted in HEK293 cells transfected with D1-CFP and A1-YFP. Molecular modeling was used to analyze the possible mode of protein-protein and protein-ligand interactions. RESULTS Two bivalent ligands for A1R and D1R (20a, 20b), as well as the corresponding A1R monovalent ligands (21a, 21b) were synthesized. In radiolabeled binding assays, the bivalent ligands showed affinities for A1R 10-100 times higher than those of the corresponding monovalent ligands. In FRET experiments, the bivalent ligands significantly increased the heterodimerization of A1R and D1R compared with the corresponding monovalent ligands. A heterodimer model with the interface of helixes 3, 4, 5 of A1R and helixes 1, 6, 7 from D1R was established with molecular modeling. The distance between the two ligand binding sites in the heterodimer model was approximately 48.4 Å, which was shorter than the length of the bivalent ligands. CONCLUSION This study demonstrates the existence of A1-D1R in situ and a simultaneous interaction of bivalent ligands with both the receptors.
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24
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Franco R, Martínez-Pinilla E, Ricobaraza A, McCormick PJ. Challenges in the development of heteromer-GPCR-based drugs. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2013; 117:143-62. [PMID: 23663968 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-386931-9.00006-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
G-protein-coupled receptors are targets of a variety of diseases. Drug screening has been classically performed assuming the occurrence of monomeric receptors. As more and more receptor heteromers are identified, the challenge is now to develop screening assays to select heteromer-specific drugs. These drugs may, for instance, be able to interact preferentially with prerather than with postsynaptic receptors. Heteromer-based drug discovery opens new perspectives in both Academic pursuits and for the Pharmaceutical industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Franco
- Applied Medical Research Center (CIMA), University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
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25
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Quaternary Structure Predictions and Structural Communication Features of GPCR Dimers. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2013; 117:105-42. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-386931-9.00005-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
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26
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Coupar IM, Irving HR, Manallack DT, Tan YY, Ayad F, Iulio JD, Tochon-Danguy N, Iskander MN. Assessment of the pharmacological properties of 5-methoxyindole derivatives at 5-HT4 receptors. J Pharm Pharmacol 2012; 64:1099-106. [DOI: 10.1111/j.2042-7158.2012.01500.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Abstract
Objectives
The aim was to examine the biological activity of 5-methoxytryptamine derivatives at the 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)4 receptor to explore the effect of substitution on the aliphatic amine of the 5-methoxyamine scaffold.
Methods
Three compounds were tested for affinity at the 5-HT4 receptor by radioligand binding and functional activity using guinea-pig ileum and human colon circular muscle preparations and also in the mouse whole gut transit test.
Key findings
The three compounds all had agonist properties at the 5-HT4 receptor but their efficacy differed in the different functional tests. Compound 3 had the highest affinity for the 5-HT4 receptor and was a full agonist at relaxing human colon circular muscle with efficacy closest to 5-HT. Compounds 1 and 2 were partial agonists in this assay with lower efficacies; compound 2 was a full agonist in the guinea-pig ileum assay whereas compound 3 was a partial agonist. Compounds 1 and 2 also showed activity in the mouse gut transit assay while compound 3 had no activity.
Conclusions
Of the compounds tested, compound 3 was the most promising 5-HT4 receptor agonist and the results highlight the value of using human tissue in functional tests when assessing compounds for potential activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian M Coupar
- Medicinal Chemistry and Drug Action, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville Campus, Parkville, Vic., Australia
| | - Helen R Irving
- Medicinal Chemistry and Drug Action, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville Campus, Parkville, Vic., Australia
| | - David T Manallack
- Medicinal Chemistry and Drug Action, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville Campus, Parkville, Vic., Australia
| | - Yean Y Tan
- Medicinal Chemistry and Drug Action, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville Campus, Parkville, Vic., Australia
| | - Fadi Ayad
- Medicinal Chemistry and Drug Action, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville Campus, Parkville, Vic., Australia
| | - Juliana Di Iulio
- Medicinal Chemistry and Drug Action, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville Campus, Parkville, Vic., Australia
| | - Nathalie Tochon-Danguy
- Medicinal Chemistry and Drug Action, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville Campus, Parkville, Vic., Australia
| | - Magdy N Iskander
- Medicinal Chemistry and Drug Action, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville Campus, Parkville, Vic., Australia
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McRobb FM, Crosby IT, Yuriev E, Lane JR, Capuano B. Homobivalent ligands of the atypical antipsychotic clozapine: design, synthesis, and pharmacological evaluation. J Med Chem 2012; 55:1622-34. [PMID: 22243698 DOI: 10.1021/jm201420s] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
To date all typical and atypical antipsychotics target the dopamine D(2) receptor. Clozapine represents the best-characterized atypical antipsychotic, although it displays only moderate (submicromolar) affinity for the dopamine D(2) receptor. Herein, we present the design, synthesis, and pharmacological evaluation of three series of homobivalent ligands of clozapine, differing in the length and nature of the spacer and the point of attachment to the pharmacophore. Attachment of the spacer at the N4' position of clozapine yielded a series of homobivalent ligands that displayed spacer-length-dependent gains in affinity and activity for the dopamine D(2) receptor. The 16 and 18 atom spacer bivalent ligands were the highlight compounds, displaying marked low nanomolar receptor binding affinity (1.41 and 1.35 nM, respectively) and functional activity (23 and 44 nM), which correspond to significant gains in affinity (75- and 79-fold) and activity (9- and 5-fold) relative to the original pharmacophore, clozapine. As such these ligands represent useful tools with which to investigate dopamine receptor dimerization and the atypical nature of clozapine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiona M McRobb
- Medicinal Chemistry and Drug Action, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University (Parkville Campus), 381 Royal Parade, Parkville, Victoria 3052 Australia
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Fanelli F, De Benedetti PG. Update 1 of: computational modeling approaches to structure-function analysis of G protein-coupled receptors. Chem Rev 2011; 111:PR438-535. [PMID: 22165845 DOI: 10.1021/cr100437t] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Fanelli
- Dulbecco Telethon Institute, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, via Campi 183, 41125 Modena, Italy.
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29
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Kühhorn J, Götz A, Hübner H, Thompson D, Whistler J, Gmeiner P. Development of a bivalent dopamine D₂ receptor agonist. J Med Chem 2011; 54:7911-9. [PMID: 21999579 DOI: 10.1021/jm2009919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Bivalent D₂ agonists may function as useful molecular probes for the discovery of novel neurological therapeutics. On the basis of our recently developed bivalent dopamine D₂ receptor antagonists of type 1, the bivalent agonist 2 was synthesized when a spacer built from 22 atoms was employed. Compared to the monovalent control compound 6 containing a capped spacer, the bis-aminoindane derivative 2 revealed substantial steepening of the competition curve, indicating a bivalent binding mode. Dimer-specific Hill slopes were not a result of varying functional properties because both the dopaminergic 2 and the monovalent control agent 6 proved to be D₂ agonists substantially inhibiting cAMP accumulation and inducing D₂ receptor internalization. Investigation of the heterobivalent ligands 8 and 9, containing an agonist and a phenylpiperazine-based antagonist pharmacophore, revealed moderate steepening of the displacement curves and antagonist to very weak partial agonist properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Kühhorn
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Emil Fischer Center, Friedrich Alexander University, Schuhstraße 19, D-91052 Erlangen, Germany
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30
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Valant C, Robert Lane J, Sexton PM, Christopoulos A. The best of both worlds? Bitopic orthosteric/allosteric ligands of g protein-coupled receptors. Annu Rev Pharmacol Toxicol 2011; 52:153-78. [PMID: 21910627 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-pharmtox-010611-134514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 136] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
It is now acknowledged that G protein-coupled receptors, the largest class of drug targets, adopt multiple active states that can be preferentially stabilized by orthosteric ligands or allosteric modulators, thus giving rise to the phenomenon of pathway-biased signaling. In the past few years, researchers have begun to explore the potential of linking orthosteric and allosteric pharmacophores to yield bitopic hybrid ligands. This approach is an extension of the more traditional bivalent ligand concept and shares some of the same challenges, including the choice and role of the linker between the two pharmacophores and the validation of mechanism of action. Nonetheless, the promise of bitopic ligands is the generation of novel chemical tools that have improved affinity and/or selectivity profiles. Previously identified functionally selective compounds (and medicines) also may act via a bitopic mechanism, suggesting that the phenomenon is more widespread than currently appreciated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Celine Valant
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Department of Pharmacology, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia.
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31
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Abstract
Mounting evidence accumulated over the past few years indicates that the neurotransmitter serotonin plays a significant role in cognition. As a drug target, serotonin receptors have received notable attention due in particular to the role of several serotonin-receptor subclasses in cognition and memory. The intimate anatomical and neurochemical association of the serotonergic system with brain areas that regulate memory and learning has directed current drug discovery programmes to focus on this system as a major therapeutic drug target. Thus far, none of these programmes has yielded unambiguous data that suggest that any of the new drug entities possesses disease-modifying properties, and significantly more research in this promising area of investigation is required. Compounds are currently being investigated for activity against serotonin 5-HT(1), 5-HT(4) and 5-HT(6) receptors. This review concludes that most work done in the development of selective serotonin receptor ligands is in the pre-clinical or early clinical phase. Also, while many of these compounds will likely find application as adjuvant therapy in the symptomatic treatment of Alzheimer's disease, there are currently only a few drug entities with activity against serotonin receptors that may offer the potential to alter the progression of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Werner J Geldenhuys
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeast Ohio Medical University, Rootstown, USA
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32
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Kühhorn J, Hübner H, Gmeiner P. Bivalent dopamine D2 receptor ligands: synthesis and binding properties. J Med Chem 2011; 54:4896-903. [PMID: 21599022 DOI: 10.1021/jm2004859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Dopamine D(2) receptor homodimers might be of particular importance in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia and, thus, serve as promising target proteins for the discovery of atypical antipsychotics. A highly attractive approach to investigate and control GPCR dimerization may be provided by the exploration and characterization of bivalent ligands, which can act as molecular probes simultaneously binding two adjacent binding sites of a dimer. The synthesis of bivalent dopamine D(2) receptor ligands of type 1 is presented, incorporating the privileged structure of 1,4-disubstituted aromatic piperidines/piperazines (1,4-DAPs) and triazolyl-linked spacer elements. Radioligand binding studies provided diagnostic insights when Hill slopes close to two for bivalent ligands with particular spacer lengths and a comparative analysis with respective monovalent control ligands and unsymmetrically substituted analogues indicated a bivalent binding mode with a simultaneous occupancy of two neighboring binding sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Kühhorn
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Emil Fischer Center, Friedrich-Alexander University, Erlangen, Germany
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Shonberg J, Scammells PJ, Capuano B. Design strategies for bivalent ligands targeting GPCRs. ChemMedChem 2011; 6:963-74. [PMID: 21520422 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.201100101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2011] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Specifically designed bivalent ligands targeting G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) dimeric structures have become increasingly popular in recent literature. The advantages of the bivalent approach are numerous, including enhanced potency and receptor subtype specificity. However, the use of bivalent ligands as potential pharmacotherapeutics is limited by problematic molecular properties, such as high molecular weight and lipophilicity. This minireview focuses on the design of bivalent ligands recently described in the literature; discussing the choice of lead pharmacophore, the position and nature of the attachment point for linking the two pharmacophore units, and the length and composition of the spacer group. Furthermore, this minireview distils the molecular descriptors of the bivalent ligands that exhibit in vivo activity, as well as highlights their ability to access the central nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy Shonberg
- Medicinal Chemistry and Drug Action, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 381 Royal Pde, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
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Zhang Y, Gilliam A, Maitra R, Damaj MI, Tajuba JM, Seltzman HH, Thomas BF. Synthesis and biological evaluation of bivalent ligands for the cannabinoid 1 receptor. J Med Chem 2010; 53:7048-60. [PMID: 20845959 DOI: 10.1021/jm1006676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Dimerization or oligomerization of many G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), including the cannabinoid 1 (CB1) receptor, is now widely accepted and may have significant implications for medications development targeting these receptor complexes. A library of bivalent ligands composed of two identical CB1 antagonist pharmacophores derived from SR141716 linked by spacers of various lengths were developed. The affinities of these bivalent ligands at CB1 and CB2 receptors were determined using radiolabeled binding assays. Their functional activities were measured using GTP-γ-S accumulation and intracellular calcium mobilization assays. The results suggest that the nature of the linker and its length are crucial factors for optimum interactions of these ligands at CB1 receptor binding sites. Finally, selected bivalent ligands (5d and 7b) were able to attenuate the antinociceptive effects of the cannabinoid agonist CP55,940 (21) in a rodent tail-flick assay. These novel compounds may serve as probes that will enable further characterization of CB1 receptor dimerization and oligomerization and its functional significance and may prove useful in the development of new therapeutic approaches to G-protein-coupled receptor mediated disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanan Zhang
- Research Triangle Institute, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709, USA.
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35
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Martorana A, Esposito Z, Koch G. Beyond the cholinergic hypothesis: do current drugs work in Alzheimer's disease? CNS Neurosci Ther 2010; 16:235-45. [PMID: 20560995 DOI: 10.1111/j.1755-5949.2010.00175.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by memory and cognitive loss, and represents the leading cause of dementia in elderly people. Besides the complex biochemical processes involved in the neuronal degeneration (formation of senile plaques containing Abeta peptides, and development of neurofibrillary tangles), other molecular and neurochemical alterations, like cholinergic deficit due to basal forebrain degeneration, also occur. Because acetylcholine has been demonstrated to be involved in cognitive processes, the idea to increase acetylcholine levels to restore cognitive deficits has gained interest (the so-called cholinergic hypothesis). This has led to the development of drugs able to prevent acetylcholine hydrolysis (acetylcholinesterase inhibitors). However, the analysis of clinical efficacy of these drugs in alleviating symptoms of dementia showed unsatisfactory results. Despite such critical opinions on the efficacy of these drugs, it should be said that acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, and for some aspects memantine also, improve memory and other cognitive functions throughout most of the duration of the disease. The pharmacological activity of these drugs suggests an effect beyond the mere increase of acetylcholine levels. These considerations are in agreement with the idea that cognitive decline is the result of a complex and not fully elucidated interplay among different neurotransmitters. The role of each of the neurotransmitters implicated has to be related to a cognitive process and as a consequence to its decline. The current review aims to highlight the positive role of cholinergic drugs in alleviating cognitive deficits during wake as well as sleep. Moreover, we suggest that future therapeutic approaches have to be developed to restore the complex interplay between acetylcholine and other neurotransmitters systems, such as dopamine, serotonin, noradrenaline, or glutamate, that are likely involved in the progressive deterioration of several cognitive functions such as attention, memory, and learning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Martorana
- Clinica Neurologica, Dipartimento di Neuroscienze, Università di Roma "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy.
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Soriano A, Ventura R, Molero A, Hoen R, Casadó V, Cortés A, Fanelli F, Albericio F, Lluís C, Franco R, Royo M. Adenosine A2A receptor-antagonist/dopamine D2 receptor-agonist bivalent ligands as pharmacological tools to detect A2A-D2 receptor heteromers. J Med Chem 2009; 52:5590-602. [PMID: 19711895 DOI: 10.1021/jm900298c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Adenosine A(2A) (A(2A)R) and dopamine D(2) (D(2)R) receptors mediate the antagonism between adenosinergic and dopaminergic transmission in striatopallidal GABAergic neurons and are pharmacological targets for the treatment of Parkinson's disease. Here, a family of heterobivalent ligands containing a D(2)R agonist and an A(2A)R antagonist linked through a spacer of variable size was designed and synthesized to study A(2A)R-D(2)R heteromers. Bivalent ligands with shorter linkers bound to D(2)R or A(2A)R with higher affinity than the corresponding monovalent controls in membranes from brain striatum and from cells coexpressing both receptors. In contrast, no differences in affinity of bivalent versus monovalent ligands were detected in experiments using membranes from cells expressing only one receptor. These findings indicate the existence of A(2A)R-D(2)R heteromers and of a simultaneous interaction of heterobivalent ligands with both receptors. The cooperative effect derived from the simultaneous interaction suggests the occurrence of A(2A)R-D(2)R heteromers in cotransfected cells and in brain striatum. The dopamine/adenosine bivalent action could constitute a novel concept in Parkinson's disease pharmacotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aroa Soriano
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomediques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Centro de Investigacion Biomedica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Barcelona, Avenida Diagonal 645, E-08028 Barcelona, Spain
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Russo O, Cachard-Chastel M, Rivière C, Giner M, Soulier JL, Berthouze M, Richard T, Monti JP, Sicsic S, Lezoualc'h F, Berque-Bestel I. Design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of new 5-HT4 receptor agonists: application as amyloid cascade modulators and potential therapeutic utility in Alzheimer's disease. J Med Chem 2009; 52:2214-25. [PMID: 19334715 DOI: 10.1021/jm801327q] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Serotonin 5-HT(4) receptor (5-HT(4)R) agonists are of particular interest for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease because of their ability to ameliorate cognitive deficits and to modulate production of amyloid beta-protein (Abeta). However, despite the range of 5-HT(4)R agonists synthesized to date, potent and selective 5-HT(4)R agonists are still lacking. In the present study, two libraries of molecules based on the scaffold of ML10302, a highly specific and partial 5-HT(4)R agonist, were efficiently prepared by parallel supported synthesis and their binding affinities and agonist activities evaluated. Furthermore, we showed that, in vivo, the two best candidates exhibited neuroprotective activity by increasing the level of the soluble form of the amyloid precursor protein (sAPPalpha) in the cortex and hippocampus of mice. Interestingly, one of these compounds could also inhibit Abeta fibril formation in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivier Russo
- CNRS UMR C 8076 (BioCIS), Molecules Fluorees et Chimie Medicinale, UMR-S769, EA3544, Serotonine et Neuropharmacologie, IFR-141, Faculte de Pharmacie, Universite Paris-Sud, F- 92296 Chatenay-Malabry, France
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Dacres H, Dumancic MM, Horne I, Trowell SC. Direct comparison of bioluminescence-based resonance energy transfer methods for monitoring of proteolytic cleavage. Anal Biochem 2008; 385:194-202. [PMID: 19026607 DOI: 10.1016/j.ab.2008.10.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2008] [Revised: 10/02/2008] [Accepted: 10/17/2008] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET) is a powerful tool for the study of protein-protein interactions and conformational changes within proteins. Two common implementations of BRET are BRET(1) with Renilla luciferase (RLuc) and coelenterazine h (CLZ, lambda(em) approximately 475 nm) and BRET(2) with the substrate coelenterazine 400a (CLZ400A substrate, lambda(em)=395 nm) as the respective donors. For BRET(1) the acceptor is yellow fluorescent protein (YFP) (lambda(em) approximately 535 nm), a mutant of green fluorescent protein (GFP), and for BRET(2) it is GFP(2) (lambda(em) approximately 515 nm). It is not clear from previous studies which of these systems has superior signal-to-background characteristics. Here we directly compared BRET(1) and BRET(2) by placing two different protease-specific cleavage sequences between the donor and acceptor domains. The intact proteins simulate protein-protein association. Proteolytic cleavage of the peptide linker simulates protein dissociation and can be detected as a change in the BRET ratios. Complete cleavage of its target sequence by thrombin changed the BRET(2) ratio by a factor of 28.9+/-0.2 (relative standard deviation [RSD], n=3) and changed the BRET(1) ratio by a factor of 3.05+/-0.07. Complete cleavage of a caspase-3 target sequence resulted in the BRET ratio changes by factors of 15.45+/-0.08 for BRET(2) and 2.00+/-0.04 for BRET(1). The BRET(2) assay for thrombin was 2.9 times more sensitive compared with the BRET(1) version. Calculated detection limits (blank signal+3sigma(b), where sigma(b)=standard deviation [SD] of blank signal) were 53 pM (0.002 U) thrombin with BRET(1) and 15 pM (0.0005 U) thrombin with BRET(2). The results presented here suggest that BRET(2) is a more suitable system than BRET(1) for studying protein-protein interactions and as a potential sensor for monitoring protease activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen Dacres
- Food Futures Flagship, CSIRO Entomology, Canberra, ACT, Australia.
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