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Singleton S, Dieterle C, Walker DJ, Runeberg T, Oswald AS, Rosenqvist G, Robertson L, McCarthy T, Sarkar S, Baptista-Hon D, Hales TG. Activation of μ receptors by SR-17018 through a distinctive mechanism. Neuropharmacology 2024; 258:110093. [PMID: 39067665 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2024.110093] [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: 01/17/2024] [Revised: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 07/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
Agonists at μ opioid receptors relieve acute pain, however, their long-term use is limited by side effects, which may involve β-arrestin2. Agonists biased against β-arrestin2 recruitment may be advantageous. However, the classification of bias may be compromised by assays utilising overexpressed μ receptors which overestimate efficacy for G-protein activation. There is a need for re-evaluation with restricted receptor availability to determine accurate agonist efficacies. We depleted μ receptor availability in PathHunter CHO cells using the irreversible antagonist, β-funaltrexamine (β-FNA), and compared efficacies and apparent potencies of twelve agonists, including several previously reported as biased, in β-arrestin2 recruitment and cAMP assays. With full receptor availability all agonists had partial efficacy for stimulating β-arrestin2 recruitment relative to DAMGO, while only TRV130 and buprenorphine were partial agonists as inhibitors of cAMP accumulation. Limiting receptor availability by prior exposure to β-FNA (100 nM) revealed morphine, oxycodone, PZM21, herkinorin, U47700, tianeptine and U47931e are also partial agonists in the cAMP assay. The efficacies of all agonists, except SR-17018, correlated between β-arrestin2 recruitment and cAMP assays, with depleted receptor availability in the latter. Furthermore, naloxone and cyprodime exhibited non-competitive antagonism of SR-17018 in the β-arrestin2 recruitment assay. Limited antagonism by naloxone was also non-competitive in the cAMP assay, while cyprodime was competitive. Furthermore, SR-17018 only negligibly diminished β-arrestin2 recruitment stimulated by DAMGO (1 μM), whereas fentanyl, morphine and TRV130 all exhibited the anticipated competitive inhibition. The data suggest that SR-17018 achieves bias against β-arrestin2 recruitment through interactions with μ receptors outside the orthosteric agonist site. This article is part of the Special Issue on "Ligand Bias".
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Singleton
- Institute of Academic Anaesthesia, Division of Systems Medicine, School of Medicine, Ninewells Hospital, University of Dundee, Dundee, DD1 9SY, UK
| | - Clara Dieterle
- Institute of Academic Anaesthesia, Division of Systems Medicine, School of Medicine, Ninewells Hospital, University of Dundee, Dundee, DD1 9SY, UK
| | - David J Walker
- Institute of Academic Anaesthesia, Division of Systems Medicine, School of Medicine, Ninewells Hospital, University of Dundee, Dundee, DD1 9SY, UK
| | - Tyko Runeberg
- Institute of Academic Anaesthesia, Division of Systems Medicine, School of Medicine, Ninewells Hospital, University of Dundee, Dundee, DD1 9SY, UK
| | - Andrew S Oswald
- Institute of Academic Anaesthesia, Division of Systems Medicine, School of Medicine, Ninewells Hospital, University of Dundee, Dundee, DD1 9SY, UK
| | - Greta Rosenqvist
- Institute of Academic Anaesthesia, Division of Systems Medicine, School of Medicine, Ninewells Hospital, University of Dundee, Dundee, DD1 9SY, UK; Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Laura Robertson
- Institute of Academic Anaesthesia, Division of Systems Medicine, School of Medicine, Ninewells Hospital, University of Dundee, Dundee, DD1 9SY, UK
| | - Taylor McCarthy
- Institute of Academic Anaesthesia, Division of Systems Medicine, School of Medicine, Ninewells Hospital, University of Dundee, Dundee, DD1 9SY, UK
| | - Shuvam Sarkar
- Institute of Academic Anaesthesia, Division of Systems Medicine, School of Medicine, Ninewells Hospital, University of Dundee, Dundee, DD1 9SY, UK
| | - Daniel Baptista-Hon
- Institute of Academic Anaesthesia, Division of Systems Medicine, School of Medicine, Ninewells Hospital, University of Dundee, Dundee, DD1 9SY, UK; Faculty of Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau SAR, China
| | - Tim G Hales
- Institute of Academic Anaesthesia, Division of Systems Medicine, School of Medicine, Ninewells Hospital, University of Dundee, Dundee, DD1 9SY, UK.
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2
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Qi M, Chen TT, Li L, Gao PP, Li N, Zhang SH, Wei W, Sun WY. Insight into the regulatory mechanism of β-arrestin2 and its emerging role in diseases. Br J Pharmacol 2024; 181:3019-3038. [PMID: 38961617 DOI: 10.1111/bph.16488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2024] [Revised: 05/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024] Open
Abstract
β-arrestin2, a member of the arrestin family, mediates the desensitization and internalization of most G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) and functions as a scaffold protein in signalling pathways. Previous studies have demonstrated that β-arrestin2 expression is dysregulated in malignant tumours, fibrotic diseases, cardiovascular diseases and metabolic diseases, suggesting its pathological roles. Transcription and post-transcriptional modifications can affect the expression of β-arrestin2. Furthermore, post-translational modifications, such as phosphorylation, ubiquitination, SUMOylation and S-nitrosylation affect the cellular localization of β-arrestin2 and its interaction with downstream signalling molecules, which further regulate the activity of β-arrestin2. This review summarizes the structure and function of β-arrestin2 and reveals the mechanisms involved in the regulation of β-arrestin2 at multiple levels. Additionally, recent studies on the role of β-arrestin2 in some major diseases and its therapeutic prospects have been discussed to provide a reference for the development of drugs targeting β-arrestin2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Qi
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Ministry of Education, Anhui Collaborative Innovation Center of Anhui-inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Ting-Ting Chen
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Ministry of Education, Anhui Collaborative Innovation Center of Anhui-inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Ling Li
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Ministry of Education, Anhui Collaborative Innovation Center of Anhui-inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Ping-Ping Gao
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Ministry of Education, Anhui Collaborative Innovation Center of Anhui-inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Nan Li
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Ministry of Education, Anhui Collaborative Innovation Center of Anhui-inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Shi-Hao Zhang
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Ministry of Education, Anhui Collaborative Innovation Center of Anhui-inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Wei Wei
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Ministry of Education, Anhui Collaborative Innovation Center of Anhui-inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Wu-Yi Sun
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Ministry of Education, Anhui Collaborative Innovation Center of Anhui-inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Hefei, China
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3
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Su LY, Jiao L, Liu Q, Qiao X, Xie T, Ma Z, Xu M, Ye MS, Yang LX, Chen C, Yao YG. S-nitrosoglutathione reductase alleviates morphine analgesic tolerance by restricting PKCα S-nitrosation. Redox Biol 2024; 75:103239. [PMID: 38901102 PMCID: PMC11253161 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2024.103239] [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: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Morphine, a typical opiate, is widely used for controlling pain but can lead to various side effects with long-term use, including addiction, analgesic tolerance, and hyperalgesia. At present, however, the mechanisms underlying the development of morphine analgesic tolerance are not fully understood. This tolerance is influenced by various opioid receptor and kinase protein modifications, such as phosphorylation and ubiquitination. Here, we established a murine morphine tolerance model to investigate whether and how S-nitrosoglutathione reductase (GSNOR) is involved in morphine tolerance. Repeated administration of morphine resulted in the down-regulation of GSNOR, which increased excessive total protein S-nitrosation in the prefrontal cortex. Knockout or chemical inhibition of GSNOR promoted the development of morphine analgesic tolerance and neuron-specific overexpression of GSNOR alleviated morphine analgesic tolerance. Mechanistically, GSNOR deficiency enhanced S-nitrosation of cellular protein kinase alpha (PKCα) at the Cys78 and Cys132 sites, leading to inhibition of PKCα kinase activity, which ultimately promoted the development of morphine analgesic tolerance. Our study highlighted the significant role of GSNOR as a key regulator of PKCα S-nitrosation and its involvement in morphine analgesic tolerance, thus providing a potential therapeutic target for morphine tolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling-Yan Su
- Key Laboratory of Genetic Evolution and Animal Models of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yunnan Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms, and KIZ-CUHK Joint Laboratory of Bioresources and Molecular Research in Common Diseases, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan, 650204, China; College of Food Science and Technology, and Yunnan Key Laboratory of Precision Nutrition and Personalized Food Manufacturing, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, Yunnan, 650201, China
| | - Lijin Jiao
- Key Laboratory of Genetic Evolution and Animal Models of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yunnan Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms, and KIZ-CUHK Joint Laboratory of Bioresources and Molecular Research in Common Diseases, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan, 650204, China
| | - Qianjin Liu
- Key Laboratory of Genetic Evolution and Animal Models of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yunnan Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms, and KIZ-CUHK Joint Laboratory of Bioresources and Molecular Research in Common Diseases, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan, 650204, China; Kunming College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan, 650204, China
| | - Xinhua Qiao
- Key Laboratory of Biomacromolecules (CAS), National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Ting Xie
- Key Laboratory of Biomacromolecules (CAS), National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Zhiyu Ma
- Key Laboratory of Genetic Evolution and Animal Models of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yunnan Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms, and KIZ-CUHK Joint Laboratory of Bioresources and Molecular Research in Common Diseases, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan, 650204, China; Kunming College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan, 650204, China
| | - Min Xu
- Key Laboratory of Genetic Evolution and Animal Models of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yunnan Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms, and KIZ-CUHK Joint Laboratory of Bioresources and Molecular Research in Common Diseases, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan, 650204, China; Kunming College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan, 650204, China
| | - Mao-Sen Ye
- Key Laboratory of Genetic Evolution and Animal Models of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yunnan Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms, and KIZ-CUHK Joint Laboratory of Bioresources and Molecular Research in Common Diseases, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan, 650204, China
| | - Lu-Xiu Yang
- Key Laboratory of Genetic Evolution and Animal Models of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yunnan Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms, and KIZ-CUHK Joint Laboratory of Bioresources and Molecular Research in Common Diseases, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan, 650204, China
| | - Chang Chen
- Key Laboratory of Biomacromolecules (CAS), National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.
| | - Yong-Gang Yao
- Key Laboratory of Genetic Evolution and Animal Models of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yunnan Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms, and KIZ-CUHK Joint Laboratory of Bioresources and Molecular Research in Common Diseases, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan, 650204, China; Kunming College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan, 650204, China; National Research Facility for Phenotypic & Genetic Analysis of Model Animals (Primate Facility), National Resource Center for Non-Human Primates, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan, 650107, China.
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4
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Chrószcz M, Hajto J, Misiołek K, Szumiec Ł, Ziemiańska M, Radlicka-Borysewska A, Borczyk M, Zięba M, Gołda S, Siwiec M, Ziółkowska B, Piechota M, Korostyński M, Rodriguez Parkitna J. μ-Opioid receptor transcriptional variants in the murine forebrain and spinal cord. Gene 2024; 932:148890. [PMID: 39187136 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2024.148890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2024] [Revised: 08/14/2024] [Accepted: 08/22/2024] [Indexed: 08/28/2024]
Abstract
Oprm1, the gene encoding the μ-opioid receptor, has multiple reported transcripts, with a variable 3' region and many alternative sequences encoding the C-terminus of the protein. The functional implications of this variability remain mostly unexplored, though a recurring notion is that it could be exploited by developing selective ligands with improved clinical profiles. Here, we comprehensively examined Oprm1 transcriptional variants in the murine central nervous system, using long-read RNAseq as well as spatial and single-cell transcriptomics. The results were validated with RNAscope in situ hybridization. We found a mismatch between transcripts annotated in the mouse genome (GRCm38/mm10) and the RNA-seq results. Sequencing data indicated that the primary Oprm1 transcript has a 3' terminus located on chr10:6,860,027, which is ∼ 9.5 kilobases downstream of the longest annotated exon 4 end. Long-read sequencing confirmed that the final Oprm1 exon included a 10.2 kilobase long 3' untranslated region, and the presence of the long variant was unambiguously confirmed using RNAscope in situ hybridization in the thalamus, striatum, cortex and spinal cord. Conversely, expression of the Oprm1 reference transcript or alternative transcripts of the Oprm1 gene was absent or close to the detection limit. Thus, the primary transcript of the Oprm1 mouse gene is a variant with a long 3' untranslated region, which is homologous to the human OPRM1 primary transcript and encodes the same conserved C-terminal amino acid sequence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Chrószcz
- Department of Molecular Neuropharmacology, Maj Institute of Pharmacology Polish Academy of Sciences, Krakow, Poland
| | - Jacek Hajto
- Laboratory of Pharmacogenomics, Maj Institute of Pharmacology Polish Academy of Sciences, Krakow, Poland
| | - Klaudia Misiołek
- Department of Molecular Neuropharmacology, Maj Institute of Pharmacology Polish Academy of Sciences, Krakow, Poland
| | - Łukasz Szumiec
- Department of Molecular Neuropharmacology, Maj Institute of Pharmacology Polish Academy of Sciences, Krakow, Poland
| | - Magdalena Ziemiańska
- Department of Molecular Neuropharmacology, Maj Institute of Pharmacology Polish Academy of Sciences, Krakow, Poland
| | - Anna Radlicka-Borysewska
- Department of Molecular Neuropharmacology, Maj Institute of Pharmacology Polish Academy of Sciences, Krakow, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Borczyk
- Laboratory of Pharmacogenomics, Maj Institute of Pharmacology Polish Academy of Sciences, Krakow, Poland
| | - Mateusz Zięba
- Laboratory of Pharmacogenomics, Maj Institute of Pharmacology Polish Academy of Sciences, Krakow, Poland
| | - Sławomir Gołda
- Department of Molecular Neuropharmacology, Maj Institute of Pharmacology Polish Academy of Sciences, Krakow, Poland
| | - Marcin Siwiec
- Department of Physiology, Maj Institute of Pharmacology Polish Academy of Sciences, Krakow, Poland
| | - Barbara Ziółkowska
- Department of Molecular Neuropharmacology, Maj Institute of Pharmacology Polish Academy of Sciences, Krakow, Poland
| | - Marcin Piechota
- Laboratory of Pharmacogenomics, Maj Institute of Pharmacology Polish Academy of Sciences, Krakow, Poland
| | - Michał Korostyński
- Laboratory of Pharmacogenomics, Maj Institute of Pharmacology Polish Academy of Sciences, Krakow, Poland
| | - Jan Rodriguez Parkitna
- Department of Molecular Neuropharmacology, Maj Institute of Pharmacology Polish Academy of Sciences, Krakow, Poland.
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5
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Underwood O, Fritzwanker S, Glenn J, Blum NK, Batista-Gondin A, Drube J, Hoffmann C, Briddon SJ, Schulz S, Canals M. Key phosphorylation sites for robust β-arrestin2 binding at the MOR revisited. Commun Biol 2024; 7:933. [PMID: 39095612 PMCID: PMC11297201 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-06571-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Desensitisation of the mu-opioid receptor (MOR) is proposed to underlie the initiation of opioid analgesic tolerance and previous work has shown that agonist-induced phosphorylation of the MOR C-tail contributes to this desensitisation. Moreover, phosphorylation is important for β-arrestin recruitment to the receptor, and ligands of different efficacies induce distinct phosphorylation barcodes. The C-tail 370TREHPSTANT379 motif harbours Ser/Thr residues important for these regulatory functions. 375Ser is the primary phosphorylation site of a ligand-dependent, hierarchical, and sequential process, whereby flanking 370Thr, 376Thr and 379Thr get subsequently and rapidly phosphorylated. Here we used GRK KO cells, phosphosite specific antibodies and site-directed mutagenesis to evaluate the contribution of the different GRK subfamilies to ligand-induced phosphorylation barcodes and β-arrestin2 recruitment. We show that both GRK2/3 and GRK5/6 subfamilies promote phosphorylation of 370Thr and 375Ser. Importantly, only GRK2/3 induce phosphorylation of 376Thr and 379Thr, and we identify these residues as key sites to promote robust β-arrestin recruitment to the MOR. These data provide insight into the mechanisms of MOR regulation and suggest that the cellular complement of GRK subfamilies plays an important role in determining the tissue responses of opioid agonists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Owen Underwood
- Division of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, Queen's Medical Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
- Centre of Membrane Proteins and Receptors (COMPARE), Universities of Nottingham and Birmingham, Birmingham, Midlands, UK
| | - Sebastian Fritzwanker
- Institut für Pharmakologie und Toxikologie, Universitätsklinikum Jena, Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Jaqueline Glenn
- Division of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, Queen's Medical Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
- Centre of Membrane Proteins and Receptors (COMPARE), Universities of Nottingham and Birmingham, Birmingham, Midlands, UK
| | - Nina Kathleen Blum
- Institut für Pharmakologie und Toxikologie, Universitätsklinikum Jena, Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Arisbel Batista-Gondin
- Drug Discovery Biology Theme, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Victoria, Australia
| | - Julia Drube
- Institut fur Molekulare Zellbiologie, CMB - Center for Molecular Biomedicine, Universitätsklinikum Jena, Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Carsten Hoffmann
- Institut fur Molekulare Zellbiologie, CMB - Center for Molecular Biomedicine, Universitätsklinikum Jena, Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Stephen J Briddon
- Division of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, Queen's Medical Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
- Centre of Membrane Proteins and Receptors (COMPARE), Universities of Nottingham and Birmingham, Birmingham, Midlands, UK
| | - Stefan Schulz
- Institut für Pharmakologie und Toxikologie, Universitätsklinikum Jena, Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena, Jena, Germany
- 7TM Antibodies GmbH, Hans-Knöll-Straße 6, D-07745, Jena, Germany
| | - Meritxell Canals
- Division of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, Queen's Medical Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK.
- Centre of Membrane Proteins and Receptors (COMPARE), Universities of Nottingham and Birmingham, Birmingham, Midlands, UK.
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6
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Yao C, Fang X, Ru Q, Li W, Li J, Mehsein Z, Tolias KF, Li L. Tiam1-mediated maladaptive plasticity underlying morphine tolerance and hyperalgesia. Brain 2024; 147:2507-2521. [PMID: 38577773 PMCID: PMC11224607 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awae106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 03/16/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Opioid pain medications, such as morphine, remain the mainstay for treating severe and chronic pain. Prolonged morphine use, however, triggers analgesic tolerance and hyperalgesia (OIH), which can last for a long period after morphine withdrawal. How morphine induces these detrimental side effects remains unclear. Here, we show that morphine tolerance and OIH are mediated by Tiam1-coordinated synaptic structural and functional plasticity in the spinal nociceptive network. Tiam1 is a Rac1 GTPase guanine nucleotide exchange factor that promotes excitatory synaptogenesis by modulating actin cytoskeletal dynamics. We found that prolonged morphine treatment activated Tiam1 in the spinal dorsal horn and Tiam1 ablation from spinal neurons eliminated morphine antinociceptive tolerance and OIH. At the same time, the pharmacological blockade of Tiam1-Rac1 signalling prevented the development and reserved the established tolerance and OIH. Prolonged morphine treatment increased dendritic spine density and synaptic NMDA receptor activity in spinal dorsal horn neurons, both of which required Tiam1. Furthermore, co-administration of the Tiam1 signalling inhibitor NSC23766 was sufficient to abrogate morphine tolerance in chronic pain management. These findings identify Tiam1-mediated maladaptive plasticity in the spinal nociceptive network as an underlying cause for the development and maintenance of morphine tolerance and OIH and provide a promising therapeutic target to reduce tolerance and prolong morphine use in chronic pain management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changqun Yao
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35025, USA
| | - Xing Fang
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Qin Ru
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Health and Kinesiology, School of Physical Education, Jianghan University, Wuhan 430056, China
| | - Wei Li
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35025, USA
| | - Jun Li
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35025, USA
| | - Zeinab Mehsein
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35025, USA
| | - Kimberley F Tolias
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Verna and Marrs McLean Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Lingyong Li
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35025, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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7
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Ni Y, Huang R, Yang S, Yang XY, Zeng S, Yao A, Huang J, Yang G. Pharmacokinetics and Safety of Oliceridine Fumarate Injection in Chinese Patients with Chronic Non-Cancer Pain: A Phase I, Single-Ascending-Dose, Open-Label Clinical Trial. Drug Des Devel Ther 2024; 18:2729-2743. [PMID: 38974123 PMCID: PMC11227858 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s461416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Oliceridine is a novel G protein-biased ligand μ-opioid receptor agonist. This study aimed to assess the pharmacokinetics and safety profile of single-ascending doses of oliceridine fumarate injection in Chinese patients with chronic non-cancer pain. Methods Conducted as a single-center, open-label trial, this study administered single doses of 0.75, 1.5, and 3.0 mg to 32 adult participants. The trial was conducted in two parts. First, we conducted a preliminary test comprising the administration of a single dose of 0.75mg to 2 participants. Then, we conducted the main trial involving intravenous administration of escalating doses of oliceridine fumarate (0.75 to 3 mg) to 30 participants. Pharmacokinetic (PK) parameters were derived using non-compartmental analysis. Additionally, the safety evaluation encompassed the monitoring of adverse events (AEs). Results 32 participants were included in the PK and safety analyses. Following a 2-min intravenous infusion of oliceridine fumarate injection (0.75, 1.5, or 3 mg), Cmax and Tmax ranged from 51.293 to 81.914 ng/mL and 0.034 to 0.083 h, respectively. AUC0-t and half-life (t1/2) increased more than proportionally with dosage (1.85-2.084 h). Treatment emergent adverse events (TEAEs) were found to be consistent with the commonly reported adverse effects of opioids, both post-administration and as documented in the original trials conducted in the United States. Critically, no serious adverse events were observed. Conclusion Oliceridine demonstrated comparable PK parameters and a consistent PK profile in the Chinese population, in line with the PK results observed in the original trials conducted in the United States. Oliceridine was safe and well tolerated in Chinese patients with chronic non-cancer pain at doses ranging from 0.75 mg to 3.0 mg. Trial Registration The trial is registered at chictr.org.cn (ChiCTR2100047180).
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuncheng Ni
- Department of Pain, The Third Xiangya Hospital and Institute of Pain Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410013, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ranglang Huang
- Department of General Surgery, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410013, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shuang Yang
- Center of Clinical Pharmacology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410013, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiao Yan Yang
- Center of Clinical Pharmacology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410013, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shan Zeng
- Center of Clinical Pharmacology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410013, People’s Republic of China
| | - An Yao
- Center of Clinical Pharmacology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410013, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jie Huang
- Center of Clinical Pharmacology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410013, People’s Republic of China
| | - Guoping Yang
- Center of Clinical Pharmacology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410013, People’s Republic of China
- Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410013, People’s Republic of China
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8
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Vu LY, Luo D, Johnson K, Denehy ED, Songrady JC, Martin J, Trivedi R, Alsum AR, Shaykin JD, Chaudhary CL, Woloshin EJ, Kornberger L, Bhuiyan N, Parkin S, Jiang Q, Che T, Alilain W, Turner JR, Bardo MT, Prisinzano TE. Searching for Synthetic Opioid Rescue Agents: Identification of a Potent Opioid Agonist with Reduced Respiratory Depression. J Med Chem 2024; 67:9173-9193. [PMID: 38810170 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.4c00333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
While in the process of designing more effective synthetic opioid rescue agents, we serendipitously identified a new chemotype of potent synthetic opioid. Here, we report that conformational constraint of a piperazine ring converts a mu opioid receptor (MOR) antagonist into a potent MOR agonist. The prototype of the series, which we have termed atoxifent (2), possesses potent in vitro agonist activity. In mice, atoxifent displayed long-lasting antinociception that was reversible with naltrexone. Repeated dosing of atoxifent produced antinociceptive tolerance and a level of withdrawal like that of fentanyl. In rats, while atoxifent produced complete loss of locomotor activity like fentanyl, it failed to produce deep respiratory depression associated with fentanyl-induced lethality. Assessment of brain biodistribution demonstrated ample distribution of atoxifent into the brain with a Tmax of approximately 0.25 h. These results indicate enhanced safety for atoxifent-like molecules compared to fentanyl.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loan Y Vu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40506, United States
| | - Dan Luo
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40506, United States
- Center for Pharmaceutical Research and Innovation, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40506, United States
| | - Kai Johnson
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40506, United States
| | - Emily D Denehy
- Department of Psychology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40536, United States
| | - Judy C Songrady
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40506, United States
| | - Jocelyn Martin
- Department of Psychology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40536, United States
| | - Riya Trivedi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40506, United States
| | - Alexia R Alsum
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40506, United States
| | - Jakob D Shaykin
- Department of Psychology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40536, United States
| | - Chhabi Lal Chaudhary
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40506, United States
- Center for Pharmaceutical Research and Innovation, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40506, United States
| | - Eric J Woloshin
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40506, United States
| | - Lindsay Kornberger
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40506, United States
| | - Nazmul Bhuiyan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40506, United States
- Center for Pharmaceutical Research and Innovation, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40506, United States
| | - Sean Parkin
- Department of Chemistry, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40506, United States
| | - Qianru Jiang
- Center for Clinical Pharmacology, University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy and Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, United States
| | - Tao Che
- Center for Clinical Pharmacology, University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy and Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, United States
| | - Warren Alilain
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Center (SCoBIRC), College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40536, United States
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40536, United States
| | - Jill R Turner
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40506, United States
| | - Michael T Bardo
- Department of Psychology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40536, United States
| | - Thomas E Prisinzano
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40506, United States
- Center for Pharmaceutical Research and Innovation, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40506, United States
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9
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Gong Z, Xue Q, Luo Y, Yu B, Hua B, Liu Z. The interplay between the microbiota and opioid in the treatment of neuropathic pain. Front Microbiol 2024; 15:1390046. [PMID: 38919504 PMCID: PMC11197152 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1390046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Neuropathic pain (NP) is characterized by its complex and multifactorial nature and limited responses to opioid therapy; NP is associated with risks of drug resistance, addiction, difficulty in treatment cessation, and psychological disorders. Emerging research on gut microbiota and their metabolites has demonstrated their effectiveness in alleviating NP and augmenting opioid-based pain management, concurrently mitigating the adverse effects of opioids. This review addresses the following key points: (1) the current advances in gut microbiota research and the challenges in using opioids to treat NP, (2) the reciprocal effects and benefits of gut microbiota on NP, and (3) the interaction between opioids with gut microbiota, as well as the benefits of gut microbiota in opioid-based treatment of NP. Through various intricate mechanisms, gut microbiota influences the onset and progression of NP, ultimately enhancing the efficacy of opioids in the management of NP. These insights pave the way for further pragmatic clinical research, ultimately enhancing the efficacy of opioid-based pain management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zexiong Gong
- Department of Anesthesiology, Health Science Center, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital/The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Qingsheng Xue
- Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yan Luo
- Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Buwei Yu
- Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Bo Hua
- Department of Anesthesiology, Health Science Center, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital/The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Zhiheng Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Health Science Center, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital/The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
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10
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Cao B, Xu Q, Shi Y, Zhao R, Li H, Zheng J, Liu F, Wan Y, Wei B. Pathology of pain and its implications for therapeutic interventions. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:155. [PMID: 38851750 PMCID: PMC11162504 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-024-01845-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Pain is estimated to affect more than 20% of the global population, imposing incalculable health and economic burdens. Effective pain management is crucial for individuals suffering from pain. However, the current methods for pain assessment and treatment fall short of clinical needs. Benefiting from advances in neuroscience and biotechnology, the neuronal circuits and molecular mechanisms critically involved in pain modulation have been elucidated. These research achievements have incited progress in identifying new diagnostic and therapeutic targets. In this review, we first introduce fundamental knowledge about pain, setting the stage for the subsequent contents. The review next delves into the molecular mechanisms underlying pain disorders, including gene mutation, epigenetic modification, posttranslational modification, inflammasome, signaling pathways and microbiota. To better present a comprehensive view of pain research, two prominent issues, sexual dimorphism and pain comorbidities, are discussed in detail based on current findings. The status quo of pain evaluation and manipulation is summarized. A series of improved and innovative pain management strategies, such as gene therapy, monoclonal antibody, brain-computer interface and microbial intervention, are making strides towards clinical application. We highlight existing limitations and future directions for enhancing the quality of preclinical and clinical research. Efforts to decipher the complexities of pain pathology will be instrumental in translating scientific discoveries into clinical practice, thereby improving pain management from bench to bedside.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Cao
- Department of General Surgery, First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Qixuan Xu
- Department of General Surgery, First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853, China
- Medical School of Chinese PLA, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Yajiao Shi
- Neuroscience Research Institute and Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Key Laboratory for Neuroscience, Ministry of Education/National Health Commission, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Ruiyang Zhao
- Department of General Surgery, First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853, China
- Medical School of Chinese PLA, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Hanghang Li
- Department of General Surgery, First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853, China
- Medical School of Chinese PLA, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Jie Zheng
- Neuroscience Research Institute and Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Key Laboratory for Neuroscience, Ministry of Education/National Health Commission, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Fengyu Liu
- Neuroscience Research Institute and Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Key Laboratory for Neuroscience, Ministry of Education/National Health Commission, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China.
| | - You Wan
- Neuroscience Research Institute and Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Key Laboratory for Neuroscience, Ministry of Education/National Health Commission, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China.
| | - Bo Wei
- Department of General Surgery, First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853, China.
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11
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Cui D, Zhang Y, Zhang M. The effect of cannabinoid type 2 receptor agonist on morphine tolerance. IBRO Neurosci Rep 2024; 16:43-50. [PMID: 38145173 PMCID: PMC10733637 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibneur.2023.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Pain highly impacts the quality of life of patients. Morphine is used for pain treatment; however, its side effects, especially morphine tolerance, limit its use in the clinic. The problem of morphine tolerance has plagued health workers and patients for years. Unfortunately, the exact mechanism of morphine tolerance has not been fully clarified. The mechanisms of morphine tolerance that are currently being studied may include μ-opioid receptor (MOR) desensitization and internalization, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway activation and crosstalk, the effects of microglia and the increase in inflammatory factors. Morphine tolerance can be alleviated by improving the pathophysiological changes that lead to morphine tolerance. Previous studies have shown that a cannabinoid type 2 (CB2) receptor agonist could attenuate morphine tolerance in a variety of animal models. Many studies have shown an interaction between the cannabinoid system and the opioid system. The CB2 receptor may modulate the effect of morphine through a pathway that is common to the MOR, since both receptors are G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). This study introduces the potential mechanism of morphine tolerance and the effect of CB2 receptor agonists on reducing morphine tolerance, which can provide new ideas for researchers studying morphine and provide beneficial effects for patients suffering from morphine tolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Di Cui
- Department of Anesthesiology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, China
| | - Yuanyuan Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, China
| | - Mingyue Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, China
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12
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Conibear A, Bailey CP, Kelly E. Biased signalling in analgesic research and development. Curr Opin Pharmacol 2024; 76:102465. [PMID: 38830321 DOI: 10.1016/j.coph.2024.102465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Revised: 05/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
Ligand bias offers a novel means to improve the therapeutic profile of drugs. With regard to G protein-coupled receptors involved in analgesia, it could be advantageous to develop such drugs if the analgesic effect is mediated by a different cellular signalling pathway than the adverse effects associated with the drug. Whilst this has been explored over a number of years for the μ receptor, it remains unclear whether this approach offers significant benefit for the treatment of pain. Nevertheless, the development of biased ligands at other G protein-coupled receptors in the CNS does offer some promise for the development of novel analgesic drugs in the future. Here we summarise and discuss the recent evidence to support this.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Conibear
- School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Biomedical Sciences Building, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK
| | - Chris P Bailey
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath BA2 7AY, UK
| | - Eamonn Kelly
- School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Biomedical Sciences Building, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK.
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13
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Zhao J, Elgeti M, O'Brien ES, Sár CP, Ei Daibani A, Heng J, Sun X, White E, Che T, Hubbell WL, Kobilka BK, Chen C. Ligand efficacy modulates conformational dynamics of the µ-opioid receptor. Nature 2024; 629:474-480. [PMID: 38600384 PMCID: PMC11078757 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-024-07295-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
The µ-opioid receptor (µOR) is an important target for pain management1 and molecular understanding of drug action on µOR will facilitate the development of better therapeutics. Here we show, using double electron-electron resonance and single-molecule fluorescence resonance energy transfer, how ligand-specific conformational changes of µOR translate into a broad range of intrinsic efficacies at the transducer level. We identify several conformations of the cytoplasmic face of the receptor that interconvert on different timescales, including a pre-activated conformation that is capable of G-protein binding, and a fully activated conformation that markedly reduces GDP affinity within the ternary complex. Interaction of β-arrestin-1 with the μOR core binding site appears less specific and occurs with much lower affinity than binding of Gi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiawei Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Beijing Frontier Research Center for Biological Structure, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
- Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Sciences, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
- School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Matthias Elgeti
- Jules Stein Eye Institute and Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
- Institute for Drug Discovery, University of Leipzig Medical Center, Leipzig, Germany.
| | - Evan S O'Brien
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Cecília P Sár
- Institute of Organic and Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Amal Ei Daibani
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Jie Heng
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Beijing Frontier Research Center for Biological Structure, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
- Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Sciences, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoou Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Beijing Frontier Research Center for Biological Structure, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
- Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Sciences, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Elizabeth White
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Tao Che
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Wayne L Hubbell
- Jules Stein Eye Institute and Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Brian K Kobilka
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.
| | - Chunlai Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Beijing Frontier Research Center for Biological Structure, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.
- School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.
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14
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De Neve J, Elhabazi K, Gonzalez S, Herby C, Schneider S, Utard V, Fellmann-Clauss R, Petit-Demouliere N, Lecat S, Kremer M, Ces A, Daubeuf F, Martin C, Ballet S, Bihel F, Simonin F. Multitarget μ-Opioid Receptor Agonists─Neuropeptide FF Receptor Antagonists Induce Potent Antinociception with Reduced Adverse Side Effects. J Med Chem 2024. [PMID: 38687204 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.4c00442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
The design of bifunctional compounds is a promising approach toward the development of strong analgesics with reduced side effects. We here report the optimization of the previously published lead peptide KGFF09, which contains opioid receptor agonist and neuropeptide FF receptor antagonist pharmacophores and is shown to induce potent antinociception and reduced side effects. We evaluated the novel hybrid peptides for their in vitro activity at MOP, NPFFR1, and NPFFR2 and selected four of them (DP08/14/32/50) for assessment of their acute antinociceptive activity in mice. We further selected DP32 and DP50 and observed that their antinociceptive activity is mostly peripherally mediated; they produced no respiratory depression, no hyperalgesia, significantly less tolerance, and strongly attenuated withdrawal syndrome, as compared to morphine and the recently FDA-approved TRV130. Overall, these data suggest that MOP agonist/NPFF receptor antagonist hybrids might represent an interesting strategy to develop novel analgesics with reduced side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jolien De Neve
- Research Group of Organic Chemistry, Departments of Chemistry and Bioengineering Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Khadija Elhabazi
- Biotechnologie et Signalisation Cellulaire, UMR 7242, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université de Strasbourg, 67400 Illkirch, France
| | - Simon Gonzalez
- Research Group of Organic Chemistry, Departments of Chemistry and Bioengineering Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Claire Herby
- Laboratoire d'Innovation Thérapeutique, Faculté de Pharmacie, UMR 7200, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université de Strasbourg, 67400 Illkirch, France
| | - Séverine Schneider
- Laboratoire d'Innovation Thérapeutique, Faculté de Pharmacie, UMR 7200, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université de Strasbourg, 67400 Illkirch, France
| | - Valérie Utard
- Biotechnologie et Signalisation Cellulaire, UMR 7242, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université de Strasbourg, 67400 Illkirch, France
| | - Rosine Fellmann-Clauss
- Biotechnologie et Signalisation Cellulaire, UMR 7242, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université de Strasbourg, 67400 Illkirch, France
| | - Nathalie Petit-Demouliere
- Biotechnologie et Signalisation Cellulaire, UMR 7242, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université de Strasbourg, 67400 Illkirch, France
| | - Sandra Lecat
- Biotechnologie et Signalisation Cellulaire, UMR 7242, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université de Strasbourg, 67400 Illkirch, France
| | - Mélanie Kremer
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université de Strasbourg, Institut des Neurosciences Cellulaires et Intégratives (INCI), 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Aurelia Ces
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université de Strasbourg, Institut des Neurosciences Cellulaires et Intégratives (INCI), 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - François Daubeuf
- Plateforme de Chimie Biologique Intégrative de Strasbourg, UAR 3286, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université de Strasbourg, 67400 Illkirch, France
| | - Charlotte Martin
- Research Group of Organic Chemistry, Departments of Chemistry and Bioengineering Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Steven Ballet
- Research Group of Organic Chemistry, Departments of Chemistry and Bioengineering Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Frédéric Bihel
- Laboratoire d'Innovation Thérapeutique, Faculté de Pharmacie, UMR 7200, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université de Strasbourg, 67400 Illkirch, France
| | - Frédéric Simonin
- Biotechnologie et Signalisation Cellulaire, UMR 7242, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université de Strasbourg, 67400 Illkirch, France
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15
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Kise R, Inoue A. GPCR signaling bias: an emerging framework for opioid drug development. J Biochem 2024; 175:367-376. [PMID: 38308136 DOI: 10.1093/jb/mvae013] [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: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Biased signaling, also known as functional selectivity, has emerged as an important concept in drug development targeting G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). Drugs that provoke biased signaling are expected to offer an opportunity for enhanced therapeutic effectiveness with minimized side effects. Opioid analgesics, whilst exerting potent pain-relieving effects, have become a social problem owing to their serious side effects. For the development of safer pain medications, there has been extensive exploration of agonists with a distinct balance of G-protein and β-arrestin (βarr) signaling. Recently, several approaches based on protein-protein interactions have been developed to precisely evaluate individual signal pathways, paving the way for the comprehensive analysis of biased signals. In this review, we describe an overview of bias signaling in opioid receptors, especially the μ-opioid receptor (MOR), and how to evaluate signaling bias in the GPCR field. We also discuss future directions for rational drug development through the integration of diverse signal datasets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryoji Kise
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University, 6-3, Aoba, Aramaki, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8578, Japan
| | - Asuka Inoue
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University, 6-3, Aoba, Aramaki, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8578, Japan
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16
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Gooding SW, Felth L, Foxall R, Rosa Z, Ireton K, Sall I, Gipoor J, Gaur A, King M, Dirks N, Whistler CA, Whistler JL. Deletion of arrestin-3 does not improve compulsive drug-seeking behavior in a longitudinal paradigm of oral morphine self-administration. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.03.30.534994. [PMID: 38562752 PMCID: PMC10983877 DOI: 10.1101/2023.03.30.534994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Opioid drugs are potent analgesics that mimic the endogenous opioid peptides, endorphins and enkephalins, by activating the μ-opioid receptor. Opioid use is limited by side effects, including significant risk of opioid use disorder. Improvement of the effect/side effect profile of opioid medications is a key pursuit of opioid research, yet there is no consensus on how to achieve this goal. One hypothesis is that the degree of arrestin-3 recruitment to the μ-opioid receptor impacts therapeutic utility. However, it is not clear whether increased or decreased interaction of the μ-opioid receptor with arrestin-3 would reduce compulsive drug-seeking. To examine this question, we utilized three genotypes of mice with varying abilities to recruit arrestin-3 to the μ-opioid receptor in response to morphine in a novel longitudinal operant self-administration model. We demonstrate that arrestin-3 knockout and wild type mice have highly variable drug-seeking behavior with few genotype differences. In contrast, in mice where the μ-opioid receptor strongly recruits arrestin-3, drug-seeking behavior is much less varied. We created a quantitative method to define compulsivity in drug-seeking and found that mice lacking arrestin-3 were more likely to meet the criteria for compulsivity whereas mice with enhanced arrestin-3 recruitment did not develop a compulsive phenotype. Our data suggest that opioids that engage both G protein and arrestin-3, recapitulating the endogenous signaling pattern, will reduce abuse liability.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lindsey Felth
- Center for Neuroscience, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Randi Foxall
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, & Biomedical Sciences, University of New Hampshire
| | - Zachary Rosa
- Center for Neuroscience, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Kyle Ireton
- Center for Neuroscience, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Izabella Sall
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, & Biomedical Sciences, University of New Hampshire
| | - Joshua Gipoor
- Center for Neuroscience, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Anirudh Gaur
- Center for Neuroscience, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Madeline King
- Center for Neuroscience, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Noah Dirks
- Center for Neuroscience, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Cheryl A Whistler
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, & Biomedical Sciences, University of New Hampshire
| | - Jennifer L Whistler
- Center for Neuroscience, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA, USA
- Department of Physiology and Membrane Biology, UC Davis School of Medicine, Davis, CA, USA
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17
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Janicot R, Maziarz M, Park JC, Zhao J, Luebbers A, Green E, Philibert CE, Zhang H, Layne MD, Wu JC, Garcia-Marcos M. Direct interrogation of context-dependent GPCR activity with a universal biosensor platform. Cell 2024; 187:1527-1546.e25. [PMID: 38412860 PMCID: PMC10947893 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2024.01.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are the largest family of druggable proteins encoded in the human genome, but progress in understanding and targeting them is hindered by the lack of tools to reliably measure their nuanced behavior in physiologically relevant contexts. Here, we developed a collection of compact ONE vector G-protein Optical (ONE-GO) biosensor constructs as a scalable platform that can be conveniently deployed to measure G-protein activation by virtually any GPCR with high fidelity even when expressed endogenously in primary cells. By characterizing dozens of GPCRs across many cell types like primary cardiovascular cells or neurons, we revealed insights into the molecular basis for G-protein coupling selectivity of GPCRs, pharmacogenomic profiles of anti-psychotics on naturally occurring GPCR variants, and G-protein subtype signaling bias by endogenous GPCRs depending on cell type or upon inducing disease-like states. In summary, this open-source platform makes the direct interrogation of context-dependent GPCR activity broadly accessible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Remi Janicot
- Department of Biochemistry & Cell Biology, Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston University, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Marcin Maziarz
- Department of Biochemistry & Cell Biology, Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston University, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Jong-Chan Park
- Department of Biochemistry & Cell Biology, Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston University, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Jingyi Zhao
- Department of Biochemistry & Cell Biology, Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston University, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Alex Luebbers
- Department of Biochemistry & Cell Biology, Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston University, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Elena Green
- Department of Biochemistry & Cell Biology, Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston University, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Clementine Eva Philibert
- Department of Biochemistry & Cell Biology, Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston University, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Hao Zhang
- Stanford Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Mathew D Layne
- Department of Biochemistry & Cell Biology, Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston University, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Joseph C Wu
- Stanford Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Mikel Garcia-Marcos
- Department of Biochemistry & Cell Biology, Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston University, Boston, MA 02118, USA; Department of Biology, College of Arts & Sciences, Boston University, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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18
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Xia J, Li X, Zhu H, Zhou X, Chen J, Li Q, Li S, Chu H, Dong M. The μ-opioid receptor-mediated G i/o protein and β-arrestin2 signaling pathways both contribute to morphine-induced side effects. Eur J Pharmacol 2024; 966:176333. [PMID: 38278466 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2024.176333] [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: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 12/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 01/28/2024]
Abstract
The μ-opioid receptor-biased agonist theory holds that Gio protein signaling mediates the analgesic effect of opioids and the related side effects via the β-arrestin2 signaling pathway. A series of μ-opioid-biased agonists have been developed in accordance with this theory, and the FDA has approved TRV130 (as a representative of biased agonists) for marketing. However, several reports have raised the issue of opioid side effects associated with the use of agonists. In this study, five permeable peptides were designed to emulate 11 S/T phosphorylation sites at the μ-opioid receptor (MOR) carboxyl-terminal. In vitro experiments were performed to detect the activation level of G proteins from the cAMP inhibition assay and the β-arrestin2 recruitment by the BRET assay. Designed peptides might effectively interfere with the activation of the Gio and β-arrestin2 pathways when combined with morphine. The resulting morphine-induced tolerance, respiratory inhibition, and constipation in mice showed that the β-arrestin2 pathway was responsible for morphine tolerance while the Gio signaling pathway was involved with respiratory depression and constipation and that these side effects were significantly related to phosphorylation sites S363 and T370. This study may provide new directions for the development of safer and more effective opioid analgesics, and the designed peptides may be an effective tool for exploring the mechanism by which μ-opioid receptors function, with the potential of reducing the side effects that are associated with clinical opioid treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Xia
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266003, Shandong, China; Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266021, China
| | - Xiaoyan Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266003, Shandong, China; Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266021, China
| | - Hongyu Zhu
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266003, Shandong, China; Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266021, China
| | - Xiaohui Zhou
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266003, Shandong, China; Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266021, China
| | - Ji Chen
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266021, China
| | - Qihong Li
- Department of Stomatology, The Fifth Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100071, China
| | - Shupeng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenomics, School of Chemical Biology and Biotechnology, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen, 518055, China.
| | - Haichen Chu
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266003, Shandong, China
| | - Mingxin Dong
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266021, China.
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19
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Gooding SW, Whistler JL. A Balancing Act: Learning from the Past to Build a Future-Focused Opioid Strategy. Annu Rev Physiol 2024; 86:1-25. [PMID: 38029388 PMCID: PMC10987332 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-physiol-042022-015914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
The harmful side effects of opioid drugs such as respiratory depression, tolerance, dependence, and abuse potential have limited the therapeutic utility of opioids for their entire clinical history. However, no previous attempt to develop effective pain drugs that substantially ameliorate these effects has succeeded, and the current opioid epidemic affirms that they are a greater hindrance to the field of pain management than ever. Recent attempts at new opioid development have sought to reduce these side effects by minimizing engagement of the regulatory protein arrestin-3 at the mu-opioid receptor, but there is significant controversy around this approach. Here, we discuss the ongoing effort to develop safer opioids and its relevant historical context. We propose a new model that reconciles results previously assumed to be in direct conflict to explain how different signaling profiles at the mu-opioid receptor contribute to opioid tolerance and dependence. Our goal is for this framework to inform the search for a new generation of lower liability opioid analgesics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jennifer L Whistler
- Center for Neuroscience, University of California, Davis, California, USA;
- Department of Physiology and Membrane Biology, UC Davis School of Medicine, Davis, California, USA
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20
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Mao Q, Wang L, Xue D, Lin X, Sun F, Xu P, Chen J, Li W, Li X, Yan F, Hu C. Imaging GPCR Dimerization in Living Cells with Cucurbit[7]uril and Hemicyanine as a "Turn-On" Fluorescence Probe. Anal Chem 2024; 96:2022-2031. [PMID: 38259189 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.3c04493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
Although multiple forms of dimers have been described for GPCR, their dynamics and function are still controversially discussed field. Fluorescence microscopy allows GPCR to be imaged within their native context; however, a key challenge is to site-specifically incorporate reporter moieties that can produce high-quality signals upon formation of GPCR dimers. To this end, we propose a supramolecular sensor approach to detect agonist-induced dimer formation of μ-opioid receptors (μORs) at the surface of intact cells. With the macrocyclic host cucurbit[7]uril and its guest hemicyanine dye tethered to aptamer strands directed against the histidine residues, the sensing module is assembled by host-guest complexation once the histidine-tagged μORs dimerize and bring the discrete supramolecular units into close proximity. With the enhanced sensitivity attributed by the "turn-on" fluorescence emission and high specificity afforded by the intermolecular recognition, in situ visualization of dynamic GPCR dimerization was realized with high precision, thereby validating the supramolecular sensing entity as a sophisticated and versatile strategy to investigate GPCR dimers, which represent an obvious therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiuxiang Mao
- Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering, China Pharmaceutical University, No. 24 Tongjiaxiang Road, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Lancheng Wang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering, China Pharmaceutical University, No. 24 Tongjiaxiang Road, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Dandan Xue
- Department of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, No. 24 Tongjiaxiang Road, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Xiaoxuan Lin
- Department of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, No. 24 Tongjiaxiang Road, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Fang Sun
- Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering, China Pharmaceutical University, No. 24 Tongjiaxiang Road, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Pengcheng Xu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering, China Pharmaceutical University, No. 24 Tongjiaxiang Road, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Jieru Chen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering, China Pharmaceutical University, No. 24 Tongjiaxiang Road, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Wenying Li
- Department of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, No. 24 Tongjiaxiang Road, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Xiuchen Li
- Department of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, No. 24 Tongjiaxiang Road, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Fang Yan
- Department of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, No. 24 Tongjiaxiang Road, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Chi Hu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering, China Pharmaceutical University, No. 24 Tongjiaxiang Road, Nanjing 210009, China
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21
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Annuar NAK, Azlan UK, Mediani A, Tong X, Han R, Al-Olayan E, Baharum SN, Bunawan H, Sarian MN, Hamezah HS, Jantan I. An insight review on the neuropharmacological effects, mechanisms of action, pharmacokinetics and toxicity of mitragynine. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 171:116134. [PMID: 38219389 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116134] [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: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Mitragynine is one of the main psychoactive alkaloids in Mitragyna speciosa Korth. (kratom). It has opium-like effects by acting on μ-, δ-, and κ-opioid receptors in the brain. The compound also interacts with other receptors, such as adrenergic and serotonergic receptors and neuronal Ca2+ channels in the central nervous system to have its neuropharmacological effects. Mitragynine has the potential to treat diseases related to neurodegeneration such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease, as its modulation on the opioid receptors has been reported extensively. This review aimed to provide an up-to-date and critical overview on the neuropharmacological effects, mechanisms of action, pharmacokinetics and safety of mitragynine as a prospective psychotropic agent. Its multiple neuropharmacological effects on the brain include antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory, antidepressant, sedative, stimulant, cognitive, and anxiolytic activities. The potential of mitragynine to manage opioid withdrawal symptoms related to opioid dependence, its pharmacokinetics and toxic effects were also discussed. The interaction of mitragynine with various receptors in the brain produce diverse neuropharmacological effects, which have beneficial properties in neurological disorders. However, further studies need to be carried out on mitragynine to uncover its complex mechanisms of action, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamic profiles, addictive potential, and safe dosage to prevent harmful side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nur Aisyah Khairul Annuar
- Institute of Systems Biology (INBIOSIS), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 UKM Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Ummi Kalthum Azlan
- Institute of Systems Biology (INBIOSIS), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 UKM Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Ahmed Mediani
- Institute of Systems Biology (INBIOSIS), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 UKM Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Xiaohui Tong
- School of Life Sciences, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Rongchun Han
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Ebtesam Al-Olayan
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Syarul Nataqain Baharum
- Institute of Systems Biology (INBIOSIS), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 UKM Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Hamidun Bunawan
- Institute of Systems Biology (INBIOSIS), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 UKM Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Murni Nazira Sarian
- Institute of Systems Biology (INBIOSIS), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 UKM Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Hamizah Shahirah Hamezah
- Institute of Systems Biology (INBIOSIS), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 UKM Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia.
| | - Ibrahim Jantan
- Institute of Systems Biology (INBIOSIS), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 UKM Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
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22
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Costa AR, Tavares I, Martins I. How do opioids control pain circuits in the brainstem during opioid-induced disorders and in chronic pain? Implications for the treatment of chronic pain. Pain 2024; 165:324-336. [PMID: 37578500 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000003026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Brainstem areas involved in descending pain modulation are crucial for the analgesic actions of opioids. However, the role of opioids in these areas during tolerance, opioid-induced hyperalgesia (OIH), and in chronic pain settings remains underappreciated. We conducted a revision of the recent studies performed in the main brainstem areas devoted to descending pain modulation with a special focus on the medullary dorsal reticular nucleus (DRt), as a distinctive pain facilitatory area and a key player in the diffuse noxious inhibitory control paradigm. We show that maladaptive processes within the signaling of the µ-opioid receptor (MOR), which entail desensitization and a switch to excitatory signaling, occur in the brainstem, contributing to tolerance and OIH. In the context of chronic pain, the alterations found are complex and depend on the area and model of chronic pain. For example, the downregulation of MOR and δ-opioid receptor (DOR) in some areas, including the DRt, during neuropathic pain likely contributes to the inefficacy of opioids. However, the upregulation of MOR and DOR, at the rostral ventromedial medulla, in inflammatory pain models, suggests therapeutic avenues to explore. Mechanistically, the rationale for the diversity and complexity of alterations in the brainstem is likely provided by the alternative splicing of opioid receptors and the heteromerization of MOR. In conclusion, this review emphasizes how important it is to consider the effects of opioids at these circuits when using opioids for the treatment of chronic pain and for the development of safer and effective opioids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Rita Costa
- Department of Biomedicine, Unit of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- IBMC-Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- I3S- Institute of Investigation and Innovation in Health, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal. Costa is now with the Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden and Science for Life Laboratory, Solna, Sweden
| | - Isaura Tavares
- Department of Biomedicine, Unit of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- IBMC-Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- I3S- Institute of Investigation and Innovation in Health, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal. Costa is now with the Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden and Science for Life Laboratory, Solna, Sweden
| | - Isabel Martins
- Department of Biomedicine, Unit of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- IBMC-Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- I3S- Institute of Investigation and Innovation in Health, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal. Costa is now with the Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden and Science for Life Laboratory, Solna, Sweden
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23
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Rademeyer KM, R Nass S, Jones AM, Ohene-Nyako M, Hauser KF, McRae M. Fentanyl dysregulates neuroinflammation and disrupts blood-brain barrier integrity in HIV-1 Tat transgenic mice. J Neurovirol 2024; 30:1-21. [PMID: 38280928 PMCID: PMC11232468 DOI: 10.1007/s13365-023-01186-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2023] [Revised: 10/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/29/2024]
Abstract
Opioid overdose deaths have dramatically increased by 781% from 1999 to 2021. In the setting of HIV, opioid drug abuse exacerbates neurotoxic effects of HIV in the brain, as opioids enhance viral replication, promote neuronal dysfunction and injury, and dysregulate an already compromised inflammatory response. Despite the rise in fentanyl abuse and the close association between opioid abuse and HIV infection, the interactive comorbidity between fentanyl abuse and HIV has yet to be examined in vivo. The HIV-1 Tat-transgenic mouse model was used to understand the interactive effects between fentanyl and HIV. Tat is an essential protein produced during HIV that drives the transcription of new virions and exerts neurotoxic effects within the brain. The Tat-transgenic mouse model uses a glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)-driven tetracycline promoter which limits Tat production to the brain and this model is well used for examining mechanisms related to neuroHIV. After 7 days of fentanyl exposure, brains were harvested. Tight junction proteins, the vascular cell adhesion molecule, and platelet-derived growth factor receptor-β were measured to examine the integrity of the blood brain barrier. The immune response was assessed using a mouse-specific multiplex chemokine assay. For the first time in vivo, we demonstrate that fentanyl by itself can severely disrupt the blood-brain barrier and dysregulate the immune response. In addition, we reveal associations between inflammatory markers and tight junction proteins at the blood-brain barrier.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kara M Rademeyer
- Department of Pharmacotherapy and Outcomes Science, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, 23298, U.S.A
| | - Sara R Nass
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, U.S.A
| | - Austin M Jones
- Department of Pharmacotherapy and Outcomes Science, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, 23298, U.S.A
| | - Michael Ohene-Nyako
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, U.S.A
| | - Kurt F Hauser
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, U.S.A
| | - MaryPeace McRae
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, U.S.A..
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24
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Jaeckel ER, Herrera YN, Schulz S, Birdsong WT. Chronic Morphine Induces Adaptations in Opioid Receptor Signaling in a Thalamostriatal Circuit That Are Location Dependent, Sex Specific, and Regulated by μ-Opioid Receptor Phosphorylation. J Neurosci 2024; 44:e0293232023. [PMID: 37985179 PMCID: PMC10860620 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0293-23.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic opioid exposure induces tolerance to the pain-relieving effects of opioids but sensitization to some other effects. While the occurrence of these adaptations is well understood, the underlying cellular mechanisms are less clear. This study aimed to determine how chronic treatment with morphine, a prototypical opioid agonist, induced adaptations to subsequent morphine signaling in different subcellular contexts. Opioids acutely inhibit glutamatergic transmission from medial thalamic (MThal) inputs to the dorsomedial striatum (DMS) via activity at μ-opioid receptors (MORs). MORs are present in somatic and presynaptic compartments of MThal neurons terminating in the DMS. We investigated the effects of chronic morphine treatment on subsequent morphine signaling at MThal-DMS synapses and MThal cell bodies in male and female mice. Surprisingly, chronic morphine treatment increased subsequent morphine inhibition of MThal-DMS synaptic transmission (morphine facilitation) in male, but not female, mice. At MThal cell bodies, chronic morphine treatment decreased subsequent morphine activation of potassium conductance (morphine tolerance) in both male and female mice. In knock-in mice expressing phosphorylation-deficient MORs, chronic morphine treatment resulted in tolerance to, rather than facilitation of, subsequent morphine signaling at MThal-DMS terminals, suggesting phosphorylation deficiency unmasks adaptations that counter the facilitation observed at presynaptic terminals in wild-type mice. The results of this study suggest that the effects of chronic morphine exposure are not ubiquitous; rather adaptations in MOR function may be determined by multiple factors such as subcellular receptor distribution, influence of local circuitry, and sex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth R Jaeckel
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109
| | - Yoani N Herrera
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109
| | - Stefan Schulz
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich-Schiller University, D-07747 Jena, Germany
| | - William T Birdsong
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109
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25
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Janicot R, Maziarz M, Park JC, Luebbers A, Green E, Zhao J, Philibert C, Zhang H, Layne MD, Wu JC, Garcia-Marcos M. Direct interrogation of context-dependent GPCR activity with a universal biosensor platform. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.01.02.573921. [PMID: 38260348 PMCID: PMC10802303 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.02.573921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are the largest family of druggable proteins in the human genome, but progress in understanding and targeting them is hindered by the lack of tools to reliably measure their nuanced behavior in physiologically-relevant contexts. Here, we developed a collection of compact ONE vector G-protein Optical (ONE-GO) biosensor constructs as a scalable platform that can be conveniently deployed to measure G-protein activation by virtually any GPCR with high fidelity even when expressed endogenously in primary cells. By characterizing dozens of GPCRs across many cell types like primary cardiovascular cells or neurons, we revealed new insights into the molecular basis for G-protein coupling selectivity of GPCRs, pharmacogenomic profiles of anti-psychotics on naturally-occurring GPCR variants, and G-protein subtype signaling bias by endogenous GPCRs depending on cell type or upon inducing disease-like states. In summary, this open-source platform makes the direct interrogation of context-dependent GPCR activity broadly accessible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Remi Janicot
- Department of Biochemistry & Cell Biology, Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston University, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Marcin Maziarz
- Department of Biochemistry & Cell Biology, Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston University, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Jong-Chan Park
- Department of Biochemistry & Cell Biology, Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston University, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Alex Luebbers
- Department of Biochemistry & Cell Biology, Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston University, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Elena Green
- Department of Biochemistry & Cell Biology, Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston University, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Jingyi Zhao
- Department of Biochemistry & Cell Biology, Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston University, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Clementine Philibert
- Department of Biochemistry & Cell Biology, Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston University, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Hao Zhang
- Stanford Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Mathew D. Layne
- Department of Biochemistry & Cell Biology, Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston University, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Joseph C. Wu
- Stanford Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Mikel Garcia-Marcos
- Department of Biochemistry & Cell Biology, Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston University, Boston, MA 02118, USA
- Department of Biology, College of Arts & Sciences, Boston University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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26
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Zhu C, Lan X, Wei Z, Yu J, Zhang J. Allosteric modulation of G protein-coupled receptors as a novel therapeutic strategy in neuropathic pain. Acta Pharm Sin B 2024; 14:67-86. [PMID: 38239234 PMCID: PMC10792987 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2023.07.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2023] [Revised: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Neuropathic pain is a debilitating pathological condition that presents significant therapeutic challenges in clinical practice. Unfortunately, current pharmacological treatments for neuropathic pain lack clinical efficacy and often lead to harmful adverse reactions. As G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are widely distributed throughout the body, including the pain transmission pathway and descending inhibition pathway, the development of novel neuropathic pain treatments based on GPCRs allosteric modulation theory is gaining momentum. Extensive research has shown that allosteric modulators targeting GPCRs on the pain pathway can effectively alleviate symptoms of neuropathic pain while reducing or eliminating adverse effects. This review aims to provide a comprehensive summary of the progress made in GPCRs allosteric modulators in the treatment of neuropathic pain, and discuss the potential benefits and adverse factors of this treatment. We will also concentrate on the development of biased agonists of GPCRs, and based on important examples of biased agonist development in recent years, we will describe universal strategies for designing structure-based biased agonists. It is foreseeable that, with the continuous improvement of GPCRs allosteric modulation and biased agonist theory, effective GPCRs allosteric drugs will eventually be available for the treatment of neuropathic pain with acceptable safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunhao Zhu
- School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China
- School of Basic Medical Science, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China
| | - Xiaobing Lan
- School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China
| | - Zhiqiang Wei
- Medicinal Chemistry and Bioinformatics Center, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China
| | - Jianqiang Yu
- School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China
| | - Jian Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China
- Medicinal Chemistry and Bioinformatics Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
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27
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Singer ML, Shin MK, Kim LJ, Freire C, Aung O, Pho H, East JA, Sgambati FP, Latremoliere A, Pham LV, Polotsky VY. The efficacy of intranasal leptin for opioid-induced respiratory depression depends on sex and obesity state. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1320151. [PMID: 38162827 PMCID: PMC10756673 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1320151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Opioid-induced respiratory depression (OIRD) is the primary cause of death associated with opioids and individuals with obesity are particularly susceptible due to comorbid obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Repeated exposure to opioids, as in the case of pain management, results in diminished therapeutic effect and/or the need for higher doses to maintain the same effect. With limited means to address the negative impact of repeated exposure it is critical to develop drugs that prevent deaths induced by opioids without reducing beneficial analgesia. Methods: We hypothesized that OIRD as a result of chronic opioid use can be attenuated by administration of IN leptin while also maintaining analgesia in both lean mice and mice with diet-induced obesity (DIO) of both sexes. To test this hypothesis, an opioid tolerance protocol was developed and a model of OIRD in mice chronically receiving morphine and tolerant to morphine analgesia was established. Subsequently, breathing was recorded by barometric plethysmography in four experimental groups: obese male, obese female, lean male, and lean female following acute administration of IN leptin. Respiratory data were complemented with measures of arterial blood gas. Operant behavioral assays were used to determine the impact of IN leptin on the analgesic efficacy of morphine. Results: Acute administration of IN leptin significantly attenuated OIRD in DIO male mice decreasing the apnea index by 58.9% and apnea time by 60.1%. In lean mice leptin was ineffective. Blood gas measures confirmed the effectiveness of IN leptin for preventing respiratory acidosis in DIO male mice. However, IN leptin was not effective in lean mice of both sexes and appeared to exacerbate acid-base disturbances in DIO female mice. Additionally, morphine caused a complete loss of temperature aversion which was not reduced by intranasal leptin indicating IN leptin does not decrease morphine analgesia. Discussion: IN leptin effectively treated OIRD in morphine-tolerant DIO male mice without impacting analgesia. In contrast, IN leptin had no effect in lean mice of either sex or DIO female mice. The arterial blood gas data were consistent with ventilatory findings showing that IN leptin reversed morphine-induced respiratory acidosis only in DIO male mice but not in other mouse groups. Finally, a hypercapnic sensitivity study revealed that IN leptin rescued minute ventilation under hypercapnic conditions only in DIO male mice, which suggests that differential responses to IN leptin are attributable to different leptin sensitivities depending on sex and the obesity status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele L. Singer
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Mi-Kyung Shin
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Lenise J. Kim
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Carla Freire
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - O Aung
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Huy Pho
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Joshua A. East
- The Johns Hopkins Center for Interdisciplinary Sleep Research and Education (CISRE), Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Frank P. Sgambati
- The Johns Hopkins Center for Interdisciplinary Sleep Research and Education (CISRE), Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Alban Latremoliere
- Departments of Neurosurgery and Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States, United States
| | - Luu V. Pham
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Vsevolod Y. Polotsky
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, WA, United States
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, WA, United States
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Muratspahić E, Deibler K, Han J, Tomašević N, Jadhav KB, Olivé-Marti AL, Hochrainer N, Hellinger R, Koehbach J, Fay JF, Rahman MH, Hegazy L, Craven TW, Varga BR, Bhardwaj G, Appourchaux K, Majumdar S, Muttenthaler M, Hosseinzadeh P, Craik DJ, Spetea M, Che T, Baker D, Gruber CW. Design and structural validation of peptide-drug conjugate ligands of the kappa-opioid receptor. Nat Commun 2023; 14:8064. [PMID: 38052802 PMCID: PMC10698194 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-43718-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the increasing number of GPCR structures and recent advances in peptide design, the development of efficient technologies allowing rational design of high-affinity peptide ligands for single GPCRs remains an unmet challenge. Here, we develop a computational approach for designing conjugates of lariat-shaped macrocyclized peptides and a small molecule opioid ligand. We demonstrate its feasibility by discovering chemical scaffolds for the kappa-opioid receptor (KOR) with desired pharmacological activities. The designed De Novo Cyclic Peptide (DNCP)-β-naloxamine (NalA) exhibit in vitro potent mixed KOR agonism/mu-opioid receptor (MOR) antagonism, nanomolar binding affinity, selectivity, and efficacy bias at KOR. Proof-of-concept in vivo efficacy studies demonstrate that DNCP-β-NalA(1) induces a potent KOR-mediated antinociception in male mice. The high-resolution cryo-EM structure (2.6 Å) of the DNCP-β-NalA-KOR-Gi1 complex and molecular dynamics simulations are harnessed to validate the computational design model. This reveals a network of residues in ECL2/3 and TM6/7 controlling the intrinsic efficacy of KOR. In general, our computational de novo platform overcomes extensive lead optimization encountered in ultra-large library docking and virtual small molecule screening campaigns and offers innovation for GPCR ligand discovery. This may drive the development of next-generation therapeutics for medical applications such as pain conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edin Muratspahić
- Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090, Vienna, Austria
- Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Kristine Deibler
- Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
- Novo Nordisk Research Center Seattle, Novo Nordisk A/S, 530 Fairview Ave N #5000, Seattle, WA, 97403, USA
| | - Jianming Han
- Center for Clinical Pharmacology, University of Health Sciences & Pharmacy at St. Louis and Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Nataša Tomašević
- Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Kirtikumar B Jadhav
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Vienna, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Aina-Leonor Olivé-Marti
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck (CMBI), University of Innsbruck, Innrain 80-82, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Nadine Hochrainer
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck (CMBI), University of Innsbruck, Innrain 80-82, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Roland Hellinger
- Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Johannes Koehbach
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty for Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Jonathan F Fay
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland Baltimore, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
| | - Mohammad Homaidur Rahman
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Administrative Sciences, Saint Louis College of Pharmacy, University of Health Sciences & Pharmacy in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Lamees Hegazy
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Administrative Sciences, Saint Louis College of Pharmacy, University of Health Sciences & Pharmacy in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Timothy W Craven
- Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Balazs R Varga
- Center for Clinical Pharmacology, University of Health Sciences & Pharmacy at St. Louis and Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Gaurav Bhardwaj
- Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Kevin Appourchaux
- Center for Clinical Pharmacology, University of Health Sciences & Pharmacy at St. Louis and Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Susruta Majumdar
- Center for Clinical Pharmacology, University of Health Sciences & Pharmacy at St. Louis and Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Markus Muttenthaler
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Vienna, 1090, Vienna, Austria
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Parisa Hosseinzadeh
- Department of Bioengineering, Knight Campus, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, 97403, USA
| | - David J Craik
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Mariana Spetea
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck (CMBI), University of Innsbruck, Innrain 80-82, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Tao Che
- Center for Clinical Pharmacology, University of Health Sciences & Pharmacy at St. Louis and Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA.
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA.
| | - David Baker
- Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA.
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA.
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, WA, 98195, USA.
| | - Christian W Gruber
- Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090, Vienna, Austria.
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Hill R, Sanchez J, Lemel L, Antonijevic M, Hosking Y, Mistry SN, Kruegel AC, Javitch JA, Lane JR, Canals M. Assessment of the potential of novel and classical opioids to induce respiratory depression in mice. Br J Pharmacol 2023; 180:3160-3174. [PMID: 37489013 PMCID: PMC10952895 DOI: 10.1111/bph.16199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 07/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Opioid-induced respiratory depression limits the use of μ-opioid receptor agonists in clinical settings and is the main cause of opioid overdose fatalities. The relative potential of different opioid agonists to induce respiratory depression at doses exceeding those producing analgesia is understudied despite its relevance to assessments of opioid safety. Here we evaluated the respiratory depressant and anti-nociceptive effects of three novel opioids and relate these measurements to their in vitro efficacy. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Respiration was measured in awake, freely moving male CD-1 mice using whole body plethysmography. Anti-nociception was measured using the hot plate test. Morphine, oliceridine and tianeptine were administered intraperitoneally, whereas methadone, oxycodone and SR-17018 were administered orally. Receptor activation and arrestin-3 recruitment were measured in HEK293 cells using BRET assays. KEY RESULTS Across the dose ranges examined, all opioids studied depressed respiration in a dose-dependent manner, with similar effects at the highest doses, and with tianeptine and oliceridine showing reduced duration of effect, when compared with morphine, oxycodone, methadone and SR-17018. When administered at doses that induced similar respiratory depression, all opioids induced similar anti-nociception, with tianeptine and oliceridine again showing reduced duration of effect. These data were consistent with the in vitro agonist activity of the tested compounds. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS In addition to providing effective anti-nociception, the novel opioids, oliceridine, tianeptine and SR-17018 depress respiration in male mice. However, the different potencies and kinetics of effect between these novel opioids may be relevant to their therapeutic application in different clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rob Hill
- Division of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, Queen's Medical CentreUniversity of NottinghamNottinghamUK
- Centre of Membrane Proteins and Receptors, Universities of Nottingham and BirminghamMidlandsUK
| | - Julie Sanchez
- Division of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, Queen's Medical CentreUniversity of NottinghamNottinghamUK
- Centre of Membrane Proteins and Receptors, Universities of Nottingham and BirminghamMidlandsUK
| | - Laura Lemel
- Division of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, Queen's Medical CentreUniversity of NottinghamNottinghamUK
- Centre of Membrane Proteins and Receptors, Universities of Nottingham and BirminghamMidlandsUK
| | - Mirjana Antonijevic
- Division of Biomolecular Science and Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham Biodiscovery InstituteUniversity ParkNottinghamUK
| | - Yselkla Hosking
- Division of Biomolecular Science and Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham Biodiscovery InstituteUniversity ParkNottinghamUK
| | - Shailesh N. Mistry
- Division of Biomolecular Science and Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham Biodiscovery InstituteUniversity ParkNottinghamUK
| | | | - Jonathan A. Javitch
- Departments of Psychiatry and Molecular Pharmacology and TherapeuticsColumbia University Vagelos College of Physicians & SurgeonsNew YorkNew YorkUSA
- Division of Molecular TherapeuticsNew York State Psychiatric InstituteNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | - J. Robert Lane
- Division of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, Queen's Medical CentreUniversity of NottinghamNottinghamUK
- Centre of Membrane Proteins and Receptors, Universities of Nottingham and BirminghamMidlandsUK
| | - Meritxell Canals
- Division of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, Queen's Medical CentreUniversity of NottinghamNottinghamUK
- Centre of Membrane Proteins and Receptors, Universities of Nottingham and BirminghamMidlandsUK
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30
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He Y, Su Q, Zhao L, Zhang L, Yu L, Shi J. Historical perspectives and recent advances in small molecule ligands of selective/biased/multi-targeted μ/δ/κ opioid receptor (2019-2022). Bioorg Chem 2023; 141:106869. [PMID: 37797454 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2023.106869] [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: 06/18/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
The opioids have been used for more than a thousand years and are not only the most widely prescribed drugs for moderate to severe pain and acute pain, but also the preferred drugs. However, their non-analgesic effects, especially respiratory depression and potential addiction, are important factors that plague the safety of clinical use and are an urgent problem for pharmacological researchers to address. Current research on analgesic drugs has evolved into different directions: de-opioidization; application of pharmacogenomics to individualize the use of opioids; development of new opioids with less adverse effects. The development of new opioid drugs remains a hot research topic, and with the in-depth study of opioid receptors and intracellular signal transduction mechanisms, new research ideas have been provided for the development of new opioid analgesics with less side effects and stronger analgesic effects. The development of novel opioid drugs in turn includes selective opioid receptor ligands, biased opioid receptor ligands, and multi-target opioid receptor ligands and positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) or antagonists and the single compound as multi-targeted agnoists/antagonists for different receptors. PAMs strategies are also getting newer and are the current research hotspots, including the BMS series of compounds and others, which are extensive and beyond the scope of this review. This review mainly focuses on the selective/biased/multi-targeted MOR/DOR/KOR (mu opioid receptor/delta opioid receptor/kappa opioid receptor) small molecule ligands and involves some cryo-electron microscopy (cryoEM) and structure-based approaches as well as the single compound as multi-targeted agnoists/antagonists for different receptors from 2019 to 2022, including discovery history, activities in vitro and vivo, and clinical studies, in an attempt to provide ideas for the development of novel opioid analgesics with fewer side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye He
- Department of Pharmacy, Personalized Drug Therapy Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Academy of Medical Science & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610072, China
| | - Qian Su
- Department of Health Management & Institute of Health Management, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610072, China
| | - Liyun Zhao
- Department of Pharmacy, Personalized Drug Therapy Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Academy of Medical Science & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610072, China
| | - Lijuan Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, Personalized Drug Therapy Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Academy of Medical Science & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610072, China.
| | - Lu Yu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences and Sichuan provincial People's Hospital, Chengdu, 610072, China.
| | - Jianyou Shi
- Department of Pharmacy, Personalized Drug Therapy Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Academy of Medical Science & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610072, China; State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, Sichuan, China.
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31
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Glatfelter GC, Vandeputte MM, Chen L, Walther D, Tsai MHM, Shi L, Stove CP, Baumann MH. Alkoxy chain length governs the potency of 2-benzylbenzimidazole 'nitazene' opioids associated with human overdose. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2023; 240:2573-2584. [PMID: 37658878 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-023-06451-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE Novel synthetic opioids (NSOs) are emerging in recreational drug markets worldwide. In particular, 2-benzylbenzimidazole 'nitazene' compounds are problematic NSOs associated with serious clinical consequences, including fatal respiratory depression. Evidence from in vitro studies shows that alkoxy chain length can influence the potency of nitazenes at the mu-opioid receptor (MOR). However, structure-activity relationships (SARs) of nitazenes for inducing opioid-like effects in animal models are not well understood compared to relevant opioids contributing to the ongoing opioid crisis (e.g., fentanyl). OBJECTIVES Here, we examined the in vitro and in vivo effects of nitazene analogues with varying alkoxy chain lengths (i.e., metonitazene, etonitazene, isotonitazene, protonitazene, and butonitazene) as compared to reference opioids (i.e., morphine and fentanyl). METHODS AND RESULTS Nitazene analogues displayed nanomolar affinities for MOR in rat brain membranes and picomolar potencies to activate MOR in transfected cells. All compounds induced opioid-like effects on locomotor activity, hot plate latency, and body temperature in male mice, and alkoxy chain length markedly influenced potency. Etonitazene, with an ethoxy chain, was the most potent analogue in MOR functional assays (EC50 = 30 pM, Emax = 103%) and across all in vivo endpoints (ED50 = 3-12 μg/kg). In vivo SARs revealed that ethoxy, isopropoxy, and propoxy chains engendered higher potencies than fentanyl, whereas methoxy and butoxy analogues were less potent. MOR functional potencies, but not MOR affinities, were positively correlated with in vivo potencies to induce opioid effects. CONCLUSIONS Overall, our data show that certain nitazene NSOs are more potent than fentanyl as MOR agonists in mice, highlighting concerns regarding the high potential for overdose in humans who are exposed to these compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grant C Glatfelter
- Designer Drug Research Unit, National Institute On Drug Abuse, Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Marthe M Vandeputte
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Li Chen
- Computational Chemistry and Molecular Biophysics Section, National Institute On Drug Abuse, Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Donna Walther
- Designer Drug Research Unit, National Institute On Drug Abuse, Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Meng-Hua M Tsai
- Computational Chemistry and Molecular Biophysics Section, National Institute On Drug Abuse, Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Lei Shi
- Computational Chemistry and Molecular Biophysics Section, National Institute On Drug Abuse, Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Christophe P Stove
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Michael H Baumann
- Designer Drug Research Unit, National Institute On Drug Abuse, Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Patel M, Grimsey NL, Banister SD, Finlay DB, Glass M. Evaluating signaling bias for synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists at the cannabinoid CB 2 receptor. Pharmacol Res Perspect 2023; 11:e01157. [PMID: 38018694 PMCID: PMC10685394 DOI: 10.1002/prp2.1157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The rapid structural evolution and emergence of novel synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists (SCRAs) in the recreational market remains a key public health concern. Despite representing one of the largest classes of new psychoactive substances, pharmacological data on new SCRAs is limited, particularly at the cannabinoid CB2 receptor (CB2 ). Hence, the current study aimed to characterize the molecular pharmacology of a structurally diverse panel of SCRAs at CB2 , including 4-cyano MPP-BUT7AICA, 4F-MDMB-BUTINACA, AMB-FUBINACA, JWH-018, MDMB-4en-PINACA, and XLR-11. The activity of SCRAs was assessed in a battery of in vitro assays in CB2 -expressing HEK 293 cells: G protein activation (Gαi3 and GαoB ), phosphorylation of ERK1/2, and β-arrestin 1/2 translocation. The activity profiles of the ligands were further evaluated using the operational analysis to identify ligand bias. All SCRAs activated the CB2 signaling pathways in a concentration-dependent manner, although with varying potencies and efficacies. Despite the detection of numerous instances of statistically significant bias, compound activities generally appeared only subtly distinct in comparison with the reference ligand, CP55940. In contrast, the phytocannabinoid THC exhibited an activity profile distinct from the SCRAs; most notably in the translocation of β-arrestins. These findings demonstrate that CB2 is able to accommodate a structurally diverse array of SCRAs to generate canonical agonist activity. Further research is required to elucidate whether the activation of CB2 contributes to the toxicity of these compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Patel
- Department of Pharmacology and ToxicologyUniversity of OtagoDunedinNew Zealand
| | - Natasha L. Grimsey
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medical and Health SciencesUniversity of AucklandAucklandNew Zealand
| | - Samuel D. Banister
- Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, Brain and Mind CentreUniversity of SydneyNew South WalesAustralia
- School of Chemistry, Faculty of ScienceUniversity of SydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - David B. Finlay
- Department of Pharmacology and ToxicologyUniversity of OtagoDunedinNew Zealand
| | - Michelle Glass
- Department of Pharmacology and ToxicologyUniversity of OtagoDunedinNew Zealand
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33
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Singleton S, Sneddon C, Bakina A, Lambert JJ, Hales TG. Early-life adversity increases morphine tolerance and persistent inflammatory hypersensitivity through upregulation of δ opioid receptors in mice. Pain 2023; 164:2253-2264. [PMID: 37171192 PMCID: PMC10502877 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000002925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Exposure to severely stressful events during childhood is associated with poor health outcomes in later life, including chronic pain and substance use disorder. However, the mediators and mechanisms are unclear. We investigated the impact of a well-characterized mouse model of early-life adversity, fragmented maternal care (FC) between postnatal day 2 and 9, on nociception, inflammatory hypersensitivity, and responses to morphine. Male and female mice exposed to FC exhibited prolonged basal thermal withdrawal latencies and decreased mechanical sensitivity. In addition, morphine had reduced potency in mice exposed to FC and their development of tolerance to morphine was accelerated. Quantitative PCR analysis in several brain regions and the spinal cords of juvenile and adult mice revealed an impact of FC on the expression of genes encoding opioid peptide precursors and their receptors. These changes included enhanced abundance of δ opioid receptor transcript in the spinal cord. Acute inflammatory hypersensitivity (induced by hind paw administration of complete Freund's adjuvant) was unaffected by exposure to FC. However, after an initial recovery of mechanical hypersensitivity, there was a reappearance in mice exposed to FC by day 15, which was not seen in control mice. Changes in nociception, morphine responses, and hypersensitivity associated with FC were apparent in males and females but were absent from mice lacking δ receptors or β-arrestin2. These findings suggest that exposure to early-life adversity in mice enhances δ receptor expression leading to decreased basal sensitivity to noxious stimuli coupled with accelerated morphine tolerance and enhanced vulnerability to persistent inflammatory hypersensitivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sam Singleton
- The Institute of Academic Anaesthesia, Division of Cellular and Systems Medicine, School of Medicine, Ninewells Hospital, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Claire Sneddon
- The Institute of Academic Anaesthesia, Division of Cellular and Systems Medicine, School of Medicine, Ninewells Hospital, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Alice Bakina
- The Institute of Academic Anaesthesia, Division of Cellular and Systems Medicine, School of Medicine, Ninewells Hospital, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Jeremy J. Lambert
- The Institute of Academic Anaesthesia, Division of Cellular and Systems Medicine, School of Medicine, Ninewells Hospital, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Tim G. Hales
- The Institute of Academic Anaesthesia, Division of Cellular and Systems Medicine, School of Medicine, Ninewells Hospital, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
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34
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Chambers LC, Hallowell BD, Zullo AR, Paiva TJ, Berk J, Gaither R, Hampson AJ, Beaudoin FL, Wightman RS. Buprenorphine Dose and Time to Discontinuation Among Patients With Opioid Use Disorder in the Era of Fentanyl. JAMA Netw Open 2023; 6:e2334540. [PMID: 37721749 PMCID: PMC10507490 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.34540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Importance Buprenorphine treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD) has more than doubled since 2009. However, current US Food and Drug Administration buprenorphine dosing guidelines are based on studies among people using heroin, prior to the emergence of fentanyl in the illicit drug supply. Objective To estimate the association between buprenorphine dose and time to treatment discontinuation during a period of widespread fentanyl availability. Design, Setting, and Participants This retrospective cohort study used statewide Rhode Island Prescription Drug Monitoring Program data. Participants were Rhode Island residents initiating buprenorphine treatment for OUD between October 1, 2016, and September 30, 2020. Data analysis was performed from December 9, 2022, to August 10, 2023. Exposure Daily dose of buprenorphine (16 mg and 24 mg) defined starting on the day of initiation based on total quantity and days' supply dispensed. Patients were censored on any dose change. Main Outcomes and Measures Buprenorphine treatment discontinuation in the 180 days following initiation, defined as a gap in treatment of more than 27 days based on prescription fill dates and days' supply. Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression survival analyses were conducted to estimate the association between buprenorphine dose and time to treatment discontinuation, controlling for potential informative censoring and measured potential confounders. Results Among 6499 patients initiating buprenorphine treatment for OUD, most were aged 25 to 44 years (57%; n = 3682), were male (61%; n = 3950), and had private (47%; n = 3025) or Medicaid (33%; n = 2153) insurance. More than half of patients were prescribed a daily dose of interest at initiation (16 mg: 50%; n = 3264; 24 mg: 10%; n = 668). In Kaplan-Meier analyses, 58% of patients discontinued buprenorphine treatment within 180 days (16 mg: 59% vs 24 mg: 53%; log-rank test P = .005). In Cox regression analyses, patients prescribed a dose of 16 mg had a greater risk of treatment discontinuation than those prescribed 24 mg (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.20; 95% CI, 1.06-1.37). Conclusions and Relevance In this cohort study of patients initiating buprenorphine treatment from 2016 to 2020, patients prescribed a 24 mg dose of buprenorphine remained in treatment longer than those prescribed 16 mg. The value of higher buprenorphine doses than currently recommended needs to be considered for improving retention in treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura C. Chambers
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island
| | | | - Andrew R. Zullo
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Taylor J. Paiva
- Substance Use Epidemiology Program, Rhode Island Department of Health, Providence
| | - Justin Berk
- Department of Medicine, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Rachel Gaither
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Aidan J. Hampson
- Division of Therapeutics and Medical Consequences, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Francesca L. Beaudoin
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Rachel S. Wightman
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island
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Ramos‐Gonzalez N, Groom S, Sutcliffe KJ, Bancroft S, Bailey CP, Sessions RB, Henderson G, Kelly E. Carfentanil is a β-arrestin-biased agonist at the μ opioid receptor. Br J Pharmacol 2023; 180:2341-2360. [PMID: 37005796 PMCID: PMC10952505 DOI: 10.1111/bph.16084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2022] [Revised: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The illicit use of fentanyl-like drugs (fentanyls), which are μ opioid receptor agonists, and the many overdose deaths that result, has become a major problem. Fentanyls are very potent in vivo, leading to respiratory depression and death. However, the efficacy and possible signalling bias of different fentanyls is not clearly known. Here, we compared the relative efficacy and bias of a series of fentanyls. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH For agonist signalling bias and efficacy measurements, Bioluminescence Resonance Energy Transfer experiments were undertaken in HEK293T cells transiently transfected with μ opioid receptors, to assess Gi protein activation and β-arrestin 2 recruitment. Agonist-induced cell surface receptor loss was assessed using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, whilst agonist-induced G protein-coupled inwardly rectifying potassium channel current activation was measured electrophysiologically from rat locus coeruleus slices. Ligand poses in the μ opioid receptor were determined in silico using molecular dynamics simulations. KEY RESULTS Relative to the reference ligand DAMGO, carfentanil was β-arrestin-biased, whereas fentanyl, sufentanil and alfentanil did not display bias. Carfentanil induced potent and extensive cell surface receptor loss, whilst the marked desensitisation of G protein-coupled inwardly rectifying potassium channel currents in the continued presence of carfentanil in neurones was prevented by a GRK2/3 inhibitor. Molecular dynamics simulations suggested unique interactions of carfentanil with the orthosteric site of the receptor that could underlie the bias. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Carfentanil is a β-arrestin-biased opioid drug at the μ receptor. It is uncertain how such bias influences in vivo effects of carfentanil relative to other fentanyls.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sam Groom
- Department of Pharmacy and PharmacologyUniversity of BathBathUK
| | - Katy J. Sutcliffe
- School of Physiology, Pharmacology and NeuroscienceUniversity of BristolBristolUK
| | - Sukhvinder Bancroft
- School of Physiology, Pharmacology and NeuroscienceUniversity of BristolBristolUK
| | - Chris P. Bailey
- Department of Pharmacy and PharmacologyUniversity of BathBathUK
| | | | - Graeme Henderson
- School of Physiology, Pharmacology and NeuroscienceUniversity of BristolBristolUK
| | - Eamonn Kelly
- School of Physiology, Pharmacology and NeuroscienceUniversity of BristolBristolUK
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36
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Sanchez-Reyes OB, Zilberg G, McCorvy JD, Wacker D. Molecular insights into GPCR mechanisms for drugs of abuse. J Biol Chem 2023; 299:105176. [PMID: 37599003 PMCID: PMC10514560 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.105176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Revised: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Substance abuse is on the rise, and while many people may use illicit drugs mainly due to their rewarding effects, their societal impact can range from severe, as is the case for opioids, to promising, as is the case for psychedelics. Common with all these drugs' mechanisms of action are G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), which lie at the center of how these drugs mediate inebriation, lethality, and therapeutic effects. Opioids like fentanyl, cannabinoids like tetrahydrocannabinol, and psychedelics like lysergic acid diethylamide all directly bind to GPCRs to initiate signaling which elicits their physiological actions. We herein review recent structural studies and provide insights into the molecular mechanisms of opioids, cannabinoids, and psychedelics at their respective GPCR subtypes. We further discuss how such mechanistic insights facilitate drug discovery, either toward the development of novel therapies to combat drug abuse or toward harnessing therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omar B Sanchez-Reyes
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Gregory Zilberg
- Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - John D McCorvy
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology, and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA.
| | - Daniel Wacker
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA; Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA.
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37
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Bonifazi A, Saab E, Sanchez J, Nazarova AL, Zaidi SA, Jahan K, Katritch V, Canals M, Lane JR, Newman AH. Pharmacological and Physicochemical Properties Optimization for Dual-Target Dopamine D 3 (D 3R) and μ-Opioid (MOR) Receptor Ligands as Potentially Safer Analgesics. J Med Chem 2023; 66:10304-10341. [PMID: 37467430 PMCID: PMC11091828 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c00417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Abstract
A new generation of dual-target μ opioid receptor (MOR) agonist/dopamine D3 receptor (D3R) antagonist/partial agonists with optimized physicochemical properties was designed and synthesized. Combining in vitro cell-based on-target/off-target affinity screening, in silico computer-aided drug design, and BRET functional assays, we identified new structural scaffolds that achieved high affinity and agonist/antagonist potencies for MOR and D3R, respectively, improving the dopamine receptor subtype selectivity (e.g., D3R over D2R) and significantly enhancing central nervous system multiparameter optimization scores for predicted blood-brain barrier permeability. We identified the substituted trans-(2S,4R)-pyrrolidine and trans-phenylcyclopropyl amine as key dopaminergic moieties and tethered these to different opioid scaffolds, derived from the MOR agonists TRV130 (3) or loperamide (6). The lead compounds 46, 84, 114, and 121 have the potential of producing analgesic effects through MOR partial agonism with reduced opioid-misuse liability via D3R antagonism. Moreover, the peripherally limited derivatives could have therapeutic indications for inflammation and neuropathic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- 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
| | - Elizabeth Saab
- 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
| | - Julie Sanchez
- Division of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, Queen’s Medical Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2UH, United Kingdom
- Centre of Membrane Protein and Receptors, Universities of Birmingham and Nottingham, Midlands NG2 7AG, United Kingdom
| | - Antonina L. Nazarova
- Department of Quantitative and Computational Biology, Department of Chemistry, Dornsife Center for New Technologies in Drug Discovery and Development, Bridge Institute, Michelson Center for Convergent Biosciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90089, United States
| | - Saheem A. Zaidi
- Department of Quantitative and Computational Biology, Department of Chemistry, Dornsife Center for New Technologies in Drug Discovery and Development, Bridge Institute, Michelson Center for Convergent Biosciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90089, United States
| | - Khorshada Jahan
- 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
| | - Vsevolod Katritch
- Department of Quantitative and Computational Biology, Department of Chemistry, Dornsife Center for New Technologies in Drug Discovery and Development, Bridge Institute, Michelson Center for Convergent Biosciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90089, United States
| | - Meritxell Canals
- Division of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, Queen’s Medical Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2UH, United Kingdom
- Centre of Membrane Protein and Receptors, Universities of Birmingham and Nottingham, Midlands NG2 7AG, United Kingdom
| | - J. Robert Lane
- Division of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, Queen’s Medical Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2UH, United Kingdom
- Centre of Membrane Protein and Receptors, Universities of Birmingham and Nottingham, Midlands NG2 7AG, United Kingdom
| | - 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
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38
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Fouillen A, Bous J, Granier S, Mouillac B, Sounier R. Bringing GPCR Structural Biology to Medical Applications: Insights from Both V2 Vasopressin and Mu-Opioid Receptors. MEMBRANES 2023; 13:606. [PMID: 37367810 DOI: 10.3390/membranes13060606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) are versatile signaling proteins that regulate key physiological processes in response to a wide variety of extracellular stimuli. The last decade has seen a revolution in the structural biology of clinically important GPCRs. Indeed, the improvement in molecular and biochemical methods to study GPCRs and their transducer complexes, together with advances in cryo-electron microscopy, NMR development, and progress in molecular dynamic simulations, have led to a better understanding of their regulation by ligands of different efficacy and bias. This has also renewed a great interest in GPCR drug discovery, such as finding biased ligands that can either promote or not promote specific regulations. In this review, we focus on two therapeutically relevant GPCR targets, the V2 vasopressin receptor (V2R) and the mu-opioid receptor (µOR), to shed light on the recent structural biology studies and show the impact of this integrative approach on the determination of new potential clinical effective compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aurélien Fouillen
- Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle (IGF), Université de Montpellier, CNRS, INSERM, 34000 Montpellier, France
- Centre de Biochimie Structurale (CBS), Université de Montpellier, CNRS, INSERM, 34090 Montpellier, France
| | - Julien Bous
- Section of Receptor Biology & Signaling, Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, 17165 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sébastien Granier
- Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle (IGF), Université de Montpellier, CNRS, INSERM, 34000 Montpellier, France
| | - Bernard Mouillac
- Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle (IGF), Université de Montpellier, CNRS, INSERM, 34000 Montpellier, France
| | - Remy Sounier
- Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle (IGF), Université de Montpellier, CNRS, INSERM, 34000 Montpellier, France
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39
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Leon Duque MA, Vallavoju N, Woo CM. Chemical tools for the opioids. Mol Cell Neurosci 2023; 125:103845. [PMID: 36948231 PMCID: PMC10247539 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcn.2023.103845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Revised: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The opioids are potent and widely used pain management medicines despite also possessing severe liabilities that have fueled the opioid crisis. The pharmacological properties of the opioids primarily derive from agonism or antagonism of the opioid receptors, but additional effects may arise from specific compounds, opioid receptors, or independent targets. The study of the opioids, their receptors, and the development of remediation strategies has benefitted from derivatization of the opioids as chemical tools. While these studies have primarily focused on the opioids in the context of the opioid receptors, these chemical tools may also play a role in delineating mechanisms that are independent of the opioid receptors. In this review, we describe recent advances in the development and applications of opioid derivatives as chemical tools and highlight opportunities for the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Anthony Leon Duque
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, 12 Oxford St, Cambridge, MA 02138, United States of America
| | - Nandini Vallavoju
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, 12 Oxford St, Cambridge, MA 02138, United States of America
| | - Christina M Woo
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, 12 Oxford St, Cambridge, MA 02138, United States of America.
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40
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Tsukamoto H, Kubo Y. A self-inactivating invertebrate opsin optically drives biased signaling toward Gβγ-dependent ion channel modulation. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2301269120. [PMID: 37186850 PMCID: PMC10214182 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2301269120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Animal opsins, light-sensitive G protein-coupled receptors, have been used for optogenetic tools to control G protein-dependent signaling pathways. Upon G protein activation, the Gα and Gβγ subunits drive different intracellular signaling pathways, leading to complex cellular responses. For some purposes, Gα- and Gβγ-dependent signaling needs to be separately modulated, but these responses are simultaneously evoked due to the 1:1 stoichiometry of Gα and Gβγ Nevertheless, we show temporal activation of G protein using a self-inactivating invertebrate opsin, Platynereis c-opsin1, drives biased signaling for Gβγ-dependent GIRK channel activation in a light-dependent manner by utilizing the kinetic difference between Gβγ-dependent and Gα-dependent responses. The opsin-induced transient Gi/o activation preferentially causes activation of the kinetically fast Gβγ-dependent GIRK channels rather than slower Gi/oα-dependent adenylyl cyclase inhibition. Although similar Gβγ-biased signaling properties were observed in a self-inactivating vertebrate visual pigment, Platynereis c-opsin1 requires fewer retinal molecules to evoke cellular responses. Furthermore, the Gβγ-biased signaling properties of Platynereis c-opsin1 are enhanced by genetically fusing with RGS8 protein, which accelerates G protein inactivation. The self-inactivating invertebrate opsin and its RGS8-fusion protein can function as optical control tools biased for Gβγ-dependent ion channel modulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hisao Tsukamoto
- Department of Biology, Kobe University, Kobe657-8501, Japan
- Department of Life and Coordination-Complex Molecular Science, Institute for Molecular Science, Okazaki444-8585, Japan
- Japan Science and Technology Agency, Precursory Research for Embryonic Science and Technology, Kawaguchi 332-0012, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Kubo
- Division of Biophysics and Neurobiology, Department of Molecular Physiology, National Institute for Physiological Sciences, Okazaki444-8585, Japan
- Department of Physiological Sciences, The Graduate University for Advanced Studies, Hayama240-0193, Japan
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41
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Zhao J, Elgeti M, O’Brien ES, Sár CP, EI Daibani A, Heng J, Sun X, Che T, Hubbell WL, Kobilka BK, Chen C. Conformational dynamics of the μ-opioid receptor determine ligand intrinsic efficacy. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.04.28.538657. [PMID: 37163120 PMCID: PMC10168371 DOI: 10.1101/2023.04.28.538657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
The μ-opioid receptor (μOR) is an important target for pain management and the molecular understanding of drug action will facilitate the development of better therapeutics. Here we show, using double electron-electron resonance (DEER) and single-molecule fluorescence resonance energy transfer (smFRET), how ligand-specific conformational changes of the μOR translate into a broad range of intrinsic efficacies at the transducer level. We identify several cytoplasmic receptor conformations interconverting on different timescales, including a pre-activated receptor conformation which is capable of G protein binding, and a fully activated conformation which dramatically lowers GDP affinity within the ternary complex. Interaction of β-arrestin-1 with the μOR core binding site appears less specific and occurs with much lower affinity than binding of G protein Gi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiawei Zhao
- Tsinghua-Peaking Joint Center for Life Sciences, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University; Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Matthias Elgeti
- Jules Stein Eye Institute and Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California; Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Evan S. O’Brien
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University School of Medicine; Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Cecília P. Sár
- Institute of Organic and Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Pécs; Szigeti st. 12, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Amal EI Daibani
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine; Saint Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Jie Heng
- Tsinghua-Peaking Joint Center for Life Sciences, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University; Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Xiaoou Sun
- Tsinghua-Peaking Joint Center for Life Sciences, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University; Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Tao Che
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine; Saint Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Wayne L. Hubbell
- Jules Stein Eye Institute and Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California; Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Brian K. Kobilka
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University School of Medicine; Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Chunlai Chen
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology, Beijing Frontier Research Center for Biological Structure, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University; Beijing, 100084, China
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42
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Fritzwanker S, Nagel F, Kliewer A, Stammer V, Schulz S. In situ visualization of opioid and cannabinoid drug effects using phosphosite-specific GPCR antibodies. Commun Biol 2023; 6:419. [PMID: 37061609 PMCID: PMC10105690 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-04786-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/17/2023] Open
Abstract
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are important signal transducers that are phosphorylated upon activation at intracellular serine and threonine residues. Although antibodies that specifically recognize the phosphorylation state of GPCRs have been available for many years, efficient immunolocalization of phosphorylated receptors in their tissues of origin has not been possible. Here, we show that phosphorylation of receptors is highly unstable during routine immunohistochemical procedures, requiring the use of appropriate phosphatase inhibitors particular during tissue perfusion, post-fixation, and cryoprotection but not during immunostaining of tissue sections. We provide proof of concept using phosphorylation state-specific μ-opioid receptor (MOP) and cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) antibodies. Indeed, three of four well-characterized phosphosite-specific MOP antibodies, including pS375-MOP, pT376-MOP, and pT379-MOP, showed robust neuronal immunostaining in brain and spinal cord sections of opioid-treated mice only after inclusion of phosphatase inhibitors. We then extended this approach to the CB1 receptor and demonstrated that one of three newly-generated phosphosite-specific CB1 antibodies, namely pS425-CB1, showed striking staining of fibers and varicosities in brain slices from cannabinoid-treated mice. Although subsequent experiments showed that phospho-CB1 immunostaining was less sensitive to phosphatases, we conclude that the use of phosphatase inhibitors should always be considered in the development of immunohistochemical procedures for new phosphosite-specific GPCR antibodies. In summary, we anticipate that this improved protocol will facilitate the widespread use of phosphorylation state-specific antibodies to monitor the activation of endogenous GPCRs under physiological and pharmacological conditions. Our approach may also prove useful to confirm target engagement of GPCR drug candidates in native tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Fritzwanker
- Institut für Pharmakologie und Toxikologie, Universitätsklinikum Jena, Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena, Drackendorfer Straße 1, D-07747, Jena, Germany
| | - Falko Nagel
- 7TM Antibodies GmbH, Hans-Knöll-Straße 6, D-07745, Jena, Germany
| | - Andrea Kliewer
- Institut für Pharmakologie und Toxikologie, Universitätsklinikum Jena, Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena, Drackendorfer Straße 1, D-07747, Jena, Germany
| | - Viviane Stammer
- Institut für Pharmakologie und Toxikologie, Universitätsklinikum Jena, Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena, Drackendorfer Straße 1, D-07747, Jena, Germany
| | - Stefan Schulz
- Institut für Pharmakologie und Toxikologie, Universitätsklinikum Jena, Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena, Drackendorfer Straße 1, D-07747, Jena, Germany.
- 7TM Antibodies GmbH, Hans-Knöll-Straße 6, D-07745, Jena, Germany.
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43
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Danaf J, da Silveira Scarpellini C, Montandon G. βγ G-proteins, but not regulators of G-protein signaling 4, modulate opioid-induced respiratory rate depression. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1043581. [PMID: 37089428 PMCID: PMC10117644 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1043581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 04/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Opioid medications are the mainstay of pain management but present substantial side-effects such as respiratory depression which can be lethal with overdose. Most opioid drugs, such as fentanyl, act on opioid receptors such as the G-protein-coupled µ-opioid receptors (MOR). G-protein-coupled receptors activate pertussis toxin-sensitive G-proteins to inhibit neuronal activity. Binding of opioid ligands to MOR and subsequent activation G proteins βγ is modulated by regulator of G-protein signaling (RGS). The roles of G-proteins βγ and RGS in MOR-mediated inhibition of the respiratory network are not known. Using rodent models to pharmacologically modulate G-protein signaling, we aim to determine the roles of βγ G-proteins and RGS4. We showed that inhibition of βγ G-proteins using gallein perfused in the brainstem circuits regulating respiratory depression by opioid drugs results in complete reversal of respiratory depression. Blocking of RGS4 using CCG55014 did not change the respiratory depression induced by MOR activation despite co-expression of RGS4 and MORs in the brainstem. Our results suggest that neuronal inhibition by opioid drugs is mediated by G-proteins, but not by RGS4, which supports the concept that βγ G-proteins could be molecular targets to develop opioid overdose antidotes without the risks of re-narcotization often found with highly potent opioid drugs. On the other hand, RGS4 mediates opioid analgesia, but not respiratory depression, and RGS4 may be molecular targets to develop pain therapies without respiratory liability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamil Danaf
- St. Michael’s Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | - Gaspard Montandon
- St. Michael’s Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- *Correspondence: Gaspard Montandon,
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44
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Kelly E, Sutcliffe K, Cavallo D, Ramos-Gonzalez N, Alhosan N, Henderson G. The anomalous pharmacology of fentanyl. Br J Pharmacol 2023; 180:797-812. [PMID: 34030211 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2021] [Revised: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Fentanyl is a key therapeutic, used in anaesthesia and pain management. It is also increasingly used illicitly and is responsible for a large and growing number of opioid overdose deaths, especially in North America. A number of factors have been suggested to contribute to fentanyl's lethality, including rapid onset of action, in vivo potency, ligand bias, induction of muscle rigidity and reduced sensitivity to reversal by naloxone. Some of these factors can be considered to represent 'anomalous' pharmacological properties of fentanyl when compared with prototypical opioid agonists such as morphine. In this review, we examine the nature of fentanyl's 'anomalous' properties, to determine whether there is really a pharmacological basis to support the existence of such properties, and also discuss whether such properties are likely to contribute to overdose deaths involving fentanyls. LINKED ARTICLES: This article is part of a themed issue on Advances in Opioid Pharmacology at the Time of the Opioid Epidemic. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v180.7/issuetoc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eamonn Kelly
- School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Katy Sutcliffe
- School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Damiana Cavallo
- School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | | | - Norah Alhosan
- School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Graeme Henderson
- School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
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45
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Groom S, Blum NK, Conibear AE, Disney A, Hill R, Husbands SM, Li Y, Toll L, Kliewer A, Schulz S, Henderson G, Kelly E, Bailey CP. A novel G protein-biased agonist at the μ opioid receptor induces substantial receptor desensitisation through G protein-coupled receptor kinase. Br J Pharmacol 2023; 180:943-957. [PMID: 33245558 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Revised: 11/04/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE G protein-biased μ opioid receptor agonists have the potential to induce less receptor desensitisation and tolerance than balanced opioids. Here, we investigated if the cyclic endomorphin analogue Tyr-c[D-Lys-Phe-Tyr-Gly] (Compound 1) is a G protein-biased μ agonist and characterised its ability to induce rapid receptor desensitisation in mammalian neurones. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH The signalling and trafficking properties of opioids were characterised using bioluminescence resonance energy transfer assays, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and phosphosite-specific immunoblotting in human embryonic kidney 293 cells. Desensitisation of opioid-induced currents were studied in rat locus coeruleus neurones using whole-cell patch-clamp electrophysiology. The mechanism of Compound 1-induced μ receptor desensitisation was probed using kinase inhibitors. KEY RESULTS Compound 1 has similar intrinsic activity for G protein signalling as morphine. As predicted for a G protein-biased μ agonist, Compound 1 induced minimal agonist-induced internalisation and phosphorylation at intracellular μ receptor serine/threonine residues known to be involved in G protein-coupled receptor kinase (GRK)-mediated desensitisation. However, Compound 1 induced robust rapid μ receptor desensitisation in locus coeruleus neurons, to a greater degree than morphine. The extent of Compound 1-induced desensitisation was unaffected by activation or inhibition of protein kinase C (PKC) but was significantly reduced by inhibition of GRK. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS Compound 1 is a novel G protein-biased μ agonist that induces substantial rapid receptor desensitisation in mammalian neurons. Surprisingly, Compound 1-induced desensitisation was demonstrated to be GRK dependent despite its G protein bias. Our findings refute the assumption that G protein-biased agonists will evade receptor desensitisation and tolerance. LINKED ARTICLES This article is part of a themed issue on Advances in Opioid Pharmacology at the Time of the Opioid Epidemic. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v180.7/issuetoc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sam Groom
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of Bath, Bath, UK.,School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Nina K Blum
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
| | - Alexandra E Conibear
- School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Alexander Disney
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of Bath, Bath, UK
| | - Rob Hill
- School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK.,School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | | | - Yangmei Li
- Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
| | - Lawrence Toll
- Department of Biomedical Science, Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, Florida, USA
| | - Andrea Kliewer
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
| | - Stefan Schulz
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
| | - Graeme Henderson
- School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Eamonn Kelly
- School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Chris P Bailey
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of Bath, Bath, UK
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46
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Ventriglia E, Rizzo A, Gomez JL, Friedman J, Lam S, Solís O, Rais R, Bonaventura J, Michaelides M. Essential role of P-glycoprotein in the mechanism of action of oliceridine. Neuropsychopharmacology 2023; 48:831-842. [PMID: 36434081 PMCID: PMC10066384 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-022-01507-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Mu opioid receptor (MOR) agonists comprise the most effective analgesics, but their therapeutic utility is limited by adverse effects. One approach for limiting such effects has been to develop "biased" MOR agonists that show preference for activating G protein over β-Arrestin signaling. However, the notion of biased agonism has been challenged by recent studies. Oliceridine (Olinvyk®, TRV-130, OLC) is a selective MOR agonist approved by the FDA in 2020 for pain management in controlled clinical settings. Oliceridine purportedly demonstrates diminished adverse effects compared to morphine or other MOR agonists, a profile attributed to its biased agonism. However, recent studies suggest that oliceridine does not display biased agonism but instead weak intrinsic efficacy for G protein and β-Arrestin activation. Nevertheless, these insights have been derived from in vitro studies. To better understand oliceridine's in vivo efficacy profile, we performed a comprehensive assessment of its in vitro and in vivo pharmacology using both cultured cells and rodents. In vitro, oliceridine displayed high MOR affinity and weak intrinsic efficacy. In vivo, oliceridine showed impaired brain penetrance and rapid clearance, effects we attributed to its interaction with the P-glycoprotein (P-gp) efflux transporter. Moreover, we found that P-gp was essential for oliceridine's in vivo efficacy and adverse effect profiles. Taken together with prior studies, our results suggest that oliceridine's in vivo efficacy and adverse effect profiles are not attributed solely to its weak intrinsic efficacy or biased agonism but, to a large extent, its interaction with P-gp as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilya Ventriglia
- Biobehavioral Imaging and Molecular Neuropsychopharmacology Unit, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
| | - Arianna Rizzo
- Departament de Patologia i Terapèutica Experimental, Institute de Neurociències, Universitat de Barcelona, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Catalonia, Spain
- Neuropharmacology & Pain Group, Neuroscience Program, Bellvitge Institute for Biomedical Research (IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Juan L Gomez
- Biobehavioral Imaging and Molecular Neuropsychopharmacology Unit, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
| | - Jacob Friedman
- Medications Development Program, Molecular Targets and Medication Discovery Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
- Johns Hopkins Drug Discovery, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Sherry Lam
- Biobehavioral Imaging and Molecular Neuropsychopharmacology Unit, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
| | - Oscar Solís
- Biobehavioral Imaging and Molecular Neuropsychopharmacology Unit, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
| | - Rana Rais
- Johns Hopkins Drug Discovery, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Jordi Bonaventura
- Biobehavioral Imaging and Molecular Neuropsychopharmacology Unit, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA.
- Departament de Patologia i Terapèutica Experimental, Institute de Neurociències, Universitat de Barcelona, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Catalonia, Spain.
- Neuropharmacology & Pain Group, Neuroscience Program, Bellvitge Institute for Biomedical Research (IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Catalonia, Spain.
| | - Michael Michaelides
- Biobehavioral Imaging and Molecular Neuropsychopharmacology Unit, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA.
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
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47
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Xie B, Le Rouzic VP, Goldberg A, Tsai MHM, Chen L, Zhang T, Sinha A, Pan YX, Baumann MH, Shi L. Binding preference at the μ-opioid receptor underlies distinct pharmacology of cyclopropyl versus valeryl analogs of fentanyl. Neuropharmacology 2023; 227:109442. [PMID: 36731721 PMCID: PMC9974845 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2023.109442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Revised: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Illicitly manufactured fentanyl is driving the current opioid crisis, and various fentanyl analogs are appearing in recreational drug markets worldwide. To assess the potential health risks posed by fentanyl analogs, it is necessary to understand structure-activity relationships for these compounds. Here we compared the pharmacology of two structurally related fentanyl analogs implicated in opioid overdose: cyclopropylfentanyl and valerylfentanyl. Cyclopropylfentanyl has a three-carbon ring attached to the carbonyl group on the fentanyl scaffold, whereas valerylfentanyl has a four-carbon chain at the same position. In vitro assays examining μ-opioid receptor (MOR) coupling to G proteins in CHO cells showed that cyclopropylfentanyl is a full agonist (EC50 = 8.6 nM, %Emax = 113%), with potency and efficacy similar to fentanyl (EC50 = 10.3 nM, %Emax = 113%). By contrast, valerylfentanyl is a partial agonist at MOR (EC50 = 179.8 nM, %Emax = 60%). Similar results were found in assays assessing MOR-mediated β-arrestin recruitment in HEK cells. In vivo studies in male CD-1 mice demonstrated that both fentanyl analogs induce naloxone-reversible antinociception and respiratory suppression, but cyclopropylfentanyl is 100-times more potent as an antinociceptive agent (ED50 = 0.04 mg/kg, s. c.) than valerylfentanyl (ED50 = 4.0 mg/kg, s. c.). Molecular simulation results revealed that the alkyl chain of valerylfentanyl cannot be well accommodated by the active state of MOR and may transition the receptor toward an inactive state, converting the fentanyl scaffold to a partial agonist. Taken together, our results suggest that cyclopropylfentanyl presents much greater risk of adverse effects when compared to valerylfentanyl. Moreover, the summed findings may provide clues to the design of therapeutic opioids with reduced adverse side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bing Xie
- Computational Chemistry and Molecular Biophysics Section, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
| | - Valerie P Le Rouzic
- Department of Neurology, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Alexander Goldberg
- Computational Chemistry and Molecular Biophysics Section, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
| | - Meng-Hua M Tsai
- Computational Chemistry and Molecular Biophysics Section, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
| | - Li Chen
- Computational Chemistry and Molecular Biophysics Section, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
| | - Tiffany Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Antara Sinha
- Department of Neurology, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Ying-Xian Pan
- Department of Neurology, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, 10065, USA; Department of Anesthesiology, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA
| | - Michael H Baumann
- Designer Drug Research Unit, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
| | - Lei Shi
- Computational Chemistry and Molecular Biophysics Section, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA.
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48
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Gaborit M, Massotte D. Therapeutic potential of opioid receptor heteromers in chronic pain and associated comorbidities. Br J Pharmacol 2023; 180:994-1013. [PMID: 34883528 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2021] [Revised: 06/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic pain affects 20% to 45% of the global population and is often associated with the development of anxio-depressive disorders. Treatment of this debilitating condition remains particularly challenging with opioids prescribed to alleviate moderate to severe pain. However, despite strong antinociceptive properties, numerous adverse effects limit opioid use in the clinic. Moreover, opioid misuse and abuse have become a major health concern worldwide. This prompted efforts to design original strategies that would efficiently and safely relieve pain. Targeting of opioid receptor heteromers is one of these. This review summarizes our current knowledge on the role of heteromers involving opioid receptors in the context of chronic pain and anxio-depressive comorbidities. It also examines how heteromerization in native tissue affects ligand binding, receptor signalling and trafficking properties. Finally, the therapeutic potential of ligands designed to specifically target opioid receptor heteromers is considered. LINKED ARTICLES: This article is part of a themed issue on Advances in Opioid Pharmacology at the Time of the Opioid Epidemic. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v180.7/issuetoc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marion Gaborit
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université de Strasbourg, Institut des Neurosciences Cellulaires et Intégratives, Strasbourg, France
| | - Dominique Massotte
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université de Strasbourg, Institut des Neurosciences Cellulaires et Intégratives, Strasbourg, France
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49
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Cao DN, Li F, Wu N, Li J. Insights into the mechanisms underlying opioid use disorder and potential treatment strategies. Br J Pharmacol 2023; 180:862-878. [PMID: 34128238 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Revised: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Opioid use disorder is a worldwide societal problem and public health burden. Strategies for treating opioid use disorder can be divided into those that target the opioid receptor system and those that target non-opioid receptor systems, including the dopamine and glutamate receptor systems. Currently, the clinical drugs used to treat opioid use disorder include the opioid receptor agonists methadone and buprenorphine, which are limited by their abuse liability, and the opioid receptor antagonist naltrexone, which is limited by poor compliance. Therefore, the development of effective medications with lower abuse liability and better potential for compliance is urgently needed. Based on recent advances in the understanding of the neurobiological mechanisms underlying opioid use disorder, potential treatment strategies and targets have emerged. This review focuses on the progress made in identifying potential targets and developing medications to treat opioid use disorder, including progress made by our laboratory, and provides insights for future medication development. LINKED ARTICLES: This article is part of a themed issue on Advances in Opioid Pharmacology at the Time of the Opioid Epidemic. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v180.7/issuetoc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan-Ni Cao
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Neuropsychopharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, China
| | - Fei Li
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Neuropsychopharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, China
| | - Ning Wu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Neuropsychopharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, China
| | - Jin Li
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Neuropsychopharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, China
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50
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Varga B, Streicher JM, Majumdar S. Strategies towards safer opioid analgesics-A review of old and upcoming targets. Br J Pharmacol 2023; 180:975-993. [PMID: 34826881 PMCID: PMC9133275 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Revised: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Opioids continue to be of use for the treatment of pain. Most clinically used analgesics target the μ opioid receptor whose activation results in adverse effects like respiratory depression, addiction and abuse liability. Various approaches have been used by the field to separate receptor-mediated analgesic actions from adverse effects. These include biased agonism, opioids targeting multiple receptors, allosteric modulators, heteromers and splice variants of the μ receptor. This review will focus on the current status of the field and some upcoming targets of interest that may lead to a safer next generation of analgesics. LINKED ARTICLES: This article is part of a themed issue on Advances in Opioid Pharmacology at the Time of the Opioid Epidemic. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v180.7/issuetoc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Balazs Varga
- Center for Clinical Pharmacology, University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy in St Louis and Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - John M. Streicher
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Susruta Majumdar
- Center for Clinical Pharmacology, University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy in St Louis and Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA
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