1
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Bodnar RJ. Endogenous opiates and behavior: 2023. Peptides 2024; 179:171268. [PMID: 38943841 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2024.171268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2024] [Revised: 06/18/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/01/2024]
Abstract
This paper is the forty-sixth consecutive installment of the annual anthological review of research concerning the endogenous opioid system, summarizing articles published during 2023 that studied the behavioral effects of molecular, pharmacological and genetic manipulation of opioid peptides and receptors as well as effects of opioid/opiate agonists and antagonists. The review is subdivided into the following specific topics: molecular-biochemical effects and neurochemical localization studies of endogenous opioids and their receptors (1), the roles of these opioid peptides and receptors in pain and analgesia in animals (2) and humans (3), opioid-sensitive and opioid-insensitive effects of nonopioid analgesics (4), opioid peptide and receptor involvement in tolerance and dependence (5), stress and social status (6), learning and memory (7), eating and drinking (8), drug and alcohol abuse (9), sexual activity and hormones, pregnancy, development and endocrinology (10), mental illness and mood (11), seizures and neurologic disorders (12), electrical-related activity and neurophysiology (13), general activity and locomotion (14), gastrointestinal, renal and hepatic functions (15), cardiovascular responses (16), respiration and thermoregulation (17), and immunological responses (18).
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard J Bodnar
- Department of Psychology and Psychology Doctoral Sub-Program, Queens College and the Graduate Center, City University of New York, USA.
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2
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Goode-Romero G, Dominguez L. Descriptive molecular pharmacology of the δ opioid receptor (DOR): A computational study with structural approach. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0304068. [PMID: 38991032 PMCID: PMC11239112 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0304068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024] Open
Abstract
This work focuses on the δ receptor (DOR), a G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) belonging to the opioid receptor group. DOR is expressed in numerous tissues, particularly within the nervous system. Our study explores computationally the receptor's interactions with various ligands, including opiates and opioid peptides. It elucidates how these interactions influence the δ receptor response, relevant in a wide range of health and pathological processes. Thus, our investigation aims to explore the significance of DOR as an incoming drug target for pain relief and neurodegenerative diseases and as a source for novel opioid non-narcotic analgesic alternatives. We analyze the receptor's structural properties and interactions using Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulations and Gaussian-accelerated MD across different functional states. To thoroughly assess the primary differences in the structural and conformational ensembles across our different simulated systems, we initiated our study with 1 μs of conventional Molecular Dynamics. The strategy was chosen to encompass the full activation cycle of GPCRs, as activation processes typically occur within this microsecond range. Following the cMD, we extended our study with an additional 100 ns of Gaussian accelerated Molecular Dynamics (GaMD) to enhance the sampling of conformational states. This simulation approach allowed us to capture a comprehensive range of dynamic interactions and conformational changes that are crucial for GPCR activation as influenced by different ligands. Our study includes comparing agonist and antagonist complexes to uncover the collective patterns of their functional states, regarding activation, blocking, and inactivation of DOR, starting from experimental data. In addition, we also explored interactions between agonist and antagonist molecules from opiate and opioid classifications to establish robust structure-activity relationships. These interactions have been systematically quantified using a Quantitative Structure-Activity Relationships (QSAR) model. This research significantly contributes to our understanding of this significant pharmacological target, which is emerging as an attractive subject for drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillermo Goode-Romero
- Departamento de Fisicoquímica, Facultad de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Laura Dominguez
- Departamento de Fisicoquímica, Facultad de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
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3
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Gisemba SA, Ferracane MJ, Murray TF, Aldrich JV. A Bicyclic Analog of the Linear Peptide Arodyn Is a Potent and Selective Kappa Opioid Receptor Antagonist. Molecules 2024; 29:3109. [PMID: 38999061 PMCID: PMC11243530 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29133109] [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: 03/22/2024] [Revised: 06/19/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Kappa opioid receptor (KOR) antagonists have potential therapeutic applications in the treatment of stress-induced relapse to substance abuse and mood disorders. The dynorphin A analog arodyn (Ac[Phe1,2,3,Arg4,D-Ala8]dynorphin A-(1-11)-NH2) exhibits potent and selective kappa opioid receptor antagonism. Multiple cyclizations in longer peptides, such as dynorphin and its analogs, can extend the conformational constraint to additional regions of the peptide beyond what is typically constrained by a single cyclization. Here, we report the design, synthesis, and pharmacological evaluation of a bicyclic arodyn analog with two constraints in the opioid peptide sequence. The peptide, designed based on structure-activity relationships of monocyclic arodyn analogs, was synthesized by solid-phase peptide synthesis and cyclized by sequential ring-closing metathesis (RCM) in the C- and N-terminal sequences. Molecular modeling studies suggest similar interactions of key aromatic and basic residues in the bicyclic peptide with KOR as found in the cryoEM structure of KOR-bound dynorphin, despite substantial differences in the backbone conformations of the two peptides. The bicyclic peptide's affinities at KOR and mu opioid receptors (MOR) were determined in radioligand binding assays, and its KOR antagonism was determined in the [35S]GTPγS assay in KOR-expressing cells. The bicyclic analog retains KOR affinity and selectivity (Ki = 26 nM, 97-fold selectivity over MOR) similar to arodyn and exhibits potent KOR antagonism in the dynorphin-stimulated [35S]GTPγS assay. This bicyclic peptide represents a promising advance in preparing cyclic opioid peptide ligands and opens avenues for the rational design of additional bicyclic opioid peptide analogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Solomon A Gisemba
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | | | - Thomas F Murray
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Creighton University, Omaha, NE 68102, USA
| | - Jane V Aldrich
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
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4
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Li Z, Huang R, Xia M, Chang N, Guo W, Liu J, Dong F, Liu B, Varghese A, Aslam A, Patterson TA, Hong H. Decoding the κ Opioid Receptor (KOR): Advancements in Structural Understanding and Implications for Opioid Analgesic Development. Molecules 2024; 29:2635. [PMID: 38893511 PMCID: PMC11173883 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29112635] [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: 04/27/2024] [Revised: 05/25/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
The opioid crisis in the United States is a significant public health issue, with a nearly threefold increase in opioid-related fatalities between 1999 and 2014. In response to this crisis, society has made numerous efforts to mitigate its impact. Recent advancements in understanding the structural intricacies of the κ opioid receptor (KOR) have improved our knowledge of how opioids interact with their receptors, triggering downstream signaling pathways that lead to pain relief. This review concentrates on the KOR, offering crucial structural insights into the binding mechanisms of both agonists and antagonists to the receptor. Through comparative analysis of the atomic details of the binding site, distinct interactions specific to agonists and antagonists have been identified. These insights not only enhance our understanding of ligand binding mechanisms but also shed light on potential pathways for developing new opioid analgesics with an improved risk-benefit profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoe Li
- National Center for Toxicological Research, US Food and Drug Administration, Jefferson, AR 72079, USA; (Z.L.); (W.G.); (J.L.); (F.D.); (B.L.); (A.V.); (A.A.)
| | - Ruili Huang
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; (R.H.); (M.X.)
| | - Menghang Xia
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; (R.H.); (M.X.)
| | - Nancy Chang
- Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, US Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD 20993, USA;
| | - Wenjing Guo
- National Center for Toxicological Research, US Food and Drug Administration, Jefferson, AR 72079, USA; (Z.L.); (W.G.); (J.L.); (F.D.); (B.L.); (A.V.); (A.A.)
| | - Jie Liu
- National Center for Toxicological Research, US Food and Drug Administration, Jefferson, AR 72079, USA; (Z.L.); (W.G.); (J.L.); (F.D.); (B.L.); (A.V.); (A.A.)
| | - Fan Dong
- National Center for Toxicological Research, US Food and Drug Administration, Jefferson, AR 72079, USA; (Z.L.); (W.G.); (J.L.); (F.D.); (B.L.); (A.V.); (A.A.)
| | - Bailang Liu
- National Center for Toxicological Research, US Food and Drug Administration, Jefferson, AR 72079, USA; (Z.L.); (W.G.); (J.L.); (F.D.); (B.L.); (A.V.); (A.A.)
| | - Ann Varghese
- National Center for Toxicological Research, US Food and Drug Administration, Jefferson, AR 72079, USA; (Z.L.); (W.G.); (J.L.); (F.D.); (B.L.); (A.V.); (A.A.)
| | - Aasma Aslam
- National Center for Toxicological Research, US Food and Drug Administration, Jefferson, AR 72079, USA; (Z.L.); (W.G.); (J.L.); (F.D.); (B.L.); (A.V.); (A.A.)
| | - Tucker A. Patterson
- National Center for Toxicological Research, US Food and Drug Administration, Jefferson, AR 72079, USA; (Z.L.); (W.G.); (J.L.); (F.D.); (B.L.); (A.V.); (A.A.)
| | - Huixiao Hong
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; (R.H.); (M.X.)
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Tomašević N, Emser FS, Muratspahić E, Gattringer J, Hasinger S, Hellinger R, Keov P, Felkl M, Gertsch J, Becker CFW, Gruber CW. Discovery and development of macrocyclic peptide modulators of the cannabinoid 2 receptor. J Biol Chem 2024; 300:107330. [PMID: 38679329 PMCID: PMC11154713 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2024.107330] [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: 02/21/2024] [Revised: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024] Open
Abstract
The cannabinoid type 2 receptor (CB2R), a G protein-coupled receptor, is an important regulator of immune cell function and a promising target to treat chronic inflammation and fibrosis. While CB2R is typically targeted by small molecules, including endo-, phyto-, and synthetic cannabinoids, peptides-owing to their size-may offer a different interaction space to facilitate differential interactions with the receptor. Here, we explore plant-derived cyclic cystine-knot peptides as ligands of the CB2R. Cyclotides are known for their exceptional biochemical stability. Recently, they gained attention as G protein-coupled receptor modulators and as templates for designing peptide ligands with improved pharmacokinetic properties over linear peptides. Cyclotide-based ligands for CB2R were profiled based on a peptide-enriched extract library comprising nine plants. Employing pharmacology-guided fractionation and peptidomics, we identified the cyclotide vodo-C1 from sweet violet (Viola odorata) as a full agonist of CB2R with an affinity (Ki) of 1 μM and a potency (EC50) of 8 μM. Leveraging deep learning networks, we verified the structural topology of vodo-C1 and modeled its molecular volume in comparison to the CB2R ligand binding pocket. In a fragment-based approach, we designed and characterized vodo-C1-based bicyclic peptides (vBCL1-4), aiming to reduce size and improve potency. Opposite to vodo-C1, the vBCL peptides lacked the ability to activate the receptor but acted as negative allosteric modulators or neutral antagonists of CB2R. This study introduces a macrocyclic peptide phytocannabinoid, which served as a template for the development of synthetic CB2R peptide modulators. These findings offer opportunities for future peptide-based probe and drug development at cannabinoid receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nataša Tomašević
- Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Fabiola Susanna Emser
- Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Edin Muratspahić
- Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Jasmin Gattringer
- Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Simon Hasinger
- Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Roland Hellinger
- Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Peter Keov
- Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; ARC Centre for Cryo-electron Microscopy of Membrane Proteins, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Manuel Felkl
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Jürg Gertsch
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Christian F W Becker
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Christian W Gruber
- Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
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6
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Eliasof A, Liu-Chen LY, Li Y. Peptide-derived ligands for the discovery of safer opioid analgesics. Drug Discov Today 2024; 29:103950. [PMID: 38514040 PMCID: PMC11127667 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2024.103950] [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: 12/08/2023] [Revised: 03/03/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
Drugs targeting the μ-opioid receptor (MOR) remain the most efficacious analgesics for the treatment of pain, but activation of MOR with current opioid analgesics also produces harmful side effects, notably physical dependence, addiction, and respiratory depression. Opioid peptides have been accepted as promising candidates for the development of safer and more efficacious analgesics. To develop peptide-based opioid analgesics, strategies such as modification of endogenous opioid peptides, development of multifunctional opioid peptides, G protein-biased opioid peptides, and peripherally restricted opioid peptides have been reported. This review seeks to provide an overview of the opioid peptides that produce potent antinociception with much reduced side effects in animal models and highlight the potential advantages of peptides as safer opioid analgesics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abbe Eliasof
- College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
| | - Lee-Yuan Liu-Chen
- Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA
| | - Yangmei Li
- College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA.
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7
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Rahman MH, Hegazy L. Mechanism of antagonist ligand binding to REV-ERBα. Sci Rep 2024; 14:8401. [PMID: 38600172 PMCID: PMC11006950 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-58945-4] [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: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
REV-ERBα, a therapeutically promising nuclear hormone receptor, plays a crucial role in regulating various physiological processes such as the circadian clock, inflammation, and metabolism. However, the availability of chemical probes to investigate the pharmacology of this receptor is limited, with SR8278 being the only identified synthetic antagonist. Moreover, no X-ray crystal structures are currently available that demonstrate the binding of REV-ERBα to antagonist ligands. This lack of structural information impedes the development of targeted therapeutics. To address this issue, we employed Gaussian accelerated molecular dynamics (GaMD) simulations to investigate the binding pathway of SR8278 to REV-ERBα. For comparison, we also used GaMD to observe the ligand binding process of STL1267, for which an X-ray structure is available. GaMD simulations successfully captured the binding of both ligands to the receptor's orthosteric site and predicted the ligand binding pathway and important amino acid residues involved in the antagonist SR8278 binding. This study highlights the effectiveness of GaMD in investigating protein-ligand interactions, particularly in the context of drug recognition for nuclear hormone receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Homaidur Rahman
- Center for Clinical Pharmacology, Washington University School of Medicine, University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Administrative Sciences, University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Lamees Hegazy
- Center for Clinical Pharmacology, Washington University School of Medicine, University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy, St. Louis, MO, USA.
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Administrative Sciences, University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy, St. Louis, MO, USA.
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8
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Dean TT, Jelú-Reyes J, Allen AC, Moore TW. Peptide-Drug Conjugates: An Emerging Direction for the Next Generation of Peptide Therapeutics. J Med Chem 2024; 67:1641-1661. [PMID: 38277480 PMCID: PMC10922862 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c01835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2024]
Abstract
Building on recent advances in peptide science, medicinal chemists have developed a hybrid class of bioconjugates, called peptide-drug conjugates, that demonstrate improved efficacy compared to peptides and small molecules independently. In this Perspective, we discuss how the conjugation of synergistic peptides and small molecules can be used to overcome complex disease states and resistance mechanisms that have eluded contemporary therapies because of their multi-component activity. We highlight how peptide-drug conjugates display a multi-factor therapeutic mechanism similar to that of antibody-drug conjugates but also demonstrate improved therapeutic properties such as less-severe off-target effects and conjugation strategies with greater site-specificity. The many considerations that go into peptide-drug conjugate design and optimization, such as peptide/small-molecule pairing and chemo-selective chemistries, are discussed. We also examine several peptide-drug conjugate series that demonstrate notable activity toward complex disease states such as neurodegenerative disorders and inflammation, as well as viral and bacterial targets with established resistance mechanisms.
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