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Morales P, Scharf MM, Bermudez M, Egyed A, Franco R, Hansen OK, Jagerovic N, Jakubík J, Keserű GM, Kiss DJ, Kozielewicz P, Larsen O, Majellaro M, Mallo-Abreu A, Navarro G, Prieto-Díaz R, Rosenkilde MM, Sotelo E, Stark H, Werner T, Wingler LM. Progress on the development of Class A GPCR-biased ligands. Br J Pharmacol 2024. [PMID: 39261899 DOI: 10.1111/bph.17301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/18/2024] [Indexed: 09/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Class A G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) continue to garner interest for their essential roles in cell signalling and their importance as drug targets. Although numerous drugs in the clinic target these receptors, over 60% GPCRs remain unexploited. Moreover, the adverse effects triggered by the available unbiased GPCR modulators, limit their use and therapeutic value. In this context, the elucidation of biased signalling has opened up new pharmacological avenues holding promise for safer therapeutics. Functionally selective ligands favour receptor conformations facilitating the recruitment of specific effectors and the modulation of the associated pathways. This review surveys the current drug discovery landscape of GPCR-biased modulators with a focus on recent advances. Understanding the biological effects of this preferential coupling is at different stages depending on the Class A GPCR family. Therefore, with a focus on individual GPCR families, we present a compilation of the functionally selective modulators reported over the past few years. In doing so, we dissect their therapeutic relevance, molecular determinants and potential clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Morales
- Instituto de Química Médica, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Madrid, Spain
| | - Magdalena M Scharf
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Marcel Bermudez
- Institute for Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Attila Egyed
- Medicinal Chemistry Research Group and National Drug Discovery and Development Laboratory, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Rafael Franco
- Molecular Neurobiology Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- CiberNed. Network Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, National Spanish Health Institute Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- School of Chemistry, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Olivia K Hansen
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Nadine Jagerovic
- Instituto de Química Médica, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jan Jakubík
- Institute of Physiology Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - György M Keserű
- Medicinal Chemistry Research Group and National Drug Discovery and Development Laboratory, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Dóra Judit Kiss
- Medicinal Chemistry Research Group and National Drug Discovery and Development Laboratory, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Pawel Kozielewicz
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Olav Larsen
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Ana Mallo-Abreu
- Center for Research in Biological Chemistry and Molecular Materials (CIQUS), University of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry (CSIC Associated Unit), Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Institute of Biomedicine (IBUB), Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Gemma Navarro
- CiberNed. Network Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, National Spanish Health Institute Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry and Physiology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Science, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Rubén Prieto-Díaz
- Center for Research in Biological Chemistry and Molecular Materials (CIQUS), University of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Mette M Rosenkilde
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Eddy Sotelo
- Center for Research in Biological Chemistry and Molecular Materials (CIQUS), University of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Holger Stark
- Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Institut fuer Pharmazeutische und Medizinische Chemie, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Tobias Werner
- Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Institut fuer Pharmazeutische und Medizinische Chemie, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Laura M Wingler
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
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2
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Pirnia B, Soleimani A, Farhoudian A, Zahiroddin A. Prediction of suicidal thoughts and behaviors based on the diurnal cortisol pattern and THC dosage in continued cannabis users, a 5 year population-based matched cohort study. Psychiatry Res 2024; 339:116091. [PMID: 39068898 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2024.116091] [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: 02/28/2024] [Revised: 07/02/2024] [Accepted: 07/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
It appears that the THC dosage is the link between dysregulation of the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis and suicidal thoughts and behaviors (STB). We proposed a new model to understand the underlying pathophysiological mechanism of STB based on the interaction of cortisol and THC dosage. From September 1, 2019, to January 1, 2024, we conducted a population-based, matched-pair, nested case-control study resulting from a three-wave complete longitudinal, multicenter cohort study on a sample of congress 60 clients. A total of 368 male continued cannabis users (CCu) were allocated to four categories, including low, moderate and high THC dosages and relapse, using optimal matching. Several HPA axis measures were analyzed in the saliva using liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS-MS), and carboxylic acids levels in the urine were assessed via gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC-MS). We used structural equation modeling (SEM) to examine the relationship between the variables of interest and the model fit test, and used the Akaike information criterion (AIC) to compare the model fit and select the best-fitting model. Population attributable fractions (PAFs) and cumulative risk score were also calculated for the best-fitting pattern. The analysis showed that the likelihood of STB in individuals with a cortisol awakening response (CAR) and a blunted diurnal cortisol slope (DCS) and higher area under the curve (AUC) who reported heavy cannabis use was more than three times higher than the control group (OR 3.2, 95 % CI 2.4-4.1). These findings indicate the importance of the specific cortisol secretion pattern in the increased clinical expression of STB and may be an important factor for guiding preventive efforts in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bijan Pirnia
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Humanities, University of Science and Culture, Tehran, Iran; Behavioral Sciences Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Soleimani
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Humanities, University of Science and Culture, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Ali Farhoudian
- Department of Psychiatry, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Alireza Zahiroddin
- Department of Psychiatry, Behavioral Sciences Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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3
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Shen S, Wu C, Lin G, Yang X, Zhou Y, Zhao C, Miao Z, Tian X, Wang K, Yang Z, Liu Z, Guo N, Li Y, Xia A, Zhou P, Liu J, Yan W, Ke B, Yang S, Shao Z. Structure-based identification of a G protein-biased allosteric modulator of cannabinoid receptor CB1. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2321532121. [PMID: 38830102 PMCID: PMC11181136 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2321532121] [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: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Cannabis sativa is known for its therapeutic benefit in various diseases including pain relief by targeting cannabinoid receptors. The primary component of cannabis, Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), and other agonists engage the orthosteric site of CB1, activating both Gi and β-arrestin signaling pathways. The activation of diverse pathways could result in on-target side effects and cannabis addiction, which may hinder therapeutic potential. A significant challenge in pharmacology is the design of a ligand that can modulate specific signaling of CB1. By leveraging insights from the structure-function selectivity relationship (SFSR), we have identified Gi signaling-biased agonist-allosteric modulators (ago-BAMs). Further, two cryoelectron microscopy (cryo-EM) structures reveal the binding mode of ago-BAM at the extrahelical allosteric site of CB1. Combining mutagenesis and pharmacological studies, we elucidated the detailed mechanism of ago-BAM-mediated biased signaling. Notably, ago-BAM CB-05 demonstrated analgesic efficacy with fewer side effects, minimal drug toxicity and no cannabis addiction in mouse pain models. In summary, our finding not only suggests that ago-BAMs of CB1 provide a potential nonopioid strategy for pain management but also sheds light on BAM identification for GPCRs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyuan Shen
- Division of Nephrology and Kidney Research Institute, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu610041, Sichuan, China
- Frontiers Medical Center, Tianfu Jincheng Laboratory, Chengdu610212, Sichuan, China
| | - Chao Wu
- Division of Nephrology and Kidney Research Institute, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Guifeng Lin
- Division of Nephrology and Kidney Research Institute, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Xin Yang
- Division of Nephrology and Kidney Research Institute, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Yangli Zhou
- Division of Nephrology and Kidney Research Institute, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Chang Zhao
- Division of Nephrology and Kidney Research Institute, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Zhuang Miao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Laboratory of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, National-Local Joint Engineering Research Centre of Translational Medicine of Anesthesiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Xiaowen Tian
- Division of Nephrology and Kidney Research Institute, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Kexin Wang
- Division of Nephrology and Kidney Research Institute, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Zhiqian Yang
- Division of Nephrology and Kidney Research Institute, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Zhiyu Liu
- Division of Nephrology and Kidney Research Institute, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Nihong Guo
- Division of Nephrology and Kidney Research Institute, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Yueshan Li
- Division of Nephrology and Kidney Research Institute, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Anjie Xia
- Division of Nephrology and Kidney Research Institute, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Pei Zhou
- Division of Nephrology and Kidney Research Institute, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Jingming Liu
- Division of Nephrology and Kidney Research Institute, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Wei Yan
- Division of Nephrology and Kidney Research Institute, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Bowen Ke
- Department of Anesthesiology, Laboratory of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, National-Local Joint Engineering Research Centre of Translational Medicine of Anesthesiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Shengyong Yang
- Division of Nephrology and Kidney Research Institute, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu610041, Sichuan, China
- Frontiers Medical Center, Tianfu Jincheng Laboratory, Chengdu610212, Sichuan, China
| | - Zhenhua Shao
- Division of Nephrology and Kidney Research Institute, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu610041, Sichuan, China
- Frontiers Medical Center, Tianfu Jincheng Laboratory, Chengdu610212, Sichuan, China
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4
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Balan I, Boero G, Chéry SL, McFarland MH, Lopez AG, Morrow AL. Neuroactive Steroids, Toll-like Receptors, and Neuroimmune Regulation: Insights into Their Impact on Neuropsychiatric Disorders. Life (Basel) 2024; 14:582. [PMID: 38792602 PMCID: PMC11122352 DOI: 10.3390/life14050582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2024] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Pregnane neuroactive steroids, notably allopregnanolone and pregnenolone, exhibit efficacy in mitigating inflammatory signals triggered by toll-like receptor (TLR) activation, thus attenuating the production of inflammatory factors. Clinical studies highlight their therapeutic potential, particularly in conditions like postpartum depression (PPD), where the FDA-approved compound brexanolone, an intravenous formulation of allopregnanolone, effectively suppresses TLR-mediated inflammatory pathways, predicting symptom improvement. Additionally, pregnane neurosteroids exhibit trophic and anti-inflammatory properties, stimulating the production of vital trophic proteins and anti-inflammatory factors. Androstane neuroactive steroids, including estrogens and androgens, along with dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), display diverse effects on TLR expression and activation. Notably, androstenediol (ADIOL), an androstane neurosteroid, emerges as a potent anti-inflammatory agent, promising for therapeutic interventions. The dysregulation of immune responses via TLR signaling alongside reduced levels of endogenous neurosteroids significantly contributes to symptom severity across various neuropsychiatric disorders. Neuroactive steroids, such as allopregnanolone, demonstrate efficacy in alleviating symptoms of various neuropsychiatric disorders and modulating neuroimmune responses, offering potential intervention avenues. This review emphasizes the significant therapeutic potential of neuroactive steroids in modulating TLR signaling pathways, particularly in addressing inflammatory processes associated with neuropsychiatric disorders. It advances our understanding of the complex interplay between neuroactive steroids and immune responses, paving the way for personalized treatment strategies tailored to individual needs and providing insights for future research aimed at unraveling the intricacies of neuropsychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irina Balan
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, School of Medicine, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; (I.B.); (S.L.C.); (M.H.M.); (A.G.L.)
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Giorgia Boero
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA;
| | - Samantha Lucenell Chéry
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, School of Medicine, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; (I.B.); (S.L.C.); (M.H.M.); (A.G.L.)
- Neuroscience Curriculum, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Minna H. McFarland
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, School of Medicine, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; (I.B.); (S.L.C.); (M.H.M.); (A.G.L.)
- Neuroscience Curriculum, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Alejandro G. Lopez
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, School of Medicine, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; (I.B.); (S.L.C.); (M.H.M.); (A.G.L.)
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - A. Leslie Morrow
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, School of Medicine, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; (I.B.); (S.L.C.); (M.H.M.); (A.G.L.)
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
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Flavin A, Azizi P, Murataeva N, Yust K, Du W, Ross R, Greig I, Nguyen T, Zhang Y, Mackie K, Straiker A. CB1 Receptor Negative Allosteric Modulators as a Potential Tool to Reverse Cannabinoid Toxicity. Molecules 2024; 29:1881. [PMID: 38675703 PMCID: PMC11053441 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29081881] [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: 03/01/2024] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
While the opioid crisis has justifiably occupied news headlines, emergency rooms are seeing many thousands of visits for another cause: cannabinoid toxicity. This is partly due to the spread of cheap and extremely potent synthetic cannabinoids that can cause serious neurological and cardiovascular complications-and deaths-every year. While an opioid overdose can be reversed by naloxone, there is no analogous treatment for cannabis toxicity. Without an antidote, doctors rely on sedatives, with their own risks, or 'waiting it out' to treat these patients. We have shown that the canonical synthetic 'designer' cannabinoids are highly potent CB1 receptor agonists and, as a result, competitive antagonists may struggle to rapidly reverse an overdose due to synthetic cannabinoids. Negative allosteric modulators (NAMs) have the potential to attenuate the effects of synthetic cannabinoids without having to directly compete for binding. We tested a group of CB1 NAMs for their ability to reverse the effects of the canonical synthetic designer cannabinoid JWH018 in vitro in a neuronal model of endogenous cannabinoid signaling and also in vivo. We tested ABD1085, RTICBM189, and PSNCBAM1 in autaptic hippocampal neurons that endogenously express a retrograde CB1-dependent circuit that inhibits neurotransmission. We found that all of these compounds blocked/reversed JWH018, though some proved more potent than others. We then tested whether these compounds could block the effects of JWH018 in vivo, using a test of nociception in mice. We found that only two of these compounds-RTICBM189 and PSNCBAM1-blocked JWH018 when applied in advance. The in vitro potency of a compound did not predict its in vivo potency. PSNCBAM1 proved to be the more potent of the compounds and also reversed the effects of JWH018 when applied afterward, a condition that more closely mimics an overdose situation. Lastly, we found that PSNCBAM1 did not elicit withdrawal after chronic JWH018 treatment. In summary, CB1 NAMs can, in principle, reverse the effects of the canonical synthetic designer cannabinoid JWH018 both in vitro and in vivo, without inducing withdrawal. These findings suggest a novel pharmacological approach to at last provide a tool to counter cannabinoid toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Audrey Flavin
- Gill Center for Biomolecular Science, Program in Neuroscience, Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA (N.M.); (K.Y.); (W.D.); (K.M.)
| | - Paniz Azizi
- Gill Center for Biomolecular Science, Program in Neuroscience, Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA (N.M.); (K.Y.); (W.D.); (K.M.)
| | - Natalia Murataeva
- Gill Center for Biomolecular Science, Program in Neuroscience, Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA (N.M.); (K.Y.); (W.D.); (K.M.)
| | - Kyle Yust
- Gill Center for Biomolecular Science, Program in Neuroscience, Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA (N.M.); (K.Y.); (W.D.); (K.M.)
| | - Wenwen Du
- Gill Center for Biomolecular Science, Program in Neuroscience, Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA (N.M.); (K.Y.); (W.D.); (K.M.)
| | - Ruth Ross
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 2C8, Canada;
| | - Iain Greig
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK;
| | - Thuy Nguyen
- Research Triangle Institute, Durham, NC 27709, USA; (T.N.); (Y.Z.)
| | - Yanan Zhang
- Research Triangle Institute, Durham, NC 27709, USA; (T.N.); (Y.Z.)
| | - Ken Mackie
- Gill Center for Biomolecular Science, Program in Neuroscience, Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA (N.M.); (K.Y.); (W.D.); (K.M.)
| | - Alex Straiker
- Gill Center for Biomolecular Science, Program in Neuroscience, Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA (N.M.); (K.Y.); (W.D.); (K.M.)
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6
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Ngoy A, Tang VM, Xiao K, Blumberger DM, George TP, Gowin JL, Le Foll B, Sloan ME. Neuromodulation for Cannabis Use: A Scoping Review. Brain Sci 2024; 14:356. [PMID: 38672008 PMCID: PMC11048669 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci14040356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2024] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
This scoping review explores the use of neuromodulation techniques in individuals with cannabis use. Our goal was to determine whether cannabis use alters cortical excitation and inhibition in the context of neuromodulation and to determine whether neuromodulation affects craving and cannabis use patterns. A systematic search was conducted using PubMed, OVID Medline, and PsycINFO from inception to 20 December 2022. Our review identified ten relevant studies, eight of which used Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), while two employed Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS). Findings from TMS studies suggest that cannabis users exhibit altered cortical inhibition, with decreased short interval intracortical inhibition (SICI) compared to non-users. Single sessions of rTMS did not have any impact on cannabis craving. By contrast, two studies found that multiple sessions of rTMS reduced cannabis use, but these changes did not meet the threshold for statistical significance and both studies were limited by small sample sizes. The two included tDCS studies found contradictory results, with one showing reduced cannabis craving with active treatment and another showing no effect of active treatment on craving compared to sham. Future studies should further explore the effects of multiple treatment sessions and different neuromodulation modalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony Ngoy
- Addictions Division, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON M6J 1H4, Canada; (A.N.); (T.P.G.); (B.L.F.)
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 2C8, Canada
| | - Victor M. Tang
- Temerty Centre for Therapeutic Brain Intervention, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON M6J 1H4, Canada; (V.M.T.); (D.M.B.)
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5T 1R8, Canada
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON M6J 1H4, Canada
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
- Institute for Mental Health Policy Research, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Toronto, ON M5S 2S1, Canada
| | - Kebin Xiao
- Addictions Division, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON M6J 1H4, Canada; (A.N.); (T.P.G.); (B.L.F.)
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 2C8, Canada
| | - Daniel M. Blumberger
- Temerty Centre for Therapeutic Brain Intervention, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON M6J 1H4, Canada; (V.M.T.); (D.M.B.)
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5T 1R8, Canada
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON M6J 1H4, Canada
| | - Tony P. George
- Addictions Division, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON M6J 1H4, Canada; (A.N.); (T.P.G.); (B.L.F.)
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5T 1R8, Canada
| | - Joshua L. Gowin
- Departments of Radiology and Psychiatry, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045, USA;
| | - Bernard Le Foll
- Addictions Division, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON M6J 1H4, Canada; (A.N.); (T.P.G.); (B.L.F.)
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 2C8, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5T 1R8, Canada
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON M6J 1H4, Canada
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
- Institute for Mental Health Policy Research, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Toronto, ON M5S 2S1, Canada
- Translational Addiction Research Laboratory, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Toronto, ON M5S 2S1, Canada
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 1V7, Canada
- Waypoint Research Institute, Waypoint Centre for Mental Health Care, Penetanguishene, ON L9M 1G3, Canada
| | - Matthew E. Sloan
- Addictions Division, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON M6J 1H4, Canada; (A.N.); (T.P.G.); (B.L.F.)
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 2C8, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5T 1R8, Canada
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON M6J 1H4, Canada
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
- Institute for Mental Health Policy Research, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Toronto, ON M5S 2S1, Canada
- Department of Psychological Clinical Science, University of Toronto Scarborough, Toronto, ON M1C 1A4, Canada
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7
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Costas-Insua C, Hermoso-López A, Moreno E, Montero-Fernández C, Álvaro-Blázquez A, Maroto IB, Sánchez-Ruiz A, Diez-Alarcia R, Blázquez C, Morales P, Canela EI, Casadó V, Urigüen L, Perea G, Bellocchio L, Rodríguez-Crespo I, Guzmán M. The CB 1 receptor interacts with cereblon and drives cereblon deficiency-associated memory shortfalls. EMBO Mol Med 2024; 16:755-783. [PMID: 38514794 PMCID: PMC11018632 DOI: 10.1038/s44321-024-00054-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: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Cereblon/CRBN is a substrate-recognition component of the Cullin4A-DDB1-Roc1 E3 ubiquitin ligase complex. Destabilizing mutations in the human CRBN gene cause a form of autosomal recessive non-syndromic intellectual disability (ARNSID) that is modelled by knocking-out the mouse Crbn gene. A reduction in excitatory neurotransmission has been proposed as an underlying mechanism of the disease. However, the precise factors eliciting this impairment remain mostly unknown. Here we report that CRBN molecules selectively located on glutamatergic neurons are necessary for proper memory function. Combining various in vivo approaches, we show that the cannabinoid CB1 receptor (CB1R), a key suppressor of synaptic transmission, is overactivated in CRBN deficiency-linked ARNSID mouse models, and that the memory deficits observed in these animals can be rescued by acute CB1R-selective pharmacological antagonism. Molecular studies demonstrated that CRBN interacts physically with CB1R and impairs the CB1R-Gi/o-cAMP-PKA pathway in a ubiquitin ligase-independent manner. Taken together, these findings unveil that CB1R overactivation is a driving mechanism of CRBN deficiency-linked ARNSID and anticipate that the antagonism of CB1R could constitute a new therapy for this orphan disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Costas-Insua
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Instituto Universitario de Investigación Neuroquímica (IUIN), Complutense University, 28040, Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029, Madrid, Spain
- Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), 28034, Madrid, Spain
| | - Alba Hermoso-López
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Instituto Universitario de Investigación Neuroquímica (IUIN), Complutense University, 28040, Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029, Madrid, Spain
- Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), 28034, Madrid, Spain
| | - Estefanía Moreno
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biomedicine, Faculty of Biology and Institute of Biomedicine of the University of Barcelona, University of Barcelona, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carlos Montero-Fernández
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Instituto Universitario de Investigación Neuroquímica (IUIN), Complutense University, 28040, Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029, Madrid, Spain
- Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), 28034, Madrid, Spain
| | - Alicia Álvaro-Blázquez
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Instituto Universitario de Investigación Neuroquímica (IUIN), Complutense University, 28040, Madrid, Spain
- Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), 28034, Madrid, Spain
| | - Irene B Maroto
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Instituto Universitario de Investigación Neuroquímica (IUIN), Complutense University, 28040, Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029, Madrid, Spain
- Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), 28034, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Rebeca Diez-Alarcia
- Department of Pharmacology, University of the Basque Country/Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea, 48940, Leioa, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), 28029, Madrid, Spain
- BioBizkaia Health Research Institute, 48903, Barakaldo, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Cristina Blázquez
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Instituto Universitario de Investigación Neuroquímica (IUIN), Complutense University, 28040, Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029, Madrid, Spain
- Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), 28034, Madrid, Spain
| | - Paula Morales
- Instituto de Química Médica, CSIC, 28006, Madrid, Spain
| | - Enric I Canela
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biomedicine, Faculty of Biology and Institute of Biomedicine of the University of Barcelona, University of Barcelona, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Vicent Casadó
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biomedicine, Faculty of Biology and Institute of Biomedicine of the University of Barcelona, University of Barcelona, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Leyre Urigüen
- Department of Pharmacology, University of the Basque Country/Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea, 48940, Leioa, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), 28029, Madrid, Spain
- BioBizkaia Health Research Institute, 48903, Barakaldo, Bizkaia, Spain
| | | | - Luigi Bellocchio
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM) and University of Bordeaux, NeuroCentre Magendie, Physiopathologie de la Plasticité Neuronale, U1215, 33077, Bordeaux, France
| | - Ignacio Rodríguez-Crespo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Instituto Universitario de Investigación Neuroquímica (IUIN), Complutense University, 28040, Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029, Madrid, Spain
- Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), 28034, Madrid, Spain
| | - Manuel Guzmán
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Instituto Universitario de Investigación Neuroquímica (IUIN), Complutense University, 28040, Madrid, Spain.
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029, Madrid, Spain.
- Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), 28034, Madrid, Spain.
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Ghasemian-Yadegari J, Adineh A, Mohammadi H, Davari S, Veisani Y, Ghaneialvar H, Aidy A, Abbasi N, Karimi E. Attenuation of cannabis withdrawal symptoms by Prosopis farcta extract, its luteolin and melatonin in mice: Involvement of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and dopamine. Cell Biochem Funct 2024; 42:e3980. [PMID: 38491827 DOI: 10.1002/cbf.3980] [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: 01/17/2024] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/03/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024]
Abstract
The aim of this study was the identification of luteolin in Prosopis farcta extract (PFE) and melatonin to evaluate its effect on THC withdrawal syndrome in mice. Luteolin was identified by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPCL). Signs of toxicity of mice in PFE and luteolin were monitored for LD50 calculation. The behavioral symptoms of THC withdrawal (stereotypies, ambulation, and inactivity time) induced by the rimonabant challenge were illustrated in THC-dependent mice receiving PFE, luteolin, and melatonin. The expression of mature BDNF (mBDNF) was evaluated by Western blot analysis. The dopamine concentrations were measured using HPLC. PFE and luteolin LD50 were 650 and 220 mg/kg, respectively. PFE (300 mg/kg), all doses of luteolin, and melatonin increased significantly the mBDNF expression and decreased the dopamine concentration. The findings suggest that PFE, luteolin, and melatonin are mighty in reducing the signs of THC withdrawal. It seems these effects were due to a decrease in dopamine concentration level and an increase in mBDNF protein expression in mice brains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javad Ghasemian-Yadegari
- Department of Pharmacognosy, School of Pharmacy, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran
| | - Ahmad Adineh
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran
| | - Hamidreza Mohammadi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran
| | - Shima Davari
- Department of Pharmacognosy, School of Pharmacy, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran
| | - Yousef Veisani
- Research Center for Psychosocial Injuries, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
| | - Hori Ghaneialvar
- Biotechnology and Medicinal Plants Research Center, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
| | - Ali Aidy
- Biotechnology and Medicinal Plants Research Center, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
| | - Naser Abbasi
- Biotechnology and Medicinal Plants Research Center, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
| | - Elahe Karimi
- Biotechnology and Medicinal Plants Research Center, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
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9
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Janero DR. Current strategic trends in drug discovery: the present as prologue. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2024; 19:147-159. [PMID: 37936504 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2023.2275640] [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: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Escalating costs and inherent uncertainties associated with drug discovery invite initiatives to improve its efficiency and de-risk campaigns for inventing better therapeutics. One such initiative involves recognizing and exploiting current approaches in therapeutics invention with molecular mechanisms of action that hold promise for designing and targeting new chemical entities as drugs. AREAS COVERED This perspective considers the current contextual framework around three drug-discovery approaches and evaluates their potential to help identify new targets/modalities in small-molecule molecular pharmacology: diversifying ligand-directed phenotypes for G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) pharmacotherapeutic signaling; developing therapeutic-protein degraders and stabilizers for proximity-inducing pharmacology; and mining organelle biology for druggable therapeutic targets. EXPERT OPINION The contemporary drug-discovery approaches examined appear generalizable and versatile to have applications in therapeutics invention beyond those case studies discussed herein. Accordingly, they may be considered strategic trends worthy of note in advancing the field toward novel ways of addressing pharmacotherapeutically unmet medical needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- David R Janero
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Health Sciences Entrepreneurs, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
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10
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Vallée M. Advances in steroid research from the pioneering neurosteroid concept to metabolomics: New insights into pregnenolone function. Front Neuroendocrinol 2024; 72:101113. [PMID: 37993022 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2023.101113] [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: 09/22/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023]
Abstract
Advances in neuroendocrinology have led to major discoveries since the 19th century, identifying adaptive loops for maintaining homeostasis. One of the most remarkable discoveries was the concept of neurosteroids, according to which the brain is not only a target but also a source of steroid production. The identification of new membrane steroid targets now underpins the neuromodulatory effects of neurosteroids such as pregnenolone, which is involved in functions mediated by the GPCR CB1 receptor. Structural analysis of steroids is a key feature of their interactions with the phospholipid membrane, receptors and resulting activity. Therefore, mass spectrometry-based methods have been developed to elucidate the metabolic pathways of steroids, the ultimate approach being metabolomics, which allows the identification of a large number of metabolites in a single sample. This approach should enable us to make progress in understanding the role of neurosteroids in the functioning of physiological and pathological processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monique Vallée
- University Bordeaux, INSERM, Neurocentre Magendie, U1215, F-33000 Bordeaux, France.
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11
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Melkikh AV. Aging and group selection: New arguments in favor of partially directed evolution. Biosystems 2023; 234:105061. [PMID: 37858738 DOI: 10.1016/j.biosystems.2023.105061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
In this study, theories of aging and its mechanisms under various environmental conditions were analyzed. The analysis of published data suggested that aging is a controlled process. It is known that many mathematical algorithms utilize an analogy of aging. However, this is possible only when a "target set" is known in advance. Various forms of selection in relation to aging were analyzed both collectively and separately. The general conclusion is that aging is one of the mechanisms of directed evolution. A model was constructed, which shows how aging is integrated into partially directed evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- A V Melkikh
- Ural Federal University, Yekaterinburg, Russia.
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12
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Hill MN, Haney M, Hillard CJ, Karhson DS, Vecchiarelli HA. The endocannabinoid system as a putative target for the development of novel drugs for the treatment of psychiatric illnesses. Psychol Med 2023; 53:7006-7024. [PMID: 37671673 PMCID: PMC10719691 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291723002465] [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: 08/17/2022] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023]
Abstract
Cannabis is well established to impact affective states, emotion and perceptual processing, primarily through its interactions with the endocannabinoid system. While cannabis use is quite prevalent in many individuals afflicted with psychiatric illnesses, there is considerable controversy as to whether cannabis may worsen these conditions or provide some form of therapeutic benefit. The development of pharmacological agents which interact with components of the endocannabinoid system in more localized and discrete ways then via phytocannabinoids found in cannabis, has allowed the investigation if direct targeting of the endocannabinoid system itself may represent a novel approach to treat psychiatric illness without the potential untoward side effects associated with cannabis. Herein we review the current body of literature regarding the various pharmacological tools that have been developed to target the endocannabinoid system, their impact in preclinical models of psychiatric illness and the recent data emerging of their utilization in clinical trials for psychiatric illnesses, with a specific focus on substance use disorders, trauma-related disorders, and autism. We highlight several candidate drugs which target endocannabinoid function, particularly inhibitors of endocannabinoid metabolism or modulators of cannabinoid receptor signaling, which have emerged as potential candidates for the treatment of psychiatric conditions, particularly substance use disorder, anxiety and trauma-related disorders and autism spectrum disorders. Although there needs to be ongoing clinical work to establish the potential utility of endocannabinoid-based drugs for the treatment of psychiatric illnesses, the current data available is quite promising and shows indications of several potential candidate diseases which may benefit from this approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew N. Hill
- Departments of Cell Biology and Anatomy & Psychiatry, Cumming School of Medicine, Hotchkiss Brain Institute and The Mathison Centre for Mental Health Research and Education, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Margaret Haney
- Department of Psychiatry, New York State Psychiatric Institute and Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, USA
| | - Cecilia J. Hillard
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Neuroscience Research Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, USA
| | - Debra S. Karhson
- Department of Psychology, University of New Orleans, New Orleans, USA
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13
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Crunkhorn S. Treating cannabis use disorder. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2023; 22:623. [PMID: 37400710 DOI: 10.1038/d41573-023-00110-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/05/2023]
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