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Hanske A, Nazaré M, Grether U. Chemical Probes for Investigating the Endocannabinoid System. Curr Top Behav Neurosci 2025. [PMID: 39747798 DOI: 10.1007/7854_2024_563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2025]
Abstract
Cannabis sativa has been used therapeutically since early civilizations, with key cannabinoids Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) 3.1 and cannabidiol characterized in the 1960s, leading to the discovery of cannabinoid receptors type 1 (CB1R) and type 2 (CB2R) and the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in the 1990s. The ECS, involving endogenous ligands like 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) 1.1, anandamide (N-arachidonoylethanolamine (AEA)) 1.2, and various proteins, regulates vital processes such as sleep, appetite, and memory, and holds significant therapeutic potential, especially for neurological disorders. Small molecule-derived pharmacological tools, or chemical probes, target key components of the ECS and are crucial for target validation, mechanistic studies, pathway elucidation, phenotypic screening, and drug discovery. These probes selectively interact with specific proteins or pathways, enabling researchers to modulate target activity and observe biological effects. When they carry an additional reporter group, they are referred to as labeled chemical probes. Developed through medicinal chemistry, structural biology, and high-throughput screening, effective chemical probes must be selective, potent, and depending on their purpose meet additional criteria such as cell permeability and metabolic stability.This chapter describes high-quality labeled and unlabeled chemical probes targeting ECS constituents that have been successfully applied for various research purposes. CB1R and CB2R, class A G protein-coupled receptors, are activated by 2-AG 1.1, AEA 1.2, and THC 3.1, with numerous ligands developed for these receptors. Imaging techniques like single-photon emission computed tomography, positron emission tomography, and fluorescently labeled CB1R and CB2R probes have enhanced CB receptor studies. CB2R activation generally results in immunosuppressive effects, limiting tissue injury. AEA 1.2 is mainly degraded by fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) or N-acylethanolamine acid amidase (NAAA) into ethanolamine and arachidonic acid (AA) 1.3. FAAH inhibitors increase endogenous fatty acid amides, providing analgesic effects without adverse effects. NAAA inhibitors reduce inflammation and pain in animal models. Diacylglycerol lipase (DAGL) is essential for 2-AG 1.1 biosynthesis, while monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) degrades 2-AG 1.1 into AA 1.3, thus regulating cannabinoid signaling. Multiple inhibitors targeting FAAH and MAGL have been generated, though NAAA and DAGL probe development lags behind. Similarly, advancements in inhibitors targeting endocannabinoid (eCB) cellular uptake or trafficking proteins like fatty acid-binding proteins have been slower. The endocannabinoidome (eCBome) includes the ECS and related molecules and receptors, offering therapeutic opportunities from non-THC cannabinoids and eCBome mediators. Ongoing research aims to refine chemical tools for ECS and eCBome study, addressing unmet medical needs in central nervous system disorders and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annaleah Hanske
- Leibniz-Forschungsinstitut für Molekulare Pharmakologie FMP, Berlin, Germany
| | - Marc Nazaré
- Leibniz-Forschungsinstitut für Molekulare Pharmakologie FMP, Berlin, Germany
| | - Uwe Grether
- Pharma Research and Early Development (pRED), Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Basel, Switzerland.
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2
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Monory K, de Azua IR, Lutz B. Genetic Tools in Rodents to Study Cannabinoid Functions. Curr Top Behav Neurosci 2024. [PMID: 39680319 DOI: 10.1007/7854_2024_550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2024]
Abstract
During the past 30 years, the endocannabinoid system (ECS) has emerged as a major signalling system in the mammalian brain regulating neurotransmission in numerous brain regions and in various cell populations. Endocannabinoids are able to regulate specific physiological functions and thus modify their behavioural manifestations and allostatic alterations of the ECS linked to different pathological conditions. As discussed in detail in other chapters of this book, endocannabinoids are involved in learning and memory, stress, and anxiety, feeding, energy balance, development, and ageing. Likewise, many CNS disorders (e.g. schizophrenia, epilepsy, substance use disorders, and multiple sclerosis) are associated with dysregulation of the ECS. Discerning the physiological functions of the synthetic and degrading enzymes of endocannabinoids and their receptors is a challenging task because of their distinct and complex expression patterns. Techniques of genetic engineering have been able to shed light on a number of complex ECS-related tasks during the past years. In this chapter, first, we take a critical look at the toolbox available to researchers who would like to investigate cannabinoid effects using genetic engineering techniques, then we comprehensively discuss genetically modified rodent models in various neuronal and non-neuronal cell populations, both within and outside the nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krisztina Monory
- Institute of Physiological Chemistry, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | | | - Beat Lutz
- Institute of Physiological Chemistry, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany.
- Leibniz Institute for Resilience Research (LIR) gGmbH, Mainz, Germany.
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3
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Antony P, Baby B, Rahma A, Samad SA, Dhaheri YA, Vijayan R. Molecular insights into the inhibition of angiotensin-converting enzyme 1 by hemopressin peptides. Sci Rep 2024; 14:28726. [PMID: 39567621 PMCID: PMC11579378 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-78893-3] [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: 09/11/2024] [Accepted: 11/05/2024] [Indexed: 11/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Inhibiting angiotensin-converting enzyme 1 (ACE1) is a key strategy for managing hypertension as it prevents the formation of angiotensin II, a potent vasoconstrictor. Given the adverse effects associated with synthetic inhibitors, there is an increasing focus on exploring natural bioactive peptides as potential ACE1 inhibitors. Hemopressins (Hp) are peptides derived from hemoglobin. The present study investigated the ACE1 inhibitory activity of two Hp variants, Hp bearing phenylalaine (Hp-F) and Hp bearing leucine (Hp-L), using a combination of in vitro and in silico methodologies. In enzyme inhibition assays, Hp-L variants exhibited better inhibition when compared to Hp-F variants. Furthermore, in molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations, Hp-L variants displayed favorable binding characteristics, in terms of binding energy and interactions, supporting their potential to be effective ACE1 inhibitors. The peptides were observed to interact with key residues involved in binding widely used ACE1 inhibitors. Notably, peptide RVD-Hp-L (RVDPVNFKLLSH) showed the lowest IC50 value, higher binding affinity and sustained interactions while binding to the catalytic site of ACE1. Finally, the substitution of phenylalanine with leucine in hemopressins significantly enhances their binding affinity and inhibitory potency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priya Antony
- Department of Biology College of Science, United Arab Emirates University, PO Box 15551, Al Ain, United Arab, United Arab Emirates
| | - Bincy Baby
- Department of Biology College of Science, United Arab Emirates University, PO Box 15551, Al Ain, United Arab, United Arab Emirates
| | - Aaesha Rahma
- Department of Biology College of Science, United Arab Emirates University, PO Box 15551, Al Ain, United Arab, United Arab Emirates
| | - Shamaa Abdul Samad
- Department of Biology College of Science, United Arab Emirates University, PO Box 15551, Al Ain, United Arab, United Arab Emirates
| | - Yusra Al Dhaheri
- Department of Biology College of Science, United Arab Emirates University, PO Box 15551, Al Ain, United Arab, United Arab Emirates
| | - Ranjit Vijayan
- Department of Biology College of Science, United Arab Emirates University, PO Box 15551, Al Ain, United Arab, United Arab Emirates.
- The Big Data Analytics Center, United Arab Emirates University, PO Box 15551, Al Ain, United Arab, United Arab Emirates.
- Zayed Center for Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, PO Box 15551, Al Ain, United Arab, United Arab Emirates.
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4
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Meier P, Glasmacher S, Salmen A, Chan A, Gertsch J. Comparative targeted lipidomics between serum and cerebrospinal fluid of multiple sclerosis patients shows sex and age-specific differences of endocannabinoids and glucocorticoids. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2024; 12:160. [PMID: 39385315 PMCID: PMC11465707 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-024-01864-2] [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: 07/23/2024] [Accepted: 09/14/2024] [Indexed: 10/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a complex chronic neuroinflammatory disease characterized by demyelination leading to neuronal dysfunction and neurodegeneration manifested by various neurological impairments. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a lipid signalling network, which plays multiple roles in the central nervous system and the periphery, including synaptic signal transmission and modulation of inflammation. The ECS has been identified as a potential target for the development of novel therapeutic interventions in MS patients. It remains unclear whether ECS-associated metabolites are changed in MS and could serve as biomarkers in blood or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). In this retrospective study we applied targeted lipidomics to matching CSF and serum samples of 74 MS and 80 non-neuroinflammatory control patients. We found that MS-associated lipidomic changes overall did not coincide between CSF and serum. While glucocorticoids correlated positively, only the endocannabinoid (eCB) 2-arachidonoyl glycerol (2-AG) showed a weak positive correlation (r = 0.3, p < 0.05) between CSF and serum. Peptide endocannabinoids could be quantified for the first time in CSF but did not differ between MS and controls. MS patients showed elevated levels of prostaglandin E2 and steaorylethanolamide in serum, and 2-oleoylglycerol and cortisol in CSF. Sex-specific differences were found in CSF of MS patients showing increased levels of 2-AG and glucocorticoids in males only. Overall, arachidonic acid was elevated in CSF of males. Interestingly, CSF eCBs correlated positively with age only in the control patients due to the increased levels of eCBs in young relapsing-remitting MS patients. Our findings reveal significant discrepancies between CSF and serum, underscoring that measuring eCBs in blood matrices is not optimal for detecting MS-associated changes in the central nervous system. The identified sex and age-specific changes of analytes of the stress axis and ECS specifically in the CSF of MS patients supports the role of the ECS in MS and may be relevant for drug development strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip Meier
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Bern, Bühlstrasse 28, Bern, 3012, Switzerland
| | - Sandra Glasmacher
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Bern, Bühlstrasse 28, Bern, 3012, Switzerland
- Synendos Therapeutics AG, Barfuesserplatz 3, Basel, 4051, Switzerland
| | - Anke Salmen
- Department of Neurology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Freiburgstrasse 16, Bern, 3010, Switzerland
- Department of Neurology, St. Josef-Hospital, Ruhr-University, Gudrunstrasse 56, 44791, Bochum, Germany
| | - Andrew Chan
- Department of Neurology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Freiburgstrasse 16, Bern, 3010, Switzerland
| | - Jürg Gertsch
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Bern, Bühlstrasse 28, Bern, 3012, Switzerland.
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Mei C, Zhang J, Niu Z, Simon JP, Yang T, Huang M, Zhang Z, Zhou L, Dong S. MP-13, a novel chimeric peptide of morphiceptin and pepcan-9, produces potent antinociception with limited side effects. Neuropeptides 2024; 107:102440. [PMID: 38875739 DOI: 10.1016/j.npep.2024.102440] [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: 05/07/2024] [Revised: 05/31/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/16/2024]
Abstract
Pharmacological investigations have substantiated the potential of bifunctional opioid/cannabinoid agonists in delivering potent analgesia while minimizing adverse reactions. Peptide modulators of cannabinoid receptors, known as pepcans, have been investigated before. In this study, we designed a series of chimeric peptides based on pepcans and morphiceptin (YPFP-NH2). Here, we combined injections of pepcans and morphiceptin to investigate the combination treatment of opioids and cannabis and compared the analgesic effect with chimeric compounds. Subsequently, we employed computational docking to screen the compounds against opioid and cannabinoid receptors, along with an acute pain model, to identify the most promising peptide. Among these peptides, MP-13, a morphiceptin and pepcan-9 (PVNFKLLSH) construct, exhibited superior supraspinal analgesic efficacy in the tail-flick test, with an ED50 value at 1.43 nmol/mouse, outperforming its parent peptides and other chimeric analogs. Additionally, MP-13 displayed potent analgesic activity mediated by mu-opioid receptor (MOR), delta-opioid receptor (DOR), and cannabinoid type 1 (CB1) receptor pathways. Furthermore, MP-13 did not induce psychological dependence and gastrointestinal motility inhibition at the effective analgesic doses, and it maintained non-tolerance-forming antinociception throughout a 7-day treatment regimen, with an unaltered count of microglial cells in the periaqueductal gray region, supporting this observation. Moreover, intracerebroventricular administration of MP-13 demonstrated dose-dependent antinociception in murine models of neuropathic, inflammatory, and visceral pain. Our findings provide promising insights for the development of opioid/cannabinoid peptide agonists, addressing a crucial gap in the field and holding significant potential for future research and development. PERSPECTIVE: This article offers insights into the combination treatment of pepcans with morphiceptin. Among the chimeric peptides, MP-13 exhibited potent analgesic effects in a series of preclinical pain models with a favorable side-effect profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenxi Mei
- Department of Animal and Biomedical Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, 222 Tianshui South Road, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Department of Animal and Biomedical Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, 222 Tianshui South Road, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Zhanyu Niu
- Department of Animal and Biomedical Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, 222 Tianshui South Road, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Jerine Peter Simon
- Department of Animal and Biomedical Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, 222 Tianshui South Road, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Tong Yang
- Department of Animal and Biomedical Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, 222 Tianshui South Road, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Mingmin Huang
- Department of Animal and Biomedical Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, 222 Tianshui South Road, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Zhonghua Zhang
- Department of Animal and Biomedical Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, 222 Tianshui South Road, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Lanxia Zhou
- Laboratory of Clinical Molecular Cytogenetics and Immunology, the First Hospital, Lanzhou University, 1 Donggang West Road, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Shouliang Dong
- Department of Animal and Biomedical Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, 222 Tianshui South Road, Lanzhou 730000, China; Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, Lanzhou University, 222 Tianshui South Road, Lanzhou 730000, China.
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6
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Suárez-Suárez C, González-Pérez S, Márquez-Miranda V, Araya-Duran I, Vidal-Beltrán I, Vergara S, Carvacho I, Hinostroza F. The Endocannabinoid Peptide RVD-Hemopressin Is a TRPV1 Channel Blocker. Biomolecules 2024; 14:1134. [PMID: 39334900 PMCID: PMC11430712 DOI: 10.3390/biom14091134] [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: 08/01/2024] [Revised: 08/27/2024] [Accepted: 08/29/2024] [Indexed: 09/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Neurotransmission is critical for brain function, allowing neurons to communicate through neurotransmitters and neuropeptides. RVD-hemopressin (RVD-Hp), a novel peptide identified in noradrenergic neurons, modulates cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2. Unlike hemopressin (Hp), which induces anxiogenic behaviors via transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) activation, RVD-Hp counteracts these effects, suggesting that it may block TRPV1. This study investigates RVD-Hp's role as a TRPV1 channel blocker using HEK293 cells expressing TRPV1-GFP. Calcium imaging and patch-clamp recordings demonstrated that RVD-Hp reduces TRPV1-mediated calcium influx and TRPV1 ion currents. Molecular docking and dynamics simulations indicated that RVD-Hp interacts with TRPV1's selectivity filter, forming stable hydrogen bonds and van der Waals contacts, thus preventing ion permeation. These findings highlight RVD-Hp's potential as a therapeutic agent for conditions involving TRPV1 activation, such as pain and anxiety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Constanza Suárez-Suárez
- Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias y Forestales, Universidad Católica del Maule, Talca 3460000, Chile; (C.S.-S.); (S.G.-P.)
| | - Sebastián González-Pérez
- Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias y Forestales, Universidad Católica del Maule, Talca 3460000, Chile; (C.S.-S.); (S.G.-P.)
| | - Valeria Márquez-Miranda
- Center for Bioinformatics and Integrative Biology (CBIB), Universidad Andrés Bello, Santiago 8370146, Chile; (V.M.-M.); (I.A.-D.)
| | - Ingrid Araya-Duran
- Center for Bioinformatics and Integrative Biology (CBIB), Universidad Andrés Bello, Santiago 8370146, Chile; (V.M.-M.); (I.A.-D.)
| | - Isabel Vidal-Beltrán
- Centro de Investigación de Estudios Avanzados del Maule (CIEAM), Vicerrectoría de Investigación y Postgrado, Universidad Católica del Maule, Talca 3460000, Chile;
| | - Sebastián Vergara
- Departamento de Medicina Traslacional, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Católica del Maule, Talca 3460000, Chile; (S.V.); (I.C.)
| | - Ingrid Carvacho
- Departamento de Medicina Traslacional, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Católica del Maule, Talca 3460000, Chile; (S.V.); (I.C.)
| | - Fernando Hinostroza
- Centro de Investigación de Estudios Avanzados del Maule (CIEAM), Vicerrectoría de Investigación y Postgrado, Universidad Católica del Maule, Talca 3460000, Chile;
- Departamento de Medicina Traslacional, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Católica del Maule, Talca 3460000, Chile; (S.V.); (I.C.)
- Centro de Investigación en Neuropsicología y Neurociencias Cognitivas, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Católica del Maule, Talca 3460000, Chile
- Centro para la Investigación Traslacional en Neurofarmacología, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso 2340000, Chile
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7
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Qi A, Han X, Quitalig M, Wu J, Christov PP, Jeon K, Jana S, Kim K, Engers DW, Lindsley CW, Rodriguez AL, Niswender CM. The cannabinoid CB 2 receptor positive allosteric modulator EC21a exhibits complicated pharmacology in vitro. J Recept Signal Transduct Res 2024; 44:151-159. [PMID: 39575892 PMCID: PMC11636628 DOI: 10.1080/10799893.2024.2431986] [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: 08/14/2024] [Revised: 11/14/2024] [Accepted: 11/16/2024] [Indexed: 12/07/2024]
Abstract
Schizophrenia is a complex disease involving the dysregulation of numerous brain circuits and patients exhibit positive symptoms (hallucinations, delusions), negative symptoms (anhedonia), and cognitive impairments. We have shown that the antipsychotic efficacy of positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) of both the M4 muscarinic receptor and metabotropic glutamate receptor 1 (mGlu1) involve the retrograde activation of the presynaptic cannabinoid type-2 (CB2) receptor, indicating that CB2 activation or potentiation could result in a novel therapeutic strategy for schizophrenia. We used two complementary assays, receptor-mediated phosphoinositide hydrolysis and GIRK channel activation, to characterize a CB2 PAM scaffold, represented by the compound EC21a, to explore its potential as a starting point to optimize therapeutics for schizophrenia. These studies revealed that EC21a acts as an allosteric inverse agonist at CB2 in both assays and exhibits a mixed allosteric agonist/negative allosteric modulator profile at CB1 depending upon the assay used for profiling. A series of compounds related to EC21a also functioned as CB2 inverse agonists. Overall, these results suggest that EC21a exhibits complicated and potentially assay-dependent pharmacology, which may impact interpretation of in vivo studies.
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MESH Headings
- Allosteric Regulation/drug effects
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB2/agonists
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB2/metabolism
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB2/genetics
- Humans
- Schizophrenia/drug therapy
- Schizophrenia/pathology
- Schizophrenia/metabolism
- Schizophrenia/genetics
- Animals
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1/metabolism
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1/agonists
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1/genetics
- CHO Cells
- Antipsychotic Agents/pharmacology
- Cricetulus
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Affiliation(s)
- Aidong Qi
- Department of Pharmacology and Warren Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Xueqing Han
- Department of Pharmacology and Warren Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Marc Quitalig
- Department of Pharmacology and Warren Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Jessica Wu
- Department of Pharmacology and Warren Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Plamen P Christov
- Vanderbilt Institute of Chemical Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - KyuOk Jeon
- Vanderbilt Institute of Chemical Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Somnath Jana
- Vanderbilt Institute of Chemical Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Kwangho Kim
- Vanderbilt Institute of Chemical Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Darren W Engers
- Department of Pharmacology and Warren Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Craig W Lindsley
- Department of Pharmacology and Warren Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt Institute of Chemical Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Alice L Rodriguez
- Department of Pharmacology and Warren Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Colleen M Niswender
- Department of Pharmacology and Warren Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt Institute of Chemical Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
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8
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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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9
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Bo Y, Zhao X, Li L. Cardiotoxic effects of common and emerging drugs: role of cannabinoid receptors. Clin Sci (Lond) 2024; 138:413-434. [PMID: 38505994 DOI: 10.1042/cs20231156] [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: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
Drug-induced cardiotoxicity has become one of the most common and detrimental health concerns, which causes significant loss to public health and drug resources. Cannabinoid receptors (CBRs) have recently achieved great attention for their vital roles in the regulation of heart health and disease, with mounting evidence linking CBRs with the pathogenesis and progression of drug-induced cardiotoxicity. This review aims to summarize fundamental characteristics of two well-documented CBRs (CB1R and CB2R) from aspects of molecular structure, signaling and their functions in cardiovascular physiology and pathophysiology. Moreover, we describe the roles of CB1R and CB2R in the occurrence of cardiotoxicity induced by common drugs such as antipsychotics, anti-cancer drugs, marijuana, and some emerging synthetic cannabinoids. We highlight the 'yin-yang' relationship between CB1R and CB2R in drug-induced cardiotoxicity and propose future perspectives for CBR-based translational medicine toward cardiotoxicity curation and clinical monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiming Bo
- Department of Forensic Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Xin Zhao
- Department of Cardiology, Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Liliang Li
- Department of Forensic Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
- Department of Cardiology, Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
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10
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Bouma J, Broekhuis JD, van der Horst C, Kumar P, Ligresti A, van der Stelt M, Heitman LH. Dual allosteric and orthosteric pharmacology of synthetic analog cannabidiol-dimethylheptyl, but not cannabidiol, on the cannabinoid CB 2 receptor. Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 218:115924. [PMID: 37972874 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115924] [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: 10/01/2023] [Revised: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
Cannabinoid CB2 receptor (CB2R) is a class A G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) involved in a broad spectrum of physiological processes and pathological conditions. For that reason, targeting CB2R might provide therapeutic opportunities in neurodegenerative disorders, neuropathic pain, inflammatory diseases, and cancer. The main components from Cannabis sativa, such as Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), have been therapeutically exploited and synthetically-derived analogs have been generated. One example is cannabidiol-dimethylheptyl (CBD-DMH), which exhibits anti-inflammatory effects. Nevertheless, its pharmacological mechanism of action is not yet fully understood and is hypothesized for multiple targets, including CB2R. The aim of this study was to further investigate the molecular pharmacology of CBD-DMH on CB2R while CBD was taken along as control. These compounds were screened in equilibrium and kinetic radioligand binding studies and various functional assays, including G protein activation, inhibition of cAMP production and ß-arrestin-2 recruitment. In dissociation studies, CBD-DMH allosterically modulated the radioligand binding. Furthermore, CBD-DMH negatively modulated the G protein activation of reference agonists CP55,940, AEA and 2-AG, but not the agonist-induced ß-arrestin-2 recruitment. Nevertheless, CBD-DMH also displayed competitive binding to CB2R and partial agonism on G protein activation, inhibition of cAMP production and ß-arrestin-2 recruitment. CBD did not exhibit such allosteric behavior and only very weakly bound CB2R without activation. This study shows a dual binding mode of CBD-DMH, but not CBD, to CB2R with the suggestion of two different binding sites. Altogether, it encourages further research into this dual mechanism which might provide a new class of molecules targeting CB2R.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jara Bouma
- Division of Drug Discovery and Safety, LACDR, Leiden University & Oncode Institute, the Netherlands
| | - Jeremy D Broekhuis
- Division of Drug Discovery and Safety, LACDR, Leiden University & Oncode Institute, the Netherlands
| | - Cas van der Horst
- Division of Drug Discovery and Safety, LACDR, Leiden University & Oncode Institute, the Netherlands
| | - Poulami Kumar
- National Research Council of Italy, Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, Italy
| | - Alessia Ligresti
- National Research Council of Italy, Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, Italy
| | - Mario van der Stelt
- Department of Molecular Physiology, LIC, Leiden University & Oncode Institute, the Netherlands
| | - Laura H Heitman
- Division of Drug Discovery and Safety, LACDR, Leiden University & Oncode Institute, the Netherlands.
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11
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Maccarrone M, Di Marzo V, Gertsch J, Grether U, Howlett AC, Hua T, Makriyannis A, Piomelli D, Ueda N, van der Stelt M. Goods and Bads of the Endocannabinoid System as a Therapeutic Target: Lessons Learned after 30 Years. Pharmacol Rev 2023; 75:885-958. [PMID: 37164640 PMCID: PMC10441647 DOI: 10.1124/pharmrev.122.000600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Revised: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The cannabis derivative marijuana is the most widely used recreational drug in the Western world and is consumed by an estimated 83 million individuals (∼3% of the world population). In recent years, there has been a marked transformation in society regarding the risk perception of cannabis, driven by its legalization and medical use in many states in the United States and worldwide. Compelling research evidence and the Food and Drug Administration cannabis-derived cannabidiol approval for severe childhood epilepsy have confirmed the large therapeutic potential of cannabidiol itself, Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol and other plant-derived cannabinoids (phytocannabinoids). Of note, our body has a complex endocannabinoid system (ECS)-made of receptors, metabolic enzymes, and transporters-that is also regulated by phytocannabinoids. The first endocannabinoid to be discovered 30 years ago was anandamide (N-arachidonoyl-ethanolamine); since then, distinct elements of the ECS have been the target of drug design programs aimed at curing (or at least slowing down) a number of human diseases, both in the central nervous system and at the periphery. Here a critical review of our knowledge of the goods and bads of the ECS as a therapeutic target is presented to define the benefits of ECS-active phytocannabinoids and ECS-oriented synthetic drugs for human health. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: The endocannabinoid system plays important roles virtually everywhere in our body and is either involved in mediating key processes of central and peripheral diseases or represents a therapeutic target for treatment. Therefore, understanding the structure, function, and pharmacology of the components of this complex system, and in particular of key receptors (like cannabinoid receptors 1 and 2) and metabolic enzymes (like fatty acid amide hydrolase and monoacylglycerol lipase), will advance our understanding of endocannabinoid signaling and activity at molecular, cellular, and system levels, providing new opportunities to treat patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mauro Maccarrone
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Italy (M.M.); European Center for Brain Research, Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy (M.M.); Canada Excellence Research Chair on the Microbiome-Endocannabinoidome Axis in Metabolic Health, University of Laval, Quebec, Canada (V.D.); Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, NCCR TransCure, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland (J.G.); Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland (U.G.); Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina (A.C.H.); iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China (T.H.); Center for Drug Discovery and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts (A.M.); Departments of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Biological Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, California (D.P.); Department of Biochemistry, Kagawa University School of Medicine, Miki, Kagawa, Japan (N.U.); Department of Molecular Physiology, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands (M.S.)
| | - Vincenzo Di Marzo
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Italy (M.M.); European Center for Brain Research, Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy (M.M.); Canada Excellence Research Chair on the Microbiome-Endocannabinoidome Axis in Metabolic Health, University of Laval, Quebec, Canada (V.D.); Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, NCCR TransCure, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland (J.G.); Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland (U.G.); Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina (A.C.H.); iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China (T.H.); Center for Drug Discovery and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts (A.M.); Departments of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Biological Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, California (D.P.); Department of Biochemistry, Kagawa University School of Medicine, Miki, Kagawa, Japan (N.U.); Department of Molecular Physiology, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands (M.S.)
| | - Jürg Gertsch
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Italy (M.M.); European Center for Brain Research, Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy (M.M.); Canada Excellence Research Chair on the Microbiome-Endocannabinoidome Axis in Metabolic Health, University of Laval, Quebec, Canada (V.D.); Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, NCCR TransCure, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland (J.G.); Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland (U.G.); Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina (A.C.H.); iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China (T.H.); Center for Drug Discovery and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts (A.M.); Departments of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Biological Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, California (D.P.); Department of Biochemistry, Kagawa University School of Medicine, Miki, Kagawa, Japan (N.U.); Department of Molecular Physiology, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands (M.S.)
| | - Uwe Grether
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Italy (M.M.); European Center for Brain Research, Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy (M.M.); Canada Excellence Research Chair on the Microbiome-Endocannabinoidome Axis in Metabolic Health, University of Laval, Quebec, Canada (V.D.); Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, NCCR TransCure, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland (J.G.); Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland (U.G.); Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina (A.C.H.); iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China (T.H.); Center for Drug Discovery and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts (A.M.); Departments of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Biological Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, California (D.P.); Department of Biochemistry, Kagawa University School of Medicine, Miki, Kagawa, Japan (N.U.); Department of Molecular Physiology, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands (M.S.)
| | - Allyn C Howlett
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Italy (M.M.); European Center for Brain Research, Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy (M.M.); Canada Excellence Research Chair on the Microbiome-Endocannabinoidome Axis in Metabolic Health, University of Laval, Quebec, Canada (V.D.); Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, NCCR TransCure, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland (J.G.); Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland (U.G.); Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina (A.C.H.); iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China (T.H.); Center for Drug Discovery and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts (A.M.); Departments of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Biological Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, California (D.P.); Department of Biochemistry, Kagawa University School of Medicine, Miki, Kagawa, Japan (N.U.); Department of Molecular Physiology, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands (M.S.)
| | - Tian Hua
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Italy (M.M.); European Center for Brain Research, Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy (M.M.); Canada Excellence Research Chair on the Microbiome-Endocannabinoidome Axis in Metabolic Health, University of Laval, Quebec, Canada (V.D.); Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, NCCR TransCure, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland (J.G.); Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland (U.G.); Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina (A.C.H.); iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China (T.H.); Center for Drug Discovery and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts (A.M.); Departments of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Biological Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, California (D.P.); Department of Biochemistry, Kagawa University School of Medicine, Miki, Kagawa, Japan (N.U.); Department of Molecular Physiology, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands (M.S.)
| | - Alexandros Makriyannis
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Italy (M.M.); European Center for Brain Research, Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy (M.M.); Canada Excellence Research Chair on the Microbiome-Endocannabinoidome Axis in Metabolic Health, University of Laval, Quebec, Canada (V.D.); Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, NCCR TransCure, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland (J.G.); Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland (U.G.); Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina (A.C.H.); iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China (T.H.); Center for Drug Discovery and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts (A.M.); Departments of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Biological Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, California (D.P.); Department of Biochemistry, Kagawa University School of Medicine, Miki, Kagawa, Japan (N.U.); Department of Molecular Physiology, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands (M.S.)
| | - Daniele Piomelli
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Italy (M.M.); European Center for Brain Research, Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy (M.M.); Canada Excellence Research Chair on the Microbiome-Endocannabinoidome Axis in Metabolic Health, University of Laval, Quebec, Canada (V.D.); Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, NCCR TransCure, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland (J.G.); Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland (U.G.); Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina (A.C.H.); iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China (T.H.); Center for Drug Discovery and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts (A.M.); Departments of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Biological Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, California (D.P.); Department of Biochemistry, Kagawa University School of Medicine, Miki, Kagawa, Japan (N.U.); Department of Molecular Physiology, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands (M.S.)
| | - Natsuo Ueda
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Italy (M.M.); European Center for Brain Research, Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy (M.M.); Canada Excellence Research Chair on the Microbiome-Endocannabinoidome Axis in Metabolic Health, University of Laval, Quebec, Canada (V.D.); Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, NCCR TransCure, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland (J.G.); Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland (U.G.); Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina (A.C.H.); iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China (T.H.); Center for Drug Discovery and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts (A.M.); Departments of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Biological Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, California (D.P.); Department of Biochemistry, Kagawa University School of Medicine, Miki, Kagawa, Japan (N.U.); Department of Molecular Physiology, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands (M.S.)
| | - Mario van der Stelt
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Italy (M.M.); European Center for Brain Research, Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy (M.M.); Canada Excellence Research Chair on the Microbiome-Endocannabinoidome Axis in Metabolic Health, University of Laval, Quebec, Canada (V.D.); Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, NCCR TransCure, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland (J.G.); Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland (U.G.); Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina (A.C.H.); iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China (T.H.); Center for Drug Discovery and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts (A.M.); Departments of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Biological Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, California (D.P.); Department of Biochemistry, Kagawa University School of Medicine, Miki, Kagawa, Japan (N.U.); Department of Molecular Physiology, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands (M.S.)
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12
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Martinez Ramirez CE, Ruiz-Pérez G, Stollenwerk TM, Behlke C, Doherty A, Hillard CJ. Endocannabinoid signaling in the central nervous system. Glia 2023; 71:5-35. [PMID: 36308424 PMCID: PMC10167744 DOI: 10.1002/glia.24280] [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: 02/01/2022] [Revised: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
It is hard to overestimate the influence of the endocannabinoid signaling (ECS) system on central nervous system (CNS) function. In the 40 years since cannabinoids were found to trigger specific cell signaling cascades, studies of the ECS system continue to cause amazement, surprise, and confusion! CB1 cannabinoid receptors are expressed widely in the CNS and regulate cell-cell communication via effects on the release of both neurotransmitters and gliotransmitters. CB2 cannabinoid receptors are difficult to detect in the CNS but seem to "punch above their weight" as compounds targeting these receptors have significant effects on inflammatory state and behavior. Positive and negative allosteric modulators for both receptors have been identified and examined in preclinical studies. Concentrations of the endocannabinoid ligands, N-arachidonoylethanolamine and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), are regulated by a combination of enzymatic synthesis and degradation and inhibitors of these processes are available and making their way into clinical trials. Importantly, ECS regulates many essential brain functions, including regulation of reward, anxiety, inflammation, motor control, and cellular development. While the field is on the cusp of preclinical discoveries providing impactful clinical and therapeutic insights into many CNS disorders, there is still much to be learned about this remarkable and versatile modulatory system.
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Affiliation(s)
- César E Martinez Ramirez
- Neuroscience Research Center and Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Gonzalo Ruiz-Pérez
- Neuroscience Research Center and Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Todd M Stollenwerk
- Neuroscience Research Center and Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Christina Behlke
- Neuroscience Research Center and Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Ashley Doherty
- Neuroscience Research Center and Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Cecilia J Hillard
- Neuroscience Research Center and Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
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13
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Ferranti AS, Foster DJ. Cannabinoid type-2 receptors: An emerging target for regulating schizophrenia-relevant brain circuits. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:925792. [PMID: 36033626 PMCID: PMC9403189 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.925792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Although the cannabinoid type-2 receptor (CB2) is highly expressed in the immune system, emerging evidence points to CB2 playing a key role in regulating neuronal function in the central nervous system. Recent anatomical studies, combined with electrophysiological studies, indicate that CB2 receptors are expressed in specific dopaminergic and glutamatergic brain circuits that are hyperactive in schizophrenia patients. The ability of CB2 receptors to inhibit dopaminergic and hippocampal circuits, combined with the anti-inflammatory effects of CB2 receptor activation, make this receptor an intriguing target for treating schizophrenia, a disease where novel interventions that move beyond dopamine receptor antagonists are desperately needed. The development of new CB2-related pharmacological and genetic tools, including the first small molecule positive allosteric modulator of CB2 receptors, has greatly advanced our understanding of this receptor. While more work is needed to further elucidate the translational value of selectively targeting CB2 receptors with respect to schizophrenia, the studies discussed below could suggest that CB2 receptors are anatomically located in schizophrenia-relevant circuits, where the physiological consequence of CB2 receptor activation could correct circuit-based deficits commonly associated with positive and cognitive deficits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony S. Ferranti
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States
- Warren Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Daniel J. Foster
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Neuroscience, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC, United States
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14
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Raphael-Mizrahi B, Attar-Lamdar M, Chourasia M, Cascio MG, Shurki A, Tam J, Neuman M, Rimmerman N, Vogel Z, Shteyer A, Pertwee RG, Zimmer A, Kogan N, Bab I, Gabet Y. Osteogenic growth peptide is a potent anti-inflammatory and bone preserving hormone via cannabinoid receptor type 2. eLife 2022; 11:65834. [PMID: 35604006 PMCID: PMC9154745 DOI: 10.7554/elife.65834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 05/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system consists mainly of 2-arachidonoylglycerol and anandamide, as well as cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1) and type 2 (CB2). Based on previous studies, we hypothesized that a circulating peptide previously identified as Osteogenic Growth Peptide (OGP) maintains a bone-protective CB2 tone. We tested OGP activity in mouse models and cells, and in human osteoblasts. We show that the OGP effects on osteoblast proliferation, osteoclastogenesis, and macrophage inflammation in vitro, as well as rescue of ovariectomy-induced bone loss and prevention of ear edema in vivo are all abrogated by genetic or pharmacological ablation of CB2. We also demonstrate that OGP binds at CB2 and may act as both an agonist and positive allosteric modulator in the presence of other lipophilic agonists. In premenopausal women, OGP circulating levels significantly decline with age. In adult mice, exogenous administration of OGP completely prevented age-related bone loss. Our findings suggest that OGP attenuates age-related bone loss by maintaining a skeletal CB2 tone. Importantly, they also indicate the occurrence of an endogenous peptide that signals via CB2 receptor in health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Malka Attar-Lamdar
- Institute of Dental Sciences, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Mukesh Chourasia
- Institute for Drug Research, Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Maria G Cascio
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| | - Avital Shurki
- Institute for Drug Research, Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Joseph Tam
- Institute for Drug Research, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Moshe Neuman
- Institute of Dental Sciences, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Neta Rimmerman
- Department of Neurobiology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Zvi Vogel
- Department of Neurobiology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Arie Shteyer
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Roger G Pertwee
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| | - Andreas Zimmer
- Institute of Molecular Psychiatry, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Natalya Kogan
- Institute of Dental Sciences, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Itai Bab
- Institute of Dental Sciences, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Yankel Gabet
- Department of Anatomy and Anthropology, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
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15
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Yuan J, Jiang C, Wang J, Chen CJ, Hao Y, Zhao G, Feng Z, Xie XQ. In Silico Prediction and Validation of CB2 Allosteric Binding Sites to Aid the Design of Allosteric Modulators. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27020453. [PMID: 35056767 PMCID: PMC8781014 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27020453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Revised: 01/01/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Although the 3D structures of active and inactive cannabinoid receptors type 2 (CB2) are available, neither the X-ray crystal nor the cryo-EM structure of CB2-orthosteric ligand-modulator has been resolved, prohibiting the drug discovery and development of CB2 allosteric modulators (AMs). In the present work, we mainly focused on investigating the potential allosteric binding site(s) of CB2. We applied different algorithms or tools to predict the potential allosteric binding sites of CB2 with the existing agonists. Seven potential allosteric sites can be observed for either CB2-CP55940 or CB2-WIN 55,212-2 complex, among which sites B, C, G and K are supported by the reported 3D structures of Class A GPCRs coupled with AMs. Applying our novel algorithm toolset-MCCS, we docked three known AMs of CB2 including Ec2la (C-2), trans-β-caryophyllene (TBC) and cannabidiol (CBD) to each site for further comparisons and quantified the potential binding residues in each allosteric binding site. Sequentially, we selected the most promising binding pose of C-2 in five allosteric sites to conduct the molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Based on the results of docking studies and MD simulations, we suggest that site H is the most promising allosteric binding site. We plan to conduct bio-assay validations in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiayi Yuan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Computational Chemical Genomics Screening Center, School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA; (J.Y.); (C.J.); (J.W.); (C.-J.C.); (Y.H.); (G.Z.)
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and National Center of Excellence for Computational Drug Abuse Research, School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
| | - Chen Jiang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Computational Chemical Genomics Screening Center, School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA; (J.Y.); (C.J.); (J.W.); (C.-J.C.); (Y.H.); (G.Z.)
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and National Center of Excellence for Computational Drug Abuse Research, School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
| | - Junmei Wang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Computational Chemical Genomics Screening Center, School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA; (J.Y.); (C.J.); (J.W.); (C.-J.C.); (Y.H.); (G.Z.)
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and National Center of Excellence for Computational Drug Abuse Research, School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
| | - Chih-Jung Chen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Computational Chemical Genomics Screening Center, School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA; (J.Y.); (C.J.); (J.W.); (C.-J.C.); (Y.H.); (G.Z.)
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and National Center of Excellence for Computational Drug Abuse Research, School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
| | - Yixuan Hao
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Computational Chemical Genomics Screening Center, School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA; (J.Y.); (C.J.); (J.W.); (C.-J.C.); (Y.H.); (G.Z.)
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and National Center of Excellence for Computational Drug Abuse Research, School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
| | - Guangyi Zhao
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Computational Chemical Genomics Screening Center, School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA; (J.Y.); (C.J.); (J.W.); (C.-J.C.); (Y.H.); (G.Z.)
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and National Center of Excellence for Computational Drug Abuse Research, School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
| | - Zhiwei Feng
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Computational Chemical Genomics Screening Center, School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA; (J.Y.); (C.J.); (J.W.); (C.-J.C.); (Y.H.); (G.Z.)
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and National Center of Excellence for Computational Drug Abuse Research, School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
- Correspondence: (Z.F.); (X.-Q.X.)
| | - Xiang-Qun Xie
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Computational Chemical Genomics Screening Center, School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA; (J.Y.); (C.J.); (J.W.); (C.-J.C.); (Y.H.); (G.Z.)
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and National Center of Excellence for Computational Drug Abuse Research, School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
- Correspondence: (Z.F.); (X.-Q.X.)
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Mannes M, Martin C, Menet C, Ballet S. Wandering beyond small molecules: peptides as allosteric protein modulators. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2021; 43:406-423. [PMID: 34857409 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2021.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Revised: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Recent years have seen the rise of allosteric modulation as an innovative approach for drug design and discovery, efforts which culminated in the development of several clinical candidates. Allosteric modulation of many drug targets, including mainly membrane-embedded receptors, have been vastly explored through small molecule screening campaigns, but much less attention has been paid to peptide-based allosteric modulators. However, peptides have a significant impact on the pharmaceutical industry due to the typically higher potency and selectivity for their targets, as compared with small molecule therapeutics. Therefore, peptides represent one of the most promising classes of molecules that can modulate key biological pathways. Here, we report on the allosteric modulation of proteins (ranging from G protein-coupled receptors to specific protein-protein interactions) by peptides for applications in drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgane Mannes
- Research Group of Organic Chemistry, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Charlotte Martin
- Research Group of Organic Chemistry, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Christel Menet
- Confo Therapeutics N.V., Technologiepark-Zwijnaarde 30, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Steven Ballet
- Research Group of Organic Chemistry, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, Brussels, Belgium.
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17
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Olson KM, Traynor JR, Alt A. Allosteric Modulator Leads Hiding in Plain Site: Developing Peptide and Peptidomimetics as GPCR Allosteric Modulators. Front Chem 2021; 9:671483. [PMID: 34692635 PMCID: PMC8529114 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2021.671483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Allosteric modulators (AMs) of G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) are desirable drug targets because they can produce fewer on-target side effects, improved selectivity, and better biological specificity (e.g., biased signaling or probe dependence) than orthosteric drugs. An underappreciated source for identifying AM leads are peptides and proteins-many of which were evolutionarily selected as AMs-derived from endogenous protein-protein interactions (e.g., transducer/accessory proteins), intramolecular receptor contacts (e.g., pepducins or extracellular domains), endogenous peptides, and exogenous libraries (e.g., nanobodies or conotoxins). Peptides offer distinct advantages over small molecules, including high affinity, good tolerability, and good bioactivity, and specific disadvantages, including relatively poor metabolic stability and bioavailability. Peptidomimetics are molecules that combine the advantages of both peptides and small molecules by mimicking the peptide's chemical features responsible for bioactivity while improving its druggability. This review 1) discusses sources and strategies to identify peptide/peptidomimetic AMs, 2) overviews strategies to convert a peptide lead into more drug-like "peptidomimetic," and 3) critically analyzes the advantages, disadvantages, and future directions of peptidomimetic AMs. While small molecules will and should play a vital role in AM drug discovery, peptidomimetics can complement and even exceed the advantages of small molecules, depending on the target, site, lead, and associated factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keith M. Olson
- Department of Pharmacology and Edward F Domino Research Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - John R. Traynor
- Department of Pharmacology and Edward F Domino Research Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Andrew Alt
- Department of Pharmacology and Edward F Domino Research Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
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18
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Navarro G, Gonzalez A, Sánchez-Morales A, Casajuana-Martin N, Gómez-Ventura M, Cordomí A, Busqué F, Alibés R, Pardo L, Franco R. Design of Negative and Positive Allosteric Modulators of the Cannabinoid CB 2 Receptor Derived from the Natural Product Cannabidiol. J Med Chem 2021; 64:9354-9364. [PMID: 34161090 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c00561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Cannabidiol (CBD), the second most abundant of the active compounds found in the Cannabis sativa plant, is of increasing interest because it is approved for human use and is neither euphorizing nor addictive. Here, we design and synthesize novel compounds taking into account that CBD is both a partial agonist, when it binds to the orthosteric site, and a negative allosteric modulator, when it binds to the allosteric site of the cannabinoid CB2 receptor. Molecular dynamic simulations and site-directed mutagenesis studies have identified the allosteric site near the receptor entrance. This knowledge has permitted to perform structure-guided design of negative and positive allosteric modulators of the CB2 receptor with potential therapeutic utility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gemma Navarro
- Department of Biochemistry and Physiology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, Universitat de Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación en Red, Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28031 Madrid, Spain
| | - Angel Gonzalez
- Laboratory of Computational Medicine, Biostatistics Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Universitat Autònoma Barcelona, Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Adrià Sánchez-Morales
- Departament de Química, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Nil Casajuana-Martin
- Laboratory of Computational Medicine, Biostatistics Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Universitat Autònoma Barcelona, Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marc Gómez-Ventura
- Departament de Química, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Arnau Cordomí
- Laboratory of Computational Medicine, Biostatistics Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Universitat Autònoma Barcelona, Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Félix Busqué
- Departament de Química, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ramon Alibés
- Departament de Química, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Leonardo Pardo
- Laboratory of Computational Medicine, Biostatistics Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Universitat Autònoma Barcelona, Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Rafael Franco
- Centro de Investigación en Red, Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28031 Madrid, Spain.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biomedicine, Faculty of Biology, Universitat de Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
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19
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Hou T, Bian Y, McGuire T, Xie XQ. Integrated Multi-Class Classification and Prediction of GPCR Allosteric Modulators by Machine Learning Intelligence. Biomolecules 2021; 11:biom11060870. [PMID: 34208096 PMCID: PMC8230833 DOI: 10.3390/biom11060870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2021] [Revised: 05/30/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are the largest and most diverse group of cell surface receptors that respond to various extracellular signals. The allosteric modulation of GPCRs has emerged in recent years as a promising approach for developing target-selective therapies. Moreover, the discovery of new GPCR allosteric modulators can greatly benefit the further understanding of GPCR cell signaling mechanisms. It is critical but also challenging to make an accurate distinction of modulators for different GPCR groups in an efficient and effective manner. In this study, we focus on an 11-class classification task with 10 GPCR subtype classes and a random compounds class. We used a dataset containing 34,434 compounds with allosteric modulators collected from classical GPCR families A, B, and C, as well as random drug-like compounds. Six types of machine learning models, including support vector machine, naïve Bayes, decision tree, random forest, logistic regression, and multilayer perceptron, were trained using different combinations of features including molecular descriptors, Atom-pair fingerprints, MACCS fingerprints, and ECFP6 fingerprints. The performances of trained machine learning models with different feature combinations were closely investigated and discussed. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first work on the multi-class classification of GPCR allosteric modulators. We believe that the classification models developed in this study can be used as simple and accurate tools for the discovery and development of GPCR allosteric modulators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianling Hou
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Computational Chemical Genomics Screen (CCGS) Center and Pharmacometrics System Pharmacology Program, School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA; (T.H.); (Y.B.); (T.M.)
- NIH National Center of Excellence for Computational Drug Abuse Research (CDAR), University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
| | - Yuemin Bian
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Computational Chemical Genomics Screen (CCGS) Center and Pharmacometrics System Pharmacology Program, School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA; (T.H.); (Y.B.); (T.M.)
- NIH National Center of Excellence for Computational Drug Abuse Research (CDAR), University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
| | - Terence McGuire
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Computational Chemical Genomics Screen (CCGS) Center and Pharmacometrics System Pharmacology Program, School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA; (T.H.); (Y.B.); (T.M.)
- NIH National Center of Excellence for Computational Drug Abuse Research (CDAR), University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
| | - Xiang-Qun Xie
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Computational Chemical Genomics Screen (CCGS) Center and Pharmacometrics System Pharmacology Program, School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA; (T.H.); (Y.B.); (T.M.)
- Drug Discovery Institute, Departments of Computational Biology and of Structural Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
- Correspondence:
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20
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Ferrisi R, Ceni C, Bertini S, Macchia M, Manera C, Gado F. Medicinal Chemistry approach, pharmacology and neuroprotective benefits of CB 2R modulators in neurodegenerative diseases. Pharmacol Res 2021; 170:105607. [PMID: 34089867 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2021.105607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2021] [Revised: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
In the last decades, cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2R) has continued to receive attention as a key therapeutic target in neuroprotection. Indeed, several findings highlight the neuroprotective effects of CB2R through suppression of both neuronal excitability and reactive microglia. Additionally, CB2R seems to be a more promising target than cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1R) thanks to the lack of central side effects, its lower expression levels in the central nervous system (CNS), and its inducibility, since its expression enhances quickly in the brain following pathological conditions. This review aims to provide a thorough overview of the main natural and synthetic selective CB2R modulators, their chemical classification and their potential therapeutic usefulness in neuroprotection, a crucial aspect for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Ferrisi
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy.
| | - Costanza Ceni
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy.
| | - Simone Bertini
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy.
| | - Marco Macchia
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy.
| | | | - Francesca Gado
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy.
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21
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Cannabinoid receptor type 2 ligands: an analysis of granted patents since 2010. Pharm Pat Anal 2021; 10:111-163. [DOI: 10.4155/ppa-2021-0002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The G-protein-coupled cannabinoid receptor type 2 (CB2R) is a key element of the endocannabinoid (EC) system. EC/CB2R signaling has significant therapeutic potential in major pathologies affecting humans such as allergies, neurodegenerative disorders, inflammation or ocular diseases. CB2R agonism exerts anti-inflammatory and tissue protective effects in preclinical animal models of cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, liver, kidney, lung and neurodegenerative disorders. Existing ligands can be subdivided into endocannabinoids, cannabinoid-like and synthetic CB2R ligands that possess various degrees of potency on and selectivity against the cannabinoid receptor type 1. This review is an account of granted CB2R ligand patents from 2010 up to the present, which were surveyed using Derwent Innovation®.
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22
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Glasmacher S, Gertsch J. Characterization of pepcan-23 as pro-peptide of RVD-hemopressin (pepcan-12) and stability of hemopressins in mice. Adv Biol Regul 2021; 80:100808. [PMID: 33799079 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbior.2021.100808] [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: 02/01/2021] [Revised: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Hemopressins ((x)-PVNFKLLSH) or peptide endocannabinoids (pepcans) can bind to cannabinoid receptors. RVD-hemopressin (pepcan-12) was shown to act as endogenous allosteric modulator of cannabinoid receptors, with opposite effects on CB1 and CB2, respectively. Moreover, the N-terminally elongated pepcan-23 was detected in different tissues and was postulated to be the pro-peptide of RVD-hemopressin. Currently, data about the pharmacokinetics, tissue distribution and stability of hemopressin-type peptides are lacking. Here we investigated the secondary structure and physiological role of pepcan-23 as precursor of RVD-hemopressin. We assessed the metabolic stability of these peptides, including hemopressin. Using LC-ESI-MS/MS, pepcan-23 was measured in mouse tissues and human whole blood (~50 pmol/mL) and in plasma was the most stable endogenous peptide containing the hemopressin sequence. Using peptide spiked human whole blood, mouse adrenal gland and liver homogenates demonstrate that pepcan-23 acts as endogenous pro-peptide of RVD-hemopressin. Furthermore, administered pepcan-23 converted to RVD-hemopressin in mice. In circular dichroism spectroscopy, pepcan-23 showed a helix-unordered-helix structure and efficiently formed complexes with divalent metal ions, in particular Cu(II) and Ni(II). Hemopressin and RVD-hemopressin were not bioavailable to the brain and showed poor stability in plasma, in agreement with their overall poor biodistribution. Acute hemopressin administration (100 mg/kg) did not modulate endogenous RVD-hemopressin/pepcan-23 levels or influence the endocannabinoid lipidome but increased 1-stearoyl-2-arachidonoyl-sn-glycerol. Overall, we show that pepcan-23 is a biological pro-peptide of RVD-hemopressin and divalent metal ions may regulate this process. Given the lack of metabolic stability of hemopressins, administration of pepcan-23 as pro-peptide may be suitable in pharmacological experiments as it is converted to RVD-hemopressin in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Glasmacher
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Bern, CH-3012, Bern, Switzerland; Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences (GCB), University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - Jürg Gertsch
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Bern, CH-3012, Bern, Switzerland.
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23
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Rohbeck E, Eckel J, Romacho T. Cannabinoid Receptors in Metabolic Regulation and Diabetes. Physiology (Bethesda) 2021; 36:102-113. [PMID: 33595385 DOI: 10.1152/physiol.00029.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
There is an urgent need for developing effective drugs to combat the obesity and Type 2 diabetes mellitus epidemics. The endocannabinoid system plays a major role in energy homeostasis. It comprises the cannabinoid receptors 1 and 2 (CB1 and CB2), endogenous ligands called endocannabinoids and their metabolizing enzymes. Because the CB1 receptor is overactivated in metabolic alterations, pharmacological blockade of the CB1 receptor arose as a promising candidate to treat obesity. However, because of the wide distribution of CB1 receptors in the central nervous system, their negative central effects halted further therapeutic use. Although the CB2 receptor is mostly peripherally expressed, its role in metabolic homeostasis remains unclear. This review discusses the potential of CB1 and CB2 receptors at the peripheral level to be therapeutic targets in metabolic diseases. We focus on the impact of pharmacological intervention and/or silencing on peripheral cannabinoid receptors in organs/tissues relevant for energy homeostasis. Moreover, we provide a perspective on novel therapeutic strategies modulating these receptors. Targeting CB1 with peripherally restricted antagonists, neutral antagonists, inverse agonists, or monoclonal antibodies could represent successful strategies. CB2 agonism has shown promising results at preclinical level. Beyond classic antagonism and agonism targeting orthosteric sites, the recently described crystal structures of CB1 and CB2 open new possibilities for therapeutic interventions with negative and positive allosteric modulators. The challenge of simultaneously targeting CB1 and CB2 might be possible by developing dual-steric ligands. The future will tell whether these promising strategies result in a renaissance of the cannabinoid receptors as therapeutic targets in metabolic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth Rohbeck
- Institute for Clinical Diabetology, German Diabetes Center, Leibniz Center for Diabetes Research at Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Juergen Eckel
- Institute for Clinical Diabetology, German Diabetes Center, Leibniz Center for Diabetes Research at Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Tania Romacho
- Institute for Clinical Diabetology, German Diabetes Center, Leibniz Center for Diabetes Research at Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
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24
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Heimann AS, Dale CS, Guimarães FS, Reis RAM, Navon A, Shmuelov MA, Rioli V, Gomes I, Devi LL, Ferro ES. Hemopressin as a breakthrough for the cannabinoid field. Neuropharmacology 2021; 183:108406. [PMID: 33212113 PMCID: PMC8609950 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2020.108406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2020] [Revised: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Hemopressin (PVNFKFLSH in rats, and PVNFKLLSH in humans and mice), a fragment derived from the α-chain of hemoglobin, was the first peptide described to have type 1 cannabinoid receptor activity. While hemopressin was shown to have inverse agonist/antagonistic activity, extended forms of hemopressin (i.e. RVD-hemopressin, also called pepcan-12) exhibit type 1 and type 2 cannabinoid receptor agonistic/allosteric activity, and recent studies suggest that they can activate intracellular mitochondrial cannabinoid receptors. Therefore, hemopressin and hemopressin-related peptides could have location-specific and biased pharmacological action, which would increase the possibilities for fine-tunning and broadening cannabinoid receptor signal transduction. Consistent with this, hemopressins were shown to play a role in a number of physiological processes including antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activity, regulation of food intake, learning and memory. The shortest active hemopressin fragment, NFKF, delays the first seizure induced by pilocarpine, and prevents neurodegeneration in an experimental model of autoimmune encephalomyelitis. These functions of hemopressins could be due to engagement of both cannabinoid and non-cannabinoid receptor systems. Self-assembled nanofibrils of hemopressin have pH-sensitive switchable surface-active properties, and show potential as inflammation and cancer targeted drug-delivery systems. Upon disruption of the self-assembled hemopressin nanofibril emulsion, the intrinsic analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties of hemopressin could help bolster the therapeutic effect of anti-inflammatory or anti-cancer formulations. In this article, we briefly review the molecular and behavioral pharmacological properties of hemopressins, and summarize studies on the intricate and unique mode of generation and binding of these peptides to cannabinoid receptors. Thus, the review provides a window into the current status of hemopressins in expanding the repertoire of signaling and activity by the endocannabinoid system, in addition to their new potential for pharmaceutic formulations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Camila S Dale
- Department of Anatomy, Biomedical Science Institute, University of São Paulo, 05508-000, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Francisco S Guimarães
- Department of Pharmacology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, 14025-600, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil; Department of Neuroscience and Behavior, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, 14025-600, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Ricardo A M Reis
- Laboratory of Neurochemistry, Institute of Biophysics Carlos Chagas Filho, Rio de Janeiro, Federal University, 21949-900, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Ami Navon
- Department of Biological Regulation, The Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, 7610001, Israel
| | - Michal A Shmuelov
- Department of Biological Regulation, The Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, 7610001, Israel
| | - Vanessa Rioli
- Special Laboratory of Applied Toxinology (LETA), Center of Toxins, Immune Response and Cell Signaling (CETICS), Butantan Institute, São Paulo, 05503-900, Brazil
| | - Ivone Gomes
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 10029, New York, NY, United States
| | - Lakshmi L Devi
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 10029, New York, NY, United States
| | - Emer S Ferro
- Department of Biological Regulation, The Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, 7610001, Israel; Department of Pharmacology, Biomedical Science Institute, University of São Paulo, 05508-000, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
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25
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Saldaña-Shumaker SL, Grenning AJ, Cunningham CW. Modern approaches to the development of synthetic cannabinoid receptor probes. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2021; 203:173119. [PMID: 33508249 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2021.173119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2020] [Revised: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system, which spans the central and peripheral nervous systems and regulates many biologic processes, is an important target for probe discovery and medications development. Whereas the earliest endocannabinoid receptor probes were derivatives of the non-selective phytocannabinoids isolated from Cannabis species, modern drug discovery techniques have expanded the definitions of what constitutes a CB1R or CB2R cannabinoid receptor ligand. This review highlights recent advances in synthetic cannabinoid receptor chemistry and pharmacology. We provide examples of new CB1R- and CB2R-selective probes, and discuss rational approaches to the design of peripherally-restricted agents. We also describe structural classes of positive- and negative allosteric modulators (PAMs and NAMs) of CB1R and CB2R. Finally, we introduce new opportunities for cannabinoid receptor probe development that have emerged in recent years, including biased agonists that may lead to medications lacking adverse effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Savanah L Saldaña-Shumaker
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Concordia University Wisconsin, 12800 N. Lake Shore Drive, Mequon, WI 53097, USA
| | - Alexander J Grenning
- Department of Chemistry, University of Florida, PO Box 117200, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Christopher W Cunningham
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Concordia University Wisconsin, 12800 N. Lake Shore Drive, Mequon, WI 53097, USA.
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26
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Camargo LL, Denadai-Souza A, Yshii LM, Lima C, Teixeira SA, Cerqueira ARA, Gewehr MCF, Fernandes ES, Schenka AA, Muscará MN, Ferro ES, Costa SKP. The potential anti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptive effects of rat hemopressin (PVNFKFLSH) in experimental arthritis. Eur J Pharmacol 2021; 890:173636. [PMID: 33053380 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2020.173636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Revised: 10/01/2020] [Accepted: 10/05/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Inflammatory arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), stands out as one of the main sources of pain and impairment to the quality of life. The use of hemopressin (PVNFKFLSH; Hp), an inverse agonist of type 1 cannabinoid receptor, has proven to be effective in producing analgesia in pain models, but its effect on neuro-inflammatory aspects of RA is limited. In this study, antigen-induced arthritis (AIA) was evoked by the intraarticular (i.art.) injection of methylated bovine serum albumin (mBSA) in male Sprague Dawley rats. Phosphate buffered saline (PBS)-injected ipsilateral knee joints or AIA contralateral were used as control. Nociceptive and inflammatory parameters such as knee joint oedema and leukocyte influx and histopathological changes were carried out in addition to the local measurement of interleukins (IL) IL-6, IL-1β, tumor necrosis factor-α and the immunoreactivity of the neuropeptides substance P (SP) and calcitonin gene related peptide (CGRP) in the spinal cord (lumbar L3-5 segments) of AIA rats. For 4 days, AIA rats were treated daily with a single administration of saline, Hp injected (10 or 20 μg/day, i.art.), Hp given orally (20 μg/Kg, p.o.) or indomethacin (Indo; 5 mg/Kg, i.p.). In comparison to the PBS control group, the induction of AIA produced a significant and progressive mono-arthritis condition. The degree of AIA severity progressively compromised the normal walking pattern and impaired mobility over the next four days in relation to PBS-injected rats or contralateral knee joints. In AIA rats, the reduction of the distance between footprints and disturbances of gait evidenced signs of nociception. This response worsened at day 4, and a loss of footprint from the ipsilateral hind paw was evident. Daily treatment of the animals with Hp either i.art. (10 and 20 μg/knee) or p.o. (20 μg/Kg) as well as Indo (5 mg/Kg, i.p.) ameliorated the impaired mobility in a time-dependent manner (P < 0.05). In parallel, the AIA-injected ipsilateral knee joints reach a peak of swelling 24 h after AIA induction, which persisted over the next four days in relation to PBS-injected rats or contralateral knee joints. There was a significant but not dose-dependent inhibitory effect produced by all dosages and routes of Hp treatments on AIA-induced knee joint swelling (P < 0.05). In addition, the increased synovial levels of MPO activity, total leukocytes number and IL-6, but not IL-1β, were significantly reduced by the lower i.art. dose of Hp. In conclusion, these results successfully demonstrate that Hp may represent a novel therapeutic strategy to treat RA, an effect which is unrelated to the proinflammatory actions of the neuropeptides CGRP and SP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Livia L Camargo
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, University of Glasgow, United Kingdom; Department of Pharmacology, Biomedical Sciences Institute (ICB-I), University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, 05508-900, SP, Brazil
| | - Alexandre Denadai-Souza
- INSERM UMR U1043 - CNRS U5282, Université de Toulouse, UPS, Centre de Physiopathologie de Toulouse Purpan, Toulouse, 31300, France; KU Leuven, Department of Chronic Diseases, Metabolism and Ageing, Translational Research Center for Gastrointestinal Disorders, Laboratory for Intestinal Neuroimmune Interactions, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Pharmacology, Biomedical Sciences Institute (ICB-I), University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, 05508-900, SP, Brazil
| | - Lidia M Yshii
- INSERM UMR U1043 - CNRS U5282, Université de Toulouse, UPS, Centre de Physiopathologie de Toulouse Purpan, Toulouse, 31300, France; VIB Center for Brain & Disease Research and KU Leuven, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Pharmacology, Biomedical Sciences Institute (ICB-I), University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, 05508-900, SP, Brazil
| | - Carla Lima
- Special Laboratory of Applied Toxicology (CAT/CEPID), Butantan Institute, Avenue Vital Brazil, 1500, Butantan, 05503-009, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Simone A Teixeira
- Department of Pharmacology, Biomedical Sciences Institute (ICB-I), University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, 05508-900, SP, Brazil
| | - Anderson R A Cerqueira
- Department of Pharmacology, Biomedical Sciences Institute (ICB-I), University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, 05508-900, SP, Brazil
| | - Mayara C F Gewehr
- Department of Pharmacology, Biomedical Sciences Institute (ICB-I), University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, 05508-900, SP, Brazil
| | - Elizabeth S Fernandes
- Instituto de Pesquisa Pelé Pequeno Príncipe, Curitiba, 80250-060, PR, Brazil; Faculdades Pequeno Príncipe, Programa de Pós-graduação em Biotecnologia Aplicada à Saúde da Criança e do Adolescente, Curitiba, 80230-020, PR, Brazil
| | - André A Schenka
- Faculty of Medical Sciences- Department of Pharmacology, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil
| | - Marcelo N Muscará
- Department of Pharmacology, Biomedical Sciences Institute (ICB-I), University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, 05508-900, SP, Brazil
| | - Emer S Ferro
- Department of Pharmacology, Biomedical Sciences Institute (ICB-I), University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, 05508-900, SP, Brazil; Department of Biological Regulation, The Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, 7610001, Israel
| | - Soraia K P Costa
- Department of Pharmacology, Biomedical Sciences Institute (ICB-I), University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, 05508-900, SP, Brazil.
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Riquelme-Sandoval A, de Sá-Ferreira CO, Miyakoshi LM, Hedin-Pereira C. New Insights Into Peptide Cannabinoids: Structure, Biosynthesis and Signaling. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:596572. [PMID: 33362550 PMCID: PMC7759141 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.596572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Classically, the endocannabinoid system (ECS) consists of endogenous lipids, of which the best known are anandamide (AEA) and 2 arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), their enzyme machinery for synthesis and degradation and their specific receptors, cannabinoid receptor one (CB1) and cannabinoid receptor two (CB2). However, endocannabinoids also bind to other groups of receptors. Furthermore, another group of lipids are considered to be endocannabinoids, such as the fatty acid ethanolamides, the fatty acid primary amides and the monoacylglycerol related molecules. Recently, it has been shown that the hemopressin peptide family, derived from α and β chains of hemoglobins, is a new family of cannabinoids. Some studies indicate that hemopressin peptides are expressed in the central nervous system and peripheral tissues and act as ligands of these receptors, thus suggesting that they play a physiological role. In this review, we examine new evidence on lipid endocannabinoids, cannabinoid receptors and the modulation of their signaling pathways. We focus our discussion on the current knowledge of the pharmacological effects, the biosynthesis of the peptide cannabinoids and the new insights on the activation and modulation of cannabinoid receptors by these peptides. The novel peptide compounds derived from hemoglobin chains and their non-classical activation of cannabinoid receptors are only starting to be uncovered. It will be exciting to follow the ensuing discoveries, not only in reference to what is already known of the classical lipid endocannabinoids revealing more complex aspects of endocannabinoid system, but also as to its possibilities as a future therapeutic tool.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agustín Riquelme-Sandoval
- Laboratory of Cellular Neuroanatomy, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Caio O de Sá-Ferreira
- Laboratory of Cellular Neuroanatomy, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,Institute of Biophysics Carlos Chagas Filho, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Leo M Miyakoshi
- Laboratory of Cellular Neuroanatomy, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Cecilia Hedin-Pereira
- Laboratory of Cellular Neuroanatomy, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,Institute of Biophysics Carlos Chagas Filho, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,VPPCB-Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,National Institute of Science and Technology in Neuroimmunomodulation (INCT-NIM), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Arena C, Gado F, Di Cesare Mannelli L, Cervetto C, Carpi S, Reynoso-Moreno I, Polini B, Vallini E, Chicca S, Lucarini E, Bertini S, D’Andrea F, Digiacomo M, Poli G, Tuccinardi T, Macchia M, Gertsch J, Marcoli M, Nieri P, Ghelardini C, Chicca A, Manera C. The endocannabinoid system dual-target ligand N-cycloheptyl-1,2-dihydro-5-bromo-1-(4-fluorobenzyl)-6-methyl-2-oxo-pyridine-3-carboxamide improves disease severity in a mouse model of multiple sclerosis. Eur J Med Chem 2020; 208:112858. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2020.112858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Revised: 07/17/2020] [Accepted: 09/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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Feng Z, Liang T, Wang S, Chen M, Hou T, Zhao J, Chen H, Zhou Y, Xie XQ. Binding Characterization of GPCRs-Modulator by Molecular Complex Characterizing System (MCCS). ACS Chem Neurosci 2020; 11:3333-3345. [PMID: 32941011 PMCID: PMC10063373 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.0c00457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Increasing attention has been devoted to allosteric modulators as the preferred therapeutic agents for their colossal advantages such as higher selectivity, fewer side effects, and lower toxicity since they bind at allosteric sites that are topographically distinct from the classic orthosteric sites. However, the allosteric binding pockets are not conserved and there are no cogent methods to comprehensively characterize the features of allosteric sites with the binding of modulators. To overcome this limitation, our lab has developed a novel algorithm that can quantitatively characterize the receptor-ligand binding feature named Molecular Complex Characterizing System (MCCS). To illustrate the methodology and application of MCCS, we take G protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) as an example. First, we summarized and analyzed the reported allosteric binding pockets of class A GPCRs using MCCS. Sequentially, a systematic study was conducted between cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1) and its allosteric modulators, where we used MCCS to analyze the residue energy contribution and the interaction pattern. Finally, we validated the predicted allosteric binding site in CB2 via MCCS in combination with molecular dynamics (MD) simulation. Our results demonstrate that the MCCS program is advantageous in recapitulating the allosteric regulation pattern of class A GPCRs of the reported pockets as well as in predicting potential allosteric binding pockets. This MCCS program can serve as a valuable tool for the discovery of small-molecule allosteric modulators for class A GPCRs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiwei Feng
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Computational Chemical Genomics Screening Center, School of Pharmacy; National Center of Excellence for Computational Drug Abuse Research, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15261, United States
| | - Tianjian Liang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Computational Chemical Genomics Screening Center, School of Pharmacy; National Center of Excellence for Computational Drug Abuse Research, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15261, United States
| | - Siyi Wang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Computational Chemical Genomics Screening Center, School of Pharmacy; National Center of Excellence for Computational Drug Abuse Research, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15261, United States
| | - Maozi Chen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Computational Chemical Genomics Screening Center, School of Pharmacy; National Center of Excellence for Computational Drug Abuse Research, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15261, United States
| | - Tianling Hou
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Computational Chemical Genomics Screening Center, School of Pharmacy; National Center of Excellence for Computational Drug Abuse Research, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15261, United States
| | - Jack Zhao
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Computational Chemical Genomics Screening Center, School of Pharmacy; National Center of Excellence for Computational Drug Abuse Research, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15261, United States
| | - Hui Chen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Computational Chemical Genomics Screening Center, School of Pharmacy; National Center of Excellence for Computational Drug Abuse Research, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15261, United States
| | - Yuehan Zhou
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Computational Chemical Genomics Screening Center, School of Pharmacy; National Center of Excellence for Computational Drug Abuse Research, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15261, United States
| | - Xiang-Qun Xie
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Computational Chemical Genomics Screening Center, School of Pharmacy; National Center of Excellence for Computational Drug Abuse Research; Drug Discovery Institute; Departments of Computational Biology and Structural Biology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15261, United States
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30
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Haspula D, Clark MA. Cannabinoid Receptors: An Update on Cell Signaling, Pathophysiological Roles and Therapeutic Opportunities in Neurological, Cardiovascular, and Inflammatory Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E7693. [PMID: 33080916 PMCID: PMC7590033 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21207693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2020] [Revised: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The identification of the human cannabinoid receptors and their roles in health and disease, has been one of the most significant biochemical and pharmacological advancements to have occurred in the past few decades. In spite of the major strides made in furthering endocannabinoid research, therapeutic exploitation of the endocannabinoid system has often been a challenging task. An impaired endocannabinoid tone often manifests as changes in expression and/or functions of type 1 and/or type 2 cannabinoid receptors. It becomes important to understand how alterations in cannabinoid receptor cellular signaling can lead to disruptions in major physiological and biological functions, as they are often associated with the pathogenesis of several neurological, cardiovascular, metabolic, and inflammatory diseases. This review focusses mostly on the pathophysiological roles of type 1 and type 2 cannabinoid receptors, and it attempts to integrate both cellular and physiological functions of the cannabinoid receptors. Apart from an updated review of pre-clinical and clinical studies, the adequacy/inadequacy of cannabinoid-based therapeutics in various pathological conditions is also highlighted. Finally, alternative strategies to modulate endocannabinoid tone, and future directions are also emphasized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dhanush Haspula
- Molecular Signaling Section, Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA;
| | - Michelle A. Clark
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33314, USA
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31
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Abstract
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a highly versatile signaling system within the nervous system. Despite its widespread localization, its functions within the context of distinct neural processes are very well discernable and specific. This is remarkable, and the question remains as to how such specificity is achieved. One key player in the ECS is the cannabinoid type 1 receptor (CB1), a G protein-coupled receptor characterized by the complexity of its cell-specific expression, cellular and subcellular localization, and its adaptable regulation of intracellular signaling cascades. CB1 receptors are involved in different synaptic and cellular plasticity processes and in the brain's bioenergetics in a context-specific manner. CB2 receptors are also important in several processes in neurons, glial cells, and immune cells of the brain. As polymorphisms in ECS components, as well as external impacts such as stress and metabolic challenges, can both lead to dysregulated ECS activity and subsequently to possible neuropsychiatric disorders, pharmacological intervention targeting the ECS is a promising therapeutic approach. Understanding the neurobiology of cannabinoid receptor signaling in depth will aid optimal design of therapeutic interventions, minimizing unwanted side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beat Lutz
- Institute of Physiological Chemistry, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
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32
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An D, Peigneur S, Hendrickx LA, Tytgat J. Targeting Cannabinoid Receptors: Current Status and Prospects of Natural Products. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E5064. [PMID: 32709050 PMCID: PMC7404216 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21145064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2020] [Revised: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2), as part of the endocannabinoid system, play a critical role in numerous human physiological and pathological conditions. Thus, considerable efforts have been made to develop ligands for CB1 and CB2, resulting in hundreds of phyto- and synthetic cannabinoids which have shown varying affinities relevant for the treatment of various diseases. However, only a few of these ligands are clinically used. Recently, more detailed structural information for cannabinoid receptors was revealed thanks to the powerfulness of cryo-electron microscopy, which now can accelerate structure-based drug discovery. At the same time, novel peptide-type cannabinoids from animal sources have arrived at the scene, with their potential in vivo therapeutic effects in relation to cannabinoid receptors. From a natural products perspective, it is expected that more novel cannabinoids will be discovered and forecasted as promising drug leads from diverse natural sources and species, such as animal venoms which constitute a true pharmacopeia of toxins modulating diverse targets, including voltage- and ligand-gated ion channels, G protein-coupled receptors such as CB1 and CB2, with astonishing affinity and selectivity. Therefore, it is believed that discovering novel cannabinoids starting from studying the biodiversity of the species living on planet earth is an uncharted territory.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Jan Tytgat
- Toxicology and Pharmacology, KU Leuven, Campus Gasthuisberg, O&N 2, Herestraat 49, P.O. Box 922, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (D.A.); (S.P.); (L.A.H.)
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33
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Allosteric modulators targeting cannabinoid cb1 and cb2 receptors: implications for drug discovery. Future Med Chem 2020; 11:2019-2037. [PMID: 31517528 DOI: 10.4155/fmc-2019-0005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Allosteric modulators of cannabinoid receptors hold great therapeutic potential, as they do not possess intrinsic efficacy, but instead enhance or diminish the receptor's response of orthosteric ligands allowing for the tempering of cannabinoid receptor signaling without the desensitization, tolerance and dependence. Allosteric modulators of cannabinoid receptors have numerous advantages over the orthosteric ligands such as higher receptor type selectivity, probe dependence and biased signaling, so they have a great potential to separate the therapeutic benefits from side effects own of orthosteric ligands. This review aims to give an overview of the CB1 and CB2 receptor allosteric modulators highlighting the structure-activity relationship and pharmacological profile of each classes, and their future promise.
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Ye L, Cao Z, Wang W, Zhou N. New Insights in Cannabinoid Receptor Structure and Signaling. Curr Mol Pharmacol 2020; 12:239-248. [PMID: 30767756 DOI: 10.2174/1874467212666190215112036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2018] [Revised: 02/04/2019] [Accepted: 02/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cannabinoid has long been used for medicinal purposes. Cannabinoid signaling has been considered the therapeutic target for treating pain, addiction, obesity, inflammation, and other diseases. Recent studies have suggested that in addition to CB1 and CB2, there are non-CB1 and non-CB2 cannabinoid-related orphan GPCRs including GPR18, GPR55, and GPR119. In addition, CB1 and CB2 display allosteric binding and biased signaling, revealing correlations between biased signaling and functional outcomes. Interestingly, new investigations have indicated that CB1 is functionally present within the mitochondria of striated and heart muscles directly regulating intramitochondrial signaling and respiration. CONCLUSION In this review, we summarize the recent progress in cannabinoid-related orphan GPCRs, CB1/CB2 structure, Gi/Gs coupling, allosteric ligands and biased signaling, and mitochondria-localized CB1, and discuss the future promise of this research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingyan Ye
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Zijingang Campus, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zheng Cao
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Zijingang Campus, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Weiwei Wang
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Zijingang Campus, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Naiming Zhou
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Zijingang Campus, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
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35
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Gewehr MCF, Silverio R, Rosa-Neto JC, Lira FS, Reckziegel P, Ferro ES. Peptides from Natural or Rationally Designed Sources Can Be Used in Overweight, Obesity, and Type 2 Diabetes Therapies. Molecules 2020; 25:E1093. [PMID: 32121443 PMCID: PMC7179135 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25051093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2020] [Revised: 02/20/2020] [Accepted: 02/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Overweight and obesity are among the most prominent health problems in the modern world, mostly because they are either associated with or increase the risk of other diseases such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and/or cancer. Most professional organizations define overweight and obesity according to individual body-mass index (BMI, weight in kilograms divided by height squared in meters). Overweight is defined as individuals with BMI from 25 to 29, and obesity as individuals with BMI ≥30. Obesity is the result of genetic, behavioral, environmental, physiological, social, and cultural factors that result in energy imbalance and promote excessive fat deposition. Despite all the knowledge concerning the pathophysiology of obesity, which is considered a disease, none of the existing treatments alone or in combination can normalize blood glucose concentration and prevent debilitating complications from obesity. This review discusses some new perspectives for overweight and obesity treatments, including the use of the new orally active cannabinoid peptide Pep19, the advantage of which is the absence of undesired central nervous system effects usually experienced with other cannabinoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mayara C. F. Gewehr
- Department of Pharmacology, Biomedical Sciences Institute, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil;
| | - Renata Silverio
- Department of Pharmacology, Center of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC), Florianópolis 88040-900, Brazil;
| | - José Cesar Rosa-Neto
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Biomedical Sciences Institute, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil;
| | - Fabio S. Lira
- Department of Physical Education, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Presidente Prudente 19060-900, Brazil;
| | - Patrícia Reckziegel
- Department of Pharmacology, National Institute of Pharmacology and Molecular Biology (INFAR), Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil;
| | - Emer S. Ferro
- Department of Pharmacology, Biomedical Sciences Institute, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil;
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36
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Wei F, Zhao L, Jing Y. Hemoglobin-derived peptides and mood regulation. Peptides 2020; 127:170268. [PMID: 32070683 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2020.170268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2019] [Revised: 02/02/2020] [Accepted: 02/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Evidence accumulated over the past decades has revealed that red blood cells and hemoglobin (Hb) in the blood play important roles in modulating moods and emotions. The number of red blood cells affects the mood. Hb is the principal content in the red blood cells besides water. Denatured Hb is hydrolyzed to produce bioactive peptides. RVD-hemopressin α (RVD-Hpα), which is a fragment of α-chain (95-103) in Hb, functions as a negative allosteric modulator of cannabinoid receptor 1 and a positive allosteric modulator of cannabinoid receptor 2. Hemorphins, which are fragments of β-chain in Hb, exert their effects on opioid receptors. Two hemorphins, namely, LVV-hemorphin-6 and LVV-hemorphin-7, could induce anxiolytic-like effects. The use of Hb-derived bioactive peptides for the treatment of mood disorders is desirable due to cannabinoid-opioid cross modulation and the critical roles of the two systems in physiological processes, such as memory, mood and emotion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengmei Wei
- Department of Physiology and Psychology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730000, PR China
| | - Long Zhao
- Department of Orthopaedics, Lanzhou University First Affiliated Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730000, PR China
| | - Yuhong Jing
- Institute of Anatomy and Histology & Embryology, Neuroscience, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730000, PR China; Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730000, PR China.
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37
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Wei F, Zhao L, Jing Y. Signaling molecules targeting cannabinoid receptors: Hemopressin and related peptides. Neuropeptides 2020; 79:101998. [PMID: 31831183 DOI: 10.1016/j.npep.2019.101998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2019] [Revised: 11/21/2019] [Accepted: 11/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Cannabinoid receptors (CBRs) are part of the endocannabinoid system, which is involved in various physiological processes such as nociception, inflammation, appetite, stress, and emotion regulation. Many studies have linked the endocannabinoid system to neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson's disease, Huntington's chorea, Alzheimer's disease, and multiple sclerosis. Hemopressin [Hp; a fragment of the hemoglobin α1 chain (95-103 amino acids)] and related peptides [VD-Hpα and RVD-Hpα] are peptides that bind to CBRs. Hp acts as an inverse agonist to CB1 receptor (CB1R), VD-Hpα acts as an agonist to CB1R, and RVD-Hpα acts as a negative allosteric modulator of CB1R and a positive allosteric modulator of CB2R. Because of the critical roles of CBRs in numerous physiological processes, it is appealing to use Hp and related peptides for therapeutic purposes. This review discusses their discovery, structure, metabolism, brain exposure, self-assembly characteristics, pharmacological characterization, and pharmacological activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengmei Wei
- Department of Physiology and Psychology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu Province 730000, PR China
| | - Long Zhao
- Department of Orthopaedics, Lanzhou University First Affiliated Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu Province 730000, PR China
| | - Yuhong Jing
- Institute of Anatomy and Histology & Embryology, Neuroscience, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, PR China; Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, PR China.
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38
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Gado F, Arena C, Fauci CL, Reynoso-Moreno I, Bertini S, Digiacomo M, Meini S, Poli G, Macchia M, Tuccinardi T, Gertsch J, Chicca A, Manera C. Modification on the 1,2-dihydro-2-oxo-pyridine-3-carboxamide core to obtain multi-target modulators of endocannabinoid system. Bioorg Chem 2020; 94:103353. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2019.103353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2019] [Revised: 10/03/2019] [Accepted: 10/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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Abstract
Substance use disorder (SUD) is a major public health crisis worldwide, and effective treatment options are limited. During the past 2 decades, researchers have investigated the impact of a variety of pharmacological approaches to treat SUD, one of which is the use of medical cannabis or cannabinoids. Significant progress was made with the discovery of rimonabant, a selective CB1 receptor (CB1R) antagonist (also an inverse agonist), as a promising therapeutic for SUDs and obesity. However, serious adverse effects such as depression and suicidality led to the withdrawal of rimonabant (and almost all other CB1R antagonists/inverse agonists) from clinical trials worldwide in 2008. Since then, much research interest has shifted to other cannabinoid-based strategies, such as peripheral CB1R antagonists/inverse agonists, neutral CB1R antagonists, allosteric CB1R modulators, CB2R agonists, fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) inhibitors, monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) inhibitors, fatty acid binding protein (FABP) inhibitors, or nonaddictive phytocannabinoids with CB1R or CB2R-binding profiles, as new therapeutics for SUDs. In this article, we first review recent progress in research regarding the endocannabinoid systems, cannabis reward versus aversion, and the underlying receptor mechanisms. We then review recent progress in cannabinoid-based medication development for the treatment of SUDs. As evidence continues to accumulate, neutral CB1R antagonists (such as AM4113), CB2R agonists (JWH133, Xie2-64), and nonselective phytocannabinoids (cannabidiol, β-caryophyllene, ∆9-tetrahydrocannabivarin) have shown great therapeutic potential for SUDs, as shown in experimental animals. Several cannabinoid-based medications (e.g., dronabinol, nabilone, PF-04457845) that entered clinical trials have shown promising results in reducing withdrawal symptoms in cannabis and opioid users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ewa Galaj
- Addiction Biology Unit, Molecular Targets and Medication Discoveries Branch, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
| | - Zheng-Xiong Xi
- Addiction Biology Unit, Molecular Targets and Medication Discoveries Branch, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA.
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40
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Dvorácskó S, Keresztes A, Mollica A, Stefanucci A, Macedonio G, Pieretti S, Zádor F, Walter FR, Deli MA, Kékesi G, Bánki L, Tuboly G, Horváth G, Tömböly C. Preparation of bivalent agonists for targeting the mu opioid and cannabinoid receptors. Eur J Med Chem 2019; 178:571-588. [PMID: 31220675 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2019.05.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2019] [Revised: 04/30/2019] [Accepted: 05/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
In order to obtain novel pharmacological tools and to investigate a multitargeting analgesic strategy, the CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptor agonist JWH-018 was conjugated with the opiate analgesic oxycodone or with an enkephalin related tetrapeptide. The opioid and cannabinoid pharmacophores were coupled via spacers of different length and chemical structure. In vitro radioligand binding experiments confirmed that the resulting bivalent compounds bound both to the opioid and to the cannabinoid receptors with moderate to high affinity. The highest affinity bivalent derivatives 11 and 19 exhibited agonist properties in [35S]GTPγS binding assays. These compounds activated MOR and CB (11 mainly CB2, whereas 19 mainly CB1) receptor-mediated signaling, as it was revealed by experiments using receptor specific antagonists. In rats both 11 and 19 exhibited antiallodynic effect similar to the parent drugs in 20 μg dose at spinal level. These results support the strategy of multitargeting G-protein coupled receptors to develop lead compounds with antinociceptive properties.
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MESH Headings
- Analgesics, Opioid/chemical synthesis
- Analgesics, Opioid/chemistry
- Analgesics, Opioid/pharmacology
- Animals
- Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
- Enkephalins/chemistry
- Enkephalins/pharmacology
- Indoles/chemistry
- Indoles/pharmacology
- Mice
- Molecular Structure
- Naphthalenes/chemistry
- Naphthalenes/pharmacology
- Oxycodone/chemistry
- Oxycodone/pharmacology
- Rats
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1/antagonists & inhibitors
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1/metabolism
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB2/antagonists & inhibitors
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB2/metabolism
- Receptors, Opioid, mu/antagonists & inhibitors
- Receptors, Opioid, mu/metabolism
- Structure-Activity Relationship
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Affiliation(s)
- Szabolcs Dvorácskó
- A Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Institute of Biochemistry, Biological Research Centre of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Temesvári krt. 62., 6726, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Attila Keresztes
- A Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Institute of Biochemistry, Biological Research Centre of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Temesvári krt. 62., 6726, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Adriano Mollica
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università di Chieti-Pescara "G. d'Annunzio", Via dei Vestini 31, 66100, Chieti, Italy
| | - Azzurra Stefanucci
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università di Chieti-Pescara "G. d'Annunzio", Via dei Vestini 31, 66100, Chieti, Italy
| | - Giorgia Macedonio
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università di Chieti-Pescara "G. d'Annunzio", Via dei Vestini 31, 66100, Chieti, Italy
| | - Stefano Pieretti
- Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Centro Nazionale Ricerca e Valutazione Preclinica e Clinica dei Farmaci, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Ferenc Zádor
- Laboratory of Opioid Research, Institute of Biochemistry, Biological Research Centre of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Temesvári krt. 62., 6726, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Fruzsina R Walter
- Biological Barriers Research Group, Institute of Biophysics, Biological Research Centre of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Temesvári krt. 62., 6726, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Mária A Deli
- Biological Barriers Research Group, Institute of Biophysics, Biological Research Centre of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Temesvári krt. 62., 6726, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Gabriella Kékesi
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Szeged, 6720, Szeged, Dóm tér 10., Hungary
| | - László Bánki
- Department of Traumatology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Szeged, 6725, Szeged, Semmelweis u. 6., Hungary
| | - Gábor Tuboly
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Szeged, 6725, Szeged, Semmelweis u. 6., Hungary
| | - Gyöngyi Horváth
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Szeged, 6720, Szeged, Dóm tér 10., Hungary
| | - Csaba Tömböly
- A Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Institute of Biochemistry, Biological Research Centre of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Temesvári krt. 62., 6726, Szeged, Hungary.
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41
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Bian Y, Jing Y, Wang L, Ma S, Jun JJ, Xie XQ. Prediction of Orthosteric and Allosteric Regulations on Cannabinoid Receptors Using Supervised Machine Learning Classifiers. Mol Pharm 2019; 16:2605-2615. [PMID: 31013097 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.9b00182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Designing highly selective compounds to protein subtypes and developing allosteric modulators targeting them are critical considerations to both drug discovery and mechanism studies for cannabinoid receptors. It is challenging but in demand to have classifiers to identify active ligands from inactive or random compounds and distinguish allosteric modulators from orthosteric ligands. In this study, supervised machine learning classifiers were built for two subtypes of cannabinoid receptors, CB1 and CB2. Three types of features, including molecular descriptors, MACCS fingerprints, and ECFP6 fingerprints, were calculated to evaluate the compound sets from diverse aspects. Deep neural networks, as well as conventional machine learning algorithms including support vector machine, naïve Bayes, logistic regression, and ensemble learning, were applied. Their performances on the classification with different types of features were compared and discussed. According to the receiver operating characteristic curves and the calculated metrics, the advantages and drawbacks of each algorithm were investigated. The feature ranking was followed to help extract useful knowledge about critical molecular properties, substructural keys, and circular fingerprints. The extracted features will then facilitate the research on cannabinoid receptors by providing guidance on preferred properties for compound modification and novel scaffold design. Besides using conventional molecular docking studies for compound virtual screening, machine-learning-based decision-making models provide alternative options. This study can be of value to the application of machine learning in the area of drug discovery and compound development.
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42
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Moreno E, Cavic M, Krivokuca A, Casadó V, Canela E. The Endocannabinoid System as a Target in Cancer Diseases: Are We There Yet? Front Pharmacol 2019; 10:339. [PMID: 31024307 PMCID: PMC6459931 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2019.00339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2018] [Accepted: 03/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) has been placed in the anti-cancer spotlight in the last decade. The immense data load published on its dual role in both tumorigenesis and inhibition of tumor growth and metastatic spread has transformed the cannabinoid receptors CB1 (CB1R) and CB2 (CB2R), and other members of the endocannabinoid-like system, into attractive new targets for the treatment of various cancer subtypes. Although the clinical use of cannabinoids has been extensively documented in the palliative setting, clinical trials on their application as anti-cancer drugs are still ongoing. As drug repurposing is significantly faster and more economical than de novo introduction of a new drug into the clinic, there is hope that the existing pharmacokinetic and safety data on the ECS ligands will contribute to their successful translation into oncological healthcare. CB1R and CB2R are members of a large family of membrane proteins called G protein-coupled receptors (GPCR). GPCRs can form homodimers, heterodimers and higher order oligomers with other GPCRs or non-GPCRs. Currently, several CB1R and CB2R-containing heteromers have been reported and, in cancer cells, CB2R form heteromers with the G protein-coupled chemokine receptor CXCR4, the G protein-coupled receptor 55 (GPR55) and the tyrosine kinase receptor (TKR) human V-Erb-B2 Avian Erythroblastic Leukemia Viral Oncogene Homolog 2 (HER2). These protein complexes possess unique pharmacological and signaling properties, and their modulation might affect the antitumoral activity of the ECS. This review will explore the potential of the endocannabinoid network in the anti-cancer setting as well as the clinical and ethical pitfalls behind it, and will develop on the value of cannabinoid receptor heteromers as potential new targets for anti-cancer therapies and as prognostic biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Estefanía Moreno
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biomedicine, Faculty of Biology, Institute of Biomedicine (IBUB), University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain
| | - Milena Cavic
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute for Oncology and Radiology of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Ana Krivokuca
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute for Oncology and Radiology of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Vicent Casadó
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biomedicine, Faculty of Biology, Institute of Biomedicine (IBUB), University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain
| | - Enric Canela
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biomedicine, Faculty of Biology, Institute of Biomedicine (IBUB), University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain
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Tóth KF, Ádám D, Bíró T, Oláh A. Cannabinoid Signaling in the Skin: Therapeutic Potential of the "C(ut)annabinoid" System. Molecules 2019; 24:E918. [PMID: 30845666 PMCID: PMC6429381 DOI: 10.3390/molecules24050918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 128] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2019] [Revised: 02/28/2019] [Accepted: 03/01/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) has lately been proven to be an important, multifaceted homeostatic regulator, which influences a wide-variety of physiological processes all over the body. Its members, the endocannabinoids (eCBs; e.g., anandamide), the eCB-responsive receptors (e.g., CB₁, CB₂), as well as the complex enzyme and transporter apparatus involved in the metabolism of the ligands were shown to be expressed in several tissues, including the skin. Although the best studied functions over the ECS are related to the central nervous system and to immune processes, experimental efforts over the last two decades have unambiguously confirmed that cutaneous cannabinoid ("c[ut]annabinoid") signaling is deeply involved in the maintenance of skin homeostasis, barrier formation and regeneration, and its dysregulation was implicated to contribute to several highly prevalent diseases and disorders, e.g., atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, scleroderma, acne, hair growth and pigmentation disorders, keratin diseases, various tumors, and itch. The current review aims to give an overview of the available skin-relevant endo- and phytocannabinoid literature with a special emphasis on the putative translational potential, and to highlight promising future research directions as well as existing challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kinga Fanni Tóth
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary.
| | - Dorottya Ádám
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary.
| | - Tamás Bíró
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary.
- HCEMM Nonprofit Ltd., 6720 Szeged, Hungary.
| | - Attila Oláh
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary.
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Pandey P, Roy KK, Doerksen RJ. Negative allosteric modulators of cannabinoid receptor 2: protein modeling, binding site identification and molecular dynamics simulations in the presence of an orthosteric agonist. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2019; 38:32-47. [PMID: 30652534 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2019.1567384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Selective activation of the cannabinoid receptor subtype 2 (CB2) shows promise for treating pain, inflammation, multiple sclerosis, cancer, ischemic/reperfusion injury and osteoporosis. Target selectivity and off-target side effects are two major limiting factors for orthosteric ligands, and therefore, the search for allosteric modulators (AMs) is a widely used drug discovery approach. To date, only a limited number of negative CB2 AMs have been identified, possessing only micromolar activity at best, and the CB2 receptor's allosteric site(s) are not well characterized. Herein, we used computational approaches including receptor modeling, site mapping, docking, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and binding free energy calculations to predict, characterize and validate allosteric sites within the complex of the CB2 receptor with bound orthosteric agonist CP55,940. After docking of known negative CB2 allosteric modulators (NAMs), dihydro-gambogic acid (DHGA) and trans-β-caryophyllene (TBC) (note that TBC also shows agonist activity), at the predicted allosteric sites, the best total complex with CB2, CP55,940 and NAM was embedded into a hydrated lipid bilayer and subjected to a 200 ns MD simulation. The presence of an AM affected the CB2-CP55,940 complex, altering the relative positioning of the toggle switch residues and promoting a strong π-π interaction between Phe1173.36 and Trp2586.48. Binding of either TBC or DHGA to a putative allosteric pocket directly adjacent to the orthosteric ligand reduced the binding free energy of CP55,940, which is consistent with the expected effect of a negative AM. The identified allosteric sites present immense scope for the discovery of novel classes of CB2 AMs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pankaj Pandey
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences, Division of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, The University of Mississippi, University, MS, USA
| | - Kuldeep K Roy
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences, Division of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, The University of Mississippi, University, MS, USA.,National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Kolkata, India
| | - Robert J Doerksen
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences, Division of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, The University of Mississippi, University, MS, USA.,Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, The University of Mississippi, University, MS, USA
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Leone S, Ferrante C, Recinella L, Chiavaroli A, Mollica A, Tömböly C, Stefanucci A, Dimmito MP, Dvorácskó S, Verratti V, De Petrocellis L, Orlando G, Brunetti L. Effects of RVD-hemopressin (α) on feeding and body weight after standard or cafeteria diet in rats. Neuropeptides 2018; 72:38-46. [PMID: 30396596 DOI: 10.1016/j.npep.2018.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2018] [Revised: 10/19/2018] [Accepted: 10/22/2018] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Palatability and variety of foods are major reasons for hedonic eating, and hence for obesity. Hemopressin, a hemoglobin α chain-derived peptide, plays antagonist/inverse agonist role on cannabinoid (CB)1 receptors, while RVD-hemopressin(α)[RVD-hp(α)], a N-terminally extended form of hemopressin, has been reported as an allosteric modulator of CB1 and CB2 receptors. We investigated the effects of 14 daily intraperitoneal injections of RVD-hp(α), in Sprague-Dawley rats fed a highly palatable cafeteria-style (CAF) diet (30% fat, 56% carbohydrate, 14% protein; 4.20 kcal/g) compared to standard laboratory chow (STD) food (3.5% fat, 63% carbohydrate, 14% protein, 19.5% other components without caloric value; 3.20 kcal). Food intake, body weight and locomotor activity were recorded throughout the study. Finally, rats were sacrificed and agouti-related peptide (AgRP), neuropeptide Y (NPY), pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) and cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART) and fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) gene expression in the hypothalamus was measured by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. We found that CAF diet increased food intake as compared to STD diet. In both STD and CAF diet fed rats, RVD-hp(α) treatment inhibited food intake, increased locomotor activity but did not modify body weight. In vehicle injected animals, CAF as compared to STD diet increased AgRP gene expression. RVD-hp(α) treatment decreased POMC mRNA levels in both diet groups and lowered the elevated AgRP levels induced by CAF diet. RVD-hp(α) treatment plays an anorexigenic role paralleled by increased locomotor activity both in STD and CAF diet fed rats. The inhibition of feeding could be partially mediated by lowering of hypothalamic POMC and AgRP gene expression levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheila Leone
- Department of Pharmacy, "G. d'Annunzio" University, Chieti, Italy
| | - Claudio Ferrante
- Department of Pharmacy, "G. d'Annunzio" University, Chieti, Italy
| | - Lucia Recinella
- Department of Pharmacy, "G. d'Annunzio" University, Chieti, Italy.
| | | | - Adriano Mollica
- Department of Pharmacy, "G. d'Annunzio" University, Chieti, Italy
| | - Csaba Tömböly
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Institute of Biochemistry, Biological Research Centre of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Szeged, Hungary
| | | | | | - Szabolcs Dvorácskó
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Institute of Biochemistry, Biological Research Centre of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Vittore Verratti
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Health and Territory, "G. d'Annunzio" University, Italy
| | - Luciano De Petrocellis
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, National Research Council, Naples, Italy
| | - Giustino Orlando
- Department of Pharmacy, "G. d'Annunzio" University, Chieti, Italy
| | - Luigi Brunetti
- Department of Pharmacy, "G. d'Annunzio" University, Chieti, Italy
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Emendato A, Guerrini R, Marzola E, Wienk H, Boelens R, Leone S, Picone D. Disordered Peptides Looking for Their Native Environment: Structural Basis of CB1 Endocannabinoid Receptor Binding to Pepcans. Front Mol Biosci 2018; 5:100. [PMID: 30505835 PMCID: PMC6250848 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2018.00100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2018] [Accepted: 10/26/2018] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Endocannabinoid peptides, or “pepcans,” are endogenous ligands of the CB1 cannabinoid receptor. Depending on their length, they display diverse activity: For instance, the nona-peptide Pepcan-9, also known as hemopressin, is a powerful inhibitor of CB1, whereas the longer variant Pepcan-12, which extends by only three amino acid residues at the N-terminus, acts on both CB1 and CB2 as an allosteric modulator, although with diverse effects. Despite active research on their pharmacological applications, very little is known about structure-activity relationships of pepcans. Different structures have been proposed for the nona-peptide, which has also been reported to form fibrillar aggregates. This might have affected the outcome and reproducibility of bioactivity studies. In an attempt of elucidating the determinants of both biological activity and aggregation propensity of Pepcan-9 and Pepcan-12, we have performed their structure characterization in solvent systems characterized by different polarity and pH. We have found that, while disordered in aqueous environment, both peptides display helical structure in less polar environment, mimicking the proteic receptor milieu. In the case of Pepcan-9, this structure is fully consistent with the observed modulation of the CB1. For Pepcan-12, whose allosteric binding site is still unknown, the presented structure is compatible with the binding at one of the previously proposed allosteric sites on CB1. These findings open the way to structure-driven design of selective peptide modulators of CB1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Emendato
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Remo Guerrini
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Erika Marzola
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Hans Wienk
- Bijvoet Center for Biomolecular Research, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Rolf Boelens
- Bijvoet Center for Biomolecular Research, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Serena Leone
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Delia Picone
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
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Di Marzo V. New approaches and challenges to targeting the endocannabinoid system. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2018; 17:623-639. [DOI: 10.1038/nrd.2018.115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 256] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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48
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Tham M, Yilmaz O, Alaverdashvili M, Kelly MEM, Denovan-Wright EM, Laprairie RB. Allosteric and orthosteric pharmacology of cannabidiol and cannabidiol-dimethylheptyl at the type 1 and type 2 cannabinoid receptors. Br J Pharmacol 2018; 176:1455-1469. [PMID: 29981240 DOI: 10.1111/bph.14440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 207] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2017] [Revised: 06/15/2018] [Accepted: 06/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE We sought to understand why (-)-cannabidiol (CBD) and (-)-cannabidiol-dimethylheptyl (CBD-DMH) exhibit distinct pharmacology, despite near identical structures. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH HEK293A cells expressing either human type 1 cannabinoid (CB1 ) receptors or CB2 receptors were treated with CBD or CBD-DMH with or without the CB1 and CB2 receptor agonist CP55,940, CB1 receptor allosteric modulator Org27569 or CB2 receptor inverse agonist SR144528. Ligand binding, cAMP levels and βarrestin1 recruitment were measured. CBD and CBD-DMH binding was simulated with models of human CB1 or CB2 receptors, based on the recently published crystal structures of agonist-bound (5XRA) or antagonist-bound (5TGZ) human CB1 receptors. KEY RESULTS At CB1 receptors, CBD was a negative allosteric modulator (NAM), and CBD-DMH was a mixed agonist/positive allosteric modulator. CBD and Org27569 shared multiple interacting residues in the antagonist-bound model of CB1 receptors (5TGZ) but shared a binding site with CP55,940 in the agonist-bound model of CB1 receptors (5XRA). The binding site for CBD-DMH in the CB1 receptor models overlapped with CP55,940 and Org27569. At CB2 receptors, CBD was a partial agonist, and CBD-DMH was a positive allosteric modulator of cAMP modulation but a NAM of βarrestin1 recruitment. CBD, CP55,940 and SR144528 shared a binding site in the CB2 receptor models that was separate from CBD-DMH. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS The pharmacological activity of CBD and CBD-DMH in HEK293A cells and their modelled binding sites at CB1 and CB2 receptors may explain their in vivo effects and illuminates the difficulties associated with the development of allosteric modulators for CB1 and CB2 receptors. LINKED ARTICLES This article is part of a themed section on 8th European Workshop on Cannabinoid Research. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v176.10/issuetoc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mylyne Tham
- College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Orhan Yilmaz
- College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Mariam Alaverdashvili
- College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Melanie E M Kelly
- Department of Pharmacology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada.,Department of Opthamology and Visual Sciences, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | | | - Robert B Laprairie
- College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada.,Department of Pharmacology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
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Recinella L, Chiavaroli A, Ferrante C, Mollica A, Macedonio G, Stefanucci A, Dimmito MP, Dvorácskó S, Tömböly C, Brunetti L, Orlando G, Leone S. Effects of central RVD-hemopressin(α) administration on anxiety, feeding behavior and hypothalamic neuromodulators in the rat. Pharmacol Rep 2018; 70:650-657. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pharep.2018.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2017] [Revised: 01/26/2018] [Accepted: 01/31/2018] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
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50
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Morales P, Goya P, Jagerovic N. Emerging strategies targeting CB 2 cannabinoid receptor: Biased agonism and allosterism. Biochem Pharmacol 2018; 157:8-17. [PMID: 30055149 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2018.07.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2018] [Accepted: 07/23/2018] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
During these last years, the CB2 cannabinoid receptor has emerged as a potential anti-inflammatory target in diseases such as multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Huntington's disease, ischemic stroke, autoimmune diseases, osteoporosis, and cancer. However, the development of clinically useful CB2 agonists reveals to be very challenging. Allosterism and biased-signaling mechanisms at CB2 receptor may offer new avenues for the development of improved CB2 receptor-targeted therapies. Although there has been some exploration of CB1 receptor activation by new CB1 allosteric or biased-signaling ligands, the CB2 receptor is still at initial stages in this domain. In an effort to understand the molecular basis behind these pharmacological approaches, we have analyzed and summarized the structural data reported so far at CB2 receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Morales
- Instituto de Química Médica, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Unidad Asociada I+D+i IQM/Universidad Rey Juan Carlos (URJC), Calle Juan de la Cierva, 3, E-28006 Madrid, Spain
| | - Pilar Goya
- Instituto de Química Médica, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Unidad Asociada I+D+i IQM/Universidad Rey Juan Carlos (URJC), Calle Juan de la Cierva, 3, E-28006 Madrid, Spain
| | - Nadine Jagerovic
- Instituto de Química Médica, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Unidad Asociada I+D+i IQM/Universidad Rey Juan Carlos (URJC), Calle Juan de la Cierva, 3, E-28006 Madrid, Spain.
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