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Wu Y, Jensen N, Rossner MJ, Wehr MC. Exploiting Cell-Based Assays to Accelerate Drug Development for G Protein-Coupled Receptors. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5474. [PMID: 38791511 PMCID: PMC11121687 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25105474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2024] [Revised: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are relevant targets for health and disease as they regulate various aspects of metabolism, proliferation, differentiation, and immune pathways. They are implicated in several disease areas, including cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and mental disorders. It is worth noting that about a third of all marketed drugs target GPCRs, making them prime pharmacological targets for drug discovery. Numerous functional assays have been developed to assess GPCR activity and GPCR signaling in living cells. Here, we review the current literature of genetically encoded cell-based assays to measure GPCR activation and downstream signaling at different hierarchical levels of signaling, from the receptor to transcription, via transducers, effectors, and second messengers. Singleplex assay formats provide one data point per experimental condition. Typical examples are bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET) assays and protease cleavage assays (e.g., Tango or split TEV). By contrast, multiplex assay formats allow for the parallel measurement of multiple receptors and pathways and typically use molecular barcodes as transcriptional reporters in barcoded assays. This enables the efficient identification of desired on-target and on-pathway effects as well as detrimental off-target and off-pathway effects. Multiplex assays are anticipated to accelerate drug discovery for GPCRs as they provide a comprehensive and broad identification of compound effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxin Wu
- Research Group Cell Signalling, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Nussbaumstr. 7, 80336 Munich, Germany
- Systasy Bioscience GmbH, Balanstr. 6, 81669 Munich, Germany
| | - Niels Jensen
- Systasy Bioscience GmbH, Balanstr. 6, 81669 Munich, Germany
- Section of Molecular Neurobiology, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Nussbaumstr. 7, 80336 Munich, Germany
| | - Moritz J. Rossner
- Systasy Bioscience GmbH, Balanstr. 6, 81669 Munich, Germany
- Section of Molecular Neurobiology, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Nussbaumstr. 7, 80336 Munich, Germany
| | - Michael C. Wehr
- Research Group Cell Signalling, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Nussbaumstr. 7, 80336 Munich, Germany
- Systasy Bioscience GmbH, Balanstr. 6, 81669 Munich, Germany
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Wang LJ, Li SC, Chou WJ, Kuo HC, Lee SY, Lin WC. Human transcriptome array analysis and diffusion tensor imaging in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. J Psychiatr Res 2024; 172:229-235. [PMID: 38412785 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2024.02.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 01/27/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
The mRNA markers identified using microarray assay and diffusion tensor magnetic resonance imaging (DTI) were applied to elucidate the pathophysiology of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). First, we obtained total RNA from leukocytes from three children with ADHD and three healthy controls for analysis with microarray assays. Subsequently, we applied real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT‒PCR) assays to validate the differential expression of 7 genes (COX7B, CYCS, TFAM, UTP14A, ZNF280C, IFT57 and NDUFB5) between 130 ADHD patients and 70 controls, and we built an ADHD prediction model based on the ΔCt values of aforementioned seven genes (AUROC = 0.98). Finally, in a validation group (28 patients with ADHD and 27 healthy controls), mRNA expression of the above seven genes also significantly differentiated ADHD patients from controls (AUROC value = 0.91). The DTI analysis showed increased fractional anisotropy (FA) of the forceps minor, superior corona radiata, posterior corona radiata and anterior corona radiata in ADHD patients. Moreover, the FA of the right superior corona radiata tract was positively correlated with ΔCt levels of the COX7B gene and the IFT57 gene. The results shed a new light on a genetic profile of ADHD that may help in deciphering the white matter microstructural features in disease pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang-Jen Wang
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Sung-Chou Li
- Department of Medical Education and Research, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung, 813414, Taiwan; Department of Dental Technology, Shu-Zen Junior College of Medicine and Management, Kaohsiung, 821004, Taiwan.
| | - Wen-Jiun Chou
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Ho-Chang Kuo
- Department of Pediatrics, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Kawasaki Disease Center, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Sheng-Yu Lee
- Department of Psychiatry, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, Graduate Institute of Medicine, School of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Che Lin
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Taiwan.
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Popović L, Wintgens JP, Wu Y, Brankatschk B, Menninger S, Degenhart C, Jensen N, Wichert SP, Klebl B, Rossner MJ, Wehr MC. Profiling of ERBB receptors and downstream pathways reveals selectivity and hidden properties of ERBB4 antagonists. iScience 2024; 27:108839. [PMID: 38303712 PMCID: PMC10831936 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.108839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
ERBB receptor tyrosine kinases are involved in development and diseases like cancer, cardiovascular, neurodevelopmental, and mental disorders. Although existing drugs target ERBB receptors, the next generation of drugs requires enhanced selectivity and understanding of physiological pathway responses to improve efficiency and reduce side effects. To address this, we developed a multilevel barcoded reporter profiling assay, termed 'ERBBprofiler', in living cells to monitor the activity of all ERBB targets and key physiological pathways simultaneously. This assay helps differentiate on-target therapeutic effects from off-target and off-pathway side effects of ERBB antagonists. To challenge the assay, eight established ERBB antagonists were profiled. Known effects were confirmed, and previously uncharacterized properties were discovered, such as pyrotinib's preference for ERBB4 over EGFR. Additionally, two lead compounds selectively targeting ERBB4 were profiled, showing promise for clinical trials. Taken together, this multiparametric profiling approach can guide early-stage drug development and lead to improved future therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukša Popović
- Research Group Cell Signalling, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Nussbaumstrasse 7, 80336 Munich, Germany
- Systasy Bioscience GmbH, Balanstrasse 6, 81669 Munich, Germany
| | - Jan P. Wintgens
- Research Group Cell Signalling, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Nussbaumstrasse 7, 80336 Munich, Germany
- Systasy Bioscience GmbH, Balanstrasse 6, 81669 Munich, Germany
| | - Yuxin Wu
- Research Group Cell Signalling, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Nussbaumstrasse 7, 80336 Munich, Germany
| | - Ben Brankatschk
- Systasy Bioscience GmbH, Balanstrasse 6, 81669 Munich, Germany
| | - Sascha Menninger
- Lead Discovery Center GmbH, Otto-Hahn-Strasse 15, 44227 Dortmund, Germany
| | - Carsten Degenhart
- Lead Discovery Center GmbH, Otto-Hahn-Strasse 15, 44227 Dortmund, Germany
| | - Niels Jensen
- Section of Molecular Neurobiology, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Nussbaumstrasse 7, 80336 Munich, Germany
| | - Sven P. Wichert
- Systasy Bioscience GmbH, Balanstrasse 6, 81669 Munich, Germany
- Section of Molecular Neurobiology, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Nussbaumstrasse 7, 80336 Munich, Germany
| | - Bert Klebl
- Lead Discovery Center GmbH, Otto-Hahn-Strasse 15, 44227 Dortmund, Germany
| | - Moritz J. Rossner
- Systasy Bioscience GmbH, Balanstrasse 6, 81669 Munich, Germany
- Section of Molecular Neurobiology, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Nussbaumstrasse 7, 80336 Munich, Germany
| | - Michael C. Wehr
- Research Group Cell Signalling, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Nussbaumstrasse 7, 80336 Munich, Germany
- Systasy Bioscience GmbH, Balanstrasse 6, 81669 Munich, Germany
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Herholt A, Sahoo VK, Popovic L, Wehr MC, Rossner MJ. Dissecting intercellular and intracellular signaling networks with barcoded genetic tools. Curr Opin Chem Biol 2021; 66:102091. [PMID: 34644670 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2021.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Revised: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The power of next-generation sequencing has stimulated the development of many analysis techniques for transcriptomics and genomics. More recently, the concept of 'molecular barcoding' has broadened the spectrum of sequencing-based applications to dissect different aspects of intracellular and intercellular signaling. In these assay formats, barcode reporters replace standard reporter genes. The virtually infinitive number of expressed barcode sequences allows high levels of multiplexing, hence accelerating experimental progress. Furthermore, reporter barcodes are used to quantitatively monitor a variety of biological events in living cells which has already provided much insight into complex cellular signaling and will further increase our knowledge in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Herholt
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Nussbaumstr. 7, 80336 Munich, Germany; Systasy Bioscience GmbH, Balanstr. 6, 81669 Munich, Germany
| | - Vivek K Sahoo
- Systasy Bioscience GmbH, Balanstr. 6, 81669 Munich, Germany
| | - Luksa Popovic
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Nussbaumstr. 7, 80336 Munich, Germany; Systasy Bioscience GmbH, Balanstr. 6, 81669 Munich, Germany
| | - Michael C Wehr
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Nussbaumstr. 7, 80336 Munich, Germany; Systasy Bioscience GmbH, Balanstr. 6, 81669 Munich, Germany
| | - Moritz J Rossner
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Nussbaumstr. 7, 80336 Munich, Germany.
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Grandi FC, De Tomasi L, Mustapha M. Single-Cell RNA Analysis of Type I Spiral Ganglion Neurons Reveals a Lmx1a Population in the Cochlea. Front Mol Neurosci 2020; 13:83. [PMID: 32523514 PMCID: PMC7261882 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2020.00083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2020] [Accepted: 04/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In the mature cochlea, each inner hair cell (IHC) is innervated by multiple spiral ganglion neurons of type I (SGNI). SGNIs are morphologically and electro-physiologically diverse. Also, they differ in their susceptibility to noise insult. However, the molecular underpinnings of their identity and physiological differences remain poorly understood. In this study, we developed a novel triple transgenic mouse, which enabled the isolation of pure populations of SGNIs and the analysis of a 96-gene panel via single-cell qPCR. We found three distinct populations of Type I SGNs, which were marked by their exclusive expression of Lmx1a, Slc4a4, or Mfap4/Fzd2, respectively, at postnatal days P3, P8, and P12. Our data suggest that afferent SGN subtypes are established genetically before the onset of hearing and that the expression of key physiological markers, such as ion channels, is heterogeneous and may be underlying the heterogeneous firing proprieties of SGNIs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lara De Tomasi
- Department of Biomedical Science, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Mirna Mustapha
- Department of Biomedical Science, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom.,Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
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Herholt A, Galinski S, Geyer PE, Rossner MJ, Wehr MC. Multiparametric Assays for Accelerating Early Drug Discovery. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2020; 41:318-335. [PMID: 32223968 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2020.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2019] [Revised: 02/21/2020] [Accepted: 02/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Drug discovery campaigns are hampered by substantial attrition rates largely due to a lack of efficacy and safety reasons associated with candidate drugs. This is true in particular for genetically complex diseases, where insufficient knowledge of the modulatory actions of candidate drugs on targets and entire target pathways further adds to the problem of attrition. To better profile compound actions on targets, potential off-targets, and disease-linked pathways, new innovative technologies need to be developed that can elucidate the complex cellular signaling networks in health and disease. Here, we discuss progress in genetically encoded multiparametric assays and mass spectrometry (MS)-based proteomics, which both represent promising toolkits to profile multifactorial actions of drug candidates in disease-relevant cellular systems to promote drug discovery and personalized medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Herholt
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Nussbaumstr. 7, 80336 Munich, Germany; Systasy Bioscience GmbH, Balanstr. 6, 81669, Munich, Germany
| | - Sabrina Galinski
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Nussbaumstr. 7, 80336 Munich, Germany; Systasy Bioscience GmbH, Balanstr. 6, 81669, Munich, Germany
| | - Philipp E Geyer
- Department of Proteomics and Signal Transduction, Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Am Klopferspitz 18, 82152 Planegg, Germany; NNF Center for Protein Research, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; OmicEra Diagnostics GmbH, Am Klopferspitz 19, 82152, Planegg, Germany
| | - Moritz J Rossner
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Nussbaumstr. 7, 80336 Munich, Germany
| | - Michael C Wehr
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Nussbaumstr. 7, 80336 Munich, Germany; Systasy Bioscience GmbH, Balanstr. 6, 81669, Munich, Germany.
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