1
|
Ciancetta A, Malfacini D, Gozzi M, Marzola E, Camilotto R, Calò G, Guerrini R. A Multi-Angle Approach to Predict Peptide-GPCR Complexes: The N/OFQ-NOP System as a Successful AlphaFold Application Case Study. J Chem Inf Model 2024. [PMID: 39137328 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.4c00499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/15/2024]
Abstract
With nearly 700 structures solved and a growing number of customized structure prediction algorithms being developed at a fast pace, G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are an optimal test case for validating new approaches for the prediction of receptor active state and ligand bioactive conformation complexes. In this study, we leveraged the availability of hundreds of peptide GPCRs in the active state and both classical homology and artificial intelligence (AI) based protein modeling combined with docking and AI-based peptide structure prediction approaches to predict the nociceptin/orphanin FQ-NOP receptor active state complex (N/OFQ-NOPa). The In Silico generated hypotheses were validated via the design, synthesis, and pharmacological characterization of novel linear N/OFQ(1-13)-NH2 analogues, leading to the discovery of a novel antagonist (3B; pKB = 6.63) bearing a single ring-constrained residue in place of the Gly2-Gly3 motif of the N/OFQ message sequence (FGGF). While the experimental validation was ongoing, the availability of the Cryo-EM structure of the predicted complex enabled us to unambiguously validate the generated hypotheses. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first example of a peptide-GPCR complex predicted with atomistic accuracy (full complex Cα RMSD < 1.0 Å) and of the N/OFQ message moiety being successfully modified with a rigid scaffold.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Ciancetta
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Davide Malfacini
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Padova 35131, Italy
| | - Matteo Gozzi
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Erika Marzola
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Riccardo Camilotto
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Padova 35131, Italy
| | - Girolamo Calò
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Padova 35131, Italy
| | - Remo Guerrini
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Han Y, Chen S, Yang Q, Xie M, Liang Y, Li J, Zhang LZ. Non-peptide orphanin receptor antagonist activity in rat myocardial ischemia-induced cardiac arrhythmias. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2023; 685:149160. [PMID: 37922788 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2023.149160] [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: 07/30/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
One of the causes of sudden cardiac death is arrhythmia after acute myocardial ischemia. After ischemia, endogenous orphanin (N/OFQ) plays a role in the development of arrhythmias. It is discussed in this paper how nonpeptide orphanin receptor (ORL1) antagonists such as J-113397, SB-612111 and compound-24 (C-24) affect arrhythmia in rats following acute myocardial ischemia and what the optimal concentrations for these antagonists are. The electrocardiogram of the rat was recorded as part of the experiment. The concentrations of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in the myocardium were measured following euthanasia. Following the use of three antagonists, we found the lowest inflammatory factor concentrations and the smallest number of ischemic arrhythmia episodes. All of them had a small impact on cardiac function. LF/HF values were significantly reduced in all three antagonist groups, suggesting that they are involved in the regulation of sympathetic nerves. In conclusion, pretreatment with the three antagonist groups can effectively reduce the concentration of TNF-α and IL-1β, and the occurrence of arrhythmias after ischemia can also be significantly reduced. Inflammation and sympathetic activity may be related to the mechanism of action of antagonists.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yi Han
- Department of Anesthesiology, Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030000, China; College of Anesthesiology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030000, China.
| | - Sikun Chen
- Department of Anesthesiology, Linfen People's Hospital, Linfen, 041000, China
| | - Qixing Yang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Linfen People's Hospital, Linfen, 041000, China
| | - Mengli Xie
- Department of Anesthesiology, Xi 'an Honghui Hospital, Xian, 710000, China
| | - Yuzhang Liang
- School of Physics, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, 116024, China
| | - Jing Li
- Department of Endocrine, Central Hospital of China Railway 12th Bureau Group, 182 Yingze Road, Taiyuan, 030001, Shanxi, China
| | - Lin-Zhong Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030000, China; College of Anesthesiology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030000, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Spotlight on Nociceptin/Orphanin FQ Receptor in the Treatment of Pain. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27030595. [PMID: 35163856 PMCID: PMC8838650 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27030595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Revised: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
In our society today, pain has become a main source of strain on most individuals. It is crucial to develop novel treatments against pain while focusing on decreasing their adverse effects. Throughout the extent of development for new pain therapies, the nociceptin/orphanin FQ receptor (NOP receptor) has appeared to be an encouraging focal point. Concentrating on NOP receptor to treat chronic pain with limited range of unwanted effects serves as a suitable alternative to prototypical opioid morphine that could potentially lead to life-threatening effects caused by respiratory depression in overdose, as well as generate abuse and addiction. In addition to these harmful effects, the uprising opioid epidemic is responsible for becoming one of the most disastrous public health issues in the US. In this article, the contributing molecular and cellular structure in controlling the cellular trafficking of NOP receptor and studies that support the role of NOP receptor and its ligands in pain management are reviewed.
Collapse
|
4
|
Toll L, Cippitelli A, Ozawa A. The NOP Receptor System in Neurological and Psychiatric Disorders: Discrepancies, Peculiarities and Clinical Progress in Developing Targeted Therapies. CNS Drugs 2021; 35:591-607. [PMID: 34057709 PMCID: PMC8279133 DOI: 10.1007/s40263-021-00821-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
The nociceptin opioid peptide (NOP) receptor and its endogenous ligand nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) are the fourth members of the opioid receptor and opioid peptide families. Although they have considerable sequence homology to the other family members, they are not considered opioid per se because they do not have pharmacological profiles similar to the other family members. The number of NOP receptors in the brain is higher than the other family members, and NOP receptors can be found throughout the brain. Because of the widespread distribution of NOP receptors, N/OFQ and other peptide and small molecule agonists and antagonists have extensive CNS activities. Originally thought to be anti-opioid, NOP receptor agonists block some opioid activities, potentiate others, and modulate other activities not affected by traditional opiates. Because the effect of receptor activation can be dependent upon site of administration, state of the animal, and other variables, the study of NOP receptors has been fraught with contradictions and inconsistencies. In this article, the actions and controversies pertaining to NOP receptor activation and inhibition are discussed with respect to CNS disorders including pain (acute, chronic, and migraine), drug abuse, anxiety and depression. In addition, progress towards clinical use of NOP receptor-directed compounds is discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lawrence Toll
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, Florida Atlantic University, 777 Glades Rd, Boca Raton, FL, 33431, USA.
| | - Andrea Cippitelli
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, Florida Atlantic University, 777 Glades Rd, Boca Raton, FL, 33431, USA
| | - Akihiko Ozawa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, Florida Atlantic University, 777 Glades Rd, Boca Raton, FL, 33431, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Caputi FF, Stopponi S, Rullo L, Palmisano M, Ubaldi M, Candeletti S, Ciccocioppo R, Romualdi P. Dysregulation of Nociceptin/Orphanin FQ and Dynorphin Systems in the Extended Amygdala of Alcohol Preferring Marchigian Sardinian (msP) Rats. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22052448. [PMID: 33671048 PMCID: PMC7957504 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22052448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Revised: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Previous studies have shown that genetically selected Marchigian Sardinian alcohol-preferring (msP) rats consume excessive amounts of ethanol to self-medicate from negative moods and to relieve innate hypersensitivity to stress. This phenotype resembling a subset of alcohol use disorder (AUD) patients, appears to be linked to a dysregulation of the equilibrium between stress and antistress mechanisms in the extended amygdala. Here, comparing water and alcohol exposed msP and Wistar rats we evaluate the transcript expression of the anti-stress opioid-like peptide nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) and its receptor NOP as well as of dynorphin (DYN) and its cognate κ-opioid receptor (KOP). In addition, we measured the transcript levels of corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF), CRF receptor 1 (CRF1R), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and of the tropomyosin receptor kinase B receptor (Trk-B). Results showed an innately up-regulation of the CRFergic system, mediating negative mood and stress responses, as well as an inherent up-regulation of the anti-stress N/OFQ system, both in the amygdala (AMY) and bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) of msP rats. The up-regulation of this latter system may reflect an attempt to buffer the negative condition elicited by the hyperactivity of pro-stress mechanisms since results showed that voluntary alcohol consumption dampened N/OFQ. Alcohol exposure also reduced the expression of dynorphin and CRF transmissions in the AMY of msP rats. In the BNST, alcohol intake led to a more complex reorganization of these systems increasing receptor transcripts in msP rats, along with an increase of CRF and a decrease of N/OFQ transcripts, respectively. Moreover, mimicking the effects of alcohol in the AMY we observed that the activation of NOP receptor by intracerebroventricular administration of N/OFQ in msP rats caused an increase of BDNF and a decrease of CRF transcripts. Our study indicates that both stress and anti-stress mechanisms are dysregulated in the extended AMY of msP rats. The voluntary alcohol drinking, as well as NOP agonism, have a significant impact on neuropeptidergic systems arrangement, bringing the systems back to normalization.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Felicia Caputi
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 48, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (F.F.C.); (L.R.); (M.P.); (S.C.)
| | - Serena Stopponi
- Pharmacology Unit, School of Pharmacy, University of Camerino, Madonna delle Carceri, 62032 Camerino, Italy; (S.S.); (M.U.)
| | - Laura Rullo
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 48, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (F.F.C.); (L.R.); (M.P.); (S.C.)
| | - Martina Palmisano
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 48, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (F.F.C.); (L.R.); (M.P.); (S.C.)
| | - Massimo Ubaldi
- Pharmacology Unit, School of Pharmacy, University of Camerino, Madonna delle Carceri, 62032 Camerino, Italy; (S.S.); (M.U.)
| | - Sanzio Candeletti
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 48, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (F.F.C.); (L.R.); (M.P.); (S.C.)
| | - Roberto Ciccocioppo
- Pharmacology Unit, School of Pharmacy, University of Camerino, Madonna delle Carceri, 62032 Camerino, Italy; (S.S.); (M.U.)
- Correspondence: (R.C.); (P.R.)
| | - Patrizia Romualdi
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 48, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (F.F.C.); (L.R.); (M.P.); (S.C.)
- Correspondence: (R.C.); (P.R.)
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Wtorek K, Janecka A. Potential of Nociceptin/Orphanin FQ Peptide Analogs for Drug Development. Chem Biodivers 2021; 18:e2000871. [PMID: 33351271 DOI: 10.1002/cbdv.202000871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 11/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Nociceptin receptor (NOP) belongs to the family of opioid receptors but was discovered and characterized much later than the so called classical opioid receptors, μ, δ and κ (or MOP, DOP and KOP, resp.). Nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) is the endogenous ligand of this receptor and it controls numerous important functions in the central nervous system and in the periphery, so its analogs may be developed as innovative drugs for the treatment of a variety of conditions and pathological states. Availability of potent and selective ligands with high affinity to NOP receptor is essential to fully understand the role of NOP-N/OFQ system in the body, which in turn may lead to designing novel therapeutics. Here, we have focused on reviewing the structure of potent peptide-based agonists, antagonists, biased analogs and bivalent ligands that target NOP receptor.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karol Wtorek
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, Medical University of Lodz, Mazowiecka 6/8, PL-92-215 Lodz, Poland
| | - Anna Janecka
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, Medical University of Lodz, Mazowiecka 6/8, PL-92-215 Lodz, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Taylor RM, Jeong IH, May MD, Bergman EM, Capaldi VF, Moore NLT, Matson LM, Lowery-Gionta EG. Fear expression is reduced after acute and repeated nociceptin/orphanin FQ (NOP) receptor antagonism in rats: therapeutic implications for traumatic stress exposure. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2020; 237:2943-2958. [PMID: 32588078 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-020-05582-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2020] [Accepted: 06/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Evaluation of pharmacotherapies for acute stress disorder (ASD) or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is challenging due to robust heterogeneity of trauma histories and limited efficacy of any single candidate to reduce all stress-induced effects. Pursuing novel mechanisms, such as the nociceptin/orphanin FQ (NOP) system, may be a viable path for therapeutic development and of interest as it is involved in regulation of relevant behaviors and recently implicated in PTSD and ASD. OBJECTIVES First, we evaluated NOP receptor antagonism on general behavioral performance and again following a three-species predator exposure model (Experiment 1). Then, we evaluated effects of NOP antagonism on fear memory expression (Experiment 2). METHODS Adult, male rats underwent daily administration of NOP antagonists (J-113397 or SB-612,111; 0-20 mg/kg, i.p.) and testing in acoustic startle, elevated plus maze, tail-flick, and open field tests. Effects of acute NOP antagonism on behavioral performance following predator exposure were then assessed. Separately, rats underwent fear conditioning and were later administered SB-612,111 (0-3 mg/kg, i.p.) prior to fear memory expression tests. RESULTS J-113397 and SB-612,111 did not significantly alter most general behavioral performance measures alone, suggesting minimal off-target behavioral effects of NOP antagonism. J-113397 and SB-612,111 restored performance in measures of exploratory behavior (basic movements on the elevated plus maze and total distance in the open field) following predator exposure. Additionally, SB-612,111 significantly reduced freezing behavior relative to control groups across repeated fear memory expression tests, suggesting NOP antagonism may be useful in dampening fear responses. Other measures of general behavioral performance were not significantly altered following predator exposure. CONCLUSIONS NOP antagonists may be useful as pharmacotherapeutics for dampening fear responses to trauma reminders, and the present results provide supporting evidence for the implication of the NOP system in the neuropathophysiology of dysregulations in fear learning and memory processes observed in trauma- and stress-related disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rachel M Taylor
- Behavioral Biology Branch, Center for Military Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, 503 Robert Grant Avenue, Silver Spring, MD, 20910, USA.
| | - Isaac H Jeong
- Behavioral Biology Branch, Center for Military Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, 503 Robert Grant Avenue, Silver Spring, MD, 20910, USA
| | - Matthew D May
- Behavioral Biology Branch, Center for Military Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, 503 Robert Grant Avenue, Silver Spring, MD, 20910, USA
| | - Elizabeth M Bergman
- Behavioral Biology Branch, Center for Military Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, 503 Robert Grant Avenue, Silver Spring, MD, 20910, USA
| | - Vincent F Capaldi
- Behavioral Biology Branch, Center for Military Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, 503 Robert Grant Avenue, Silver Spring, MD, 20910, USA
| | - Nicole L T Moore
- Behavioral Biology Branch, Center for Military Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, 503 Robert Grant Avenue, Silver Spring, MD, 20910, USA
| | - Liana M Matson
- Behavioral Biology Branch, Center for Military Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, 503 Robert Grant Avenue, Silver Spring, MD, 20910, USA
| | - Emily G Lowery-Gionta
- Behavioral Biology Branch, Center for Military Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, 503 Robert Grant Avenue, Silver Spring, MD, 20910, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Zhao C, Quan X, He J, Zhao R, Zhang Y, Li X, Sun S, Ma R, Zhang Q. Identification of significant gene biomarkers of low back pain caused by changes in the osmotic pressure of nucleus pulposus cells. Sci Rep 2020; 10:3708. [PMID: 32111963 PMCID: PMC7048739 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-60714-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2019] [Accepted: 02/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The incidence of intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration disease, caused by changes in the osmotic pressure of nucleus pulposus (NP) cells, increases with age. In general, low back pain is associated with IVD degeneration. However, the mechanism and molecular target of low back pain have not been elucidated, and there are no data suggesting specific biomarkers of low back pain. Therefore, the research aims to identify and verify the significant gene biomarkers of low back pain. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were screened in the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, and the identification and analysis of significant gene biomarkers were also performed with various bioinformatics programs. A total of 120 patients with low back pain were recruited. Before surgery, the degree of pain was measured by the numeric rating scale (NRS), which enables comparison of the pain scores from individuals. After surgery, IVD tissues were obtained, and NP cells were isolated. The NP cells were cultured in two various osmotic media, including iso-osmotic media (293 mOsm/kg H2O) to account for the morbid environment of NP cells in IVD degeneration disease and hyper-osmotic media (450 mOsm/kg H2O) to account for the normal condition of NP cells in healthy individuals. The relative mRNA expression levels of CCL5, OPRL1, CXCL13, and SST were measured by quantitative real-time PCR in the in vitro analysis of the osmotic pressure experiments. Finally, correlation analysis and a neural network module were employed to explore the linkage between significant gene biomarkers and pain. A total of 371 DEGs were identified, including 128 downregulated genes and 243 upregulated genes. Furthermore, the four genes (CCL5, OPRL1, SST, and CXCL13) were identified as significant gene biomarkers of low back pain (P < 0.001) based on univariate linear regression, and CCL5 (odds ratio, 34.667; P = 0.003) and OPRL1 (odds ratio, 19.875; P < 0.001) were significantly related to low back pain through multivariate logistic regression. The expression of CCL5 and OPRL1 might be correlated with low back pain in patients with IVD degeneration disease caused by changes in the osmotic pressure of NP cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Changsong Zhao
- Department of Orthopaedics, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, 100015, Beijing, China
| | - Xuemin Quan
- Department of Orthopaedics, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, 100015, Beijing, China
| | - Jie He
- Department of Orthopaedics, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, 100015, Beijing, China
| | - Rugang Zhao
- Department of Orthopaedics, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, 100015, Beijing, China
| | - Yao Zhang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, 100015, Beijing, China
| | - Xin Li
- Department of Orthopaedics, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, 100015, Beijing, China
| | - Sheng Sun
- Department of Orthopaedics, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, 100015, Beijing, China
| | - Rui Ma
- Department of Orthopaedics, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, 100015, Beijing, China
| | - Qiang Zhang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, 100015, Beijing, China.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Ferrari F, Rizzo S, Ruzza C, Calo G. Detailed In Vitro Pharmacological Characterization of the Clinically Viable Nociceptin/Orphanin FQ Peptide Receptor Antagonist BTRX-246040. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2020; 373:34-43. [PMID: 31937563 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.119.262865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2019] [Accepted: 01/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The peptide nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) is the natural ligand of the N/OFQ receptor (NOP), which is widely expressed in the central and peripheral nervous system. Selective NOP antagonists are worthy of testing as innovative drugs to treat depression, Parkinson disease, and drug abuse. The aim of this study was to perform a detailed in vitro characterization of BTRX-246040 (also known as LY2940094, [2-[4-[(2-chloro-4,4-difluoro-spiro[5H-thieno[2,3-c]pyran-7,4'-piperidine]-1'-yl)methyl]-3-methyl-pyrazol-1-yl]-3-pyridyl]methanol), a novel NOP antagonist that has been already studied in humans. BTRX-246040 has been tested in vitro in the following assays: calcium mobilization in cells expressing NOP and classic opioid receptors and chimeric G proteins, bioluminescence resonance energy transfer assay measuring NOP interaction with G proteins and β-arrestins, the label-free dynamic mass redistribution assay, and the electrically stimulated mouse vas deferens. BTRX-246040 was systematically compared with the standard NOP antagonist SB-612111. In all assays, BTRX-246040 behaves as a pure and selective antagonist at human recombinant and murine native NOP receptors displaying 3-10-fold higher potency than the standard antagonist SB-612111. BTRX-246040 is an essential pharmacological tool to further investigate the therapeutic potential of NOP antagonists in preclinical and clinical studies. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: NOP antagonists may be innovative antidepressant drugs. In this research, the novel clinically viable NOP antagonist BTRX-246040 has been deeply characterized in vitro in a panel of assays. BTRX-246040 resulted a pure, potent, and selective NOP antagonist.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Federica Ferrari
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy (F.F., S.R., C.R., G.C.) and Technopole of Ferrara, LTTA Laboratory for Advanced Therapies, Ferrara, Italy (C.R.)
| | - Sabrina Rizzo
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy (F.F., S.R., C.R., G.C.) and Technopole of Ferrara, LTTA Laboratory for Advanced Therapies, Ferrara, Italy (C.R.)
| | - Chiara Ruzza
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy (F.F., S.R., C.R., G.C.) and Technopole of Ferrara, LTTA Laboratory for Advanced Therapies, Ferrara, Italy (C.R.)
| | - Girolamo Calo
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy (F.F., S.R., C.R., G.C.) and Technopole of Ferrara, LTTA Laboratory for Advanced Therapies, Ferrara, Italy (C.R.)
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Mercatelli D, Bezard E, Eleopra R, Zaveri NT, Morari M. Managing Parkinson's disease: moving ON with NOP. Br J Pharmacol 2020; 177:28-47. [PMID: 31648371 PMCID: PMC6976791 DOI: 10.1111/bph.14893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2019] [Revised: 09/12/2019] [Accepted: 09/25/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The opioid-like neuropeptide nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) and its receptor (NOP receptor) contribute to Parkinson's disease (PD) and motor complications associated with levodopa therapy. The N/OFQ-NOP receptor system is expressed in cortical and subcortical motor areas and, notably, in dopaminergic neurons of the substantia nigra compacta. Dopamine depletion, as in rodent models of PD results in up-regulation of N/OFQ transmission in the substantia nigra and down-regulation of N/OFQ transmission in the striatum. Consistent with this, NOP receptor antagonists relieve motor deficits in PD models by reinstating the physiological balance between excitatory and inhibitory inputs impinging on nigro-thalamic GABAergic neurons. NOP receptor antagonists also counteract the degeneration of nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurons, possibly by attenuating the excitotoxicity or modulating the immune response. Conversely, NOP receptor agonists attenuate levodopa-induced dyskinesia by attenuating the hyperactivation of striatal D1 receptor signalling in neurons of the direct striatonigral pathway. The N/OFQ-NOP receptor system might represent a novel target in the therapy of PD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Mercatelli
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of PharmacologyUniversity of Ferrara and National Institute of NeuroscienceFerraraItaly
| | - Erwan Bezard
- Institut des Maladies Neurodégénératives, UMR 5293Université de BordeauxBordeauxFrance
- Institut des Maladies Neurodégénératives, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UMR 5293BordeauxFrance
| | - Roberto Eleopra
- Neurology Unit 1Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo BestaMilanItaly
| | - Nurulain T. Zaveri
- Astraea Therapeutics, Medicinal Chemistry DivisionMountain ViewCaliforniaUSA
| | - Michele Morari
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of PharmacologyUniversity of Ferrara and National Institute of NeuroscienceFerraraItaly
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Park JY, Chae S, Kim CS, Kim YJ, Yi HJ, Han E, Joo Y, Hong S, Yun JW, Kim H, Shin KH. Role of nociceptin/orphanin FQ and nociceptin opioid peptide receptor in depression and antidepressant effects of nociceptin opioid peptide receptor antagonists. THE KOREAN JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY & PHARMACOLOGY : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN PHYSIOLOGICAL SOCIETY AND THE KOREAN SOCIETY OF PHARMACOLOGY 2019; 23:427-448. [PMID: 31680765 PMCID: PMC6819898 DOI: 10.4196/kjpp.2019.23.6.427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2019] [Revised: 08/11/2019] [Accepted: 08/26/2019] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) and its receptor, nociceptin opioid peptide (NOP) receptor, are localized in brain areas implicated in depression including the amygdala, bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, habenula, and monoaminergic nuclei in the brain stem. N/OFQ inhibits neuronal excitability of monoaminergic neurons and monoamine release from their terminals by activation of G protein-coupled inwardly rectifying K+ channels and inhibition of voltage sensitive calcium channels, respectively. Therefore, NOP receptor antagonists have been proposed as a potential antidepressant. Indeed, mounting evidence shows that NOP receptor antagonists have antidepressant-like effects in various preclinical animal models of depression, and recent clinical studies again confirmed the idea that blockade of NOP receptor signaling could provide a novel strategy for the treatment of depression. In this review, we describe the pharmacological effects of N/OFQ in relation to depression and explore the possible mechanism of NOP receptor antagonists as potential antidepressants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jong Yung Park
- Department of Pharmacology, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul 02841, Korea
| | - Suji Chae
- Department of Pharmacology, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul 02841, Korea
| | - Chang Seop Kim
- Department of Pharmacology, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul 02841, Korea
| | - Yoon Jae Kim
- Department of Pharmacology, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul 02841, Korea
| | - Hyun Joo Yi
- Department of Pharmacology, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul 02841, Korea
| | - Eunjoo Han
- Department of Pharmacology, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul 02841, Korea
| | - Youngshin Joo
- Department of Pharmacology, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul 02841, Korea
| | - Surim Hong
- Department of Pharmacology, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul 02841, Korea
| | - Jae Won Yun
- Department of Pharmacology, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul 02841, Korea
| | - Hyojung Kim
- Department of Pharmacology, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul 02841, Korea
| | - Kyung Ho Shin
- Department of Pharmacology, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul 02841, Korea
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Dagnino APA, da Silva RBM, Chagastelles PC, Pereira TCB, Venturin GT, Greggio S, Costa da Costa J, Bogo MR, Campos MM. Nociceptin/orphanin FQ receptor modulates painful and fatigue symptoms in a mouse model of fibromyalgia. Pain 2019; 160:1383-1401. [PMID: 30720581 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000001513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Generalized pain and fatigue are both hallmarks of fibromyalgia, a syndrome with an indefinite etiology. The treatment options for fibromyalgia are currently limited, probably because of its intricate pathophysiology. Thus, further basic and clinical research on this condition is currently needed. This study investigated the effects of nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) receptor (NOPr) ligands and the modulation of the NOP system in the preclinical mouse model of reserpine-induced fibromyalgia. The effects of administration of the natural agonist N/OFQ and the selective NOPr antagonists (UFP-101 and SB-612111) were evaluated in fibromyalgia-related symptoms in reserpine-treated mice. The expression of prepronociceptin/orphanin FQ and NOPr was assessed in central and peripheral sites at different time points after reserpine administration. Nociceptin/orphanin FQ displayed dual effects in the behavioral changes in the reserpine-elicited fibromyalgia model. The peptide NOPr antagonist UFP-101 produced analgesic and antifatigue effects, by preventing alterations in brain activity and skeletal muscle metabolism, secondary to fibromyalgia induction. The nonpeptide NOPr antagonist SB-612111 mirrored the favorable effects of UFP-101 in painful and fatigue alterations induced by reserpine. A time-related up- or downregulation of prepronociceptin/orphanin FQ and NOPr was observed in supraspinal, spinal, and peripheral sites of reserpine-treated mice. Our data shed new lights on the mechanisms underlying the fibromyalgia pathogenesis, supporting a role for N/OFQ-NOP receptor system in this syndrome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana Paula Aquistapase Dagnino
- Escola de Ciências, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Celular e Molecular, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Escola de Ciências da Saúde, Centro de Pesquisa em Toxicologia e Farmacologia, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Braccini Madeira da Silva
- Escola de Medicina, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina e Ciências da Saúde, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Pedro Cesar Chagastelles
- Escola de Medicina, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina e Ciências da Saúde, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Talita Carneiro Brandão Pereira
- Escola de Ciências, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Celular e Molecular, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Escola de Ciências, Laboratório de Biologia Genômica e Molecular, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Gianina Teribele Venturin
- Centro de Pesquisa Pré-Clínica, Instituto do Cérebro do Rio Grande do Sul, Brain Institute (BraIns), Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Samuel Greggio
- Centro de Pesquisa Pré-Clínica, Instituto do Cérebro do Rio Grande do Sul, Brain Institute (BraIns), Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Escola de Ciências da Saúde, Curso de Graduação em Biomedicina, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Jaderson Costa da Costa
- Centro de Pesquisa Pré-Clínica, Instituto do Cérebro do Rio Grande do Sul, Brain Institute (BraIns), Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Maurício Reis Bogo
- Escola de Ciências, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Celular e Molecular, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Escola de Medicina, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina e Ciências da Saúde, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Escola de Ciências, Laboratório de Biologia Genômica e Molecular, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Maria Martha Campos
- Escola de Ciências, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Celular e Molecular, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Escola de Ciências da Saúde, Centro de Pesquisa em Toxicologia e Farmacologia, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Escola de Medicina, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina e Ciências da Saúde, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Escola de Ciências da Saúde, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Odontologia, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Abstract
Nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) is an endogenous neuropeptide of 17 amino acids, related to opioid peptides but with its own receptor, distinct from conventional opioid receptors, the ORL1 or NOP receptor. The NOP receptor is a G protein-coupled receptor which activates Gi/o proteins and thus induces an inhibition of neuronal activity. The peptide and its receptor are widely expressed in the central nervous system with a high density of receptors in regions involved in learning and memory. This review describes the consequences of the pharmacological manipulation of the N/OFQ system by NOP receptor ligands on learning processes and on the consolidation of various types of long-term memory. We also discuss the role of endogenous N/OFQ release in the modulation of learning and memory. Finally we propose several putative neuronal mechanisms taking place at the level of the hippocampus and amygdala and possibly underlying the behavioral amnestic or promnesic effects of NOP ligands.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lionel Moulédous
- Research Center on Animal Cognition (CRCA), Center for Integrative Biology (CBI), Toulouse University, CNRS, UPS, Toulouse, France.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Abstract
Since the discovery of the NOP receptor and N/OFQ as the endogenous ligand, evidence has appeared demonstrating the involvement of this receptor system in pain. This was not surprising for members of the opioid receptor and peptide families, particularly since both the receptor and N/OFQ are highly expressed in brain regions involved in pain, spinal cord, and dorsal root ganglia. What has been surprising is the complicated picture that has emerged from 25 years of research. The original finding that N/OFQ decreased tail flick and hotplate latency, when administered i.c.v., led to the hypothesis that NOP receptor antagonists could have analgesic activity without abuse liability. However, as data accumulated, it became clear that not only the potency but the activity per se was different when N/OFQ or small molecule NOP agonists were administered in the brain versus the spinal cord and it also depended upon the pain assay used. When administered systemically, NOP receptor agonists are generally ineffective in attenuating heat pain but are antinociceptive in an acute inflammatory pain model. Most antagonists administered systemically have no antinociceptive activity of their own, even though selective peptide NOP antagonists have potent antinociceptive activity when administered i.c.v. Chronic pain models provide different results as well, as small molecule NOP receptor agonists have potent anti-allodynic and anti-hyperalgesic activity after systemic administration. A considerable number of electrophysiological and anatomical experiments, in particular with NOP-eGFP mice, have been conducted in an attempt to explain the complicated profile resulting from NOP receptor modulation, to examine receptor plasticity, and to elucidate mechanisms by which selective NOP agonists, bifunctional NOP/mu agonists, or NOP receptor antagonists modulate acute and chronic pain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lawrence Toll
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL, USA.
| | - Akihiko Ozawa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL, USA
| | - Andrea Cippitelli
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL, USA
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Abstract
The nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) peptide receptor (NOP) is a G protein-coupled receptor involved in the regulation of several physiological functions and pathological conditions. Thus, researchers from academia and industry are pursuing NOP to discover and study novel pharmacological entities. In a multidisciplinary effort of pharmacologists, medicinal chemists, and molecular and structural biologists the mechanisms of NOP activation and inhibition have been, at least partially, disentangled. Here, we review the in vitro methodologies employed, which have contributed to our understanding of this target. We hope this chapter guides the reader through the mostly established assay platforms to investigate NOP pharmacology, and gives some hints taking advantage from what has already illuminated the function of other GPCRs. We analyzed the pharmacological results obtained with a large panel of NOP ligands investigated in several assays including receptor binding, stimulation of GTPγS binding, decrease of cAMP levels, calcium flux stimulation via chimeric G proteins, NOP/G protein and NOP/β-arrestin interaction, label-free assays such as dynamic mass redistribution, and bioassays such as the electrically stimulated mouse vas deferens.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Davide Malfacini
- Molecular, Cellular and Pharmacobiology Section, Institute for Pharmaceutical Biology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Girolamo Caló
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Medical Sciences, National Institute of Neurosciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Calo G, Lambert DG. Nociceptin/orphanin FQ receptor ligands and translational challenges: focus on cebranopadol as an innovative analgesic. Br J Anaesth 2018; 121:1105-1114. [PMID: 30336855 PMCID: PMC6208290 DOI: 10.1016/j.bja.2018.06.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2018] [Revised: 05/18/2018] [Accepted: 07/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Opioids are characterised as classical (mu, delta, and kappa) along with the non-classical nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) receptor or NOP. Targeting NOP has therapeutic indications in control of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems and micturition, and a profile as an antidepressant. For all of these indications, there are translational human data. Opioids such as morphine and fentanyl (activating the mu receptor) are the mainstay of pain treatment in the perioperative period, despite a challenging side-effect profile. Opioids in general have poor efficacy in neuropathic pain. Moreover, longer term use is associated with tolerance. There is good evidence interactions between opioid receptors, and receptor co-activation can reduce side-effects without compromising analgesia; this is particularly true for mu and NOP co-activation. Recent pharmaceutical development has produced a mixed opioid/NOP agonist, cebranopadol. This new chemical entity is effective in animal models of nociceptive and neuropathic pain with greater efficacy in the latter. In animal models, there is little evidence for respiratory depression, and tolerance (compared with morphine) only develops after long treatment periods. There is now early phase clinical development in diabetic neuropathy, cancer pain, and low back pain where cebranopadol displays significant efficacy. In 1996, N/OFQ was formally identified with an innovative analgesic profile. Approximately 20 yr later, cebranopadol as a clinical ligand is advancing through the human trials process.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- G Calo
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Medical Sciences, National Institute of Neurosciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.
| | - D G Lambert
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Leicester, Anaesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Management, Leicester Royal Infirmary, Leicester, UK
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Constantin S, Wray S. Nociceptin/Orphanin-FQ Inhibits Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Neurons via G-Protein-Gated Inwardly Rectifying Potassium Channels. eNeuro 2018; 5:ENEURO.0161-18.2018. [PMID: 30627649 PMCID: PMC6325553 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0161-18.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [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: 04/24/2018] [Revised: 12/03/2018] [Accepted: 12/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The pulsatile release of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) is a key feature of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. Kisspeptin neurons in the arcuate nucleus (ARC) trigger GnRH neuronal activity, but how GnRH neurons return to baseline electrical activity is unknown. Nociceptin/orphanin-FQ (OFQ) is an inhibitory neuromodulator. ARC proopiomelanocortin (POMC) neurons, known to receive inputs from ARC kisspeptin neurons, contact GnRH neurons and coexpress OFQ in the rat. In the present study, the effect of OFQ(1-13) on GnRH neurons was determined in the mouse. We identified transcripts for the OFQ receptor [opioid receptor like 1 (ORL1)] in GnRH neurons, and, using two-model systems (explants and slices), we found that OFQ exerted a potent inhibition on GnRH neurons, with or without excitatory inputs. We confirmed that the inhibition was mediated by ORL1 via Gi/o-protein coupling. The inhibition, occurring independently of levels of intracellular cyclic adenosine monophosphate, was sensitive to inwardly rectifying potassium channels. The only specific blocker of Gi/o-protein-coupled inwardly rectifying potassium (GIRK) channels, tertiapin-Q (TPNQ), was ineffective in the inhibition of OFQ. Two GIRK activators, one sharing the binding site of TPNQ and one active only on GIRK1-containing GIRK channels, failed to trigger an inhibition. In contrast, protein kinase C phosphorylation activation, known to inhibit GIRK2-mediated currents, prevented the OFQ inhibition. These results indicate a specific combination of GIRK subunits, GIRK2/3 in GnRH neurons. In vivo, double-labeled OFQ/POMC fibers were found in the vicinity of GnRH neurons, and OFQ fibers apposed GnRH neurons. Together, this study brings to light a potent neuromodulator of GnRH neurons.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Constantin
- Cellular and Developmental Neurobiology Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke/National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892-3703
| | - Susan Wray
- Cellular and Developmental Neurobiology Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke/National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892-3703
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Malfacini D, Simon K, Trapella C, Guerrini R, Zaveri NT, Kostenis E, Calo’ G. NOP receptor pharmacological profile - A dynamic mass redistribution study. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0203021. [PMID: 30161182 PMCID: PMC6117024 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0203021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2018] [Accepted: 08/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The Nociceptin/Orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) peptide NOP receptor is coupled to pertussis toxin (PTX)-sensitive G proteins (Gi/o) whose activation leads to the inhibition of both cAMP production and calcium channel activity, and to the stimulation of potassium currents. The label free dynamic mass redistribution (DMR) approach has been demonstrated useful for investigating the pharmacological profile of G protein-coupled receptors. Herein, we employ DMR technology to systematically characterize the pharmacology of a large panel of NOP receptor ligands. These are of peptide and non-peptide nature and display varying degrees of receptor efficacy, ranging from full agonism to pure antagonism. Using Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells expressing the human NOP receptor we provide rank orders of potency for full and partial agonists as well as apparent affinities for selective antagonists. We find the pharmacological profile of NOP receptor ligands to be similar but not identical to values reported in the literature using canonical assays for Gi/o-coupled receptors. Our data demonstrate that holistic label-free DMR detection can be successfully used to investigate the pharmacology of the NOP receptor and to characterize the cellular effects of novel NOP receptor ligands.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Davide Malfacini
- Molecular, Cellular and Pharmacobiology Section, Institute for Pharmaceutical Biology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Medical Sciences, and National Institute of Neurosciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
- * E-mail:
| | - Katharina Simon
- Molecular, Cellular and Pharmacobiology Section, Institute for Pharmaceutical Biology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Claudio Trapella
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and LTTA, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Remo Guerrini
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and LTTA, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | | | - Evi Kostenis
- Molecular, Cellular and Pharmacobiology Section, Institute for Pharmaceutical Biology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Girolamo Calo’
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Medical Sciences, and National Institute of Neurosciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Abstract
The nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ)-N/OFQ peptide (NOP) receptor system is widely distributed at both the peripheral and central level where it modulates important biological functions with increasing therapeutic implications. This chapter wants to provide a comprehensive and updated overview focused on the available structure-activity relationship studies on NOP receptor peptide ligands developed through different rational approaches. Punctual modifications and cyclizations of the N/OFQ sequence have been properly combined furnishing potent NOP selective ligands with different pharmacological activities (full and partial agonists, pure antagonists) and enhanced metabolic stability in vivo. The screening of peptide libraries provided a second family of NOP ligands that have been successfully optimized. Moreover, recent findings suggest the possibility to apply different multimerization strategies for the realization of multi-target NOP/opioid receptor ligands or tetrabranched N/OFQ derivatives with extraordinarily prolonged duration of action in vivo. The diverse approaches led to the identification of important pharmacological tools along with drug candidates currently in clinical development such as Rec 0438 (aka UFP-112) for the treatment of overactive bladder and SER 100 (aka ZP120) for the clinical management of systolic hypertension.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Delia Preti
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Girolamo Caló
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Ferrara and National Institute of Neurosciences, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Remo Guerrini
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Calo' G, Rizzi A, Ruzza C, Ferrari F, Pacifico S, Gavioli EC, Salvadori S, Guerrini R. Peptide welding technology - A simple strategy for generating innovative ligands for G protein coupled receptors. Peptides 2018; 99:195-204. [PMID: 29031796 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2017.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2017] [Revised: 09/20/2017] [Accepted: 10/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Based on their high selectivity of action and low toxicity, naturally occurring peptides have great potential in terms of drug development. However, the pharmacokinetic properties of peptides, in particular their half life, are poor. Among different strategies developed for reducing susceptibility to peptidases, and thus increasing the duration of action of peptides, the generation of branched peptides has been described. However, the synthesis and purification of branched peptides are extremely complicated thus limiting their druggability. Here we present a novel and facile synthesis of tetrabranched peptides acting as GPCR ligands and their in vitro and vivo pharmacological characterization. Tetrabranched derivatives of nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ), N/OFQ related peptides, opioid peptides, tachykinins, and neuropeptide S were generated with the strategy named peptide welding technology (PWT) and characterized by high yield and purity of the desired final product. In general, PWT derivatives displayed a pharmacological profile similar to that of the natural sequence in terms of affinity, pharmacological activity, potency, and selectivity of action in vitro. More importantly, in vivo studies demonstrated that PWT peptides are characterized by increased potency associated with long lasting duration of action. In conclusion, PWT derivatives of biologically active peptides can be viewed as innovative pharmacological tools for investigating those conditions and states in which selective and prolonged receptor stimulation promotes beneficial effects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Girolamo Calo'
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Medical Sciences, and National Institute of Neurosciences, University of Ferrara, Italy.
| | - Anna Rizzi
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Medical Sciences, and National Institute of Neurosciences, University of Ferrara, Italy
| | - Chiara Ruzza
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Medical Sciences, and National Institute of Neurosciences, University of Ferrara, Italy
| | - Federica Ferrari
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Medical Sciences, and National Institute of Neurosciences, University of Ferrara, Italy
| | - Salvatore Pacifico
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and LTTA, University of Ferrara, Italy
| | - Elaine C Gavioli
- Department of Biophysics and Pharmacology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN, Brazil
| | - Severo Salvadori
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and LTTA, University of Ferrara, Italy
| | - Remo Guerrini
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and LTTA, University of Ferrara, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
McHugh KL, Kelly JP. Modulation of the central opioid system as an antidepressant target in rodent models. PROGRESS IN BRAIN RESEARCH 2018; 239:49-87. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.pbr.2018.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
|
22
|
Vitale G, Filaferro M, Micioni Di Bonaventura MV, Ruggieri V, Cifani C, Guerrini R, Simonato M, Zucchini S. Effects of [Nphe 1, Arg 14, Lys 15] N/OFQ-NH 2 (UFP-101), a potent NOP receptor antagonist, on molecular, cellular and behavioural alterations associated with chronic mild stress. J Psychopharmacol 2017; 31:691-703. [PMID: 28417659 DOI: 10.1177/0269881117691456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
The present study investigated the effect of [Nphe1] Arg14, Lys15-N/OFQ-NH2 (UFP-101), a selective NOP receptor antagonist, in chronic mild stress (CMS) in male Wistar rats. NOP receptor antagonists were reported to elicit antidepressant-like effects in rodents. Our aim was to investigate UFP-101 effects on CMS-induced anhedonia and impairment of hippocampal neurogenesis. UFP-101 (10 nmol/rat intracerebroventricularly) did not influence sucrose intake in non-stressed animals, but reinstated basal sucrose consumption in stressed animals from the second week of treatment. UFP-101 also reversed stress effects in forced swimming test and in open field. Fluoxetine (10 mg/kg intraperitoneally) produced similar effects. Moreover, we investigated whether UFP-101 could affect CMS-induced impairment in hippocampal cell proliferation and neurogenesis, and in fibroblast growth factor (FGF-2) expression. Our data confirm that CMS reduced neural stem cell proliferation and neurogenesis in adult rat hippocampus. Chronic UFP-101 treatment did not affect the reduced proliferation (bromodeoxyuridine-positive cells) observed in stressed animals. However, UFP-101 increased the number of doublecortin-positive cells, restoring neurogenesis. Finally, UFP-101 significantly increased FGF-2 expression, reduced by CMS. These findings support the view that blockade of NOP receptors produces antidepressant-like effects in CMS associated with positive effects on neurogenesis and FGF-2 expression. Therefore, NOP receptors may represent a target for innovative antidepressant drugs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Vitale
- 1 Department Life Sciences, University of Modena and RE, Modena, Italy
| | - Monica Filaferro
- 2 Department Biomedical, Metabolical and Neuro-Sciences, University of Modena and RE, Modena, Italy
| | | | - Valentina Ruggieri
- 4 Department Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children & Adults - University Hospital of Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - Carlo Cifani
- 3 School of Pharmacy, Pharmacology Unit, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
| | - Remo Guerrini
- 5 Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Michele Simonato
- 6 Department Medical Sciences and Laboratory for the Technologies for Advanced Therapies (LTTA), University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Silvia Zucchini
- 6 Department Medical Sciences and Laboratory for the Technologies for Advanced Therapies (LTTA), University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Pacifico S, Carotenuto A, Brancaccio D, Novellino E, Marzola E, Ferrari F, Cerlesi MC, Trapella C, Preti D, Salvadori S, Calò G, Guerrini R. Structure- and conformation-activity studies of nociceptin/orphanin FQ receptor dimeric ligands. Sci Rep 2017; 7:45817. [PMID: 28383520 PMCID: PMC5382891 DOI: 10.1038/srep45817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2016] [Accepted: 03/06/2017] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The peptide nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) and the N/OFQ receptor (NOP) constitute a neuropeptidergic system that modulates various biological functions and is currently targeted for the generation of innovative drugs. In the present study dimeric NOP receptor ligands with spacers of different lengths were generated using both peptide and non-peptide pharmacophores. The novel compounds (12 peptide and 7 nonpeptide ligands) were pharmacologically investigated in a calcium mobilization assay and in the mouse vas deferens bioassay. Both structure- and conformation-activity studies were performed. Results demonstrated that dimerization did not modify the pharmacological activity of both peptide and non-peptide pharmacophores. Moreover, when dimeric compounds were obtained with low potency peptide pharmacophores, dimerization recovered ligand potency. This effect depends on the doubling of the C-terminal address sequence rather than the presence of an additional N-terminal message sequence or modifications of peptide conformation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Salvatore Pacifico
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and LTTA, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Alfonso Carotenuto
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples “Federico II”, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Diego Brancaccio
- Department of Agraria (QuaSic.A.Tec.), Università Mediterranea di Reggio Calabria, 89122 – Reggio Calabria, Italy
| | - Ettore Novellino
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples “Federico II”, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Erika Marzola
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and LTTA, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Federica Ferrari
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology and National Institute of Neuroscience, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Maria Camilla Cerlesi
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology and National Institute of Neuroscience, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Claudio Trapella
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and LTTA, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Delia Preti
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and LTTA, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Severo Salvadori
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and LTTA, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Girolamo Calò
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology and National Institute of Neuroscience, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Remo Guerrini
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and LTTA, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Collins LM, Dal Bo G, Calcagno M, Monzón-Sandoval J, Sullivan AM, Gutierrez H, Morari M, O'Keeffe GW. Nociceptin/Orphanin FQ Inhibits the Survival and Axon Growth of Midbrain Dopaminergic Neurons Through a p38-MAPK Dependent Mechanism. Mol Neurobiol 2016; 53:7284-7297. [PMID: 26687234 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-015-9611-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2015] [Accepted: 12/03/2015] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) is an opioid-like neuropeptide that binds and signals through a G-protein-coupled receptor called the N/OFQ peptide (NOP) receptor. N/OFQ and the NOP receptor are expressed in the midbrain and have been implicated in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD). Genetic removal of the N/OFQ precursor partially protects midbrain dopaminergic neurons from 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridine-induced toxicity, suggesting that endogenous N/OFQ may be detrimental to dopaminergic neurons. However, whether N/OFQ directly affects the survival and growth of dopaminergic neurons is unknown. Here, we show that N/OFQ has a detrimental effect on the survival of dopaminergic neurons and the growth of their axons in primary cultures of the E14 rat ventral mesencephalon. N/OFQ potentiates the effects of the neurotoxins 6-hydroxydopamine and 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium through p38-MAPK signalling. We also show that like α-synuclein, there is a significant reduction in N/OFQ messenger RNA (mRNA) expression in the midbrain of patients with Parkinson's disease. These results demonstrate for the first time that N/OFQ is detrimental to the survival and growth of dopaminergic neurons and that its expression is altered in the midbrain of patients with Parkinson's disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Louise M Collins
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Giorgia Dal Bo
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara 17-19, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Mariangela Calcagno
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara 17-19, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Jimena Monzón-Sandoval
- School of Life Sciences, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, Lincolnshire, LN6 7TS, UK
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Bath, Bath, UK
| | - Aideen M Sullivan
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Humberto Gutierrez
- School of Life Sciences, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, Lincolnshire, LN6 7TS, UK
| | - Michele Morari
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara 17-19, 44121, Ferrara, Italy.
| | - Gerard W O'Keeffe
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Holanda VAD, Medeiros IU, Asth L, Guerrini R, Calo' G, Gavioli EC. Antidepressant activity of nociceptin/orphanin FQ receptor antagonists in the mouse learned helplessness. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2016; 233:2525-32. [PMID: 27129865 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-016-4310-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2015] [Accepted: 04/14/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE Pharmacological and genetic evidence support antidepressant-like effects elicited by the blockade of the NOP receptor. The learned helplessness (LH) model employs uncontrollable and unpredictable electric footshocks as a stressor stimulus to induce a depressive-like phenotype that can be reversed by classical antidepressants. OBJECTIVES The present study aimed to evaluate the action of NOP receptor antagonists in helpless mice. METHODS Male Swiss mice were subjected to the three steps of the LH paradigm (i.e., (1) induction, (2) screening, and (3) test). Only helpless animals were subjected to the test session. During the test session, animals were placed in the electrified chamber and the latency to escape after the footshock and the frequency of escape failures were recorded. The effect of the following treatments administered before the test session were evaluated: nortriptyline (30 mg/kg, ip, 60 min), fluoxetine (30 mg/kg, ip, four consecutive days of treatment), and NOP antagonists SB-612111 (1-10 mg/kg, ip, 30 min) and UFP-101 (1-10 nmol, icv, 5 min). To rule out possible biases, the effects of treatments on controllable stressful and non stressful situations were assessed. RESULTS In helpless mice, nortriptyline, fluoxetine, UFP-101 (3-10 nmol), and SB-612111 (3-10 mg/kg) significantly reduced escape latencies and escape failures. No effects of drug treatments were observed in mice subjected to the controllable electric footshocks and non stressful situations. CONCLUSIONS Acute treatment with NOP antagonists reversed helplessness similarly to the classical antidepressants. These findings support the proposal that NOP receptor antagonists are worthy of development as innovative antidepressant drugs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Victor A D Holanda
- Behavioral Pharmacology Laboratory, Department of Biophysics and Pharmacology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Av. Senador Salgado Filho, s/n, Campus Universitário, Lagoa Nova, Natal, Brazil, 59072-970
| | - Iris U Medeiros
- Behavioral Pharmacology Laboratory, Department of Biophysics and Pharmacology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Av. Senador Salgado Filho, s/n, Campus Universitário, Lagoa Nova, Natal, Brazil, 59072-970
| | - Laila Asth
- Behavioral Pharmacology Laboratory, Department of Biophysics and Pharmacology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Av. Senador Salgado Filho, s/n, Campus Universitário, Lagoa Nova, Natal, Brazil, 59072-970
| | - Remo Guerrini
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Girolamo Calo'
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, and National Institute of Neuroscience, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Elaine C Gavioli
- Behavioral Pharmacology Laboratory, Department of Biophysics and Pharmacology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Av. Senador Salgado Filho, s/n, Campus Universitário, Lagoa Nova, Natal, Brazil, 59072-970.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Toll L, Bruchas MR, Calo' G, Cox BM, Zaveri NT. Nociceptin/Orphanin FQ Receptor Structure, Signaling, Ligands, Functions, and Interactions with Opioid Systems. Pharmacol Rev 2016; 68:419-57. [PMID: 26956246 PMCID: PMC4813427 DOI: 10.1124/pr.114.009209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 213] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The NOP receptor (nociceptin/orphanin FQ opioid peptide receptor) is the most recently discovered member of the opioid receptor family and, together with its endogenous ligand, N/OFQ, make up the fourth members of the opioid receptor and opioid peptide family. Because of its more recent discovery, an understanding of the cellular and behavioral actions induced by NOP receptor activation are less well developed than for the other members of the opioid receptor family. All of these factors are important because NOP receptor activation has a clear modulatory role on mu opioid receptor-mediated actions and thereby affects opioid analgesia, tolerance development, and reward. In addition to opioid modulatory actions, NOP receptor activation has important effects on motor function and other physiologic processes. This review discusses how NOP pharmacology intersects, contrasts, and interacts with the mu opioid receptor in terms of tertiary structure and mechanism of receptor activation; location of receptors in the central nervous system; mechanisms of desensitization and downregulation; cellular actions; intracellular signal transduction pathways; and behavioral actions with respect to analgesia, tolerance, dependence, and reward. This is followed by a discussion of the agonists and antagonists that have most contributed to our current knowledge. Because NOP receptors are highly expressed in brain and spinal cord and NOP receptor activation sometimes synergizes with mu receptor-mediated actions and sometimes opposes them, an understanding of NOP receptor pharmacology in the context of these interactions with the opioid receptors will be crucial to the development of novel therapeutics that engage the NOP receptor.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lawrence Toll
- Torrey Pines Institute for Molecular Studies, Port St. Lucie, Florida (L.T.); Departments of Anesthesiology, and Neuroscience, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri (M.R.B.); Section of Pharmacology, Department of Medical Science, and National Institute of Neurosciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy (G.C.); Professor of Pharmacology & Neuroscience, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, Maryland (B.M.C.); and Astraea Therapeutics, LLC, Mountain View, California (N.T.Z.)
| | - Michael R Bruchas
- Torrey Pines Institute for Molecular Studies, Port St. Lucie, Florida (L.T.); Departments of Anesthesiology, and Neuroscience, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri (M.R.B.); Section of Pharmacology, Department of Medical Science, and National Institute of Neurosciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy (G.C.); Professor of Pharmacology & Neuroscience, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, Maryland (B.M.C.); and Astraea Therapeutics, LLC, Mountain View, California (N.T.Z.)
| | - Girolamo Calo'
- Torrey Pines Institute for Molecular Studies, Port St. Lucie, Florida (L.T.); Departments of Anesthesiology, and Neuroscience, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri (M.R.B.); Section of Pharmacology, Department of Medical Science, and National Institute of Neurosciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy (G.C.); Professor of Pharmacology & Neuroscience, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, Maryland (B.M.C.); and Astraea Therapeutics, LLC, Mountain View, California (N.T.Z.)
| | - Brian M Cox
- Torrey Pines Institute for Molecular Studies, Port St. Lucie, Florida (L.T.); Departments of Anesthesiology, and Neuroscience, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri (M.R.B.); Section of Pharmacology, Department of Medical Science, and National Institute of Neurosciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy (G.C.); Professor of Pharmacology & Neuroscience, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, Maryland (B.M.C.); and Astraea Therapeutics, LLC, Mountain View, California (N.T.Z.)
| | - Nurulain T Zaveri
- Torrey Pines Institute for Molecular Studies, Port St. Lucie, Florida (L.T.); Departments of Anesthesiology, and Neuroscience, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri (M.R.B.); Section of Pharmacology, Department of Medical Science, and National Institute of Neurosciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy (G.C.); Professor of Pharmacology & Neuroscience, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, Maryland (B.M.C.); and Astraea Therapeutics, LLC, Mountain View, California (N.T.Z.)
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Asth L, Ruzza C, Malfacini D, Medeiros I, Guerrini R, Zaveri NT, Gavioli EC, Calo' G. Beta-arrestin 2 rather than G protein efficacy determines the anxiolytic-versus antidepressant-like effects of nociceptin/orphanin FQ receptor ligands. Neuropharmacology 2016; 105:434-442. [PMID: 26867504 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2016.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2015] [Revised: 02/03/2016] [Accepted: 02/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) receptor (NOP) agonists produce anxiolytic-like effects in rodents while antagonists promote antidepressant-like effects. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect on anxiety and depression of NOP receptor partial agonists such as the peptides [F/G]N/OFQ(1-13)NH2 and UFP-113 and the non-peptide AT-090. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH In vitro AT-090, UFP-113, and [F/G]N/OFQ(1-13)NH2 were tested for their ability to promote NOP/G-protein and NOP/β-arrestin 2 interaction, using a bioluminescence resonance energy transfer assay. In vivo, they were tested in mice in the elevated plus maze (EPM) and in the forced swim (FST) tests. NOP partial agonists effects were systematically compared to those of full agonists (N/OFQ and Ro 65-6570) and antagonists (UFP-101 and SB-612111). KEY RESULTS In vitro, AT-090, UFP-113, and [F/G]N/OFQ(1-13)NH2 promoted NOP/G protein interaction, with maximal effects lower than those evoked by N/OFQ and Ro 65-6570. AT-090 behaved as a NOP partial agonist also in inducing β-arrestin 2 recruitment, while UFP-113 and [F/G]N/OFQ(1-13)NH2 were inactive in this assay. In vivo, AT-090 induced anxiolytic-like effects in the EPM but was inactive in the FST. Opposite results were obtained with UFP-113 and [F/G]N/OFQ(1-13)NH2. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS NOP ligands producing similar effects on NOP/G protein interaction (partial agonism) but showing different effects on β-arrestin 2 recruitment (partial agonism vs antagonism) elicited different actions on anxiety and mood. These results suggest that the action of a NOP ligand on emotional states is better predicted based on its β-arrestin 2 rather than G-protein efficacy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- L Asth
- Department of Biophysics and Pharmacology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
| | - C Ruzza
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology and National Institute of Neuroscience, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy.
| | - D Malfacini
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology and National Institute of Neuroscience, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - I Medeiros
- Department of Biophysics and Pharmacology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
| | - R Guerrini
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and LTTA, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - N T Zaveri
- Astraea Therapeutics, LLC., 320 Logue Avenue, Mountain View, CA 94043, United States
| | - E C Gavioli
- Department of Biophysics and Pharmacology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
| | - G Calo'
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology and National Institute of Neuroscience, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Wang Y, Long H, Jian F, Li X, Yang X, Zhao Z, Lai W. Nociceptin/orphanin FQ up-regulates P2X3receptors in primary cultures of neonatal rat trigeminal ganglion neurons. Eur J Oral Sci 2015; 123:409-15. [PMID: 26607208 DOI: 10.1111/eos.12228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/27/2015] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Yan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and Department of Orthodontics; West China Hospital of Stomatology; Sichuan University; Chengdu China
| | - Hu Long
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and Department of Orthodontics; West China Hospital of Stomatology; Sichuan University; Chengdu China
| | - Fan Jian
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and Department of Orthodontics; West China Hospital of Stomatology; Sichuan University; Chengdu China
| | - Xiaoyu Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases; West China School of Stomatology; Sichuan University; Chengdu China
| | - Xin Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and Department of Orthodontics; West China Hospital of Stomatology; Sichuan University; Chengdu China
| | - Zhihe Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and Department of Orthodontics; West China Hospital of Stomatology; Sichuan University; Chengdu China
| | - Wenli Lai
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and Department of Orthodontics; West China Hospital of Stomatology; Sichuan University; Chengdu China
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Malfacini D, Ambrosio C, Gro’ MC, Sbraccia M, Trapella C, Guerrini R, Bonora M, Pinton P, Costa T, Calo’ G. Pharmacological Profile of Nociceptin/Orphanin FQ Receptors Interacting with G-Proteins and β-Arrestins 2. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0132865. [PMID: 26248189 PMCID: PMC4527783 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0132865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2015] [Accepted: 06/18/2015] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) controls several biological functions by selectively activating an opioid like receptor named N/OFQ peptide receptor (NOP). Biased agonism is emerging as an important and therapeutically relevant pharmacological concept in the field of G protein coupled receptors including opioids. To evaluate the relevance of this phenomenon in the NOP receptor, we used a bioluminescence resonance energy transfer technology to measure the interactions of the NOP receptor with either G proteins or β-arrestin 2 in the absence and in presence of increasing concentration of ligands. A large panel of receptor ligands was investigated by comparing their ability to promote or block NOP/G protein and NOP/arrestin interactions. In this study we report a systematic analysis of the functional selectivity of NOP receptor ligands. NOP/G protein interactions (investigated in cell membranes) allowed a precise estimation of both ligand potency and efficacy yielding data highly consistent with the known pharmacological profile of this receptor. The same panel of ligands displayed marked differences in the ability to promote NOP/β-arrestin 2 interactions (evaluated in whole cells). In particular, full agonists displayed a general lower potency and for some ligands an inverted rank order of potency was noted. Most partial agonists behaved as pure competitive antagonists of receptor/arrestin interaction. Antagonists displayed similar values of potency for NOP/Gβ1 or NOP/β-arrestin 2 interaction. Using N/OFQ as reference ligand we computed the bias factors of NOP ligands and a number of agonists with greater efficacy at G protein coupling were identified.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- D. Malfacini
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology and National Institute of Neuroscience, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - C. Ambrosio
- Department of Pharmacology, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - M. C. Gro’
- Department of Pharmacology, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - M. Sbraccia
- Department of Pharmacology, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - C. Trapella
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and LTTA, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - R. Guerrini
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and LTTA, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - M. Bonora
- Department of Morphology, Surgery, and Experimental Medicine, Section of Pathology, Oncology, and Experimental Biology and LTTA, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - P. Pinton
- Department of Morphology, Surgery, and Experimental Medicine, Section of Pathology, Oncology, and Experimental Biology and LTTA, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - T. Costa
- Department of Pharmacology, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - G. Calo’
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology and National Institute of Neuroscience, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Guerrini R, Marzola E, Trapella C, Pacifico S, Cerlesi MC, Malfacini D, Ferrari F, Bird MF, Lambert DG, Salvadori S, Calo G. Structure activity studies of nociceptin/orphanin FQ(1-13)-NH2 derivatives modified in position 5. Bioorg Med Chem 2015; 23:1515-20. [PMID: 25716007 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2015.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2015] [Revised: 01/27/2015] [Accepted: 02/04/2015] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) is a heptadecapeptide acting as the endogenous ligand of the N/OFQ peptide receptor (NOP). N/OFQ(1-13)-NH2 is the shortest N/OFQ sequence maintaining the same potency and efficacy as the natural peptide. Thus N/OFQ(1-13)-NH2 was used as chemical template for investigating the structure activity relationship of threonine in position 5. 28 [X(5)]N/OFQ(1-13)-NH2 derivatives, in which Thr was substituted with natural and unnatural residues, were synthesized and characterized pharmacologically for their effects at the human NOP receptor. Two different functional assays were used: agonist stimulated [(35)S]GTPγS binding in cell membranes and calcium mobilization in whole cells co-expressing chimeric G proteins. All [X(5)]N/OFQ(1-13)-NH2 derivatives behaved as full NOP agonists showing large differences in their potency. There was an excellent correlation between the results obtained in the two assays. The results of this study suggest that: position 5 does not play a pivotal role in receptor activation; the secondary alcoholic function of Thr is not important for receptor binding; side chain size, lipo/hydrophilic balance as well as hydrogen bond capability are also not crucial for receptor binding; an aliphatic amino function positively charged with at least 3 carbon atom distance from the peptide backbone has a huge disrupting effect on receptor binding. In conclusion this study demonstrates that a simple ethyl side chain as in compound 23 is sufficient in N/OFQ position 5 for maintaining bioactivity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Remo Guerrini
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; Laboratorio per le tecnologie delle terapie avanzate (LTTA), University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy.
| | - Erika Marzola
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; Laboratorio per le tecnologie delle terapie avanzate (LTTA), University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Claudio Trapella
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; Laboratorio per le tecnologie delle terapie avanzate (LTTA), University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Salvatore Pacifico
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Maria Camilla Cerlesi
- Department of Medical Science, Section of Pharmacology and National Institute of Neuroscience, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Davide Malfacini
- Department of Medical Science, Section of Pharmacology and National Institute of Neuroscience, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Federica Ferrari
- Department of Medical Science, Section of Pharmacology and National Institute of Neuroscience, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Mark Francis Bird
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Leicester, Division of Anaesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Management, Leicester Royal Infirmary, Leicester LE2 7LX, UK
| | - David George Lambert
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Leicester, Division of Anaesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Management, Leicester Royal Infirmary, Leicester LE2 7LX, UK
| | - Severo Salvadori
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; Laboratorio per le tecnologie delle terapie avanzate (LTTA), University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Girolamo Calo
- Department of Medical Science, Section of Pharmacology and National Institute of Neuroscience, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Lohman RJ, Harrison RS, Ruiz-Gómez G, Hoang HN, Shepherd NE, Chow S, Hill TA, Madala PK, Fairlie DP. Helix-constrained nociceptin peptides are potent agonists and antagonists of ORL-1 and nociception. VITAMINS AND HORMONES 2015; 97:1-55. [PMID: 25677767 DOI: 10.1016/bs.vh.2014.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Nociceptin (orphanin FQ) is a 17-residue neuropeptide hormone with roles in both nociception and analgesia. It is an opioid-like peptide that binds to and activates the G-protein-coupled receptor opioid receptor-like-1 (ORL-1, NOP, orphanin FQ receptor, kappa-type 3 opioid receptor) on central and peripheral nervous tissue, without activating classic delta-, kappa-, or mu-opioid receptors or being inhibited by the classic opioid antagonist naloxone. The three-dimensional structure of ORL-1 was recently published, and the activation mechanism is believed to involve capture by ORL-1 of the high-affinity binding, prohelical C-terminus. This likely anchors the receptor-activating N-terminus of nociception nearby for insertion in the membrane-spanning helices of ORL-1. In search of higher agonist potency, two lysine and two aspartate residues were strategically incorporated into the receptor-binding C-terminus of the nociceptin sequence and two Lys(i)→Asp(i+4) side chain-side chain condensations were used to generate lactam cross-links that constrained nociceptin into a highly stable α-helix in water. A cell-based assay was developed using natively expressed ORL-1 receptors on mouse neuroblastoma cells to measure phosphorylated ERK as a reporter of agonist-induced receptor activation and intracellular signaling. Agonist activity was increased up to 20-fold over native nociceptin using a combination of this helix-inducing strategy and other amino acid modifications. An NMR-derived three-dimensional solution structure is described for a potent ORL-1 agonist derived from nociceptin, along with structure-activity relationships leading to the most potent known α-helical ORL-1 agonist (EC₅₀ 40 pM, pERK, Neuro-2a cells) and antagonist (IC₅₀ 7 nM, pERK, Neuro-2a cells). These α-helix-constrained mimetics of nociceptin(1-17) had enhanced serum stability relative to unconstrained peptide analogues and nociceptin itself, were not cytotoxic, and displayed potent thermal analgesic and antianalgesic properties in rats (ED₅₀ 70 pmol, IC₅₀ 10 nmol, s.c.), suggesting promising uses in vivo for the treatment of pain and other ORL-1-mediated responses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rink-Jan Lohman
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Rosemary S Harrison
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Gloria Ruiz-Gómez
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Huy N Hoang
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Nicholas E Shepherd
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Shiao Chow
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Timothy A Hill
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Praveen K Madala
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - David P Fairlie
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Inamine S, Nishimura H, Li J, Isozaki K, Matsushima A, Costa T, Shimohigashi Y. Tritium-labelled isovaleryl-RYYRIK-NH2 as potential antagonist probe for ORL1 nociceptin receptor. Bioorg Med Chem 2014; 22:5902-9. [PMID: 25284251 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2014.09.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2014] [Revised: 09/08/2014] [Accepted: 09/09/2014] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
IsoVa-RYYRIK-NH2 is a highly specific antagonist ligand of the opioid receptor-like 1 (ORL1) receptor, an endogenous ligand of which is 17-mer peptide nociceptin. ORL1 antagonists have potential for clinical use as analgesic and antineuropathic drugs, and thus information on the receptor-binding characteristics of antagonists is very important for rational drug design. In the present study, we prepared tritium-labelled isova-RYYRIK-NH2 from its precursor with the 3-methylcrotonyl (CH3)2CCHCO group by a catalytic reduction using tritium gas. The resulting [(3)H]isoVa-RYYRIK-NH2 was evaluated in a saturation binding assay using the COS-7 cell membrane preparations of transiently expressed ORL1. It exhibited more than 90% specific binding with a dissociation constant of 1.21±0.03nM. From the mutual heterologous binding assays using [(3)H]isoVa-RYYRIK-NH2 and [(3)H]nociceptin, isoVa-RYYRIK-NH2 and nociceptin were found to share the receptor-binding site, but each also had a separate specific binding site of its own. They differentiated the two different binding states or conformations of ORL1, which might represent the agonist-active and antagonist-inactive conformations of ORL1. [(3)H]isoVa-RYYRIK-NH2 is thus a key tracer to uncover the amino acid residues important for receptor inactivation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shogo Inamine
- Laboratory of Structure-Function Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry, Faculty and Graduate School of Sciences, Risk Science Research Center, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812-8581, Japan
| | - Hirokazu Nishimura
- Laboratory of Structure-Function Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry, Faculty and Graduate School of Sciences, Risk Science Research Center, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812-8581, Japan
| | - Jinglan Li
- Laboratory of Structure-Function Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry, Faculty and Graduate School of Sciences, Risk Science Research Center, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812-8581, Japan
| | - Kaname Isozaki
- Laboratory of Structure-Function Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry, Faculty and Graduate School of Sciences, Risk Science Research Center, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812-8581, Japan
| | - Ayami Matsushima
- Laboratory of Structure-Function Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry, Faculty and Graduate School of Sciences, Risk Science Research Center, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812-8581, Japan
| | - Tommaso Costa
- Laboratorio di Farmacologia, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, Roma, Italy
| | - Yasuyuki Shimohigashi
- Laboratory of Structure-Function Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry, Faculty and Graduate School of Sciences, Risk Science Research Center, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812-8581, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Li J, Nishimura H, Matsushima A, Shimohigashi Y. N-methylthioacetylation of RYYRIK-NH2 with enhanced specific binding affinity and high antagonist activity for nociceptin ORL1 receptor. Bioorg Med Chem 2014; 22:5721-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2014.09.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2014] [Revised: 09/20/2014] [Accepted: 09/23/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
|
34
|
Thomas RC, Bath MF, Stover CM, Lambert DG, Thompson JP. Exploring LPS-induced sepsis in rats and mice as a model to study potential protective effects of the nociceptin/orphanin FQ system. Peptides 2014; 61:56-60. [PMID: 25161013 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2014.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2014] [Revised: 08/14/2014] [Accepted: 08/14/2014] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The nociceptin receptor (NOP) and its ligand nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) have been shown to exert a modulatory effect on immune cells during sepsis. We evaluated the suitability of an experimental lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced sepsis model for studying changes in the nociceptin system. C57BL/6 mice BALB/c mice and Wistar rats were inoculated with different doses of LPS with or without a nociceptin receptor antagonist (UFP-101 or SB-612111). In C57BL/6 mice LPS 0.85 mg/kg injection produced no septic response, whereas 1.2mg/kg produced a profound response within 5h. In BALB/c mice, LPS 4 mg/kg produced no response, whereas 7 mg/kg resulted in a profound response within 24h. In Wistar rats LPS 15 mg/kg caused no septic response in 6/10 animals, whereas 25mg/kg resulted in marked lethargy before 24h. Splenic interleukin-1β mRNA in BALB/c mice, and serum TNF-α concentrations in Wistar rats increased after LPS injection in a dose-dependent manner, but were undetectable in control animals, indicating that LPS had stimulated an inflammatory reaction. IL-1β and TNF-α concentrations in LPS-treated animals were unaffected by administration of a NOP antagonist. Similarly NOP antagonists had no effect on survival or expression of mRNA for NOP or ppN/OFQ (the N/OFQ precursor) in a variety of tissues. In these animal models, the dose-response curve for LPS was too steep to allow use in survival studies and no changes in the N/OFQ system occurred within 24h. We conclude that LPS-inoculation in rodents is an unsuitable model for studying possible changes in the NOP-N/OFQ system in sepsis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Roisin C Thomas
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Division of Anaesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Management, University of Leicester, Robert Kilpatrick Clinical Sciences Building, Leicester Royal Infirmary, Leicester LE1 5WW, United Kingdom.
| | - Michael F Bath
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Division of Anaesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Management, University of Leicester, Robert Kilpatrick Clinical Sciences Building, Leicester Royal Infirmary, Leicester LE1 5WW, United Kingdom.
| | - Cordula M Stover
- Department of Infection, Inflammation and Immunity, University of Leicester, Medical Sciences Building, University Road, Leicester LE1 9HN, United Kingdom.
| | - David G Lambert
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Division of Anaesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Management, University of Leicester, Robert Kilpatrick Clinical Sciences Building, Leicester Royal Infirmary, Leicester LE1 5WW, United Kingdom.
| | - Jonathan P Thompson
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Division of Anaesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Management, University of Leicester, Robert Kilpatrick Clinical Sciences Building, Leicester Royal Infirmary, Leicester LE1 5WW, United Kingdom.
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Han Y, Guo Z, Wang LL, Zhang LZ, Yao TP. Antagonism of endogenous nociceptin/orphanin FQ inhibits infarction-associated ventricular arrhythmias via PKC-dependent mechanism in rats. Br J Pharmacol 2014; 170:614-23. [PMID: 23869704 DOI: 10.1111/bph.12310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2012] [Revised: 07/02/2013] [Accepted: 07/12/2013] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Evidence indicates nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) may participate in the pathology of cardiac arrhythmias associated with myocardial infarction. But the role of N/OFQ in the arrhythmogenesis in acute myocardial infarction is unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of endogenous N/OFQ on infarction-associated arrhythmias. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH The expression of N/OFQ, PKC activity and ventricular arrhythmias in presence and absence of UFP-101, a specific antagonist of N/OFQ receptor, were examined following permanent coronary artery occlusion in anaesthetized rats. The effect of N/OFQ on action potential duration was examined in isolated rat cardiomyocytes. KEY RESULTS It was observed that N/OFQ was increased by 41% in the myocardium after coronary artery occlusion (P < 0.01 vs. control). Pretreatment with UFP-101 (10(-7) mol·kg(-1) , i.v.) reduced the incidence of ventricular ectopic beats by 70% and ventricular tachycardia by 51% respectively (all P < 0.05 vs. control). Meanwhile, PKC activity was elevated in the rats treated with UFP-101 (by 35%, P < 0.05 vs. control). A selective PKC inhibitor, calphostin C, completely abolished the anti-arrhythmic effects of UFP-101 (P < 0.01). N/OFQ (at 10(-11) , 10(-9) and 1 × 10(-7) mol·L(-1) ) shortened the action potential duration by 3% (P > 0.05), 10% (P < 0.05) and 22% (P < 0.01), respectively, via N/OFQ receptor. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Antagonism of endogenous N/OFQ produces anti-arrhythmic effects on ventricular arrhythmias in acute myocardial infarction, possibly via modulating PKC activity and action potential of myocytes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Y Han
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shanxi Medical University, Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
36
|
Guerrini R, Marzola E, Trapella C, Pela' M, Molinari S, Cerlesi MC, Malfacini D, Rizzi A, Salvadori S, Calo' G. A novel and facile synthesis of tetra branched derivatives of nociceptin/orphanin FQ. Bioorg Med Chem 2014; 22:3703-12. [PMID: 24878361 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2014.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2014] [Revised: 04/29/2014] [Accepted: 05/05/2014] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Branched peptides have been found to be useful in several research fields however their synthesis and purification is complicated. Here we present a novel and facile synthesis of tetra branched derivatives of nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ). Three N/OFQ tetra branched derivatives were prepared using novel cores (PWT1, PWT2 and PWT3) containing a maleimido moiety. [Cys(18)]N/OFQ-NH2 was linked to the cores via thiol-Michael reaction characterized by high yield and purity of the desired final product. In the electrically stimulated mouse vas deferens PWT-N/OFQ derivatives mimicked the inhibitory action of the natural sequence showing similar maximal effects and 3 fold higher potencies. The NOP selective antagonist SB-612111 antagonized the effects of N/OFQ and PWT derivatives with similar pKB values (8.02-8.48). In vivo after supraspinal administration PWT2-N/OFQ stimulated food intake in mice mimicking the action of N/OFQ. Compared to the natural peptide PWT2-N/OFQ was 40 fold more potent and elicited larger effects. These findings suggest that the PWT chemical strategy can be successfully applied to biologically active peptides to generate, with unprecedented high purity and yield, tetra branched derivatives displaying an in vitro pharmacological profile similar to that of the natural sequence associated, in vivo, to increased potency and effectiveness.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Remo Guerrini
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; Laboratorio per le tecnologie delle terapie avanzate (LTTA), University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy.
| | - Erika Marzola
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; Laboratorio per le tecnologie delle terapie avanzate (LTTA), University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Claudio Trapella
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Michela Pela'
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Stefano Molinari
- Department of Medical Science, Section of Pharmacology and National Institute of Neuroscience, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Maria Camilla Cerlesi
- Department of Medical Science, Section of Pharmacology and National Institute of Neuroscience, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Davide Malfacini
- Department of Medical Science, Section of Pharmacology and National Institute of Neuroscience, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Anna Rizzi
- Department of Medical Science, Section of Pharmacology and National Institute of Neuroscience, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Severo Salvadori
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; Laboratorio per le tecnologie delle terapie avanzate (LTTA), University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Girolamo Calo'
- Department of Medical Science, Section of Pharmacology and National Institute of Neuroscience, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Alexander SPH, Benson HE, Faccenda E, Pawson AJ, Sharman JL, Spedding M, Peters JA, Harmar AJ. The Concise Guide to PHARMACOLOGY 2013/14: G protein-coupled receptors. Br J Pharmacol 2013; 170:1459-581. [PMID: 24517644 PMCID: PMC3892287 DOI: 10.1111/bph.12445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 505] [Impact Index Per Article: 45.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The Concise Guide to PHARMACOLOGY 2013/14 provides concise overviews of the key properties of over 2000 human drug targets with their pharmacology, plus links to an open access knowledgebase of drug targets and their ligands (www.guidetopharmacology.org), which provides more detailed views of target and ligand properties. The full contents can be found at http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.12444/full. G protein-coupled receptors are one of the seven major pharmacological targets into which the Guide is divided, with the others being G protein-coupled receptors, ligand-gated ion channels, ion channels, catalytic receptors, nuclear hormone receptors, transporters and enzymes. These are presented with nomenclature guidance and summary information on the best available pharmacological tools, alongside key references and suggestions for further reading. A new landscape format has easy to use tables comparing related targets. It is a condensed version of material contemporary to late 2013, which is presented in greater detail and constantly updated on the website www.guidetopharmacology.org, superseding data presented in previous Guides to Receptors and Channels. It is produced in conjunction with NC-IUPHAR and provides the official IUPHAR classification and nomenclature for human drug targets, where appropriate. It consolidates information previously curated and displayed separately in IUPHAR-DB and the Guide to Receptors and Channels, providing a permanent, citable, point-in-time record that will survive database updates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stephen PH Alexander
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham Medical SchoolNottingham, NG7 2UH, UK
| | - Helen E Benson
- The University/BHF Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of EdinburghEdinburgh, EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Elena Faccenda
- The University/BHF Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of EdinburghEdinburgh, EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Adam J Pawson
- The University/BHF Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of EdinburghEdinburgh, EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Joanna L Sharman
- The University/BHF Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of EdinburghEdinburgh, EH16 4TJ, UK
| | | | - John A Peters
- Neuroscience Division, Medical Education Institute, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of DundeeDundee, DD1 9SY, UK
| | - Anthony J Harmar
- The University/BHF Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of EdinburghEdinburgh, EH16 4TJ, UK
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Nestor CC, Coolen LM, Nesselrod GL, Valent M, Connors JM, Hileman SM, Cheng G, Lehman MN, Goodman RL. Evidence that orphanin FQ mediates progesterone negative feedback in the ewe. Endocrinology 2013; 154:4249-58. [PMID: 23928375 PMCID: PMC3800756 DOI: 10.1210/en.2013-1274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2013] [Accepted: 07/30/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Orphanin FQ (OFQ), a member of the opioid family, is found in many areas of the hypothalamus and, when given centrally OFQ inhibits episodic LH secretion in rodents and sheep. Because GnRH neurons are devoid of the appropriate receptors to mediate steroid negative feedback directly, neurons that release OFQ may be involved. Using immunocytochemistry, we first determined that most OFQ neurons in the arcuate nucleus (ARC) and other hypothalamic regions of luteal phase ewes contained both estrogen receptor α and progesterone (P) receptor. Given a similar high degree of steroid receptor colocalization in other ARC subpopulations, we examined whether OFQ neurons of the ARC contained those other neuropeptides and neurotransmitters. OFQ did not colocalize with kisspeptin, tyrosine hydroxylase, or agouti-related peptide, but all ARC OFQ neurons coexpressed proopiomelanocortin. To test for a role for endogenous OFQ, we examined the effects of an OFQ receptor antagonist, [Nphe1,Arg14,Lys15]Nociceptin-NH2 (UFP-101) (30 nmol intracerebroventricular/h), on LH secretion in steroid-treated ewes in the breeding season and ovary-intact ewes in anestrus. Ovariectomized ewes with luteal phase concentrations of P and estradiol showed a significant increase in LH pulse frequency during infusion of UFP-101 (4.5 ± 0.5 pulses/6 h) compared with saline infusion (2.6 ± 0.4 pulses/6 h), whereas ewes implanted with only estradiol did not. Ovary-intact anestrous ewes displayed no significant differences in LH pulse amplitude or frequency during infusion of UFP-101. Therefore, we conclude that OFQ mediates, at least in part, the negative feedback action of P on GnRH/LH pulse frequency in sheep.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Casey C Nestor
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, PO Box 9229, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia 26506.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
39
|
Gavioli EC, Calo' G. Nociceptin/orphanin FQ receptor antagonists as innovative antidepressant drugs. Pharmacol Ther 2013; 140:10-25. [PMID: 23711793 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2013.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2013] [Accepted: 05/07/2013] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) and its receptor (NOP) were identified in the mid 90s as a novel peptidergic system structurally related to opioids. A growing body of preclinical evidence suggests that blockade of NOP receptors evokes antidepressant-like actions. These have been explored using a range of compounds (peptide and non peptide antagonists), across different species (rat and mouse) and assays (behavioral despair and chronic mild stress) suggesting a robust and consistent antidepressant-like effect. Moreover, rats and mice knockout for the NOP receptor gene display an antidepressant-like phenotype in behavioral despair assays. Electrophysiological, immunohistochemical and neurochemical studies point to an important role played by monoaminergic systems, particularly 5-HTergic, in mediating the antidepressant-like properties of NOP antagonists. However other putative mechanisms of action, including modulation of the CRF system, circadian rhythm and a possible neuroendocrine-immune control might be involved. A close relationship between the N/OFQ-NOP receptor system and stress responses is well described in the literature. Stressful situations also alter endocrine, behavioral and neurochemical parameters in rats and chronic administration of a NOP antagonist restored these alterations. Interestingly, clinical findings showed that plasma N/OFQ levels were significantly altered in major and post-partum depression, and bipolar disease patients. Collectively, data in the literature support the notion that blockade of NOP receptor signaling could be a novel and interesting strategy for the development of innovative antidepressants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elaine Cristina Gavioli
- Department of Biophysics and Pharmacology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, 59078-970 Natal-RN, Brazil.
| | | |
Collapse
|
40
|
Brookes ZLS, Stedman EN, Brown NJ, Hebbes CP, Guerrini R, Calo G, Reilly CS, Lambert DG. The nociceptin/orphanin FQ receptor antagonist UFP-101 reduces microvascular inflammation to lipopolysaccharide in vivo. PLoS One 2013; 8:e74943. [PMID: 24086402 PMCID: PMC3781147 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0074943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2013] [Accepted: 08/07/2013] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Microvascular inflammation occurs during sepsis and the endogenous opioid-like peptide nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) is known to regulate inflammation. This study aimed to determine the inflammatory role of N/OFQ and its receptor NOP (ORL1) within the microcirculation, along with anti-inflammatory effects of the NOP antagonist UFP-101 (University of Ferrara Peptide-101) in an animal model of sepsis (endotoxemia). Male Wistar rats (220 to 300 g) were administered lipopolysaccharide (LPS) for 24 h (-24 h, 1 mg kg(-1); -2 h, 1 mg kg(-1) i.v., tail vein). They were then either anesthetised for observation of the mesenteric microcirculation using fluorescent in vivo microscopy, or isolated arterioles (~200 µm) were studied in vitro with pressure myography. 200 nM kg(-1) fluorescently labelled N/OFQ (FITC-N/OFQ, i.a., mesenteric artery) bound to specific sites on the microvascular endothelium in vivo, indicating sparse distribution of NOP receptors. In vitro, arterioles (~200 µm) dilated to intraluminal N/OFQ (10(-5)M) (32.6 + 8.4%) and this response was exaggerated with LPS (62.0 +7.9%, p=0.031). In vivo, LPS induced macromolecular leak of FITC-BSA (0.02 g kg(-1) i.v.) (LPS: 95.3 (86.7 to 97.9)%, p=0.043) from post-capillary venules (<40 µm) and increased leukocyte rolling as endotoxemia progressed (p=0.027), both being reduced by 150 nmol kg(-1) UFP-101 (i.v., jugular vein). Firstly, the rat mesenteric microcirculation expresses NOP receptors and secondly, NOP function (ability to induce dilation) is enhanced with LPS. UFP-101 also reduced microvascular inflammation to endotoxemia in vivo. Hence inhibition of the microvascular N/OFQ-NOP pathway may have therapeutic potential during sepsis and warrants further investigation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zoë L. S. Brookes
- Microcirculation Research Group, Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Emily N. Stedman
- Microcirculation Research Group, Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Nicola J. Brown
- Microcirculation Research Group, Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Christopher P. Hebbes
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Division of Anaesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Management, University of Leicester, Leicester Royal Infirmary, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - Remo Guerrini
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Biotechnology Center, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Girolamo Calo
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Biotechnology Center, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Section of Pharmacology, University of Ferrara and Italian Institute of Neuroscience, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Charles S. Reilly
- Microcirculation Research Group, Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - David G. Lambert
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Division of Anaesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Management, University of Leicester, Leicester Royal Infirmary, Leicester, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Viaro R, Calcagno M, Marti M, Borrelli E, Morari M. Pharmacological and genetic evidence for pre- and postsynaptic D2 receptor involvement in motor responses to nociceptin/orphanin FQ receptor ligands. Neuropharmacology 2013; 72:126-38. [PMID: 23643745 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2013.04.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2012] [Revised: 04/16/2013] [Accepted: 04/20/2013] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
A combined pharmacological and genetic approach was undertaken to investigate the contribution of endogenous dopamine to the motor actions of nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) receptor (NOP receptor) ligands. Motor activity was evaluated by a battery of behavioural tests in mice. The involvement of the various DA receptor subtypes in the motor effects of N/OFQ and NOP receptor antagonists was evaluated pharmacologically, using D1/D5 (SCH23390), D2/D3 (raclopride, amisulpride) and D3 (S33084) receptor antagonists, and by using D2 receptor knockout mice. Low doses of N/OFQ and NOP receptor antagonists promoted movement whereas higher doses inhibited it. Motor facilitation was selectively prevented by raclopride while motor inhibition was prevented by amisulpride. Amisulpride also attenuated the hypolocomotion induced by the D2/D3 receptor agonist pramipexole and dopamine precursor l-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine, whereas raclopride (and S33084) worsened it. To dissect out the contribution of pre- and postsynaptic D2 receptors, mice lacking the D2 receptor (D2R(-/-)) or its long isoform (D2L(-/-)) were used. Motor facilitation induced by N/OFQ and NOP receptor antagonists was lost in D2R(-/-) and D2L(-/-) mice whereas motor inhibition induced by NOP receptor antagonists (and pramipexole) was lost in D2R(-/-) but preserved in D2L(-/-) mice. N/OFQ-induced hypolocomotion was observed in both genotypes. We demonstrate that motor actions of NOP receptor ligands rely on the modulation of endogenous dopamine. Motor facilitation induced by NOP receptor antagonists as well as low dose N/OFQ is mediated through D2L postsynaptic receptors whereas motor inhibition observed with higher doses of N/OFQ occurs by direct inhibition of mesencephalic DA neurons. Motor inhibition seen with high doses of NOP receptor antagonists appears to be mediated through the D2 presynaptic autoreceptors. These data confirm that endogenous N/OFQ is a powerful modulator of dopamine transmission in vivo and that the effects of NOP receptor antagonists on motor function reflect the blockade of this endogenous N/OFQ tone.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Riccardo Viaro
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Section of Pharmacology, University of Ferrara, via Fossato di Mortara 19, 44100 Ferrara, Italy.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
42
|
Le Maître E, Dourmap N, Vilpoux C, Leborgne R, Janin F, Bonnet JJ, Costentin J, Leroux-Nicollet I. Acute and subchronic treatments with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors increase Nociceptin/Orphanin FQ (NOP) receptor density in the rat dorsal raphe nucleus; interactions between nociceptin/NOP system and serotonin. Brain Res 2013; 1520:51-60. [PMID: 23669068 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2013.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2012] [Revised: 05/02/2013] [Accepted: 05/03/2013] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Nociceptin/Orphanin FQ is the endogenous ligand of NOP receptor, formerly referred to as the Opioid Receptor-Like 1 receptor. We have previously shown that NOP receptors were located on serotonergic neurons in the rat dorsal raphe nucleus, suggesting possible direct interactions between nociceptin and serotonin in this region, which is a target for antidepressant action. In the present study, we investigated further the link between Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant treatments and the nociceptin/NOP receptor system. Intraperitoneal administration of the SSRI citalopram induced an increase in NOP-receptor density, measured by autoradiographic [(3)H] nociceptin binding, in the rat dorsal raphe nucleus, from the first to the 21st day of treatment. This effect was also observed with other SSRIs (sertraline, fluoxetine), but not with two tricyclic antidepressants (imipramine, clomipramine) and was abolished by pre-treatment with para-chlorophenylalanine, an inhibitor of serotonin synthesis. Using microdialysis experiments, we demonstrated that NOP-receptor activation by infusion of nociceptin 10(-6) M or 10(-5) M increased the level of extracellular serotonin in the dorsal raphe nucleus. This effect was abolished by co-infusion of the NOP-receptor antagonist UFP 101. These results confirm the existence of reciprocal interactions between serotonin and nociceptin/NOP transmissions in the dorsal raphe nucleus.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Erwan Le Maître
- Unité de Neuropsychopharmacologie de la Dépression, EA 4359, IRIB, Faculté de Médecine-Pharmacie, 22 Bd. Gambetta, 76183 Rouen Cedex 1, France
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
43
|
|
44
|
Calo’ G, Guerrini R. Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmacology, and Biological Actions of Peptide Ligands Selective for the Nociceptin/Orphanin FQ Receptor. ACS SYMPOSIUM SERIES 2013. [DOI: 10.1021/bk-2013-1131.ch015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Girolamo Calo’
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Section of Pharmacology, University of Ferrara and National Institute of Neuroscience, Italy
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and LTTA (Laboratorio per le Tecnologie delle Terapie Avanzate), University of Ferrara, Italy
| | - Remo Guerrini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Section of Pharmacology, University of Ferrara and National Institute of Neuroscience, Italy
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and LTTA (Laboratorio per le Tecnologie delle Terapie Avanzate), University of Ferrara, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Marti M, Rodi D, Li Q, Guerrini R, Fasano S, Morella I, Tozzi A, Brambilla R, Calabresi P, Simonato M, Bezard E, Morari M. Nociceptin/orphanin FQ receptor agonists attenuate L-DOPA-induced dyskinesias. J Neurosci 2012; 32:16106-19. [PMID: 23152595 PMCID: PMC6794016 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.6408-11.2012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2011] [Revised: 09/11/2012] [Accepted: 09/14/2012] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
In the present study we investigated whether the neuropeptide nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ), previously implicated in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease, also affects L-DOPA-induced dyskinesia. In striatal slices of naive rodents, N/OFQ (0.1-1 μm) prevented the increase of ERK phosphorylation and the loss of depotentiation of synaptic plasticity induced by the D1 receptor agonist SKF38393 in spiny neurons. In vivo, exogenous N/OFQ (0.03-1 nmol, i.c.v.) or a synthetic N/OFQ receptor agonist given systemically (0.01-1 mg/Kg) attenuated dyskinesias expression in 6-hydroxydopamine hemilesioned rats primed with L-DOPA, without causing primary hypolocomotive effects. Conversely, N/OFQ receptor antagonists worsened dyskinesia expression. In vivo microdialysis revealed that N/OFQ prevented dyskinesias simultaneously with its neurochemical correlates such as the surge of nigral GABA and glutamate, and the reduction of thalamic GABA. Regional microinjections revealed that N/OFQ attenuated dyskinesias more potently and effectively when microinjected in striatum than substantia nigra (SN) reticulata, whereas N/OFQ receptor antagonists were ineffective in striatum but worsened dyskinesias when given in SN. Quantitative autoradiography showed an increase in N/OFQ receptor binding in striatum and a reduction in SN of both unprimed and dyskinetic 6-hydroxydopamine rats, consistent with opposite adaptive changes of N/OFQ transmission. Finally, the N/OFQ receptor synthetic agonist also reduced dyskinesia expression in 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine-treated dyskinetic macaques without affecting the global parkinsonian score. We conclude that N/OFQ receptor agonists may represent a novel strategy to counteract L-DOPA-induced dyskinesias. Their action is possibly mediated by upregulated striatal N/OFQ receptors opposing the D1 receptor-mediated overactivation of the striatonigral direct pathway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Marti
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Section of Pharmacology, University of Ferrara and National Institute of Neuroscience, 44100 Ferrara Italy
| | - Donata Rodi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Section of Pharmacology, University of Ferrara and National Institute of Neuroscience, 44100 Ferrara Italy
| | - Qin Li
- Institute of Laboratory Animal Sciences, China Academy of Medical Sciences, 100864 Beijing, China
| | - Remo Guerrini
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, 44100 Italy
| | - Stefania Fasano
- Institute of Experimental Neurology, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute and University, 20123 Milano, Italy
| | - Ilaria Morella
- Institute of Experimental Neurology, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute and University, 20123 Milano, Italy
| | - Alessandro Tozzi
- Clinica Neurologica, Dip. Specialità Medico-Chirurgiche e Sanità Pubblica, Università di Perugia, Ospedale Santa Maria della Misericordia, 06123 Perugia, Italy
- Fondazione Santa Lucia, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, 00179 Rome, Italy
| | - Riccardo Brambilla
- Institute of Experimental Neurology, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute and University, 20123 Milano, Italy
| | - Paolo Calabresi
- Clinica Neurologica, Dip. Specialità Medico-Chirurgiche e Sanità Pubblica, Università di Perugia, Ospedale Santa Maria della Misericordia, 06123 Perugia, Italy
- Fondazione Santa Lucia, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, 00179 Rome, Italy
| | - Michele Simonato
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Section of Pharmacology, University of Ferrara and National Institute of Neuroscience, 44100 Ferrara Italy
| | - Erwan Bezard
- Institute of Laboratory Animal Sciences, China Academy of Medical Sciences, 100864 Beijing, China
- Université de Bordeaux, Institut des Maladies Neurodégénératives, UMR 5293, Bordeaux, F-33000 France; and
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Institut des Maladies Neurodégénératives, UMR 5293, Bordeaux, F-33000 France
| | - Michele Morari
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Section of Pharmacology, University of Ferrara and National Institute of Neuroscience, 44100 Ferrara Italy
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Structure of the nociceptin/orphanin FQ receptor in complex with a peptide mimetic. Nature 2012; 485:395-9. [PMID: 22596163 PMCID: PMC3356928 DOI: 10.1038/nature11085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 377] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2011] [Accepted: 03/30/2012] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Members of the opioid receptor family of G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are found throughout the peripheral and central nervous system, where they have key roles in nociception and analgesia. Unlike the 'classical' opioid receptors, δ, κ and μ (δ-OR, κ-OR and μ-OR), which were delineated by pharmacological criteria in the 1970s and 1980s, the nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) peptide receptor (NOP, also known as ORL-1) was discovered relatively recently by molecular cloning and characterization of an orphan GPCR. Although it shares high sequence similarity with classical opioid GPCR subtypes (∼60%), NOP has a markedly distinct pharmacology, featuring activation by the endogenous peptide N/OFQ, and unique selectivity for exogenous ligands. Here we report the crystal structure of human NOP, solved in complex with the peptide mimetic antagonist compound-24 (C-24) (ref. 4), revealing atomic details of ligand-receptor recognition and selectivity. Compound-24 mimics the first four amino-terminal residues of the NOP-selective peptide antagonist UFP-101, a close derivative of N/OFQ, and provides important clues to the binding of these peptides. The X-ray structure also shows substantial conformational differences in the pocket regions between NOP and the classical opioid receptors κ (ref. 5) and μ (ref. 6), and these are probably due to a small number of residues that vary between these receptors. The NOP-compound-24 structure explains the divergent selectivity profile of NOP and provides a new structural template for the design of NOP ligands.
Collapse
|
47
|
Marini P, Romanelli L, Valeri D, Cascio MG, Tucci P, Valeri P, Palmery M. Biphasic regulation of the acute μ-withdrawal and CCk-8 contracture responses by the ORL-1 system in guinea pig ileum. Pharmacol Res 2012; 65:100-10. [PMID: 21875667 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2011.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2011] [Revised: 07/26/2011] [Accepted: 08/12/2011] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
The cloning of the opioid-receptor-like receptor (ORL-1) and the identification of the orphaninFQ/nociceptin (OFQ/N) as its endogenous agonist has revealed a new G-protein-coupled receptor signalling system. The structural and functional homology of ORL-1 to the opioid receptor systems has posed a number of challenges in the understanding the often competing physiological responses elicited by these G-protein-coupled receptors. We had previously shown that in guinea pig ileum (GPI), the acute μ-withdrawal response is under the inhibitory control of several systems. Specifically, we found that the exposure to a μ-opioid receptor agonist activates indirectly the κ-opioid, the A(1)-adenosine and the cannabinoid CB(1) systems, that in turn inhibit the withdrawal response. The indirect activation of these systems is prevented by the peptide cholecystokinin-8 (CCk-8). In the present study, we have investigated whether the ORL-1 system is also involved in the regulation of the acute μ-withdrawal response. Interestingly, we found that in GPI preparation, the ORL-1 system is not indirectly activated by the μ-opioid receptor stimulation, but instead the system is able by itself to directly regulate the acute μ-withdrawal response. Moreover, we have demonstrated that the ORL-1 system behaves both as anti-opioid or opioid-like system based on the level of activation. The same behaviour has also been observed in presence of CCk-8. Furthermore, in GPI, the existence of an endogenous tone of the ORL-1 system has been demonstrated. We concluded that the ORL-1 system acts as a neuromodulatory system, whose action is strictly related to the modulation of excitatory neurotrasmitters released in GPI enteric nervous system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pietro Marini
- School of Medical Sciences, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
48
|
Osmond RIW, Martin-Harris MH, Crouch MF, Park J, Morreale E, Dupriez VJ. G-Protein-Coupled Receptor-Mediated MAPK and PI3-Kinase Signaling Is Maintained in Chinese Hamster Ovary Cells after γ-Irradiation. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011; 17:361-9. [DOI: 10.1177/1087057111425859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
To expedite G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) drug screening studies, cell lines amenable to transfection (e.g. CHO cells) have been widely used as cellular models. These cells can be frozen in a ready-to-use format, allowing screening of a single batch of cells and validation of the cellular material prior to the screening run. A common method used to deliver frozen cells to screening programs is to γ-irradiate the cells, abrogating cell division after thawing and ensuring consistency in the number of cells analyzed per well. With the recognition that signaling proteins such as ERK and Akt are important markers of GPCR activation, along with the availability of suitable assays for their measurement, these outputs have become important for GPCR screening programs. Here we show that several γ-irradiated and frozen CHO-K1 cell lines expressing transfected GPCRs, initially optimized for performing cAMP or AequoScreen calcium flux assays, can be used for the measurement of GPCR-mediated ERK and Akt phosphorylation. Furthermore, CHO-K1 cells transfected with NOP or GAL1 receptors show pharmacology for a number of agonists and antagonists that is consistent with non-irradiated cultured lines. These data indicate that γ-irradiated CHO-K1 cells can be reliably used for the measurement of GPCR-mediated kinase signaling outputs.
Collapse
|
49
|
Grandi D, Massi M, Guerrini R, Caló G, Morini G. Role of nociceptin/orphanin FQ receptors in the decrease of mucosal mast cells caused by acute stress in the rat colon. Life Sci 2011; 89:735-40. [PMID: 21925513 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2011.08.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2011] [Revised: 07/11/2011] [Accepted: 08/18/2011] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Mucosal mast cells (MMC) are mediators of the stress responses in the gastrointestinal tract. We examined the effect of acute cold-restraint stress and of the neuropeptide nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ), implicated in the modulation of stress responses, on MMC density in the rat colon. MAIN METHODS Stress was induced by restraining the animals into individual cages at 3°C for 3h. N/OFQ and the selective N/OFQ peptide (NOP) receptor antagonist, UFP-101, were infused subcutaneously via Alzet osmotic minipumps. Segments of the distal colon were collected. MMCs were identified immunohistochemically with a monoclonal antibody to rat mast cell protease (RMCP) II and with a rabbit polyclonal antibody to CD117/c-kit receptor. KEY FINDINGS Acute stress caused a decrease in the density of MMCs in the rat colonic mucosa. Short-term peripheral infusion of N/OFQ (0.1 to 10 μg/kg/h for 4h) caused a dose-related reduction of MMC density. Peak reduction occurred after the 4-h infusion of N/OFQ, 1 μg/kg/h. Reduction was maintained after the 52-h infusion period and declined following 7 and 14 days of infusion. The infusion of N/OFQ (1μg/kg/h for 4h) in rats exposed to acute stress caused a decrease in MMC density comparable to that obtained with the single treatments. UFP-101, at the doses of 1 and 10 μg/kg/h, which itself had no significant effect on MMC density, when concurrently infused in stress-exposed rats, abolished the stress-induced decrease of MMC density. SIGNIFICANCE Present results indicate that the peripheral N/OFQ-NOP system is involved in stress-induced reduction of MMC density.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Grandi
- Department of Human Anatomy, Pharmacology and Forensic Medicine, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
50
|
Arsequell G, Rosa M, Mayato C, Dorta RL, Gonzalez-Nunez V, Barreto-Valer K, Marcelo F, Calle LP, Vázquez JT, Rodríguez RE, Jiménez-Barbero J, Valencia G. Synthesis, biological evaluation and structural characterization of novel glycopeptide analogues of nociceptin N/OFQ. Org Biomol Chem 2011; 9:6133-42. [PMID: 21773621 DOI: 10.1039/c1ob05197k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2023]
Abstract
To examine if the biological activity of the N/OFQ peptide, which is the native ligand of the pain-related and viable drug target NOP receptor, could be modulated by glycosylation and if such effects could be conformationally related, we have synthesized three N/OFQ glycopeptide analogues, namely: [Thr(5)-O-α-D-GalNAc-N/OFQ] (glycopeptide 1), [Ser(10)-O-α-D-GalNAc]-N/OFQ (glycopeptide 2) and [Ser(10)-O-β-D-GlcNAc]-N/OFQ] (glycopeptide 3). They were tested for biological activity in competition binding assays using the zebrafish animal model in which glycopeptide 2 exhibited a slightly improved binding affinity, whereas glycopeptide 1 showed a remarkably reduced binding affinity compared to the parent compound and glycopeptide 3. The structural analysis of these glycopeptides and the parent N/OFQ peptide by NMR and circular dichroism indicated that their aqueous solutions are mainly populated by random coil conformers. However, in membrane mimic environments a certain proportion of the molecules of all these peptides exist as α-helix structures. Interestingly, under these experimental conditions, glycopeptide 1 (glycosylated at Thr-5) exhibited a population of folded hairpin-like geometries. From these facts it is tempting to speculate that nociceptin analogues showing linear helical structures are more complementary and thus interact more efficiently with the native NOP receptor than folded structures, since glycopeptide 1 showed a significantly reduced binding affinity for the NOP receptor.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gemma Arsequell
- Instituto de Química Avanzada de Cataluña (IQAC-CSIC), Barcelona, Spain
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|