1
|
Becnel J, Johnson O, Majeed ZR, Tran V, Yu B, Roth BL, Cooper RL, Kerut EK, Nichols CD. DREADDs in Drosophila: a pharmacogenetic approach for controlling behavior, neuronal signaling, and physiology in the fly. Cell Rep 2013; 4:1049-59. [PMID: 24012754 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2013.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2012] [Revised: 06/06/2013] [Accepted: 08/01/2013] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
We have translated a powerful genetic tool, designer receptors exclusively activated by designer drugs (DREADDs), from mammalian systems to Drosophila melanogaster to selectively, rapidly, reversibly, and dose-dependently control behaviors and physiological processes in the fly. DREADDs are muscarinic acetylcholine G protein-coupled receptors evolved for loss of affinity to acetylcholine and for the ability to be fully activated by an otherwise biologically inert chemical, clozapine-N-oxide. We demonstrate its ability to control a variety of behaviors and processes in larvae and adults, including heart rate, sensory processing, diurnal behavior, learning and memory, and courtship. The advantages of this particular technology include the dose-responsive control of behaviors, the lack of a need for specialized equipment, and the capacity to remotely control signaling in essentially all neuronal and nonneuronal fly tissues.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jaime Becnel
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
2
|
Liu X, Wang Y, Xing Y, Yu J, Ji H, Kai M, Wang Z, Wang D, Zhang Y, Zhao D, Wang R. Design, synthesis, and pharmacological characterization of novel endomorphin-1 analogues as extremely potent μ-opioid agonists. J Med Chem 2013; 56:3102-14. [PMID: 23477419 DOI: 10.1021/jm400195y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Recently we reported the synthesis and structure-activity study of endomorphin-1 (EM-1) analogues containing novel, unnatural α-methylene-β-aminopropanoic acids (Map). In the present study, we describe new EM-1 analogues containing Dmt(1), (R/S)-βPro(2), and (ph)Map(4)/(2-furyl)Map(4). All of the analogues showed a high affinity for the μ-opioid receptor (MOR) and increased stability in mouse brain homogenates. Of the new compounds, Dmt(1)-(R)-βPro(2)-Trp(3)-(2-furyl)Map(4) (analogue 12) displayed the highest affinity toward MOR, in the picomolar range (Ki(μ) = 3.72 pM). Forskolin-induced cAMP accumulation assays indicated that this analogue displayed an extremely high agonistic potency, in the subpicomolar range (EC50 = 0.0421 pM, Emax = 99.5%). This compound also displayed stronger in vivo antinociceptive activity after iv administration when compared to morphine in the tail-flick test, which indicates that this analogue was able to cross the blood-brain barrier.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xin Liu
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, and Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, PR China
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
3
|
Wang Y, Xing Y, Liu X, Ji H, Kai M, Chen Z, Yu J, Zhao D, Ren H, Wang R. A new class of highly potent and selective endomorphin-1 analogues containing α-methylene-β-aminopropanoic acids (map). J Med Chem 2012; 55:6224-36. [PMID: 22724433 DOI: 10.1021/jm300664y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
A new class of endomorphin-1 (EM-1) analogues were synthesized by introduction of novel unnatural α-methylene-β-amino acids (Map) at position 3 or/and position 4. Their binding and functional activity, metabolic stability, and antinociceptive activity were determined and compared. Most of these analogues showed high affinities for the μ-opioid receptor and an increased stability in mouse brain homogenates compared with EM-1. Examination of cAMP accumulation and ERK1/2 phosphorylation in HEK293 cells confirmed the agonist properties of these analogues. Among these new analogues, H-Tyr-Pro-Trp-(2-furyl)Map-NH(2) (analogue 12) exhibited the highest binding potency (K(i)(μ) = 0.221 nM) and efficacy (EC(50) = 0.0334 nM, E(max) = 97.14%). This analogue also displayed enhanced antinociceptive activity in vivo in comparison to EM-1. Molecular modeling approaches were then carried out to demonstrate the interaction pattern of these analogues with the opioid receptors. We found that, compared to EM-1, the incorporation of our synthesized Map at position 4 would bring the analogue to a closer binding mode with the μ-opioid receptor.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, P. R. China.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
4
|
Gum RJ, Wakefield B, Jarvis MF. P2X receptor antagonists for pain management: examination of binding and physicochemical properties. Purinergic Signal 2011; 8:41-56. [PMID: 22086553 DOI: 10.1007/s11302-011-9272-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2011] [Accepted: 09/19/2011] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Enhanced sensitivity to noxious stimuli and the perception of non-noxious stimuli as painful are hallmark sensory perturbations associated with chronic pain. It is now appreciated that ATP, through its actions as an excitatory neurotransmitter, plays a prominent role in the initiation and maintenance of chronic pain states. Mechanistically, the ability of ATP to drive nociceptive sensitivity is mediated through direct interactions at neuronal P2X3 and P2X2/3 receptors. Extracellular ATP also activates P2X4, P2X7, and several P2Y receptors on glial cells within the spinal cord, which leads to a heightened state of neural-glial cell interaction in ongoing pain states. Following the molecular identification of the P2 receptor superfamilies, selective small molecule antagonists for several P2 receptor subtypes were identified, which have been useful for investigating the role of specific P2X receptors in preclinical chronic pain models. More recently, several P2X receptor antagonists have advanced into clinical trials for inflammation and pain. The development of orally bioavailable blockers for ion channels, including the P2X receptors, has been traditionally difficult due to the necessity of combining requirements for target potency and selectivity with suitable absorption distribution, metabolism, and elimination properties. Recent studies on the physicochemical properties of marketed orally bioavailable drugs, have identified several parameters that appear critical for increasing the probability of achieving suitable bioavailability, central nervous system exposure, and acceptable safety necessary for clinical efficacy. This review provides an overview of the antinociceptive pharmacology of P2X receptor antagonists and the chemical diversity and drug-like properties for emerging antagonists of P2X3, P2X2/3, P2X4, and P2X7 receptors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca J Gum
- Neuroscience Research, Global Pharmaceutical Research and Development, Abbott Laboratories, R4DL, AP9A-3, 100 Abbott Park Road, Abbott Park, IL, 60064-6125, USA,
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
5
|
Sf9 cells: a versatile model system to investigate the pharmacological properties of G protein-coupled receptors. Pharmacol Ther 2010; 128:387-418. [PMID: 20705094 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2010.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2010] [Accepted: 07/12/2010] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The Sf9 cell/baculovirus expression system is widely used for high-level protein expression, often with the purpose of purification. However, proteins may also be functionally expressed in the defined Sf9 cell environment. According to the literature, the pharmacology of G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) functionally reconstituted in Sf9 cells is similar to the receptor properties in mammalian cells. Sf9 cells express both recombinant GPCRs and G-proteins at much higher levels than mammalian cells. Sf9 cells can be grown in suspension culture, providing an inexpensive way of obtaining large protein amounts. Co-infection with various baculoviruses allows free combination of GPCRs with different G-proteins. The absence of constitutively active receptors in Sf9 cells provides an excellent signal-to background ratio in functional assays, allowing the detection of agonist-independent receptor activity and of small ligand-induced signals including partial agonistic and inverse agonistic effects. Insect cell Gα(i)-like proteins mostly do not couple productively to mammalian GPCRs. Thus, unlike in mammalian cells, Sf9 cells do not require pertussis toxin treatment to obtain a Gα(i)-free environment. Co-expression of GPCRs with Gα(i1), Gα(i2), Gα(i3) or Gα(o) in Sf9 cells allows the generation of a selectivity profile for these Gα(i/o)-isoforms. Additionally, GPCR-G-protein combinations can be compared with defined 1:1 stoichiometry by expressing GPCR-Gα fusion proteins. Sf9 cells can also be employed for ligand screening in medicinal chemistry programs, using radioligand binding assays or functional assays, like the steady-state GTPase- or [(35)S]GTPγS binding assay. This review shows that Sf9 cells are a versatile model system to investigate the pharmacological properties of GPCRs.
Collapse
|
6
|
Leifert WR, Aloia AL, Bucco O, McMurchie EJ. GPCR-induced dissociation of G-protein subunits in early stage signal transduction. Mol Membr Biol 2009; 22:507-17. [PMID: 16373322 DOI: 10.1080/09687860500370604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) form a ternary complex of agonist, receptor and G-proteins during primary signal transduction at the cell membrane. Downstream signalling is thought to be preceded by the process of dissociation of Galpha and Gbetagamma subunits, thus exposing new surfaces to interact with downstream effectors. We demonstrate here for the first time, the dissociation of heterotrimeric G-protein subunits (i.e., Galpha and Gbetagamma) following agonist-induced GPCR (alpha(2A)-adrenergic receptor; alpha(2A)-AR) activation in a cell-free assay system. alpha(2A)-AR membranes were reconstituted with the G-proteins (+/-hexahistidine-tagged) Galpha(i1) and Gbeta1gamma2 and functional signalling was determined following activation of the reconstituted receptor:G-protein complex with the potent agonist UK-14304, and [35S]GTPgammaS. In the presence of Ni(2+)-coated agarose beads, the activated his-tagged Galpha(i1)his-[35S]GTPgammaS complex was captured on the Ni(2+)-presenting surface. When his-tagged Gbeta1gamma2 (Gbeta1gamma2his) was used with Galpha(i1), the [35S]GTPgammaS-bound Galpha(i1) was not present on the Ni(2+)-coated beads, but rather, it was separated from the beta1gamma2(his)-beads, demonstrating receptor-induced dissociation of Galpha and Gbetagamma subunits. Treatment of the reconstituted alpha(2A)-AR membranes containing Gbeta1gamma2his:Galpha(i1) with imidazole confirmed the specificity for the Ni2+:G-protein surface dissociation of Galpha(i1) from Gbeta1gamma2his. These data demonstrate for the first time, the complete dissociation of the G-protein subunits and extend observations on the role of G-proteins in the assembly and disassembly of the ternary complex in the primary events of GPCR signalling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wayne R Leifert
- CSIRO Molecular and Health Technologies, Adelaide, SA, Australia.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Knight PJK, Grigliatti TA. Diversity of G proteins in Lepidopteran cell lines: partial sequences of six G protein alpha subunits. ARCHIVES OF INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2004; 57:142-150. [PMID: 15484257 DOI: 10.1002/arch.20018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this work was to sample the diversity of G protein alpha subunits in lepidopteran insect cell lines. Here we report the amplification by degenerate PCR of partial sequences representing six G protein alpha subunits from three different lepidopteran insect cell lines. Sequence comparisons with known G protein alpha subunits indicate that the Sf9, Ld and High Five cell lines each contain (at least) one Galpha(q)-like and one Galpha(i)-like Galpha subunit. All six PCR products are unique at the nucleotide level, but the translation products of the three Galpha q-like partial clones (Sf9-Galpha 1, Ld-Galpha 1, and Hi5-Galpha 1) are identical, as are the translation products of the three Galpha i-like partial clones (Sf9-Galpha 2, Ld-Galpha 2, and Hi5-Galpha 2). Both the Galpha(q)-like and Galpha(i)-like translation products are identical to known Galpha subunits from other Lepidoptera, are highly similar (88-98%) to Galpha subunits from other invertebrates including mosquitoes, fruit flies, lobsters, crabs, and snails, and are also highly similar (88-90%) to known mammalian Galpha subunits. Identification of G protein alpha subunits in lepidopteran cell lines will assist in host cell line selection when insect cell lines are used for the pharmacological analysis of human GPCRs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peter J K Knight
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Liu ZH, He Y, Jin WQ, Chen XJ, Shen QX, Chi ZQ. Effect of chronic treatment of ohmefentanyl stereoisomers on cyclic AMP formation in Sf9 insect cells expressing human mu-opioid receptors. Life Sci 2004; 74:3001-8. [PMID: 15051423 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2003.10.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2003] [Accepted: 10/21/2003] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
The binding affinity of ohmefentanyl stereoisomers for mu-opioid receptors and the effect of chronic ohmefentanyl stereoisomers pretreatments on intracellular cAMP formation were investigated in Sf9 insect cells expressing human mu-opioid receptors (Sf9-mu cells). Competitive assay of [3H]ohmefentanyl binding revealed that these isomers had high affinity for micro-opioid receptors in Sf9-mu cells. Isomer F9204 had the highest affinity for mu-opioid receptors with the Ki value of 1.66 +/- 0.28 nM. After pretreated Sf9-mu cells with increasing concentrations of these isomers for 6 h, addition of naloxone (1 microM) precipitated an overshoot of foskolin-stimulated cAMP accumulation. The ability of these isomers to induce cAMP overshoot differed greatly with the order of F9202>F9205>F9208>F9206>F9204>F9207. Of these isomers, F9202 was 2.7-fold less potent than F9204 in receptor binding affinity, but 71.5-fold more potent in ability to induce cAMP overshoot. These results suggested that there was a significant stereo-structural difference among ohmefentanyl stereoisomers in ability to induce naloxone-precipitated cAMP overshoot in Sf9-mu cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhong-Hua Liu
- 2nd Department of Pharmacology, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Uustare A, Näsman J, Akerman KEO, Rinken A. Characterization of M2 muscarinic receptor activation of different G protein subtypes. Neurochem Int 2004; 44:119-24. [PMID: 12971914 DOI: 10.1016/s0197-0186(03)00103-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The M2 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (mAChR) expressed in insect cells (Spodoptera frugiperda, Sf9) using the baculovirus system formed active functional complexes with coexpressed Gi as well as with Go proteins, while no complexes could be detected with internal G proteins. Comparison of the abilities of different muscarinic agonists and partial agonists to increase [35S]GTPgammaS binding revealed no significant differences between M2/Gi and M2/Go complexes neither with respect to affinities nor efficacies of the ligands studied. Coexpression with either G protein caused constitutive activity of the receptor amounting up to 66% of stimulable [35S]GTPgammaS binding. Muscarinic antagonists, like atropine, scopolamine and N-methylscopolamine, behaved as inverse antagonists with potencies in good agreement with their binding affinities to the receptor. The results implicate that the functional reconstitution of M2 muscarinic receptor with either Gi or Go proteins in insect cells provides a valuable tool for screening of potencies as well as efficacies of agonists, partial agonists and inverse agonists at this receptor.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ain Uustare
- Institute of Organic and Bioorganic Chemistry, University of Tartu, Jakobi Str. 2, EE-51014 Tartu, Estonia
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Gao C, Che LW, Chen J, Xu XJ, Chi ZQ. Ohmefentanyl stereoisomers induce changes of CREB phosphorylation in hippocampus of mice in conditioned place preference paradigm. Cell Res 2003; 13:29-34. [PMID: 12643347 DOI: 10.1038/sj.cr.7290148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study was designed to determine the changes of phosphorylation of cAMP- response element binding protein (CREB) in hippocampus induced by ohmefentanyl stereoisomers (F9202 and F9204) in conditioned place preference (CPP) paradigm. The results showed that mice receiving F9202 and F9204 displayed obvious CPP. They could all significantly stimulate CREB phosphorylation and maintained for a long time without affecting total CREB protein levels. The effect of F9204 was similar to morphine which effect was more potent and longer than F9202. We also examined the effects of ketamine, a noncompetitive N-mthyl-D-aspartate receptor (NR) antagonist, on morphine-, F9202- and F9204- induced CPP and phosphorylation of CREB in hippocampus. Ketamine could suppress not only the place preference but also the phosphorylation of CREB produced by morphine, F9202 and F9204. These findings suggest that alterations in the phosphorylation of CREB be relevant to opiates signaling and the development of opiates dependence. NR antagonists may interfere with opiates dependence and may have potential therapeutic implications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Can Gao
- Second Department of Pharmacology, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Mou QY, Chen J, Zhu YC, Zhou DH, Chi ZQ, Long YQ. 3-Pyrroline containing arylacetamides: a novel series of remarkably selective kappa-agonists. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2002; 12:2287-90. [PMID: 12161117 DOI: 10.1016/s0960-894x(02)00429-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
A series of 2-(substituted phenyl)-N-methyl-N-[(1S)-1-(substituted alkyl)-2-(1-(3-pyrrolinyl))ethyl]acetamides were synthesized and evaluated as highly selective kappa-agonists with K(i) values in low nanomolar range. 3-Pyrroline incorporated into the basic amino functionality in combination with 2-(methylthio)ethyl substituent on the carbon adjacent to the amide nitrogen remarkably enhanced the kappa-selectivity. 3,4-Dichlorophenyl derivative 1e was found the most potent and selective analgesic in this series with ED(50) value of 0.023 mg/kg.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qi-Yong Mou
- Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Li Z, Xu NJ, Wu CF, Xiong Y, Fan HP, Zhang WB, Sun Y, Pei G. Pseudoginsenoside-F11 attenuates morphine-induced signalling in Chinese hamster ovary-mu cells. Neuroreport 2001; 12:1453-6. [PMID: 11388428 DOI: 10.1097/00001756-200105250-00031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Pseudoginsenoside-F11 (PF11), an ocotillol type saponin isolated from Panax quinquefolium L., has been shown to antagonize the behavioral actions of morphine. Biochemical experiments revealed that PF11 could inhibit diprenorphine (DIP) binding with an IC50 of approximately 6.1 microM and reduced the binding potency of morphine in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO)-mu cells. Furthermore, PF11 significantly attenuated morphine-stimulated [35S]GTPgammaS binding in a dose dependent manner, and strongly decreased the efficacy of morphine to inhibit intracellular cAMP production. In addition, PF11 pretreatment could also significantly inhibit naloxone induced cAMP overshoot in the morphine-pretreated cells. However, PF11 per se had no effect on either [35S]GTPgammaS binding or intracellular cAMP accumulation. These data suggested that PF11 antagonized the morphine stimulated opioid receptor signalling directly at the cellular level.
Collapse
MESH Headings
- Adenylyl Cyclases/drug effects
- Adenylyl Cyclases/metabolism
- Analgesics, Opioid/antagonists & inhibitors
- Analgesics, Opioid/pharmacology
- Animals
- Binding Sites/drug effects
- Binding Sites/physiology
- Binding, Competitive/drug effects
- Binding, Competitive/physiology
- CHO Cells/cytology
- CHO Cells/drug effects
- CHO Cells/metabolism
- Cell Membrane/drug effects
- Cell Membrane/metabolism
- Cricetinae
- Cyclic AMP/biosynthesis
- Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
- Drug Interactions/physiology
- GTP-Binding Proteins/drug effects
- GTP-Binding Proteins/metabolism
- Ginsenosides
- Guanosine 5'-O-(3-Thiotriphosphate)/pharmacokinetics
- Morphine/antagonists & inhibitors
- Morphine/pharmacokinetics
- Morphine Dependence/drug therapy
- Morphine Dependence/metabolism
- Morphine Dependence/physiopathology
- Narcotic Antagonists/pharmacology
- Receptors, Opioid, mu/agonists
- Receptors, Opioid, mu/antagonists & inhibitors
- Receptors, Opioid, mu/metabolism
- Saponins/pharmacology
- Signal Transduction/drug effects
- Signal Transduction/physiology
- Sulfur Radioisotopes/pharmacokinetics
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Z Li
- Department of Pharmacology, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, PR China
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|