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Qi M, Chen TT, Li L, Gao PP, Li N, Zhang SH, Wei W, Sun WY. Insight into the regulatory mechanism of β-arrestin2 and its emerging role in diseases. Br J Pharmacol 2024; 181:3019-3038. [PMID: 38961617 DOI: 10.1111/bph.16488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2024] [Revised: 05/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024] Open
Abstract
β-arrestin2, a member of the arrestin family, mediates the desensitization and internalization of most G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) and functions as a scaffold protein in signalling pathways. Previous studies have demonstrated that β-arrestin2 expression is dysregulated in malignant tumours, fibrotic diseases, cardiovascular diseases and metabolic diseases, suggesting its pathological roles. Transcription and post-transcriptional modifications can affect the expression of β-arrestin2. Furthermore, post-translational modifications, such as phosphorylation, ubiquitination, SUMOylation and S-nitrosylation affect the cellular localization of β-arrestin2 and its interaction with downstream signalling molecules, which further regulate the activity of β-arrestin2. This review summarizes the structure and function of β-arrestin2 and reveals the mechanisms involved in the regulation of β-arrestin2 at multiple levels. Additionally, recent studies on the role of β-arrestin2 in some major diseases and its therapeutic prospects have been discussed to provide a reference for the development of drugs targeting β-arrestin2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Qi
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Ministry of Education, Anhui Collaborative Innovation Center of Anhui-inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Ting-Ting Chen
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Ministry of Education, Anhui Collaborative Innovation Center of Anhui-inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Ling Li
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Ministry of Education, Anhui Collaborative Innovation Center of Anhui-inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Ping-Ping Gao
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Ministry of Education, Anhui Collaborative Innovation Center of Anhui-inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Nan Li
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Ministry of Education, Anhui Collaborative Innovation Center of Anhui-inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Shi-Hao Zhang
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Ministry of Education, Anhui Collaborative Innovation Center of Anhui-inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Wei Wei
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Ministry of Education, Anhui Collaborative Innovation Center of Anhui-inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Wu-Yi Sun
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Ministry of Education, Anhui Collaborative Innovation Center of Anhui-inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Hefei, China
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2
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Cao B, Xu Q, Shi Y, Zhao R, Li H, Zheng J, Liu F, Wan Y, Wei B. Pathology of pain and its implications for therapeutic interventions. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:155. [PMID: 38851750 PMCID: PMC11162504 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-024-01845-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Pain is estimated to affect more than 20% of the global population, imposing incalculable health and economic burdens. Effective pain management is crucial for individuals suffering from pain. However, the current methods for pain assessment and treatment fall short of clinical needs. Benefiting from advances in neuroscience and biotechnology, the neuronal circuits and molecular mechanisms critically involved in pain modulation have been elucidated. These research achievements have incited progress in identifying new diagnostic and therapeutic targets. In this review, we first introduce fundamental knowledge about pain, setting the stage for the subsequent contents. The review next delves into the molecular mechanisms underlying pain disorders, including gene mutation, epigenetic modification, posttranslational modification, inflammasome, signaling pathways and microbiota. To better present a comprehensive view of pain research, two prominent issues, sexual dimorphism and pain comorbidities, are discussed in detail based on current findings. The status quo of pain evaluation and manipulation is summarized. A series of improved and innovative pain management strategies, such as gene therapy, monoclonal antibody, brain-computer interface and microbial intervention, are making strides towards clinical application. We highlight existing limitations and future directions for enhancing the quality of preclinical and clinical research. Efforts to decipher the complexities of pain pathology will be instrumental in translating scientific discoveries into clinical practice, thereby improving pain management from bench to bedside.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Cao
- Department of General Surgery, First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Qixuan Xu
- Department of General Surgery, First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853, China
- Medical School of Chinese PLA, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Yajiao Shi
- Neuroscience Research Institute and Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Key Laboratory for Neuroscience, Ministry of Education/National Health Commission, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Ruiyang Zhao
- Department of General Surgery, First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853, China
- Medical School of Chinese PLA, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Hanghang Li
- Department of General Surgery, First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853, China
- Medical School of Chinese PLA, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Jie Zheng
- Neuroscience Research Institute and Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Key Laboratory for Neuroscience, Ministry of Education/National Health Commission, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Fengyu Liu
- Neuroscience Research Institute and Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Key Laboratory for Neuroscience, Ministry of Education/National Health Commission, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China.
| | - You Wan
- Neuroscience Research Institute and Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Key Laboratory for Neuroscience, Ministry of Education/National Health Commission, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China.
| | - Bo Wei
- Department of General Surgery, First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853, China.
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3
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Li Z, Huang R, Xia M, Chang N, Guo W, Liu J, Dong F, Liu B, Varghese A, Aslam A, Patterson TA, Hong H. Decoding the κ Opioid Receptor (KOR): Advancements in Structural Understanding and Implications for Opioid Analgesic Development. Molecules 2024; 29:2635. [PMID: 38893511 PMCID: PMC11173883 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29112635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2024] [Revised: 05/25/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
The opioid crisis in the United States is a significant public health issue, with a nearly threefold increase in opioid-related fatalities between 1999 and 2014. In response to this crisis, society has made numerous efforts to mitigate its impact. Recent advancements in understanding the structural intricacies of the κ opioid receptor (KOR) have improved our knowledge of how opioids interact with their receptors, triggering downstream signaling pathways that lead to pain relief. This review concentrates on the KOR, offering crucial structural insights into the binding mechanisms of both agonists and antagonists to the receptor. Through comparative analysis of the atomic details of the binding site, distinct interactions specific to agonists and antagonists have been identified. These insights not only enhance our understanding of ligand binding mechanisms but also shed light on potential pathways for developing new opioid analgesics with an improved risk-benefit profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoe Li
- National Center for Toxicological Research, US Food and Drug Administration, Jefferson, AR 72079, USA; (Z.L.); (W.G.); (J.L.); (F.D.); (B.L.); (A.V.); (A.A.)
| | - Ruili Huang
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; (R.H.); (M.X.)
| | - Menghang Xia
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; (R.H.); (M.X.)
| | - Nancy Chang
- Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, US Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD 20993, USA;
| | - Wenjing Guo
- National Center for Toxicological Research, US Food and Drug Administration, Jefferson, AR 72079, USA; (Z.L.); (W.G.); (J.L.); (F.D.); (B.L.); (A.V.); (A.A.)
| | - Jie Liu
- National Center for Toxicological Research, US Food and Drug Administration, Jefferson, AR 72079, USA; (Z.L.); (W.G.); (J.L.); (F.D.); (B.L.); (A.V.); (A.A.)
| | - Fan Dong
- National Center for Toxicological Research, US Food and Drug Administration, Jefferson, AR 72079, USA; (Z.L.); (W.G.); (J.L.); (F.D.); (B.L.); (A.V.); (A.A.)
| | - Bailang Liu
- National Center for Toxicological Research, US Food and Drug Administration, Jefferson, AR 72079, USA; (Z.L.); (W.G.); (J.L.); (F.D.); (B.L.); (A.V.); (A.A.)
| | - Ann Varghese
- National Center for Toxicological Research, US Food and Drug Administration, Jefferson, AR 72079, USA; (Z.L.); (W.G.); (J.L.); (F.D.); (B.L.); (A.V.); (A.A.)
| | - Aasma Aslam
- National Center for Toxicological Research, US Food and Drug Administration, Jefferson, AR 72079, USA; (Z.L.); (W.G.); (J.L.); (F.D.); (B.L.); (A.V.); (A.A.)
| | - Tucker A. Patterson
- National Center for Toxicological Research, US Food and Drug Administration, Jefferson, AR 72079, USA; (Z.L.); (W.G.); (J.L.); (F.D.); (B.L.); (A.V.); (A.A.)
| | - Huixiao Hong
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; (R.H.); (M.X.)
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Alananzeh WA, Al-Qattan MN, Ayipo YO, Mordi MN. N-substituted tetrahydro-beta-carboline as mu-opioid receptors ligands: in silico study; molecular docking, ADMET and molecular dynamics approach. Mol Divers 2024; 28:1273-1289. [PMID: 37133710 DOI: 10.1007/s11030-023-10655-1] [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: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Manipulating intracellular signals by interaction with transmembranal G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) is the way of action of more than 30% of available medicines. Designing molecules against GPCRs is most challenging due to their flexible binding orthosteric and allosteric pockets, a property that lead to different mode and extent of activation of intracellular mediators. Here, in the current study we aimed to design N-substituted tetrahydro-beta-carbolines (THβC's) targeting Mu Opioid Receptors (MORs). We performed ligand docking study for reference and designed compounds against active and inactive states of MOR, as well as the active state bound to intracellular mediator of Gi. The reference compounds include 40 known agonists and antagonists, while the designed compounds include 25,227 N-substituted THβC analogues. Out of the designed compounds, 15 compounds were comparatively having better extra precision (XP) Gscore and were analyzed for absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion-toxicity (ADMET) properties, drug-likness, and molecular dynamic (MD) simulation. The results showed that N-substituted tetrahydro-beta-carbolines with and without C6-methoxy group substitutions (THBC/6MTHBC) analogues of A1/B1 and A9/B9 have relatively acceptable affinity and within pocket-stability toward MOR compared to the reference compounds of morphine (agonist) and naloxone (antagonist). Moreover, the designed analogues interact with key residue within the binding pocket of Asp 147 that is reported to be involved in receptor activation. In conclusion, the designed THBC analogues represent a good starting point for designing opioid receptor ligands other than morphinan scaffold, that have good synthetic accessibility which promotes feasible structural manipulation to tailor pharmacological effects with minimal side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Waleed A Alananzeh
- Center for Drug Research, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800, George Town, Pulau Penang, Malaysia.
| | - Mohammed N Al-Qattan
- College of Pharmacy, Knowledge University, Erbīl, Iraq
- College of Pharmacy, Nineveh University, Mosul, Iraq
| | - Yusuf Oloruntoyin Ayipo
- Center for Drug Research, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800, George Town, Pulau Penang, Malaysia
- Department of Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry, Kwara State University, Ilorin, Nigeria
| | - Mohd N Mordi
- Center for Drug Research, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800, George Town, Pulau Penang, Malaysia
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Xia J, Li X, Zhu H, Zhou X, Chen J, Li Q, Li S, Chu H, Dong M. The μ-opioid receptor-mediated G i/o protein and β-arrestin2 signaling pathways both contribute to morphine-induced side effects. Eur J Pharmacol 2024; 966:176333. [PMID: 38278466 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2024.176333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 12/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 01/28/2024]
Abstract
The μ-opioid receptor-biased agonist theory holds that Gio protein signaling mediates the analgesic effect of opioids and the related side effects via the β-arrestin2 signaling pathway. A series of μ-opioid-biased agonists have been developed in accordance with this theory, and the FDA has approved TRV130 (as a representative of biased agonists) for marketing. However, several reports have raised the issue of opioid side effects associated with the use of agonists. In this study, five permeable peptides were designed to emulate 11 S/T phosphorylation sites at the μ-opioid receptor (MOR) carboxyl-terminal. In vitro experiments were performed to detect the activation level of G proteins from the cAMP inhibition assay and the β-arrestin2 recruitment by the BRET assay. Designed peptides might effectively interfere with the activation of the Gio and β-arrestin2 pathways when combined with morphine. The resulting morphine-induced tolerance, respiratory inhibition, and constipation in mice showed that the β-arrestin2 pathway was responsible for morphine tolerance while the Gio signaling pathway was involved with respiratory depression and constipation and that these side effects were significantly related to phosphorylation sites S363 and T370. This study may provide new directions for the development of safer and more effective opioid analgesics, and the designed peptides may be an effective tool for exploring the mechanism by which μ-opioid receptors function, with the potential of reducing the side effects that are associated with clinical opioid treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Xia
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266003, Shandong, China; Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266021, China
| | - Xiaoyan Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266003, Shandong, China; Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266021, China
| | - Hongyu Zhu
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266003, Shandong, China; Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266021, China
| | - Xiaohui Zhou
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266003, Shandong, China; Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266021, China
| | - Ji Chen
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266021, China
| | - Qihong Li
- Department of Stomatology, The Fifth Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100071, China
| | - Shupeng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenomics, School of Chemical Biology and Biotechnology, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen, 518055, China.
| | - Haichen Chu
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266003, Shandong, China
| | - Mingxin Dong
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266021, China.
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6
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Bettinger JJ, Friedman BC. Opioids and Immunosuppression: Clinical Evidence, Mechanisms of Action, and Potential Therapies. Palliat Med Rep 2024; 5:70-80. [PMID: 38435086 PMCID: PMC10908329 DOI: 10.1089/pmr.2023.0049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Background In addition to the more well-known adverse effects of opioids, such as constipation, mounting evidence supports underlying immunosuppressive effects as well. Methods In this study, we provide a narrative review of preclinical and clinical evidence of opioid suppression of the immune system as well as possible considerations for therapies. Results In vitro and animal studies have shown clear effects of opioids on inflammatory cytokine expression, immune cell activity, and pathogen susceptibility. Observational data in humans have so far supported preclinical findings, with multiple reports of increased rates of infections in various settings of opioid use. However, the extent to which this risk is due to the impact of opioids on the immune system compared with other risk factors associated with opioid use remains uncertain. Considering the data showing immunosuppression and increased risk of infection with opioid use, measures are needed to mitigate this risk in patients who require ongoing treatment with opioids. In preclinical studies, administration of opioid receptor antagonists blocked the immunomodulatory effects of opioids. Conclusions As selective antagonists of peripheral opioid receptors, peripherally acting mu-opioid receptor (MOR) antagonists may be able to protect against immune impairment while still allowing for opioid analgesia. Future research is warranted to further investigate the relationship between opioids and infection risk as well as the potential application of peripherally acting MOR antagonists to counteract these risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey J. Bettinger
- Pain Management, Saratoga Hospital Medical Group, Saratoga Springs, New York, USA
| | - Bruce C. Friedman
- JM Still Burn Center, Doctors Hospital of Augusta, Augusta, Georgia, USA
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7
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Madhu MK, Shewani K, Murarka RK. Biased Signaling in Mutated Variants of β 2-Adrenergic Receptor: Insights from Molecular Dynamics Simulations. J Chem Inf Model 2024; 64:449-469. [PMID: 38194225 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.3c01481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
The molecular basis of receptor bias in G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) caused by mutations that preferentially activate specific intracellular transducers over others remains poorly understood. Two experimentally identified biased variants of β2-adrenergic receptors (β2AR), a prototypical GPCR, are a triple mutant (T68F, Y132A, and Y219A) and a single mutant (Y219A); the former bias the receptor toward the β-arrestin pathway by disfavoring G protein engagement, while the latter induces G protein signaling explicitly due to selection against GPCR kinases (GRKs) that phosphorylate the receptor as a prerequisite of β-arrestin binding. Though rigorous characterizations have revealed functional implications of these mutations, the atomistic origin of the observed transducer selectivity is not clear. In this study, we investigated the allosteric mechanism of receptor bias in β2AR using microseconds of all-atom Gaussian accelerated molecular dynamics (GaMD) simulations. Our observations reveal distinct rearrangements in transmembrane helices, intracellular loop 3, and critical residues R1313.50 and Y3267.53 in the conserved motifs D(E)RY and NPxxY for the mutant receptors, leading to their specific transducer interactions. Moreover, partial dissociation of G protein from the receptor core is observed in the simulations of the triple mutant in contrast to the single mutant and wild-type receptor. The reorganization of allosteric communications from the extracellular agonist BI-167107 to the intracellular receptor-transducer interfaces drives the conformational rearrangements responsible for receptor bias in the single and triple mutants. The molecular insights into receptor bias of β2AR presented here could improve the understanding of biased signaling in GPCRs, potentially opening new avenues for designing novel therapeutics with fewer side-effects and superior efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Midhun K Madhu
- Department of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Bhopal, Bhopal Bypass Road, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh 462066, India
| | - Kunal Shewani
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Bhopal, Bhopal Bypass Road, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh 462066, India
| | - Rajesh K Murarka
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Bhopal, Bhopal Bypass Road, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh 462066, India
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Mafi A, Kim SK, Goddard WA. The dynamics of agonist-β 2-adrenergic receptor activation induced by binding of GDP-bound Gs protein. Nat Chem 2023:10.1038/s41557-023-01238-6. [PMID: 37349378 DOI: 10.1038/s41557-023-01238-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023]
Abstract
There is considerable uncertainty about the mechanism by which the β2-adrenergic receptor (β2AR) is activated. Here we use molecular metadynamics computations to predict the mechanism by which an agonist induces the activation of the β2AR and its cognate Gs protein. We found that binding agonist alone to the inactive β2AR does not break the ionic lock and hence does not drive the β2AR towards the activated conformation. However, we found that attaching the inactive Gs protein to the agonist-bound inactive β2AR (containing the ionic lock) leads to partial insertion of Gαs-α5 into the core of β2AR, which breaks the ionic lock, leading to activation of the Gs protein coupled to β2AR. Upon activation, the Gαs protein undergoes a remarkable opening of the GDP binding pocket, making the GDP available for exchange or release. Concomitantly, Gαs-α5 undergoes a remarkable expansion in the β2AR cytoplasmic region after the ionic lock is broken, inducing TM6 to displace outward by ~5 Å from TM3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amirhossein Mafi
- Materials and Process Simulation Center, Caltech, Pasadena, CA, USA
- California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA
| | - Soo-Kyung Kim
- Materials and Process Simulation Center, Caltech, Pasadena, CA, USA
- California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA
| | - William A Goddard
- Materials and Process Simulation Center, Caltech, Pasadena, CA, USA.
- California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA.
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Li Z, Liu J, Dong F, Chang N, Huang R, Xia M, Patterson TA, Hong H. Three-Dimensional Structural Insights Have Revealed the Distinct Binding Interactions of Agonists, Partial Agonists, and Antagonists with the µ Opioid Receptor. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24087042. [PMID: 37108204 PMCID: PMC10138646 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24087042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 04/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/09/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The United States is experiencing the most profound and devastating opioid crisis in history, with the number of deaths involving opioids, including prescription and illegal opioids, continuing to climb over the past two decades. This severe public health issue is difficult to combat as opioids remain a crucial treatment for pain, and at the same time, they are also highly addictive. Opioids act on the opioid receptor, which in turn activates its downstream signaling pathway that eventually leads to an analgesic effect. Among the four types of opioid receptors, the µ subtype is primarily responsible for the analgesic cascade. This review describes available 3D structures of the µ opioid receptor in the protein data bank and provides structural insights for the binding of agonists and antagonists to the receptor. Comparative analysis on the atomic details of the binding site in these structures was conducted and distinct binding interactions for agonists, partial agonists, and antagonists were observed. The findings in this article deepen our understanding of the ligand binding activity and shed some light on the development of novel opioid analgesics which may improve the risk benefit balance of existing opioids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoe Li
- National Center for Toxicological Research, US Food and Drug Administration, Jefferson, AR 72079, USA
| | - Jie Liu
- National Center for Toxicological Research, US Food and Drug Administration, Jefferson, AR 72079, USA
| | - Fan Dong
- National Center for Toxicological Research, US Food and Drug Administration, Jefferson, AR 72079, USA
| | - Nancy Chang
- Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, US Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD 20903, USA
| | - Ruili Huang
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Menghang Xia
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Tucker A Patterson
- National Center for Toxicological Research, US Food and Drug Administration, Jefferson, AR 72079, USA
| | - Huixiao Hong
- National Center for Toxicological Research, US Food and Drug Administration, Jefferson, AR 72079, USA
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10
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Santino F, Gentilucci L. Design of κ-Opioid Receptor Agonists for the Development of Potential Treatments of Pain with Reduced Side Effects. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 28:molecules28010346. [PMID: 36615540 PMCID: PMC9822356 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28010346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
The κ-opioid receptor (KOR) has recently emerged as an alternative therapeutic target for the development of pain medications, without deleterious side effects associated with the μ-opioid receptor (MOR). However, modulation of KOR is currently under investigation for the treatment of depression, mood disorders, psychiatric comorbidity, and specific drug addictions. However, KOR agonists also trigger adverse effects including sedation, dysphoria, and hallucinations. In this respect, there is currently much debate on alternative paradigms. Recent effort has been devoted in search of biased ligands capable of selectively activating favorable signaling over signaling associated with unwanted side effects. On the other hand, the use of partial agonists is expected to allow the analgesia to be produced at dosages lower than those required to produce the adverse effects. More empirically, the unwanted central effects can be also avoided by using peripherally restricted agonists. In this review, we discuss the more recent trends in the design of KOR-selective, biased or partial, and finally, peripherally acting agonists. Special emphasis is given on the discussion of the most recent approaches for controlling functional selectivity of KOR-specific ligands.
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11
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Chen X, Yuan Y, Chen Y, Yu J, Wang J, Chen J, Guo Y, Pu X. Biased Activation Mechanism Induced by GPCR Heterodimerization: Observations from μOR/δOR Dimers. J Chem Inf Model 2022; 62:5581-5600. [PMID: 36377848 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.2c00962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
GPCRs regulate multiple intracellular signaling cascades. Biasedly activating one signaling pathway over the others provides additional clinical utility to optimize GPCR-based therapies. GPCR heterodimers possess different functions from their monomeric states, including their selectivity to different transducers. However, the biased signaling mechanism induced by the heterodimerization remains unclear. Motivated by the issue, we select an important GPCR heterodimer (μOR/δOR heterodimer) as a case and use microsecond Gaussian accelerated molecular dynamics simulation coupled with potential of mean force and protein structure network (PSN) to probe mechanisms regarding the heterodimerization-induced constitutive β-arrestin activity and efficacy change of the agonist DAMGO. The results show that only the lowest energy state of the μOR/δOR heterodimer, which adopts a slightly outward shift of TM6 and an ICL2 conformation close to the receptor core, can selectively accommodate β-arrestins. PSN further reveals important roles of H8, ICL1, and ICL2 in regulating the constitutive β-arrestin-biased activity for the apo μOR/δOR heterodimer. In addition, the heterodimerization can allosterically alter the binding mode of DAMGO mainly by means of W7.35. Consequently, DAMGO transmits the structural signal mainly through TM6 and TM7 in the dimer, rather than TM3 similar to the μOR monomer, thus changing the efficacy of DAMGO from a balanced agonist to the β-arrestin-biased one. On the other side, the binding of DAMGO to the heterodimer can stabilize μOR/δOR heterodimers through a stronger interaction of TM1/TM1 and H8/H8, accordingly enhancing the interaction of μOR with δOR and the binding affinity of the dimer to the β-arrestin. The agonist DAMGO does not change main compositions of the regulation network from the dimer interface to the transducer binding pocket of the μOR protomer, but induces an increase in the structural communication of the network, which should contribute to the enhanced β-arrestin coupling. Our observations, for the first time, reveal the molecular mechanism of the biased signaling induced by the heterodimerization for GPCRs, which should be beneficial to more comprehensively understand the GPCR bias signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Chen
- College of Chemistry, Sichuan University, Chengdu610064, China
| | - Yuan Yuan
- College of Management, Southwest University for Nationalities, Chengdu610041, China
| | - Yichi Chen
- College of Chemistry, Sichuan University, Chengdu610064, China
| | - Jin Yu
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of California, Irvine, California92697, United States
| | - Jingzhou Wang
- College of Chemistry, Sichuan University, Chengdu610064, China
| | - Jianfang Chen
- College of Chemistry, Sichuan University, Chengdu610064, China
| | - Yanzhi Guo
- College of Chemistry, Sichuan University, Chengdu610064, China
| | - Xuemei Pu
- College of Chemistry, Sichuan University, Chengdu610064, China
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12
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Wang H, Hetzer F, Huang W, Qu Q, Meyerowitz J, Kaindl J, Hübner H, Skiniotis G, Kobilka BK, Gmeiner P. Structure-Based Evolution of G Protein-Biased μ-Opioid Receptor Agonists. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2022; 61:e202200269. [PMID: 35385593 PMCID: PMC9322534 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202200269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
The μ-opioid receptor (μOR) is the major target for opioid analgesics. Activation of μOR initiates signaling through G protein pathways as well as through β-arrestin recruitment. μOR agonists that are biased towards G protein signaling pathways demonstrate diminished side effects. PZM21, discovered by computational docking, is a G protein biased μOR agonist. Here we report the cryoEM structure of PZM21 bound μOR in complex with Gi protein. Structure-based evolution led to multiple PZM21 analogs with more pronounced Gi protein bias and increased lipophilicity to improve CNS penetration. Among them, FH210 shows extremely low potency and efficacy for arrestin recruitment. We further determined the cryoEM structure of FH210 bound to μOR in complex with Gi protein and confirmed its expected binding pose. The structural and pharmacological studies reveal a potential mechanism to reduce β-arrestin recruitment by the μOR, and hold promise for developing next-generation analgesics with fewer adverse effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haoqing Wang
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Florian Hetzer
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Nikolaus-Fiebiger-Strasse 10, 91058, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Weijiao Huang
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Qianhui Qu
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Department of Structural Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.,Present address: Shanghai Stomatological Hospital, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Justin Meyerowitz
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Department of Structural Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Jonas Kaindl
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Nikolaus-Fiebiger-Strasse 10, 91058, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Harald Hübner
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Nikolaus-Fiebiger-Strasse 10, 91058, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Georgios Skiniotis
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Department of Structural Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Brian K Kobilka
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Peter Gmeiner
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Nikolaus-Fiebiger-Strasse 10, 91058, Erlangen, Germany
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13
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Zádor F, Király K, Essmat N, Al-Khrasani M. Recent Molecular Insights into Agonist-specific Binding to the Mu-Opioid Receptor. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 9:900547. [PMID: 35769909 PMCID: PMC9234319 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.900547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Opioid agonists produce their analgesic effects primarily by acting at the µ-opioid receptor (µOR). µOR agonists with different efficacies exert diverse molecular changes in the µOR which dictate the faith of the receptor’s signaling pathway and possibly it’s the degree of desensitization. Since the development of the active conformations of the µOR, growing data have been published in relation to ligand-specific changes in µOR activation. In this regard, this review summarizes recent data regarding the most studied opioid agonists in in silico µOR activation, including how these ligands are recognized by the µOR, how their binding signal is transmitted toward the intracellular parts of the µOR, and finally, what type of large-scale movements do these changes trigger in the µOR’s domains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ferenc Zádor
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
- *Correspondence: Ferenc Zádor,
| | - Kornél Király
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Nariman Essmat
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Mahmoud Al-Khrasani
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
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14
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Li J, Remington JM, Liao C, Parsons RL, Schneebeli S, Braas KM, May V, Brewer M. GPCR Intracellular Loop Regulation of Beta-Arrestin-Mediated Endosomal Signaling Dynamics. J Mol Neurosci 2022; 72:1358-1373. [PMID: 35538393 PMCID: PMC9311399 DOI: 10.1007/s12031-022-02016-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are currently appreciated to be routed to diverse cellular platforms to generate both G protein-dependent and -independent signals. The latter has been best studied with respect to β-arrestin-associated receptor internalization and trafficking to signaling endosomes for extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) activation. However, how GPCR structural and conformational variants regulate endosomal ERK signaling dynamics, which can be central in neural development, plasticity, and disease processes, is not well understood. Among class B GPCRs, the PACAP-selective PAC1 receptor is unique in the expression of variants that can contain intracellular loop 3 (ICL3) cassette inserts. The nervous system expresses preferentially the PAC1Null (no insert) and PAC1Hop (28-amino acid Hop insert) receptor variants. Our molecular modeling and signaling studies revealed that the PAC1Null and PAC1Hop receptor variants can associate with β-arrestin differentially, resulting in enhanced receptor internalization and ERK activation for the PAC1Hop variant. The study amplifies our understandings of GPCR intracellular loop structure/function relationships with the first example of how the duration of endosomal ERK activation can be guided by ICL3. The results provide a framework for how changes in GPCR variant expression can impact developmental and homeostatic processes and may be contributory to maladaptive neuroplasticity underlying chronic pain and stress-related disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianing Li
- Department of Chemistry, University of Vermont, 82 University Place, Burlington, VT, 05405, USA.
| | - Jacob M Remington
- Department of Chemistry, University of Vermont, 82 University Place, Burlington, VT, 05405, USA
| | - Chenyi Liao
- Department of Chemistry, University of Vermont, 82 University Place, Burlington, VT, 05405, USA
| | - Rodney L Parsons
- Department of Neurological Sciences, University of Vermont College of Medicine, 149 Beaumont Avenue, Burlington, VT, 05405, USA
| | - Severin Schneebeli
- Department of Chemistry, University of Vermont, 82 University Place, Burlington, VT, 05405, USA
| | - Karen M Braas
- Department of Neurological Sciences, University of Vermont College of Medicine, 149 Beaumont Avenue, Burlington, VT, 05405, USA
| | - Victor May
- Department of Neurological Sciences, University of Vermont College of Medicine, 149 Beaumont Avenue, Burlington, VT, 05405, USA.
| | - Matthias Brewer
- Department of Chemistry, University of Vermont, 82 University Place, Burlington, VT, 05405, USA
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15
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Mohamud A, Zeghal M, Patel S, Laroche G, Blgacim N, Giguère PM. Functional Characterization of Sodium Channel Inhibitors at the Delta-Opioid Receptor. ACS OMEGA 2022; 7:16939-16951. [PMID: 35647460 PMCID: PMC9134235 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.1c07226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Existing pharmacotherapies acting on the opioid receptor system have been extensively used to treat chronic pain and addictive disorders. Nevertheless, the adverse side effects associated with opioid therapy underscore the need for concerted measures to develop safer analgesics. A promising avenue of research stems from the characterization of a sodium-dependent allosteric regulation site housed within the delta-opioid receptor and several other G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), thereby revealing the presence of a cluster of sodium and water molecules lodged in a cavity thought to be present only in the inactive conformation of the receptor. Studies into the structure-function relationship of said pocket demonstrated its critical involvement in the functional control of GPCR signaling. While the sodium pocket has been proposed to be present in the majority of class A GPCRs, the shape of this allosteric cavity appears to have significant structural variation among crystallographically solved GPCRs, making this site optimal for the design of new allosteric modulators that will be selective for opioid receptors. The size of the sodium pocket supports the accommodation of small molecules, and it has been speculated that promiscuous amiloride and 5'-substituted amiloride-related derivatives could target this cavity within many GPCRs, including opioid receptors. Using pharmacological approaches, we have described the selectivities of 5'-substituted amiloride-related derivatives, as well as the hitherto undescribed activity of the NHE1 inhibitor zoniporide toward class A GPCRs. Our investigations into the structural features of the delta-opioid receptor and its ensuing signaling activities suggest a bitopic mode of overlapping interactions involving the orthosteric site and the juxtaposed Na+ pocket, but only at the active or partially active opioid receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdulhamid
O. Mohamud
- Department
of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H8M5, Canada
| | - Manel Zeghal
- Department
of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H8M5, Canada
| | - Shivani Patel
- Department
of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H8M5, Canada
| | - Geneviève Laroche
- Department
of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H8M5, Canada
| | - Nuria Blgacim
- Department
of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H8M5, Canada
| | - Patrick M. Giguère
- Department
of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H8M5, Canada
- Brain
and Mind Research Institute, University
of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H8M5, Canada
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16
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Abstract
This paper is the forty-third consecutive installment of the annual anthological review of research concerning the endogenous opioid system, summarizing articles published during 2020 that studied the behavioral effects of molecular, pharmacological and genetic manipulation of opioid peptides and receptors as well as effects of opioid/opiate agonists and antagonists. The review is subdivided into the following specific topics: molecular-biochemical effects and neurochemical localization studies of endogenous opioids and their receptors (1), the roles of these opioid peptides and receptors in pain and analgesia in animals (2) and humans (3), opioid-sensitive and opioid-insensitive effects of nonopioid analgesics (4), opioid peptide and receptor involvement in tolerance and dependence (5), stress and social status (6), learning and memory (7), eating and drinking (8), drug abuse and alcohol (9), sexual activity and hormones, pregnancy, development and endocrinology (10), mental illness and mood (11), seizures and neurologic disorders (12), electrical-related activity and neurophysiology (13), general activity and locomotion (14), gastrointestinal, renal and hepatic functions (15), cardiovascular responses (16), respiration and thermoregulation (17), and immunological responses (18).
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard J Bodnar
- Department of Psychology and Neuropsychology Doctoral Sub-Program, Queens College, City University of New York, Flushing, NY, 11367, United States.
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17
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Xie B, Goldberg A, Shi L. A comprehensive evaluation of the potential binding poses of fentanyl and its analogs at the µ-opioid receptor. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2022; 20:2309-2321. [PMID: 35615021 PMCID: PMC9123087 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2022.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2022] [Revised: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Fentanyl and its analogs are selective agonists of the µ-opioid receptor (MOR). Among novel synthetic opioids (NSOs), they dominate the recreational drug market and are the main culprits for the opioid crisis, which has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. By taking advantage of the crystal structures of the MOR, several groups have investigated the binding mechanism of fentanyl, but have not reached a consensus, in terms of both the binding orientation and the fentanyl conformation. Thus, the binding mechanism of fentanyl at the MOR remains an unsolved and challenging question. Here, we carried out a systematic computational study to investigate the preferred fentanyl conformations, and how these conformations are being accommodated in the MOR binding pocket. We characterized the free energy landscape of fentanyl conformations with metadynamics simulations, and compared and evaluated several possible fentanyl binding conditions in the MOR with long-timescale molecular dynamics simulations. Our results indicate that the most preferred binding pose in the MOR binding pocket corresponds well with the global minimum on the energy landscape of fentanyl in the absence of the receptor, while the energy landscape can be reconfigured by modifying the fentanyl scaffold. The interactions with the receptor may stabilize a slightly unfavored fentanyl conformation in an alternative binding pose. By extending similar investigations to fentanyl analogs, our findings establish a structure–activity relationship of fentanyl binding at the MOR. In addition to providing a structural basis to understand the potential toxicity of the emerging NSOs, such insights will contribute to developing new, safer analgesics.
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18
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Wang H, Hetzer F, Huang W, Qu Q, Meyerowitz J, Kaindl J, Hübner H, Skiniotis G, Kobilka BK, Gmeiner P. Strukturbasierte Entwicklung von G‐Protein bevorzugenden μ‐Opioidrezeptor Agonisten. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.202200269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Haoqing Wang
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology Stanford University School of Medicine Stanford, CA USA
| | - Florian Hetzer
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg Nikolaus-Fiebiger-Strasse 10 91058 Erlangen Deutschland
| | - Weijiao Huang
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology Stanford University School of Medicine Stanford, CA USA
| | - Qianhui Qu
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology Department of Structural Biology Stanford University School of Medicine Stanford, CA USA
- Derzeitige Adresse: Shanghai Stomatological Hospital Institutes of Biomedical Sciences Fudan University Shanghai 200032 China
| | - Justin Meyerowitz
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology Department of Structural Biology Stanford University School of Medicine Stanford, CA USA
| | - Jonas Kaindl
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg Nikolaus-Fiebiger-Strasse 10 91058 Erlangen Deutschland
| | - Harald Hübner
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg Nikolaus-Fiebiger-Strasse 10 91058 Erlangen Deutschland
| | - Georgios Skiniotis
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology Department of Structural Biology Stanford University School of Medicine Stanford, CA USA
| | - Brian K. Kobilka
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology Stanford University School of Medicine Stanford, CA USA
| | - Peter Gmeiner
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg Nikolaus-Fiebiger-Strasse 10 91058 Erlangen Deutschland
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19
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The Potential of Methocinnamox as a Future Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder: A Narrative Review. PHARMACY 2022; 10:pharmacy10030048. [PMID: 35645327 PMCID: PMC9149874 DOI: 10.3390/pharmacy10030048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Revised: 04/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The opioid epidemic is an ongoing public health crisis, and the United States health system is overwhelmed with increasing numbers of opioid-related overdoses. Methocinnamox (MCAM) is a novel mu opioid receptor antagonist with an extended duration of action. MCAM has potential to reduce the burden of the opioid epidemic by being used as an overdose rescue treatment and a long-term treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD). The currently available treatments for OUD include naloxone, naltrexone, and methadone. These treatments have certain limitations, which include short duration of action, patient non-compliance, and diversion. A narrative review was conducted using PubMed and Google Scholar databases covering the history of the opioid epidemic, pain receptors, current OUD treatments and the novel drug MCAM. MCAM could potentially be used as both a rescue and long-term treatment for opioid misuse. This is due to its pseudo-irreversible antagonism of the mu opioid receptor, abnormally long duration of action of nearly two weeks, and the possibility of using kappa or delta opioid receptor agonists for pain management during OUD treatment. MCAM’s novel pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties open a new avenue for treating opioid misuse.
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20
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Wang X, Bushra N, Muschol M, Madsen JJ, Ye L. An in-membrane NMR spectroscopic approach probing native ligand-GPCR interaction. Int J Biol Macromol 2022; 206:911-916. [PMID: 35318080 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2022.03.099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2021] [Revised: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Conventional approaches to study ligand-receptor interactions using solution-state NMR often involve laborious sample preparation, isotopic labeling, and receptor reconstitution. Each of these steps remains challenging for membrane proteins such as G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). Here we introduce a combinational approach integrating NMR and homogenized membrane nano-discs preparation to characterize the ligand-GPCR interactions. The approach will have a great potential for drug screening as it benefits from minimal receptor preparation, minimizing non-specific binding. In addition, the approach maintains receptor structural heterogeneity essential for functional diversity, making it feasible for probing a more reliable ligand-GPCR interaction that is vital for faithful ligand discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xudong Wang
- Department of Cell Biology, Microbiology and Molecular Biology, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33620, USA
| | - Nabila Bushra
- Department of Physics, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33620, USA
| | - Martin Muschol
- Department of Physics, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33620, USA
| | - Jesper J Madsen
- Global and Planetary Health, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA; Department of Molecular Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Libin Ye
- Department of Cell Biology, Microbiology and Molecular Biology, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33620, USA; H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, 12902 USF Magnolia Drive, Tampa, FL 33612, USA.
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21
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Zhang F, Yuan Y, Chen Y, Chen J, Guo Y, Pu X. Molecular insights into the allosteric coupling mechanism between an agonist and two different transducers for μ-opioid receptors. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2022; 24:5282-5293. [PMID: 35170592 DOI: 10.1039/d1cp05736g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) as the most important class of pharmacological targets regulate G-protein and β-arrestin-mediated signaling through allosteric interplay, which are responsible for different biochemical and physiological actions like therapeutic efficacy and side effects. However, the allosteric mechanism underlying preferentially recruiting one transducer versus the other has been poorly understood, limiting drug design. Motivated by this issue, we utilize accelerated molecular dynamics simulation coupled with potential of mean force (PMF), molecular mechanics Poisson Boltzmann surface area (MM/PBSA) and protein structure network (PSN) to study two ternary complex systems of a representative class A GPCR (μ-opioid receptor (μOR)) bound by an agonist and one specific transducer (G-protein and β-arrestin). The results show that no significant difference exists in the whole structure of μOR between two transducer couplings, but displays transducer-dependent changes in the intracellular binding region of μOR, where the β-arrestin coupling results in a narrower crevice with TM7 inward movement compared with the G-protein. In addition, both the G-protein and β-arrestin coupling can increase the binding affinity of the agonist to the receptor. However, the interactions between the agonist and μOR also exhibit transducer-specific changes, in particular for the interaction with ECL2 that plays an important role in recruiting β-arrestin. The allosteric network analysis further indicates that Y1483.33, F1523.37, F1563.41, N1914.49, T1603.45, Y1062.42, W2936.48, F2896.44, I2485.54 and Y2525.58 play important roles in equally activating G-protein and β-arrestin. In contrast, M1613.46 and R1653.50 devote important contributions to preferentially recruit G-protein while D1643.49 and R179ICL2 are revealed to be important for selectively activating β-arrestin. The observations provide useful information for understanding the biased activation mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fuhui Zhang
- Faculty of Chemistry, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610064, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yuan Yuan
- College of Management, Southwest University for Nationalities, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Yichi Chen
- Faculty of Chemistry, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610064, People's Republic of China.
| | - Jianfang Chen
- Faculty of Chemistry, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610064, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yanzhi Guo
- Faculty of Chemistry, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610064, People's Republic of China.
| | - Xuemei Pu
- Faculty of Chemistry, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610064, People's Republic of China.
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22
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Tokmakova A, Kim D, Goddard WA, Liggett SB. Biased β-Agonists Favoring Gs over β-Arrestin for Individualized Treatment of Obstructive Lung Disease. J Pers Med 2022; 12:jpm12030331. [PMID: 35330331 PMCID: PMC8955194 DOI: 10.3390/jpm12030331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Revised: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Signals from G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are the most frequently targeted pathways of currently prescribed therapeutics. Rather than being a simple switch, it is now evident that a given receptor can directly initiate multiple signals, and biasing to achieve signal selectivity based on agonist structure is possible. Biased agonists could direct therapeutically favorable pathways while avoiding counterproductive or adverse reaction pathways. For obstructive lung diseases, β2-adrenergic receptor (β2AR) agonists act at these receptors on airway smooth muscle (ASM) cells to open the airways by relaxing ASM, improving airflow and morbidity. However, these receptors signal to the G protein Gs (increasing cAMP and promoting relaxation), but also to β-arrestin (promoting desensitization and a loss of effectiveness). Indeed, β-agonist use is associated with adverse events in asthma pathogenesis and clinical outcomes which are related to desensitization. β-agonists favoring Gs coupling over β-arrestin binding would provide a means of tailoring bronchodilator therapy. In this review, we show how combinatorial methods with a 40 million compound agnostic library led to a new class of biased β-agonists that do not desensitize, providing an opportunity to personalize therapy in patients who experience poor efficacy or adverse effects from traditional balanced agonists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alina Tokmakova
- Program in Biophysics, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94102, USA;
| | - Donghwa Kim
- Department of Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA;
- Center for Personized Medicine and Genomics, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - William A. Goddard
- Materials and Process Simulation Center, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA;
| | - Stephen B. Liggett
- Department of Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA;
- Center for Personized Medicine and Genomics, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology and Department of Medical Engineering, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-813-974-7715
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23
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Grothusen J, Lin W, Xi J, Zanni G, Barr GA, Liu R. Dezocine is a Biased Ligand without Significant Beta-Arrestin Activation of the mu Opioid Receptor. TRANSLATIONAL PERIOPERATIVE AND PAIN MEDICINE 2022; 9:424-429. [PMID: 35572183 PMCID: PMC9097853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Dezocine is an opioid that was used in clinical practice for acute pain management in the US (1986 to 2011) and is currently in use in China. It is not listed as a controlled substance in the US due to no reported cases of addiction. Dezocine is a partial agonist at the mu opioid receptor (MOR); however, it is unclear whether dezocine can activate both the G protein pathway and the beta-arrestin pathway. In this study we hypothesized that dezocine does not activate the beta-arrestin pathway, which could be the potential molecular mechanism by which dezocine is not addictive or at least less addictive than other classic opioids. Both morphine, a MOR full agonist and buprenorphine, a partial MOR agonist similar to dezocine, were used for comparison purposes. The major side effects of dezocine in clinical usage are its gastrointestinal side effects and first pass effects; therefore, we explored the possibility of administering dezocine intranasally in rodents to demonstrate the feasibility of intranasal administration for new clinical usage purposes. With proper formulation it is possible to administer dezocine intranasally to achieve a high concentration in the brain in the rodent model. The results indicate that dezocine does not activate the beta-arrestin pathway in MOR. Intranasal delivery of dezocine achieves a much higher medication concentration in the blood and brain as compared to intraperitoneal injection. It also persists a longer time before it falls below detection in the blood. This study provides a possible explanation of why dezocine is not addictive or at least less addictive than other commonly used opioids. This study also demonstrates that intranasal administration offers an alternative strategy for its potential clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Grothusen
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Wenzhen Lin
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, USA,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Preclinical Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, China
| | - Jin Xi
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Giulia Zanni
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, USA,Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, USA
| | - Gordon A. Barr
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, USA,Corresponding Authors: Renyu Liu, MD, PhD, Professor, Departments of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, and Neurology, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, 336 John Morgan building, 3620 Hamilton Walk, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA, ; Gordon Barr, PhD, Department of Anesthesiology, Children Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA,
| | - Renyu Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, USA,Corresponding Authors: Renyu Liu, MD, PhD, Professor, Departments of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, and Neurology, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, 336 John Morgan building, 3620 Hamilton Walk, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA, ; Gordon Barr, PhD, Department of Anesthesiology, Children Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA,
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Sharma VK, Yang X, Kim SK, Mafi A, Saiz-Sanchez D, Villanueva-Anguita P, Xiao L, Inoue A, Goddard WA, Loh YP. Novel interaction between neurotrophic factor-α1/carboxypeptidase E and serotonin receptor, 5-HTR1E, protects human neurons against oxidative/neuroexcitotoxic stress via β-arrestin/ERK signaling. Cell Mol Life Sci 2021; 79:24. [PMID: 34966948 PMCID: PMC8732845 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-021-04021-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Revised: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Protecting neurons from death during oxidative and neuroexcitotoxic stress is key for preventing cognitive dysfunction. We uncovered a novel neuroprotective mechanism involving interaction between neurotrophic factor-α1 (NF-α1/carboxypeptidase E, CPE) and human 5-HTR1E, a G protein-coupled serotonin receptor with no previously known neurological function. Co-immunoprecipitation and pull-down assays confirmed interaction between NFα1/CPE and 5-HTR1E and 125I NF-α1/CPE-binding studies demonstrated saturable, high-affinity binding to 5-HTR1E in stably transfected HEK293 cells (Kd = 13.82 nM). Treatment of 5-HTR1E stable cells with NF-α1/CPE increased pERK 1/2 and pCREB levels which prevented a decrease in pro-survival protein, BCL2, during H2O2-induced oxidative stress. Cell survival assay in β-arrestin Knockout HEK293 cells showed that the NF-α1/CPE-5-HTR1E-mediated protection against oxidative stress was β-arrestin-dependent. Molecular dynamics studies revealed that NF-α1/CPE interacts with 5-HTR1E via 3 salt bridges, stabilized by several hydrogen bonds, independent of the serotonin pocket. Furthermore, after phosphorylating the C-terminal tail and intracellular loop 3 (ICL3) of NF-α1/CPE-5-HTR1E, it recruited β-arrestin1 by forming numerous salt bridges and hydrogen bonds to ICL2 and ICL3, leading to activation of β-arrestin1. Immunofluorescence studies showed 5-HTR1E and NF-α1/CPE are highly expressed and co-localized on cell surface of human hippocampal neurons. Importantly, knock-down of 5-HTR1E in human primary neurons diminished the NF-α1/CPE-mediated protection of these neurons against oxidative stress and glutamate neurotoxicity-induced cell death. Thus, NF-α1/CPE uniquely interacts with serotonin receptor 5-HTR1E to activate the β-arrestin/ERK/CREB/BCL2 pathway to mediate stress-induced neuroprotection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinay Kumar Sharma
- Section on Cellular Neurobiology, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, 49, Convent Drive, Bldg 49, Rm 6A-10, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Xuyu Yang
- Section on Cellular Neurobiology, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, 49, Convent Drive, Bldg 49, Rm 6A-10, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Soo-Kyung Kim
- Materials and Process Simulation Center, California Institute of Technology, Pasedena, CA, 91125, USA
| | - Amirhossein Mafi
- Materials and Process Simulation Center, California Institute of Technology, Pasedena, CA, 91125, USA
| | - Daniel Saiz-Sanchez
- Neuroplasticity and Neurodegeneration Laboratory, Medical School, Regional Center for Biomedical Research, University of Castilla-La Mancha, 13071, Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Patricia Villanueva-Anguita
- Neuroplasticity and Neurodegeneration Laboratory, Medical School, Regional Center for Biomedical Research, University of Castilla-La Mancha, 13071, Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Lan Xiao
- Section on Cellular Neurobiology, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, 49, Convent Drive, Bldg 49, Rm 6A-10, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Asuka Inoue
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai, Miyagi, 980-8578, Japan
| | - William A Goddard
- Materials and Process Simulation Center, California Institute of Technology, Pasedena, CA, 91125, USA.
| | - Y Peng Loh
- Section on Cellular Neurobiology, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, 49, Convent Drive, Bldg 49, Rm 6A-10, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA.
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25
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Identification and characterization of an atypical Gαs-biased β 2AR agonist that fails to evoke airway smooth muscle cell tachyphylaxis. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:2026668118. [PMID: 34857633 PMCID: PMC8670521 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2026668118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
We sought β2AR agonists for treating obstructive lung diseases such as asthma, in which this receptor relaxes airway smooth muscle (ASM) cells and opens airways. Agonists favoring Gs coupling (leads to airway relaxation) compared with activating β-arrestin (limits effectiveness due to receptor desensitization) were pursued in a 40-million-compound screening library. Of several agonists identified, one was apparently biased away from β-arrestin. Agonist–receptor–G protein modeling revealed different receptor interactions compared with other agonists. The favorable effects of the apparent biasing with this agonist were demonstrated in a physiologic system (ASM relaxation). These studies point to a different structural class of β-agonists that might be used to treat obstructive lung diseases without the adverse effects associated with tachyphylaxis. G protein–coupled receptors display multifunctional signaling, offering the potential for agonist structures to promote conformational selectivity for biased outputs. For β2-adrenergic receptors (β2AR), unbiased agonists stabilize conformation(s) that evoke coupling to Gαs (cyclic adenosine monophosphate [cAMP] production/human airway smooth muscle [HASM] cell relaxation) and β-arrestin engagement, the latter acting to quench Gαs signaling, contributing to receptor desensitization/tachyphylaxis. We screened a 40-million-compound scaffold ranking library, revealing unanticipated agonists with dihydroimidazolyl-butyl-cyclic urea scaffolds. The S-stereoisomer of compound C1 shows no detectable β-arrestin engagement/signaling by four methods. However, C1-S retained Gαs signaling—a divergence of the outputs favorable for treating asthma. Functional studies with two models confirmed the biasing: β2AR-mediated cAMP signaling underwent desensitization to the unbiased agonist albuterol but not to C1-S, and desensitization of HASM cell relaxation was observed with albuterol but not with C1-S. These HASM results indicate biologically pertinent biasing of C1-S, in the context of the relevant physiologic response, in the human cell type of interest. Thus, C1-S was apparently strongly biased away from β-arrestin, in contrast to albuterol and C5-S. C1-S structural modeling and simulations revealed binding differences compared with unbiased epinephrine at transmembrane (TM) segments 3,5,6,7 and ECL2. C1-S (R2 = cyclohexane) was repositioned in the pocket such that it lost a TM6 interaction and gained a TM7 interaction compared with the analogous unbiased C5-S (R2 = benzene group), which appears to contribute to C1-S biasing away from β-arrestin. Thus, an agnostic large chemical-space library identified agonists with receptor interactions that resulted in relevant signal splitting of β2AR actions favorable for treating obstructive lung disease.
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Mafi A, Kim SK, Chou KC, Güthrie B, Goddard WA. Predicted Structure of Fully Activated Tas1R3/1R3' Homodimer Bound to G Protein and Natural Sugars: Structural Insights into G Protein Activation by a Class C Sweet Taste Homodimer with Natural Sugars. J Am Chem Soc 2021; 143:16824-16838. [PMID: 34585929 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.1c08839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The Tas1R3 G protein-coupled receptor constitutes the main component of sweet taste sensory response in humans via forming a heterodimer with Tas1R2 or a homodimer with Tas1R3. The Tas1R3/1R3' homodimer serves as a low-affinity sweet taste receptor, stimulating gustducin G protein (GGust) signaling in the presence of a high concentration of natural sugars. This provides an additional means to detect the taste of natural sugars, thereby differentiating the flavors between natural sugars and artificial sweeteners. We report here the predicted 3D structure of active state Tas1R3/1R3' homodimer complexed with heterotrimeric GGust and sucrose. We discovered that the GGust makes ionic anchors to intracellular loops 1 and 2 of Tas1R3 while the Gα-α5 helix engages the cytoplasmic region extensively through salt bridge and hydrophobic interactions. We show that in the activation of this complex the Venus flytrap domains of the homodimer undergo a remarkable twist up to ∼100° rotation around the vertical axis to adopt a closed-closed conformation while the intracellular region relaxes to an open-open conformation. We find that binding of sucrose to the homodimer stabilizes a preactivated conformation with a largely open intracellular region that recruits and activates the GGust. Upon activation, the Gα subunit spontaneously opens up the nucleotide-binding site, making nucleotide exchange facile for signaling. This activation of GGust promotes the interdomain twist of the Venus flytrap domains. These structures and transformations could potentially be a basis for the design of new sweeteners with higher activity and less unpleasant flavors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amirhossein Mafi
- Materials and Process Simulation Center (139-74), California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California 91125, United States
| | - Soo-Kyung Kim
- Materials and Process Simulation Center (139-74), California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California 91125, United States
| | - Keng C Chou
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z1, Canada
| | - Brian Güthrie
- Cargill Global Food Research, Wayzata, Minnesota 55391, United States
| | - William A Goddard
- Materials and Process Simulation Center (139-74), California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California 91125, United States
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27
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Barreto CAV, Baptista SJ, Preto AJ, Silvério D, Melo R, Moreira IS. Decoding Partner Specificity of Opioid Receptor Family. Front Mol Biosci 2021; 8:715215. [PMID: 34621786 PMCID: PMC8490921 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.715215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
This paper describes an exciting big data analysis compiled in a freely available database, which can be applied to characterize the coupling of different G-Protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) families with their intracellular partners. Opioid receptor (OR) family was used as case study in order to gain further insights into the physiological properties of these important drug targets, known to be associated with the opioid crisis, a huge socio-economic issue directly related to drug abuse. An extensive characterization of all members of the ORs family (μ (MOR), δ (DOR), κ (KOR), nociceptin (NOP)) and their corresponding binding partners (ARRs: Arr2, Arr3; G-protein: Gi1, Gi2, Gi3, Go, Gob, Gz, Gq, G11, G14, G15, G12, Gssh, Gslo) was carried out. A multi-step approach including models' construction (multiple sequence alignment, homology modeling), complex assembling (protein complex refinement with HADDOCK and complex equilibration), and protein-protein interface characterization (including both structural and dynamics analysis) were performed. Our database can be easily applied to several GPCR sub-families, to determine the key structural and dynamical determinants involved in GPCR coupling selectivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos A. V. Barreto
- CNC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Cantanhede, Portugal
- PhD Programme in Experimental Biology and Biomedicine, Institute for Interdisciplinary Research (IIIUC), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Salete J. Baptista
- CNC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Cantanhede, Portugal
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - António J. Preto
- CNC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Cantanhede, Portugal
- PhD Programme in Experimental Biology and Biomedicine, Institute for Interdisciplinary Research (IIIUC), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Daniel Silvério
- CNC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Cantanhede, Portugal
| | - Rita Melo
- CNC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Cantanhede, Portugal
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Irina S. Moreira
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
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28
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Rodriguez-Contreras D, Condon AF, Buck DC, Asad N, Dore TM, Verbeek DS, Tijssen MAJ, Shinde U, Williams JT, Neve KA. Signaling-Biased and Constitutively Active Dopamine D2 Receptor Variant. ACS Chem Neurosci 2021; 12:1873-1884. [PMID: 33974399 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.0c00712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
A dopamine D2 receptor mutation was recently identified in a family with a novel hyperkinetic movement disorder. Compared to the wild type D2 receptor, the novel allelic variant D2-I212F activates a Gαi1β1γ2 heterotrimer with higher potency and modestly enhanced basal activity in human embryonic kidney (HEK) 293 cells and has decreased capacity to recruit arrestin3. We now report that omitting overexpressed G protein-coupled receptor kinase-2 (GRK2) decreased the potency and efficacy of quinpirole for arrestin recruitment. The relative efficacy of quinpirole for arrestin recruitment to D2-I212F compared to D2-WT was considerably lower without overexpressed GRK2 than with added GRK2. D2-I212F exhibited higher basal activation of GαoA than Gαi1 but little or no increase in the potency of quinpirole relative to D2-WT. Other signs of D2-I212F constitutive activity for G protein-mediated signaling, in addition to basal activation of Gαi/o, were enhanced basal inhibition of forskolin-stimulated cyclic AMP accumulation that was reversed by the inverse agonists sulpiride and spiperone and a ∼4-fold increase in the apparent affinity of D2-I212F for quinpirole, determined from competition binding assays. In mouse midbrain slices, inhibition of tonic current by the inverse agonist sulpiride in dopamine neurons expressing D2-I212F was consistent with our hypothesis of enhanced constitutive activity and sensitivity to dopamine relative to D2-WT. Molecular dynamics simulations with D2 receptor models suggested that an ionic lock between the cytoplasmic ends of the third and sixth α-helices that constrains many G protein-coupled receptors in an inactive conformation spontaneously breaks in D2-I212F. Overall, these results confirm that D2-I212F is a constitutively active and signaling-biased D2 receptor mutant and also suggest that the effect of the likely pathogenic variant in a given brain region will depend on the nature of G protein and GRK expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dayana Rodriguez-Contreras
- Research Service, VA Portland Health Care System, and Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon 97239, United States
| | - Alec F. Condon
- Vollum Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon 97239, United States
| | - David C. Buck
- Research Service, VA Portland Health Care System, Portland, Oregon 97239, United States
| | - Naeem Asad
- New York University Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island, PO Box 129188, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Timothy M. Dore
- New York University Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island, PO Box 129188, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Dineke S. Verbeek
- Expertise Center Movement Disorders and Department of Genetics, University of Groningen, 9700 AB Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Marina A. J. Tijssen
- Expertise Center Movement Disorders and Department of Neurology, University of Groningen, 9700 AB Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Ujwal Shinde
- Department of Chemical Physiology & Biochemistry, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon 97239, United States
| | - John T. Williams
- Vollum Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon 97239, United States
| | - Kim A. Neve
- Research Service, VA Portland Health Care System, and Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon 97239, United States
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Wanka L, Behr V, Beck-Sickinger AG. Arrestin-dependent internalization of rhodopsin-like G protein-coupled receptors. Biol Chem 2021; 403:133-149. [PMID: 34036761 DOI: 10.1515/hsz-2021-0128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
The internalization of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) is an important mechanism regulating the signal strength and limiting the opportunity of receptor activation. Based on the importance of GPCRs, the detailed knowledge about the regulation of signal transduction is crucial. Here, current knowledge about the agonist-induced, arrestin-dependent internalization process of rhodopsin-like GPCRs is reviewed. Arrestins are conserved molecules that act as key players within the internalization process of many GPCRs. Based on highly conserved structural characteristics within the rhodopsin-like GPCRs, the identification of arrestin interaction sites in model systems can be compared and used for the investigation of internalization processes of other receptors. The increasing understanding of this essential regulation mechanism of receptors can be used for drug development targeting rhodopsin-like GPCRs. Here, we focus on the neuropeptide Y receptor family, as these receptors transmit various physiological processes such as food intake, energy homeostasis, and regulation of emotional behavior, and are further involved in pathophysiological processes like cancer, obesity and mood disorders. Hence, this receptor family represents an interesting target for the development of novel therapeutics requiring the understanding of the regulatory mechanisms influencing receptor mediated signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lizzy Wanka
- Institute of Biochemistry, Faculty of Life Sciences, Leipzig University, Brüderstr. 34, D-04103Leipzig, Germany
| | - Victoria Behr
- Institute of Biochemistry, Faculty of Life Sciences, Leipzig University, Brüderstr. 34, D-04103Leipzig, Germany
| | - Annette G Beck-Sickinger
- Institute of Biochemistry, Faculty of Life Sciences, Leipzig University, Brüderstr. 34, D-04103Leipzig, Germany
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30
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Predicted structure of fully activated human bitter taste receptor TAS2R4 complexed with G protein and agonists. QRB DISCOVERY 2021. [PMID: 37529671 PMCID: PMC10392674 DOI: 10.1017/qrd.2021.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Bitter taste is sensed by bitter taste receptors (TAS2Rs) that belong to the G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) superfamily. In addition to bitter taste perception, TAS2Rs have been reported recently to be expressed in many extraoral tissues and are now known to be involved in health and disease. Despite important roles of TAS2Rs in biological functions and diseases, no crystal structure is available to help understand the signal transduction mechanism or to help develop selective ligands as new therapeutic targets. We report here the three-dimensional structure of the fully activated TAS2R4 human bitter taste receptor predicted using the GEnSeMBLE complete sampling method. This TAS2R4 structure is coupled to the gustducin G protein and to each of several agonists. We find that the G protein couples to TAS2R4 by forming strong salt bridges to each of the three intracellular loops, orienting the activated Gα5 helix of the Gα subunit to interact extensively with the cytoplasmic region of the activated receptor. We find that the TAS2Rs exhibit unique motifs distinct from typical Class A GPCRs, leading to a distinct activation mechanism and a less stable inactive state. This fully activated bitter taste receptor complex structure provides insight into the signal transduction mechanism and into ligand binding to TAS2Rs.
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31
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Kim D, Castaño M, Lujan LK, Woo JA, Liggett SB. The short third intracellular loop and cytoplasmic tail of bitter taste receptors provide functionally relevant GRK phosphorylation sites in TAS2R14. J Biol Chem 2021; 296:100216. [PMID: 33465377 PMCID: PMC7949105 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra120.016056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2020] [Revised: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
For most G protein–coupled receptors, the third intracellular loop (IL3) and carboxy-terminal tail (CT) are sites for G protein–coupled receptor kinase (GRK)–mediated phosphorylation, leading to β-arrestin binding and agonist-specific desensitization. These regions of bitter taste receptors (TAS2Rs) are extremely short compared with the superfamily, and their function in desensitization is unknown. TAS2R14 expressed on human airway smooth muscle cells relax the cell, suggesting a novel target for bronchodilators. To assess IL3 and CT in agonist-promoted TAS2R14 desensitization (tachyphylaxis), we generated fusion proteins of both the WT sequence and Ala substituted for Ser/Thr in the IL3 and CT sequences. In vitro, activated GRK2 phosphorylated WT IL3 and WT CT proteins but not Ala-substituted forms. TAS2R14s with mutations in IL3 (IL-5A), CT (CT-5A), and in both regions (IL/CT-10A) were expressed in human embryonic kidney 293T cells. IL/CT-10A and CT-5A failed to undergo desensitization of the intracellular calcium response compared with WT, indicating that functional desensitization by GRK phosphorylation is at residues in the CT. Desensitization of TAS2R14 was blocked by GRK2 knockdown in human airway smooth muscle cells. Receptor:β-arrestin binding was absent in IL/CT-10A and CT-5A and reduced in IL-5A, indicating a role for IL3 phosphorylation in the β-arrestin interaction for this function. Agonist-promoted internalization of IL-5A and CT-5A receptors was impaired, and they failed to colocalize with early endosomes. Thus, agonist-promoted functional desensitization of TAS2R14 occurs by GRK phosphorylation of CT residues and β-arrestin binding. However, β-arrestin function in the internalization and trafficking of the receptor also requires GRK phosphorylation of IL3 residues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donghwa Kim
- Department of Medicine, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Maria Castaño
- Department of Medicine, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Lauren K Lujan
- Department of Medicine, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Jung A Woo
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Stephen B Liggett
- Departments of Medicine and Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, Florida, USA.
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32
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Piekielna-Ciesielska J, Artali R, Azzam AAH, Lambert DG, Kluczyk A, Gentilucci L, Janecka A. Pharmacological Characterization of µ-Opioid Receptor Agonists with Biased G Protein or β-Arrestin Signaling, and Computational Study of Conformational Changes during Receptor Activation. Molecules 2020; 26:E13. [PMID: 33375124 PMCID: PMC7792944 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26010013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2020] [Revised: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, G protein vs. β-arrestin biased agonism at opioid receptors has been proposed as an opportunity to produce antinociception with reduced adverse effects. However, at present this approach is highly debated, a reason why more information about biased ligands is required. While the practical relevance of bias in the case of µ-opioid receptors (MOP) still needs to be validated, it remains important to understand the basis of this bias of MOP (and other GPCRs). Recently, we reported two cyclopeptides with high affinity for MOP, the G protein biased Dmt-c[d-Lys-Phe-pCF3-Phe-Asp]NH2 (F-81), and the β-arrestin 2 biased Dmt-c[d-Lys-Phe-Asp]NH2 (C-33), as determined by calcium mobilization assay and bioluminescence resonance energy transfer-based assay. The biased character of F-81 and C-33 has been further analyzed in the [35S]GTPγS binding assay in human MOP-expressing cells, and the PathHunter enzyme complementation assay, used to measure β-arrestin 2 recruitment. To investigate the structural features of peptide-MOP complexes, we performed conformational analysis by NMR spectroscopy, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics simulation. These studies predicted that the two ligands form alternative complexes with MOP, engaging specific ligand-receptor contacts. This would induce different displays of the cytosolic side of the seven-helices bundle, in particular by stabilizing different angulations of helix 6, that could favor intracellular coupling to either G protein or β-arrestin.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Roberto Artali
- Scientia Advice, di Roberto Artali, Desio, 20832 Monza and Brianza, Italy;
| | - Ammar A. H. Azzam
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Leicester, Anaesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Management, Leicester Royal Infirmary, Leicester LE27LX, UK; (A.A.H.A.); (D.G.L.)
- College of Pharmacy, University of Babylon, Babylon 51002, Iraq
| | - David G. Lambert
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Leicester, Anaesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Management, Leicester Royal Infirmary, Leicester LE27LX, UK; (A.A.H.A.); (D.G.L.)
| | - Alicja Kluczyk
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Wroclaw, F. Joliot-Curie 14, 50-383 Wroclaw, Poland;
| | - Luca Gentilucci
- Department of Chemistry “G. Ciamician”, University of Bologna, Via Selmi 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Anna Janecka
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, Medical University of Lodz, Mazowiecka 6/8, 92-215 Lodz, Poland;
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Azevedo Neto J, Costanzini A, De Giorgio R, Lambert DG, Ruzza C, Calò G. Biased versus Partial Agonism in the Search for Safer Opioid Analgesics. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25173870. [PMID: 32854452 PMCID: PMC7504468 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25173870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2020] [Revised: 08/21/2020] [Accepted: 08/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Opioids such as morphine—acting at the mu opioid receptor—are the mainstay for treatment of moderate to severe pain and have good efficacy in these indications. However, these drugs produce a plethora of unwanted adverse effects including respiratory depression, constipation, immune suppression and with prolonged treatment, tolerance, dependence and abuse liability. Studies in β-arrestin 2 gene knockout (βarr2(−/−)) animals indicate that morphine analgesia is potentiated while side effects are reduced, suggesting that drugs biased away from arrestin may manifest with a reduced-side-effect profile. However, there is controversy in this area with improvement of morphine-induced constipation and reduced respiratory effects in βarr2(−/−) mice. Moreover, studies performed with mice genetically engineered with G-protein-biased mu receptors suggested increased sensitivity of these animals to both analgesic actions and side effects of opioid drugs. Several new molecules have been identified as mu receptor G-protein-biased agonists, including oliceridine (TRV130), PZM21 and SR–17018. These compounds have provided preclinical data with apparent support for bias toward G proteins and the genetic premise of effective and safer analgesics. There are clinical data for oliceridine that have been very recently approved for short term intravenous use in hospitals and other controlled settings. While these data are compelling and provide a potential new pathway-based target for drug discovery, a simpler explanation for the behavior of these biased agonists revolves around differences in intrinsic activity. A highly detailed study comparing oliceridine, PZM21 and SR–17018 (among others) in a range of assays showed that these molecules behave as partial agonists. Moreover, there was a correlation between their therapeutic indices and their efficacies, but not their bias factors. If there is amplification of G-protein, but not arrestin pathways, then agonists with reduced efficacy would show high levels of activity at G-protein and low or absent activity at arrestin; offering analgesia with reduced side effects or ‘apparent bias’. Overall, the current data suggests—and we support—caution in ascribing biased agonism to reduced-side-effect profiles for mu-agonist analgesics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joaquim Azevedo Neto
- Department of Biomedical and Specialty Surgical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (J.A.N.); (G.C.)
| | - Anna Costanzini
- Department of Morphology, Surgery, Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (A.C.); (R.D.G.)
| | - Roberto De Giorgio
- Department of Morphology, Surgery, Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (A.C.); (R.D.G.)
| | - David G. Lambert
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Anesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Management, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 7RH, UK;
| | - Chiara Ruzza
- Department of Biomedical and Specialty Surgical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (J.A.N.); (G.C.)
- Technopole of Ferrara, LTTA Laboratory for Advanced Therapies, 44122 Ferrara, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Girolamo Calò
- Department of Biomedical and Specialty Surgical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (J.A.N.); (G.C.)
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