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Recent Advances in the Discovery of Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor Allosteric Modulators. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28031270. [PMID: 36770942 PMCID: PMC9920195 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28031270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Positive allosteric modulators (PAMs), negative allosteric modulators (NAMs), silent agonists, allosteric activating PAMs and neutral or silent allosteric modulators are compounds capable of modulating the nicotinic receptor by interacting at allosteric modulatory sites distinct from the orthosteric sites. This survey is focused on the compounds that have been shown or have been designed to interact with nicotinic receptors as allosteric modulators of different subtypes, mainly α7 and α4β2. Minimal chemical changes can cause a different pharmacological profile, which can then lead to the design of selective modulators. Experimental evidence supports the use of allosteric modulators as therapeutic tools for neurological and non-neurological conditions.
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Grenda A, Krawczyk P, Targowska-Duda KM, Kieszko R, Paśnik I, Milanowski J. Efficacy of Dabrafenib and Trametinib in a Patient with Squamous-Cell Carcinoma, with Mutation p.D594G in BRAF and p.R461* in NF1 Genes-A Case Report with Literature Review. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24021195. [PMID: 36674722 PMCID: PMC9864135 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24021195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Revised: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The 3rd class of BRAF (B-Raf Proto-Oncogene, Serine/Threonine Kinase) variants including G466, D594, and A581 mutations cause kinase death or impaired kinase activity. It is unlikely that RAF (Raf Proto-Oncogene, Serine/Threonine Kinase) inhibitors suppress ERK (Extracellular Signal-Regulated Kinase) signaling in class 3 mutant-driven tumors due to the fact that they preferentially inhibit activated BRAF V600 mutants. However, there are suggestions that class 3 mutations are still associated with enhanced RAS/MAPK (RAS Proto-Oncogene, GTPase/Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase) activation, potentially due to other mechanisms such as the activation of growth factor signaling or concurrent MAPK pathway mutations, e.g., RAS or NF1 (Neurofibromin 1). A 75-year-old male patient with squamous-cell cancer (SqCC) of the lung and with metastases to the kidney and mediastinal lymph nodes received chemoimmunotherapy (expression of Programmed Cell Death 1 Ligand 1 (PD-L1) on 2% of tumor cells). The chemotherapy was limited due to the accompanying myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), and pembrolizumab monotherapy was continued for up to seven cycles. At the time of progression, next-generation sequencing was performed and a c.1781A>G (p.Asp594Gly) mutation in the BRAF gene, a c.1381C>T (p.Arg461Ter) mutation in the NF1 gene, and a c.37C>T (p.Gln13Ter) mutation in the FANCC gene were identified. Combined therapy with BRAF (dabrafenib) and MEK (trametinib) inhibitors was used, which resulted in the achievement of partial remission of the primary lesion and lung nodules and the stabilization of metastatic lesions in the kidney and bones. The therapy was discontinued after five months due to myelosuppression associated with MDS. The molecular background was decisive for the patient’s fate. NSCLC patients with non-V600 mutations in the BRAF gene rarely respond to anti-BRAF and anti-MEK therapy. The achieved effectiveness of the treatment could be related to a mutation in the NF1 tumor suppressor gene. The loss of NF1 function causes the excessive activation of KRAS and overactivity of the signaling pathway containing BRAF and MEK, which were the targets of the therapy. Moreover, the mutation in the FANCC gene was probably related to MDS development. The NGS technique was crucial for the qualification to treatment and the prediction of the NSCLC course in our patient. The mutations in two genes—the BRAF oncogene and the NF1 tumor suppressor gene—were the reason for the use of dabrafenib and trametinib treatment. The patients achieved short-term disease stabilization. This proved that coexisting mutations in these genes affect the disease course and treatment efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Grenda
- Department of Pneumonology, Oncology and Allergology, Medical University in Lublin, Jaczewskiego 8, 20-090 Lublin, Poland
- Correspondence:
| | - Pawel Krawczyk
- Department of Pneumonology, Oncology and Allergology, Medical University in Lublin, Jaczewskiego 8, 20-090 Lublin, Poland
| | | | - Robert Kieszko
- Department of Pneumonology, Oncology and Allergology, Medical University in Lublin, Jaczewskiego 8, 20-090 Lublin, Poland
| | - Iwona Paśnik
- Department of Clinical Pathomorphology, Medical University in Lublin, Jaczewskiego 8b, 20-090 Lublin, Poland
| | - Janusz Milanowski
- Department of Pneumonology, Oncology and Allergology, Medical University in Lublin, Jaczewskiego 8, 20-090 Lublin, Poland
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Arias HR, Germann AL, Pierce SR, Sakamoto S, Ortells MO, Hamachi I, Akk G. Modulation of the mammalian GABA A receptor by type I and type II positive allosteric modulators of the α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor. Br J Pharmacol 2022; 179:5323-5337. [PMID: 36082615 PMCID: PMC9669183 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15948] [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: 05/26/2022] [Revised: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Positive allosteric modulators of the α7 nicotinic acetylcholine (nACh) receptor (α7-PAMs) possess promnesic and procognitive properties and have potential in the treatment of cognitive and psychiatric disorders including Alzheimer's disease and schizophrenia. Behavioural studies in rodents have indicated that α7-PAMs can also produce antinociceptive and anxiolytic effects that may be associated with positive modulation of the GABAA receptor. The overall goal of this study was to investigate the modulatory actions of selected α7-PAMs on the GABAA receptor. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH We employed a combination of cell fluorescence imaging, electrophysiology, functional competition and site-directed mutagenesis to investigate the functional and structural mechanisms of modulation of the GABAA receptor by three representative α7-PAMs. KEY RESULTS We show that the α7-PAMs at micromolar concentrations enhance the apparent affinity of the GABAA receptor for the transmitter and potentiate current responses from the receptor. The compounds were equi-effective at binary αβ and ternary αβγ GABAA receptors. Functional competition and site-directed mutagenesis indicate that the α7-PAMs bind to the classic anaesthetic binding sites in the transmembrane region in the intersubunit interfaces, which results in stabilization of the active state of the receptor. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS We conclude that the tested α7-PAMs are micromolar-affinity, intermediate- to low-efficacy allosteric potentiators of the mammalian αβγ GABAA receptor. Given the similarities in the in vitro sensitivities of the α7 nACh and α1β2γ2L GABAA receptors to α7-PAMs, we propose that doses used to produce nACh receptor-mediated behavioural effects in vivo are likely to modulate GABAA receptor function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hugo R. Arias
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Tahlequah, OK, USA
| | - Allison L. Germann
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Spencer R. Pierce
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Seiji Sakamoto
- Department of Synthetic Chemistry and Biological Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Marcelo O. Ortells
- Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Morón, Morón, and CONICET, Argentina
| | - Itaru Hamachi
- Department of Synthetic Chemistry and Biological Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Gustav Akk
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
- The Taylor Family Institute for Innovative Psychiatric Research, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
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Wnorowska S, Targowska-Duda K, Kurzepa J, Wnorowski A, Strzemski M. Carlina oxide inhibits the interaction of SARS-CoV-2 S glycoprotein with angiotensin-converting enzyme 2. INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS 2022; 187:115338. [PMID: 35846513 PMCID: PMC9271415 DOI: 10.1016/j.indcrop.2022.115338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Revised: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Carlina acaulis plant is a potential target for the industrial production of phytochemicals that display applicability in pharmacy and medicine. The dry roots of C. acaulis contain up to 2 % of essential oil, the main component (up to 99 %) of which is carlina oxide [2-(3-phenylprop-1-ynyl)furan]. This compound shows multidirectional biological activity, including antibacterial and antifungal properties. Here, we evaluated the capacity of carlina oxide to inhibit the interaction between SARS-CoV-2 and its human receptor in vitro and in silico. A bioluminescent immunoassay was used to study the interaction between the receptor binding domain (RBD) of viral spike protein and the human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), which serves as a receptor for viral entry. A dose-effect relationship was demonstrated, and a concentration of carlina oxide causing half-maximal inhibition (IC50) of the RBD:ACE2 interaction was determined to be equal to 234.2 µg/mL. Molecular docking suggested the presence of carlina oxide binding sites within the RBD and at the interface between RBD and ACE2. Finally, this study expands the list of potential applications of C. acaulis as a crop species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylwia Wnorowska
- Department of Medical Chemistry, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | | | - Jacek Kurzepa
- Department of Medical Chemistry, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Artur Wnorowski
- Department of Biopharmacy, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Maciej Strzemski
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
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Targowska-Duda KM, Budzynska B, Michalak A, Wnorowski A, Loland CJ, Maj M, Manetti D, Romanelli MN, Jozwiak K, Biala G, Arias HR. Type I and type II positive allosteric modulators of α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors induce antidepressant-like activity in mice by a mechanism involving receptor potentiation but not neurotransmitter reuptake inhibition. Correlation with mTOR intracellular pathway activation. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2021; 52:31-47. [PMID: 34237657 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2021.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Revised: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study is to determine whether type I and type II positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) of α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) induce antidepressant-like activity in mice after acute, subchronic, and chronic treatments, and to assess whether α7-PAMs inhibit neurotransmitter transporters and activate mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin) and/or ERK (extracellular signal-regulated protein kinases) signaling. The forced swim (FST) and tail suspension (TST) test results indicated that NS-1738 (type I PAM), PNU-120596 and PAM-2 (type II PAMs) induce antidepressant-like activity after subchronic treatment, whereas PAM-2 was also active after chronic treatment. Methyllycaconitine (α7-antagonist) inhibited the observed effects, highlighting the involvement of α7 nAChRs in this process. Drug interaction studies showed synergism between PAM-2 and bupropion (antidepressant), but not between PAM-2 and DMXBA (α7-agonist). The studied PAMs showed no high affinity (< 1 µM) for the human dopamine, serotonin, and noradrenaline transporters, suggesting that transporter inhibition is not the underlying mechanism for the observed activity. To assess whether mTOR and ERK signaling pathways are involved in the activity of α7-PAMs, the phosphorylation status of key signaling nodes was determined in prefrontal cortex and hippocampus from mice chronically treated with PAM-2. In conclusion, the antidepressant-like activity of type I and type II PAMs is mediated by a mechanism involving α7 potentiation but not α7 desensitization or neurotransmitter transporter blockade, and is correlated with activation of both mTOR and ERK signaling pathways. These results support the view that α7-PAMs might be clinically used to ameliorate depression disorders .
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Barbara Budzynska
- Independent Laboratory of Behavioral Studies, Medical University of Lublin, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Michalak
- Independent Laboratory of Behavioral Studies, Medical University of Lublin, Poland
| | - Artur Wnorowski
- Department of Biopharmacy, Medical University of Lublin, Poland
| | - Claus J Loland
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Maciej Maj
- Department of Biopharmacy, Medical University of Lublin, Poland
| | - Dina Manetti
- Department of Neurosciences, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health Section of Pharmaceutical and Nutraceutical Sciences, University of Florence, Italy
| | - Maria Novella Romanelli
- Department of Neurosciences, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health Section of Pharmaceutical and Nutraceutical Sciences, University of Florence, Italy
| | | | - Grazyna Biala
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacodynamics, Medical University of Lublin, Poland
| | - Hugo R Arias
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Tahlequah, Oklahoma, USA.
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Borroni V, Barrantes FJ. Homomeric and Heteromeric α7 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors in Health and Some Central Nervous System Diseases. MEMBRANES 2021; 11:membranes11090664. [PMID: 34564481 PMCID: PMC8465519 DOI: 10.3390/membranes11090664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Revised: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) are pentameric ligand-gated ion channels involved in the modulation of essential brain functions such as memory, learning, and attention. Homomeric α7 nAChR, formed exclusively by five identical α7 subunits, is involved in rapid synaptic transmission, whereas the heteromeric oligomers composed of α7 in combination with β subunits display metabotropic properties and operate in slower time frames. At the cellular level, the activation of nAChRs allows the entry of Na+ and Ca2+; the two cations depolarize the membrane and trigger diverse cellular signals, depending on the type of nAChR pentamer and neurons involved, the location of the intervening cells, and the networks of which these neuronal cells form part. These features make the α7 nAChR a central player in neurotransmission, metabolically associated Ca2+-mediated signaling, and modulation of diverse fundamental processes operated by other neurotransmitters in the brain. Due to its ubiquitous distribution and the multiple functions it displays in the brain, the α7 nAChR is associated with a variety of neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders whose exact etiopathogenic mechanisms are still elusive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virginia Borroni
- Instituto de Tecnología en Polímeros y Nanotecnología (ITPN-UBA-CONICET), Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad Universitaria, Buenos Aires C1127AAR, Argentina;
| | - Francisco J. Barrantes
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Institute for Biomedical Research, UCA–CONICET, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Catholic University of Argentina, Av. Alicia Moreau de Justo 1600, Buenos Aires C1107AAZ, Argentina
- Correspondence:
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Gawel K, Kukula-Koch W, Banono NS, Nieoczym D, Targowska-Duda KM, Czernicka L, Parada-Turska J, Esguerra CV. 6-Gingerol, a Major Constituent of Zingiber officinale Rhizoma, Exerts Anticonvulsant Activity in the Pentylenetetrazole-Induced Seizure Model in Larval Zebrafish. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:7745. [PMID: 34299361 PMCID: PMC8305044 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22147745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [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: 05/23/2021] [Revised: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Zingiber officinale is one of the most frequently used medicinal herbs in Asia. Using rodent seizure models, it was previously shown that Zingiber officinale hydroethanolic extract exerts antiseizure activity, but the active constituents responsible for this effect have not been determined. In this paper, we demonstrated that Zingiber officinale methanolic extract exerts anticonvulsant activity in the pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced hyperlocomotion assay in larval zebrafish. Next, we isolated 6-gingerol (6-GIN)-a major constituent of Zingiber officinale rhizoma. We observed that 6-GIN exerted potent dose-dependent anticonvulsant activity in the PTZ-induced hyperlocomotion seizure assay in zebrafish, which was confirmed electroencephalographically. To obtain further insight into the molecular mechanisms of 6-GIN antiseizure activity, we assessed the concentration of two neurotransmitters in zebrafish, i.e., inhibitory γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and excitatory glutamic acid (GLU), and their ratio after exposure to acute PTZ dose. Here, 6-GIN decreased GLU level and reduced the GLU/GABA ratio in PTZ-treated fish compared with only PTZ-bathed fish. This activity was associated with the decrease in grin2b, but not gabra1a, grin1a, gria1a, gria2a, and gria3b expression in PTZ-treated fish. Molecular docking to the human NR2B-containing N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor suggests that 6-GIN might act as an inhibitor and interact with the amino terminal domain, the glutamate-binding site, as well as within the ion channel of the NR2B-containing NMDA receptor. In summary, our study reveals, for the first time, the anticonvulsant activity of 6-GIN. We suggest that this effect might at least be partially mediated by restoring the balance between GABA and GLU in the epileptic brain; however, more studies are needed to prove our hypothesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kinga Gawel
- Chemical Neuroscience Group, Centre for Molecular Medicine Norway, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Gaustadalléen 21, 0349 Oslo, Norway; (N.S.B.); (C.V.E.)
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Lublin, Jaczewskiego Str. 8b, 20-090 Lublin, Poland
| | - Wirginia Kukula-Koch
- Chair and Department of Pharmacognosy, Medical University of Lublin, Chodzki Str. 1, 20-093 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Nancy Saana Banono
- Chemical Neuroscience Group, Centre for Molecular Medicine Norway, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Gaustadalléen 21, 0349 Oslo, Norway; (N.S.B.); (C.V.E.)
| | - Dorota Nieoczym
- Department of Animal Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Biology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, Marie Curie-Skłodowska University, Akademicka Str. 19, 20-033 Lublin, Poland;
| | | | - Lidia Czernicka
- Chair and Department of Food and Nutrition, Medical University of Lublin, Chodzki Str. 4a, 20-093 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Jolanta Parada-Turska
- Department of Rheumatology and Connective Tissue Diseases, Medical University of Lublin, 20-090 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Camila V. Esguerra
- Chemical Neuroscience Group, Centre for Molecular Medicine Norway, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Gaustadalléen 21, 0349 Oslo, Norway; (N.S.B.); (C.V.E.)
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Duarte Y, Rojas M, Canan J, Pérez EG, González-Nilo F, García-Colunga J. Different Classes of Antidepressants Inhibit the Rat α7 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor by Interacting within the Ion Channel: A Functional and Structural Study. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26040998. [PMID: 33668529 PMCID: PMC7918632 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26040998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Revised: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 02/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Several antidepressants inhibit nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) in a non-competitive and voltage-dependent fashion. Here, we asked whether antidepressants with a different structure and pharmacological profile modulate the rat α7 nAChR through a similar mechanism by interacting within the ion-channel. We applied electrophysiological (recording of the ion current elicited by choline, ICh, which activates α7 nAChRs from rat CA1 hippocampal interneurons) and in silico approaches (homology modeling of the rat α7 nAChR, molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulations, and binding free energy calculations). The antidepressants inhibited ICh with the order: norfluoxetine ~ mirtazapine ~ imipramine < bupropion ~ fluoxetine ~ venlafaxine ~ escitalopram. The constructed homology model of the rat α7 nAChR resulted in the extracellular vestibule and the channel pore is highly negatively charged, which facilitates the permeation of cations and the entrance of the protonated form of antidepressants. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations were carried out within the ion−channel of the α7 nAChR, revealing that the antidepressants adopt poses along the receptor channel, with slightly different binding-free energy values. Furthermore, the inhibition of ICh and free energy values for each antidepressant-receptor complex were highly correlated. Thus, the α7 nAChR is negatively modulated by a variety of antidepressants interacting in the ion−channel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yorley Duarte
- Center for Bioinformatics and Integrative Biology, Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andrés Bello, Av. República 330, Santiago 8370146, Chile; (Y.D.); (M.R.); (J.C.); (F.G.-N.)
- Interdisciplinary Centre for Neuroscience of Valparaíso, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso 2381850, Chile
| | - Maximiliano Rojas
- Center for Bioinformatics and Integrative Biology, Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andrés Bello, Av. República 330, Santiago 8370146, Chile; (Y.D.); (M.R.); (J.C.); (F.G.-N.)
| | - Jonathan Canan
- Center for Bioinformatics and Integrative Biology, Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andrés Bello, Av. República 330, Santiago 8370146, Chile; (Y.D.); (M.R.); (J.C.); (F.G.-N.)
| | - Edwin G. Pérez
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 7820436, Chile;
| | - Fernando González-Nilo
- Center for Bioinformatics and Integrative Biology, Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andrés Bello, Av. República 330, Santiago 8370146, Chile; (Y.D.); (M.R.); (J.C.); (F.G.-N.)
- Interdisciplinary Centre for Neuroscience of Valparaíso, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso 2381850, Chile
| | - Jesús García-Colunga
- Departamento de Neurobiología Celular y Molecular, Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Campus Juriquilla, Boulevard Juriquilla 3001, Juriquilla, Querétaro 76230, Mexico
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +52-442-238-1063
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Zhang Y, Wang K, Yu Z. Drug Development in Channelopathies: Allosteric Modulation of Ligand-Gated and Voltage-Gated Ion Channels. J Med Chem 2020; 63:15258-15278. [PMID: 33253554 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c01304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Ion channels have been characterized as promising drug targets for treatment of numerous human diseases. Functions of ion channels can be fine-tuned by allosteric modulators, which interact with channels and modulate their activities by binding to sites spatially discrete from those of orthosteric ligands. Positive and negative allosteric modulators have presented a plethora of potential therapeutic advantages over traditionally orthosteric agonists and antagonists in terms of selectivity and safety. This thematic review highlights the discovery of representative allosteric modulators for ligand-gated and voltage-gated ion channels, discussing in particular their identifications, locations, and therapeutic uses in the treatment of a range of channelopathies. Additionally, structures and functions of selected ion channels are briefly described to aid in the rational design of channel modulators. Overall, allosteric modulation represents an innovative targeting approach, and the corresponding modulators provide an abundant but challenging landscape for novel therapeutics targeting ligand-gated and voltage-gated ion channels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanyun Zhang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Ke Wang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Zhiyi Yu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
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Gulsevin A. Nicotinic receptor pharmacology in silico: Insights and challenges. Neuropharmacology 2020; 177:108257. [PMID: 32738311 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2020.108257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2020] [Revised: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 07/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChR) are homo- or hetero-pentameric ligand-gated ion channels of the Cys-loop superfamily and play important roles in the nervous system and muscles. Studies on nAChR benefit from in silico modeling due to the lack of high-resolution structures for most receptor subtypes and challenges in experiments addressing the complex mechanism of activation involving allosteric sites. Although there is myriad of computational modeling studies on nAChR, the multitude of the methods and parameters used in these studies makes modeling nAChR a daunting task, particularly for the non-experts in the field. To address this problem, the modeling literature on Torpedo nAChR and α7 nAChR were focused on as examples of heteromeric and homomeric nAChR, and the key in silico modeling studies between the years 1995-2019 were concisely reviewed. This was followed by a critical analysis of these studies by comparing the findings with each other and with the emerging experimental and computational data on nAChR. Based on these critical analyses, suggestions were made to guide the future researchers in the field of in silico modeling of nAChR. This article is part of the special issue on 'Contemporary Advances in Nicotine Neuropharmacology'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alican Gulsevin
- Department of Chemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA, 37221.
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Gulsevin A, Papke RL, Horenstein N. In Silico Modeling of the α7 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor: New Pharmacological Challenges Associated with Multiple Modes of Signaling. Mini Rev Med Chem 2020; 20:841-864. [PMID: 32000651 PMCID: PMC8719523 DOI: 10.2174/1389557520666200130105256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2019] [Revised: 11/06/2019] [Accepted: 11/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor is a homopentameric ion-channel of the Cys-loop superfamily characterized by its low probability of opening, high calcium permeability, and rapid desensitization. The α7 receptor has been targeted for the treatment of the cognitive symptoms of schizophrenia, depression, and Alzheimer's disease, but it is also involved in inflammatory modulation as a part of the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway. Despite its functional importance, in silico studies of the α7 receptor cannot produce a general model explaining the structural features of receptor activation, nor predict the mode of action for various ligand classes. Two particular problems in modeling the α7 nAChR are the absence of a high-resolution structure and the presence of five potentially nonequivalent orthosteric ligand binding sites. There is wide variability regarding the templates used for homology modeling, types of ligands investigated, simulation methods, and simulation times. However, a systematic survey focusing on the methodological similarities and differences in modeling α7 has not been done. In this work, we make a critical analysis of the modeling literature of α7 nAChR by comparing the findings of computational studies with each other and with experimental studies under the main topics of structural studies, ligand binding studies, and comparisons with other nAChR. In light of our findings, we also summarize current problems in the field and make suggestions for future studies concerning modeling of the α7 receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alican Gulsevin
- Department of Chemistry, University of Florida, P.O. Box 117200, Gainesville, FL, 32611-7200, United States
| | - Roger L Papke
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Florida, P.O. Box 100267, Gainesville, FL 32610, United States
| | - Nicole Horenstein
- Department of Chemistry, University of Florida, P.O. Box 117200, Gainesville, FL, 32611-7200, United States
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