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Andleeb H, Papke RL, Stokes C, Richter K, Herz SM, Chiang K, Kanumuri SRR, Sharma A, Damaj MI, Grau V, Horenstein NA, Thakur GA. Explorations of Agonist Selectivity for the α9* nAChR with Novel Substituted Carbamoyl/Amido/Heteroaryl Dialkylpiperazinium Salts and Their Therapeutic Implications in Pain and Inflammation. J Med Chem 2024; 67:8642-8666. [PMID: 38748608 PMCID: PMC11181317 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c02429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2023] [Revised: 04/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
There is an urgent need for nonopioid treatments for chronic and neuropathic pain to provide effective alternatives amid the escalating opioid crisis. This study introduces novel compounds targeting the α9 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) subunit, which is crucial for pain regulation, inflammation, and inner ear functions. Specifically, it identifies novel substituted carbamoyl/amido/heteroaryl dialkylpiperazinium iodides as potent agonists selective for human α9 and α9α10 over α7 nAChRs, particularly compounds 3f, 3h, and 3j. Compound 3h (GAT2711) demonstrated a 230 nM potency as a full agonist at α9 nAChRs, being 340-fold selective over α7. Compound 3c was 10-fold selective for α9α10 over α9 nAChR. Compounds 2, 3f, and 3h inhibited ATP-induced interleukin-1β release in THP-1 cells. The analgesic activity of 3h was fully retained in α7 knockout mice, suggesting that analgesic effects were potentially mediated through α9* nAChRs. Our findings provide a blueprint for developing α9*-specific therapeutics for pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hina Andleeb
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Florida, P.O. Box 117200, Gainesville, Florida 32611-7200, United States
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical
Sciences, Bouvé College of Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Roger L. Papke
- Department
of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University
of Florida, P.O. Box 100267, Gainesville, Florida 32610, United States
| | - Clare Stokes
- Department
of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University
of Florida, P.O. Box 100267, Gainesville, Florida 32610, United States
| | - Katrin Richter
- Department
of General and Thoracic Surgery, Laboratory of Experimental Surgery,
Justus-Liebig-University, German Center for Lung Research [DZL], Cardio-Pulmonary Institute [CPI], Giessen 35385, Germany
| | - Sara M. Herz
- Department
of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia
Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia 23298, United States
| | - Ka Chiang
- Department
of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia
Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia 23298, United States
| | - Siva R. Raju Kanumuri
- Department
of Pharmaceutics, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32610, United States
| | - Abhisheak Sharma
- Department
of Pharmaceutics, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32610, United States
| | - M. Imad Damaj
- Department
of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia
Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia 23298, United States
| | - Veronika Grau
- Department
of General and Thoracic Surgery, Laboratory of Experimental Surgery,
Justus-Liebig-University, German Center for Lung Research [DZL], Cardio-Pulmonary Institute [CPI], Giessen 35385, Germany
| | - Nicole A. Horenstein
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Florida, P.O. Box 117200, Gainesville, Florida 32611-7200, United States
| | - Ganesh A. Thakur
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical
Sciences, Bouvé College of Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
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2
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Akinola LS, Gonzales J, Buzzi B, Mathews HL, Papke RL, Stitzel JA, Damaj MI. Investigating the role of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in menthol's effects in mice. Drug Alcohol Depend 2024; 257:111262. [PMID: 38492255 PMCID: PMC11031278 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2024.111262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024]
Abstract
The use of menthol in tobacco products has been linked to an increased likelihood of developing nicotine dependence. The widespread use of menthol can be attributed to its unique sensory characteristics; however, emerging evidence suggests that menthol also alters sensitivity to nicotine through modulation of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs). Nicotinic subunits, such as β2 and α5, are of interest due to their implications in nicotine reward, reinforcement, intake regulation, and aversion. This study, therefore, examined the in vivo relevance of β2 and α5 nicotinic subunits on the pharmacological and behavioral effects of menthol. Data suggests that the α5 nicotinic subunit modulates menthol intake in mice. Overall, deletion or a reduction in function of the α5 subunit lessened aversion to menthol. α5 KO mice and mice possessing the humanized α5 SNP, a variant that confers a nicotine dependence phenotype in humans, demonstrated increased menthol intake compared to their WT counterparts and in a sex-related fashion for α5 SNP mice. We further reported that the modulatory effects of the α5 subunit do not extend to other aversive tastants like quinine, suggesting that deficits in α5* nAChR signaling may not abolish general sensitivity to the aversive effects of other noxious chemicals. Further probing into the role of α5 in other pharmacological properties of menthol revealed that the α5 subunit does not modulate the antinociceptive properties of menthol in mice and suggests that the in vivo differences observed are likely not due to the direct effects of menthol on α5-containing nAChRs in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lois S Akinola
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Virginia, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA.
| | - Jada Gonzales
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Virginia, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Belle Buzzi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Virginia, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Hunter L Mathews
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, The University of Colorado Boulder, Institute for Behavioral Genetics, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - Roger L Papke
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Jerry A Stitzel
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, The University of Colorado Boulder, Institute for Behavioral Genetics, Boulder, CO, USA; Department of Integrative Physiology, The University of Colorado Boulder, Institute for Behavioral Genetics, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - M Imad Damaj
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Virginia, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
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3
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Dallanoce C, Richter K, Stokes C, Papotto C, Andleeb H, Thakur GA, Kerr A, Grau V, Papke RL. New Alpha9 nAChR Ligands Based on a 5-(Quinuclidin-3-ylmethyl)-1,2,4-oxadiazole Scaffold. ACS Chem Neurosci 2024; 15:827-843. [PMID: 38335726 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.3c00720] [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] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Several lines of evidence have indicated that nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChR) that contain α9 subunits, probably in combination with α10 subunits, may be valuable targets for the management of pain associated with inflammatory diseases through a cholinergic anti-inflammatory system (CAS), which has also been associated with α7 nAChR. Both α7- and α9-containing neuronal nAChR can be pharmacologically distinguished from the high-affinity nicotinic receptors of the brain by their sensitivity to α-bungarotoxin, but in other ways, they have quite distinct pharmacological profiles. The early association of α7 with CAS led to the development of numerous new ligands, variously characterized as α7 agonists, partial agonists, or silent agonists that desensitized α7 receptors without activation. Subsequent reinvestigation of one such family of α7 ligands based on an N,N-diethyl-N'-phenylpiperazine scaffold led to the identification of potent agonists and antagonists for α9. In this paper, we characterize the α9/α10 activity of a series of compounds based on a 5-(quinuclidin-3-ylmethyl)-1,2,4-oxadiazole (QMO) scaffold and identify two new potent ligands of α9, QMO-28, an agonist, and QMO-17, an antagonist. We separated the stereoisomers of these compounds to identify the most potent agonist and discovered that only the 3R isomer of QMO-17 was an α9 antagonist, permitting an in silico model of α9 antagonism to be developed. The α9 activity of these compounds was confirmed to be potentially useful for CAS management of inflammatory pain in cell-based assays of cytokine release.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clelia Dallanoce
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Medicinal Chemistry Section "Pietro Pratesi″, University of Milan, Via L. Mangiagalli 25, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Katrin Richter
- Department of General and Thoracic Surgery, Laboratory of Experimental Surgery, Justus-Liebig-University, German Center for Lung Research [DZL], Cardio-Pulmonary Institute [CPI], Giessen 35390, Germany
| | - Clare Stokes
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Florida, PO Box 100267, Gainesville, Florida 32610 United States
| | - Claudio Papotto
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Medicinal Chemistry Section "Pietro Pratesi″, University of Milan, Via L. Mangiagalli 25, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Hina Andleeb
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Bouvé College of Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Ganesh A Thakur
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Bouvé College of Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Andrew Kerr
- United States Naval Research Laboratory, 6920 Washington, District of Columbia, United States
| | - Veronika Grau
- Department of General and Thoracic Surgery, Laboratory of Experimental Surgery, Justus-Liebig-University, German Center for Lung Research [DZL], Cardio-Pulmonary Institute [CPI], Giessen 35390, Germany
| | - Roger L Papke
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Florida, PO Box 100267, Gainesville, Florida 32610 United States
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4
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Wang H, Li X, Qiao Y, Wang M, Wang W, McIntosh JM, Zhangsun D, Luo S. αO-Conotoxin GeXIVA[1,2] Reduced Neuropathic Pain and Changed Gene Expression in Chronic Oxaliplatin-Induced Neuropathy Mice Model. Mar Drugs 2024; 22:49. [PMID: 38276651 PMCID: PMC10821445 DOI: 10.3390/md22010049] [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: 12/27/2023] [Revised: 01/14/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a dose-limiting painful neuropathy that occurs commonly during cancer management, which often leads to the discontinuation of medication. Previous studies suggest that the α9α10 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR)-specific antagonist αO-conotoxin GeXIVA[1,2] is effective in CIPN models; however, the related mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we analyzed the preventive effect of GeXIVA[1,2] on neuropathic pain in the long-term oxaliplatin injection-induced CIPN model. At the end of treatment, lumbar (L4-L6) spinal cord was extracted, and RNA sequencing and bioinformatic analysis were performed to investigate the potential genes and pathways related to CIPN and GeXIVA[1,2]. GeXIVA[1,2] inhibited the development of mechanical allodynia induced by chronic oxaliplatin treatment. Repeated injections of GeXIVA[1,2] for 3 weeks had no effect on the mice's normal pain threshold or locomotor activity and anxiety-like behavior, as evaluated in the open field test (OFT) and elevated plus maze (EPM). Our RNA sequencing results identified 209 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the CIPN model, and simultaneously injecting GeXIVA[1,2] with oxaliplatin altered 53 of the identified DEGs. These reverted genes were significantly enriched in immune-related pathways represented by the cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction pathway. Our findings suggest that GeXIVA[1,2] could be a potential therapeutic compound for chronic oxaliplatin-induced CIPN management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huanbai Wang
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China; (H.W.); (X.L.); (Y.Q.); (W.W.)
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Special Biomedicine, School of Medicine, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China;
| | - Xiaodan Li
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China; (H.W.); (X.L.); (Y.Q.); (W.W.)
| | - Yamin Qiao
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China; (H.W.); (X.L.); (Y.Q.); (W.W.)
| | - Meiting Wang
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Special Biomedicine, School of Medicine, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China;
| | - Wen Wang
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China; (H.W.); (X.L.); (Y.Q.); (W.W.)
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Special Biomedicine, School of Medicine, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China;
| | - J. Michael McIntosh
- Department of Biology and Department of Psychiatry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA;
- George E. Wahlen Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Salt Lake City, UT 84108, USA
| | - Dongting Zhangsun
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China; (H.W.); (X.L.); (Y.Q.); (W.W.)
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Special Biomedicine, School of Medicine, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China;
| | - Sulan Luo
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China; (H.W.); (X.L.); (Y.Q.); (W.W.)
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Special Biomedicine, School of Medicine, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China;
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5
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Richter K, Herz SM, Stokes C, Damaj MI, Grau V, Papke RL. Pharmacological profiles and anti-inflammatory activity of pCN-diEPP and mCN-diEPP, new alpha9alpha10 nicotinic receptor ligands. Neuropharmacology 2023; 240:109717. [PMID: 37758018 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2023.109717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/01/2023]
Abstract
Pain due to inflammation can be reduced by targeting the noncanonical nicotinic receptors (NCNR) in cells of the immune system that regulate the synthesis and release of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines. Although NCNR do not generate ion channel currents, the pharmacology of ion-channel forms of the receptors can predict drugs which may be effective regulators of the cholinergic anti-inflammatory system (CAS). Agonists of α7 type receptors have been definitively associated with CAS. Receptors containing α9 and α10 subunits have also been implicated. We have recently characterized two small molecules, pCN-diEPP and mCN-diEPP, as selective α9α10 agonists and antagonists, respectively. We used these drugs, along with nicotine, an α7 agonist and α9α10 antagonist, to probe the mixed populations of receptors that are formed when α7, α9, and α10 are all expressed together in Xenopus oocytes. We also evaluated the effects of the CN-diEPP compounds on regulating the ATP-induced release of interleukin-1β from monocytic THP-1 cells, which express NCNR. The compounds successfully identified separate populations of receptors when all three subunits were co-expressed, including a potential population of homomeric α10 receptors. The α9α10 agonist pCN-diEPP was the more effective regulator of interleukin-1β release in THP-1 cells. pCN-diEPP was also fully effective in a mouse model of inflammatory pain, while mCN-diEPP had only partial effects, requiring a higher dosage. The analgetic effects of pCN-diEPP and mCN-diEPP were retained in α7 knockout mice. Taken together, our results suggest that drugs that selectively activate α9α10 receptors may useful to reduce inflammatory pain through the CAS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrin Richter
- Department of General and Thoracic Surgery, Laboratory of Experimental Surgery, Justus-Liebig-University, German Center for Lung Research [DZL], Cardio-Pulmonary Institute [CPI], Giessen, Germany
| | - Sara M Herz
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Virginia, Virginia Commonwealth University, USA
| | - Clare Stokes
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Florida, PO Box 100267, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
| | - M Imad Damaj
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Virginia, Virginia Commonwealth University, USA
| | - Veronika Grau
- Department of General and Thoracic Surgery, Laboratory of Experimental Surgery, Justus-Liebig-University, German Center for Lung Research [DZL], Cardio-Pulmonary Institute [CPI], Giessen, Germany
| | - Roger L Papke
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Florida, PO Box 100267, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA.
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Fang Y, Zhang T, Li L, Chen S, Wang L, Tang J, Liao Y. Nicotine Decreases Nerve Regeneration and Pain Behaviors via PTEN and Downstream Inflammation-Related Pathway in Two Rat Nerve Injury Models. eNeuro 2023; 10:ENEURO.0185-23.2023. [PMID: 37620149 PMCID: PMC10484360 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0185-23.2023] [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: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuropathic pain is stubborn and associated with the peripheral nerve regeneration process. Nicotine has been found to reduce pain, but whether it is involved in the regulation of nerve regeneration and the underlying mechanism are unknown. In this study, we examined the mechanical allodynia thermal hyperalgesia together with the peripheral nerve regeneration after nicotine exposure in two rat neuropathic pain models. In the spinal nerve ligation model, in which anatomic nerve regeneration can be easily observed, nicotine reduced anatomic measures of regeneration as well as expression of regeneration marker growth-associated protein 43 (GAP43). In the tibial nerve crush model, nicotine treatment significantly suppressed GAP43 expression and functional reinnervation as measured by myelinated action potential and electromyography of gastrocnemius. In both models, nicotine treatment reduced macrophage density in the sensory ganglia and peripheral nerve. These effects of nicotine were reversed by the selective α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) blocker methyllycaconitine. In addition, nicotine significantly elevated expression of PTEN (the phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome 10), a key player in both regeneration and pain. Pharmacological interference of PTEN could regulate GAP43 expression, pain-related behaviors, and macrophage infiltration in a nicotine-treated nerve crush model. Our results reveal that nicotine and its α7-nAChR regulate both peripheral nerve regeneration process and pain though PTEN and the downstream inflammation-related pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yehong Fang
- Department of Psychiatry, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310016, People's Republic of China
| | - Tingkai Zhang
- Department of Psychiatry, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310016, People's Republic of China
| | - Ling Li
- Department of Psychiatry, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310016, People's Republic of China
| | - Shanshan Chen
- Department of Psychiatry, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310016, People's Republic of China
| | - Liangliang Wang
- Department of Psychiatry, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310016, People's Republic of China
| | - Jinsong Tang
- Department of Psychiatry, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310016, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanhui Liao
- Department of Psychiatry, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310016, People's Republic of China
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7
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Vallés AS, Barrantes FJ. Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor Dysfunction in Addiction and in Some Neurodegenerative and Neuropsychiatric Diseases. Cells 2023; 12:2051. [PMID: 37626860 PMCID: PMC10453526 DOI: 10.3390/cells12162051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2023] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The cholinergic system plays an essential role in brain development, physiology, and pathophysiology. Herein, we review how specific alterations in this system, through genetic mutations or abnormal receptor function, can lead to aberrant neural circuitry that triggers disease. The review focuses on the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) and its role in addiction and in neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric diseases and epilepsy. Cholinergic dysfunction is associated with inflammatory processes mainly through the involvement of α7 nAChRs expressed in brain and in peripheral immune cells. Evidence suggests that these neuroinflammatory processes trigger and aggravate pathological states. We discuss the preclinical evidence demonstrating the therapeutic potential of nAChR ligands in Alzheimer disease, Parkinson disease, schizophrenia spectrum disorders, and in autosomal dominant sleep-related hypermotor epilepsy. PubMed and Google Scholar bibliographic databases were searched with the keywords indicated below.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Sofía Vallés
- Bahía Blanca Institute of Biochemical Research (UNS-CONICET), Bahía Blanca 8000, Argentina;
| | - Francisco J. Barrantes
- Biomedical Research Institute (BIOMED), Faculty of Medical Sciences, Pontifical Catholic University of Argentina—National Scientific and Technical Research Council, Av. Alicia Moreau de Justo 1600, Buenos Aires C1107AFF, Argentina
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8
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Xu P, Zhang P, Zhu X, Wu Y, Harvey PJ, Kaas Q, Zhangsun D, Craik DJ, Luo S. Structure-Activity Relationships of Alanine Scan Mutants αO-Conotoxins GeXIVA[1,2] and GeXIVA[1,4]. J Med Chem 2023. [PMID: 37464764 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c01023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/20/2023]
Abstract
αO-Conotoxin GeXIVA is a selective α9α10 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) inhibitor displaying two disulfide bonds that can form three isomers. The bead (GeXIVA[1,2]) and ribbon (GeXIVA[1,4]) isomers possess the highest activity on rat and human α9α10 nAChRs. However, the molecular mechanism by which they inhibit the α9α10 nAChR is unknown. Here, an alanine scan of GeXIVA was used to elucidate key interactions between the peptides and the α9α10 nAChR. The majority of GeXIVA[1,2] analogues preserved affinity at α9α10 nAChR, but [R17A]GeXIVA[1,2] enhanced selectivity on the α9α10 nAChR. The I23A replacement of GeXIVA[1,4] increased activity at both rat and human α9α10 nAChRs by 10-fold. Surprisingly, these results do not support the molecular model of an interaction in the orthosteric binding site proposed previously, but rather may involve allosteric coupling with the voltage-sensitive domain of the α9α10 nAChR. These results could help to guide further development of GeXIVA analogues as analgesics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pan Xu
- School of Medicine, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Biomedical Measurements and Ultrasound Imaging, School of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Panpan Zhang
- School of Medicine, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
| | - Xiaopeng Zhu
- School of Medicine, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
| | - Yong Wu
- School of Medicine, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
| | - Peta J Harvey
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Quentin Kaas
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Dongting Zhangsun
- School of Medicine, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
| | - David J Craik
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Sulan Luo
- School of Medicine, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
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9
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Zhang SB, Zhao GH, Lv TR, Gong CY, Shi YQ, Nan W, Zhang HH. Bibliometric and visual analysis of microglia-related neuropathic pain from 2000 to 2021. Front Mol Neurosci 2023; 16:1142852. [PMID: 37273906 PMCID: PMC10233022 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2023.1142852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Microglia has gradually gained researchers' attention in the past few decades and has shown its promising prospect in treating neuropathic pain. Our study was performed to comprehensively evaluate microglia-related neuropathic pain via a bibliometric approach. Methods We retrospectively reviewed publications focusing on microglia-related neuropathic pain from 2000 to 2021 in WoSCC. VOS viewer software and CiteSpace software were used for statistical analyses. Results A total of 2,609 articles were finally included. A steady increase in the number of relevant publications was observed in the past two decades. China is the most productive country, while the United States shares the most-cited and highest H-index country. The University of London, Kyushu University, and the University of California are the top 3 institutions with the highest number of publications. Molecular pain and Pain are the most productive and co-cited journals, respectively. Inoue K (Kyushu University) is the most-contributed researcher and Ji RR (Duke University) ranks 1st in both average citations per article and H-index. Keywords analyses revealed that pro-inflammatory cytokines shared the highest burst strength. Sex differences, neuroinflammation, and oxidative stress are the emerging keywords in recent years. Conclusion In the field of microglia-related neuropathic pain, China is the largest producer and the United States is the most influential country. The signaling communication between microglia and neurons has continued to be vital in this field. Sexual dimorphism, neuroinflammation, and stem-cell therapies might be emerging trends that should be closely monitored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shun-Bai Zhang
- Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China
- Orthopaedics Key Laboratory of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, China
| | - Guang-Hai Zhao
- Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China
- Orthopaedics Key Laboratory of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, China
| | - Tian-Run Lv
- Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China
- Orthopaedics Key Laboratory of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, China
| | - Chao-Yang Gong
- Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China
- Orthopaedics Key Laboratory of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yong-Qiang Shi
- Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China
- Orthopaedics Key Laboratory of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, China
| | - Wei Nan
- Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China
- Orthopaedics Key Laboratory of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, China
| | - Hai-Hong Zhang
- Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China
- Orthopaedics Key Laboratory of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, China
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10
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Hone AJ, McIntosh JM. Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors: Therapeutic targets for novel ligands to treat pain and inflammation. Pharmacol Res 2023; 190:106715. [PMID: 36868367 PMCID: PMC10691827 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2023.106715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2023]
Abstract
Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) have been historically defined as ligand-gated ion channels and function as such in the central and peripheral nervous systems. Recently, however, non-ionic signaling mechanisms via nAChRs have been demonstrated in immune cells. Furthermore, the signaling pathways where nAChRs are expressed can be activated by endogenous ligands other than the canonical agonists acetylcholine and choline. In this review, we discuss the involvement of a subset of nAChRs containing α7, α9, and/or α10 subunits in the modulation of pain and inflammation via the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway. Additionally, we review the most recent advances in the development of novel ligands and their potential as therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arik J Hone
- School of Biological Sciences University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA; MIRECC, George E. Whalen Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.
| | - J Michael McIntosh
- School of Biological Sciences University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Department of Psychiatry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA; George E. Whalen Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.
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11
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Shelukhina I, Siniavin A, Kasheverov I, Ojomoko L, Tsetlin V, Utkin Y. α7- and α9-Containing Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors in the Functioning of Immune System and in Pain. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24076524. [PMID: 37047495 PMCID: PMC10095066 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24076524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 03/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) present as many different subtypes in the nervous and immune systems, muscles and on the cells of other organs. In the immune system, inflammation is regulated via the vagus nerve through the activation of the non-neuronal α7 nAChR subtype, affecting the production of cytokines. The analgesic properties of α7 nAChR-selective compounds are mostly based on the activation of the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway. The molecular mechanism of neuropathic pain relief mediated by the inhibition of α9-containing nAChRs is not fully understood yet, but the role of immune factors in this process is becoming evident. To obtain appropriate drugs, a search of selective agonists, antagonists and modulators of α7- and α9-containing nAChRs is underway. The naturally occurring three-finger snake α-neurotoxins and mammalian Ly6/uPAR proteins, as well as neurotoxic peptides α-conotoxins, are not only sophisticated tools in research on nAChRs but are also considered as potential medicines. In particular, the inhibition of the α9-containing nAChRs by α-conotoxins may be a pathway to alleviate neuropathic pain. nAChRs are involved in the inflammation processes during AIDS and other viral infections; thus they can also be means used in drug design. In this review, we discuss the role of α7- and α9-containing nAChRs in the immune processes and in pain.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Yuri Utkin
- Correspondence: or ; Tel.: +7-495-3366522
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12
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Groome JR. Historical Perspective of the Characterization of Conotoxins Targeting Voltage-Gated Sodium Channels. Mar Drugs 2023; 21:md21040209. [PMID: 37103349 PMCID: PMC10142487 DOI: 10.3390/md21040209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Marine toxins have potent actions on diverse sodium ion channels regulated by transmembrane voltage (voltage-gated ion channels) or by neurotransmitters (nicotinic acetylcholine receptor channels). Studies of these toxins have focused on varied aspects of venom peptides ranging from evolutionary relationships of predator and prey, biological actions on excitable tissues, potential application as pharmacological intervention in disease therapy, and as part of multiple experimental approaches towards an understanding of the atomistic characterization of ion channel structure. This review examines the historical perspective of the study of conotoxin peptides active on sodium channels gated by transmembrane voltage, which has led to recent advances in ion channel research made possible with the exploitation of the diversity of these marine toxins.
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Affiliation(s)
- James R Groome
- Department of Biological Sciences, Idaho State University, Pocatello, ID 83209, USA
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13
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Papke RL, Quadri M, Gulsevin A. Silent agonists for α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. Pharmacol Res 2023; 190:106736. [PMID: 36940890 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2023.106736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2022] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023]
Abstract
We discuss models for the activation and desensitization of α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) and the effects of efficacious type II positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) that destabilize α7 desensitized states. Type II PAMs such as PNU-120596 can be used to distinguish inactive compounds from silent agonists, compounds that produce little or no channel activation but stabilize the non-conducting conformations associated with desensitization. We discuss the effects of α7 nAChRs in cells of the immune system and their roles in modulating inflammation and pain through what has come to be known as the cholinergic anti-inflammatory system (CAS). Cells controlling CAS do not generate ion channel currents but rather respond to α7 drugs by modulating intracellular signaling pathways analogous to the effects of metabotropic receptors. Metabotropic signaling by α7 receptors appears to be mediated by receptors in nonconducting conformations and can be accomplished by silent agonists. We discuss electrophysiological structure-activity relationships for α7 silent agonists and their use in cell-based and in vivo assays for CAS regulation. We discuss the strongly desensitizing partial agonist GTS-21 and its effectiveness in modulation of CAS. We also review the properties of the silent agonist NS6740, which is remarkably effective at maintaining α7 receptors in PAM-sensitive desensitized states. Most silent agonists bind to sites overlapping those for orthosteric agonists, but some appear to bind to allosteric sites. Finally, we discuss α9⁎ nAChRs and their potential role in CAS, and ligands that will be useful in defining and distinguishing the specific roles of α7 and α9 in CAS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roger L Papke
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Florida, PO Box 100267 Gainesville, FL 32610 USA (RLP); Olon S.p.A., Strada Rivoltana, Km 6/7 - 20053 Rodano (MI) - ITALY (MQ); Department of Chemistry, Center for Structural Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA, 37212 (AG).
| | - Marta Quadri
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Florida, PO Box 100267 Gainesville, FL 32610 USA (RLP); Olon S.p.A., Strada Rivoltana, Km 6/7 - 20053 Rodano (MI) - ITALY (MQ); Department of Chemistry, Center for Structural Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA, 37212 (AG)
| | - Alican Gulsevin
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Florida, PO Box 100267 Gainesville, FL 32610 USA (RLP); Olon S.p.A., Strada Rivoltana, Km 6/7 - 20053 Rodano (MI) - ITALY (MQ); Department of Chemistry, Center for Structural Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA, 37212 (AG)
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14
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Elgoyhen AB. The α9α10 acetylcholine receptor: a non-neuronal nicotinic receptor. Pharmacol Res 2023; 190:106735. [PMID: 36931539 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2023.106735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023]
Abstract
Within the superfamily of pentameric ligand-gated ion channels, cholinergic nicotinic receptors (nAChRs) were classically identified to mediate synaptic transmission in the nervous system and the neuromuscular junction. The α9 and α10 nAChR subunits were the last ones to be identified. Surprisingly, they do not fall into the dichotomic neuronal/muscle classification of nAChRs. They assemble into heteropentamers with a well-established function as canonical ion channels in inner ear hair cells, where they mediate central nervous system control of auditory and vestibular sensory processing. The present review includes expression, pharmacological, structure-function, molecular evolution and pathophysiological studies, that define receptors composed from α9 and α10 subunits as distant and distinct members within the nAChR family. Thus, although α9 and α10 were initially included within the neuronal subdivision of nAChR subunits, they form a distinct clade within the phylogeny of nAChRs. Following the classification of nAChR subunits based on their main synaptic site of action, α9 and α10 should receive a name in their own right.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Belén Elgoyhen
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Ingeniería Genética y Biología Molecular "Dr. Héctor N. Torres" (INGEBI), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Vuelta de Obligado 2490, Buenos Aires 1428, Argentina.
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15
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Tae HS, Adams DJ. Nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subtype expression, function, and pharmacology: Therapeutic potential of α-conotoxins. Pharmacol Res 2023; 191:106747. [PMID: 37001708 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2023.106747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
Abstract
The pentameric nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) are typically classed as muscle- or neuronal-type, however, the latter has also been reported in non-neuronal cells. Given their broad distribution, nAChRs mediate numerous physiological and pathological processes including synaptic transmission, presynaptic modulation of transmitter release, neuropathic pain, inflammation, and cancer. There are 17 different nAChR subunits and combinations of these subunits produce subtypes with diverse pharmacological properties. The expression and role of some nAChR subtypes have been extensively deciphered with the aid of knock-out models. Many nAChR subtypes expressed in heterologous systems are selectively targeted by the disulfide-rich α-conotoxins. α-Conotoxins are small peptides isolated from the venom of cone snails, and a number of them have potential pharmaceutical value.
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16
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Expression of Chrna9 is regulated by Tbx3 in undifferentiated pluripotent stem cells. Sci Rep 2023; 13:1611. [PMID: 36709241 PMCID: PMC9884305 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-28814-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
It was reported that nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR)-mediated signaling pathways affect the proliferation and differentiation of pluripotent stem cells. However, detail expression profiles of nAChR genes were unrevealed in these cells. In this study, we comprehensively investigated the gene expression of α subunit of nAChRs (Chrna) during differentiation and induction of pluripotent stem cells. Mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells expressed multiple Chrna genes (Chrna3-5, 7 and 9) in undifferentiated status. Among them, Chrna9 was markedly down-regulated upon the differentiation into mesenchymal cell lineage. In mouse tissues and cells, Chrna9 was mainly expressed in testes, ES cells and embryonal F9 teratocarcinoma stem cells. Expression of Chrna9 gene was acutely reduced during differentiation of ES and F9 cells within 24 h. In contrast, Chrna9 expression was increased in induced pluripotent stem cells established from mouse embryonic fibroblast. It was shown by the reporter assays that T element-like sequence in the promoter region of Chrna9 gene is important for its activities in ES cells. Chrna9 was markedly reduced by siRNA-mediated knockdown of Tbx3, a pluripotency-related transcription factor of the T-box gene family. These results indicate that Chrna9 is a nAChR gene that are transcriptionally regulated by Tbx3 in undifferentiated pluripotent cells.
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17
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Liang J, Tae HS, Zhao Z, Li X, Zhang J, Chen S, Jiang T, Adams DJ, Yu R. Mechanism of Action and Structure-Activity Relationship of α-Conotoxin Mr1.1 at the Human α9α10 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor. J Med Chem 2022; 65:16204-16217. [PMID: 36137181 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c00494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
α-Conotoxins (α-CTxs) can selectively target nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) and are important drug leads for the treatment of cancer, chronic pain, and neuralgia. Here, we chemically synthesized a formerly defined rat α7 nAChR targeting α-CTx Mr1.1 and evaluated its activity at human nAChRs. Mr1.1 was most potent at the human (h) α9α10 nAChR with a half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 92.0 nM. Molecular dynamic simulations suggested that Mr1.1 favorably binds at the α10(+)α9(-) and α9(+)α9(-) sites via hydrogen bonds and salt bridges, stabilizing the channel in a closed conformation. Although Mr1.1 and another antagonist, α-CTx Vc1.1 share high sequence similarity and disulfide-bond framework, Mr1.1 has distinct orientations at hα9α10. Based on the Mr1.1-hα9α10 model, analogues were generated, and the more potent Mr1.1[S4Dap], antagonized hα9α10 with an IC50 of 4.0 nM. Furthermore, Mr1.1[S4Dap] displayed analgesic activity in the rat chronic constriction injury (CCI) pain model and therefore presents a promising drug candidate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiazhen Liang
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao266003, China.,Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao266003, China
| | - Han-Shen Tae
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute (IHMRI), University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales2522, Australia
| | - Zitong Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao266003, China.,Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao266003, China
| | - Xiao Li
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao266003, China.,Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao266003, China
| | - Jinghui Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao266003, China.,Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao266003, China
| | - Shen Chen
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao266003, China.,Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao266003, China
| | - Tao Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao266003, China.,Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao266003, China.,Innovation Center for Marine Drug Screening & Evaluation, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao266003, China
| | - David J Adams
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute (IHMRI), University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales2522, Australia
| | - Rilei Yu
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao266003, China.,Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao266003, China.,Innovation Center for Marine Drug Screening & Evaluation, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao266003, China
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18
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Conus regius-Derived Conotoxins: Novel Therapeutic Opportunities from a Marine Organism. Mar Drugs 2022; 20:md20120773. [PMID: 36547920 PMCID: PMC9783627 DOI: 10.3390/md20120773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 12/03/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Conus regius is a marine venomous mollusk of the Conus genus that captures its prey by injecting a rich cocktail of bioactive disulfide bond rich peptides called conotoxins. These peptides selectively target a broad range of ion channels, membrane receptors, transporters, and enzymes, making them valuable pharmacological tools and potential drug leads. C. regius-derived conotoxins are particularly attractive due to their marked potency and selectivity against specific nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subtypes, whose signalling is involved in pain, cognitive disorders, drug addiction, and cancer. However, the species-specific differences in sensitivity and the low stability and bioavailability of these conotoxins limit their clinical development as novel therapeutic agents for these disorders. Here, we give an overview of the main pharmacological features of the C. regius-derived conotoxins described so far, focusing on the molecular mechanisms underlying their potential therapeutic effects. Additionally, we describe adoptable chemical engineering solutions to improve their pharmacological properties for future potential clinical translation.
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19
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Huynh PN, Christensen SB, McIntosh JM. RgIA4 Prevention of Acute Oxaliplatin-Induced Cold Allodynia Requires α9-Containing Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors and CD3 + T-Cells. Cells 2022; 11:cells11223561. [PMID: 36428990 PMCID: PMC9688540 DOI: 10.3390/cells11223561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2022] [Revised: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Chemotherapy-induced neuropathic pain is a debilitating and dose-limiting side effect. Oxaliplatin is a third-generation platinum and antineoplastic compound that is commonly used to treat colorectal cancer and commonly yields neuropathic side effects. Available drugs such as duloxetine provide only modest benefits against oxaliplatin-induced neuropathy. A particularly disruptive symptom of oxaliplatin is painful cold sensitivity, known as cold allodynia. Previous studies of the Conus regius peptide, RgIA, and its analogs have demonstrated relief from oxaliplatin-induced cold allodynia, yielding improvement that persists even after treatment cessation. Moreover, underlying inflammatory and neuronal protection were shown at the cellular level in chronic constriction nerve injury models, consistent with disease-modifying effects. Despite these promising preclinical outcomes, the underlying molecular mechanism of action of RgIA4 remains an area of active investigation. This study aimed to determine the necessity of the α9 nAChR subunit and potential T-cell mechanisms in RgIA4 efficacy against acute oxaliplatin-induced cold allodynia. A single dose of oxaliplatin (10 mg/kg) was utilized followed by four daily doses of RgIA4. Subcutaneous administration of RgIA4 (40 µg/kg) prevented cold allodynia in wildtype mice but not in mice lacking the α9 nAChR-encoding gene, chrna9. RgIA4 also failed to reverse allodynia in mice depleted of CD3+ T-cells. In wildtype mice treated with oxaliplatin, quantitated circulating T-cells remained unaffected by RgIA4. Together, these results show that RgIA4 requires both chrna9 and CD3+ T-cells to exert its protective effects against acute cold-allodynia produced by oxaliplatin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter N. Huynh
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
- Correspondence:
| | - Sean B. Christensen
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - J. Michael McIntosh
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
- George E. Wahlen Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
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20
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Shen Y, Huang Q, Ji M, Hsueh CY, Zhou L. Smoking-mediated nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) for predicting outcomes for head and neck squamous cell carcinomas. BMC Cancer 2022; 22:1093. [PMID: 36284268 PMCID: PMC9594873 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-022-10161-x] [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: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background As a human tumor disease, head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is associated with a high mortality rate worldwide. Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) are transmembrane receptor proteins and exert their biological effects following activation by nicotine. We aimed to construct a prognostic signature based on the expression of nAChRs among smokers with HNSCC. Methods The transcriptome profile of nAChRs was obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Following the integration of survival information, univariate Cox regression and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) analyses were performed to screen the prognosis-related nAChRs and construct a prognostic signature. Kaplan–Meier (KM), receiver operating characteristic (ROC), principal component analysis (PCA), and independent prognostic analysis were utilized to verify the predictive power of the nAChR-associated prognostic signature. The expression of α5 nAChR in clinical samples was verified by quantitative reverse transcriptase PCR. Results Subunits α2, α5, α9, and β4 were related to the prognosis. The prognostic signature comprised the expression of subunits α5, α9, and β4. The nAChR-associated signature showed high sensitivity and specificity for prognostic prediction and was an independent factor for overall survival. Based on the clinical variables and expression of nAChRs, a nomogram was constructed for predicting the outcomes of HNSCC patients who were smokers in the clinical settings. In clinical specimens, α5 nAChR showed high expression in HNSCC tissues, especially among smokers. Conclusions The nAChR-associated signature constructed in this study may provide a better system for the classification of HNSCC patients and facilitate personalized treatment according to their smoking habits. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12885-022-10161-x.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujie Shen
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Eye, Ear, Nose, and Throat Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qiang Huang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Eye, Ear, Nose, and Throat Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Mengyou Ji
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Eye, Ear, Nose, and Throat Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chi-Yao Hsueh
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Eye, Ear, Nose, and Throat Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Liang Zhou
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Eye, Ear, Nose, and Throat Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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21
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Zhu X, Yuan M, Wang H, Zhangsun D, Yu G, Che J, Luo S. Novel αO-conotoxin GeXIVA[1,2] Nonaddictive Analgesic with Pharmacokinetic Modelling-Based Mechanistic Assessment. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14091789. [PMID: 36145535 PMCID: PMC9505004 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14091789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Revised: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
αO-conotoxin GeXIVA[1,2] was isolated in our laboratory from Conus generalis, a snail native to the South China Sea, and is a novel, nonaddictive, intramuscularly administered analgesic targeting the α9α10 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) with an IC50 of 4.61 nM. However, its pharmacokinetics and related mechanisms underlying the analgesic effect remain unknown. Herein, pharmacokinetics and multiscale pharmacokinetic modelling in animals were subjected systematically to mechanistic assessment for αO-conotoxin GeXIVA[1,2]. The intramuscular bioavailability in rats and dogs was 11.47% and 13.37%, respectively. The plasma exposure of GeXIVA[1,2] increased proportionally with the experimental dose. The plasma protein binding of GeXIVA[1,2] differed between the tested animal species. The one-compartment model with the first-order absorption population pharmacokinetics model predicted doses for humans with bodyweight as the covariant. The pharmacokinetics-pharmacodynamics relationships were characterized using an inhibitory loss indirect response model with an effect compartment. Model simulations have provided potential mechanistic insights into the analgesic effects of GeXIVA[1,2] by inhibiting certain endogenous substances, which may be a key biomarker. This report is the first concerning the pharmacokinetics of GeXIVA[1,2] and its potential analgesic mechanisms based on a top-down modelling approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyu Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources, Ministry of Education, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Mei Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Huanbai Wang
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources, Ministry of Education, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Dongting Zhangsun
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources, Ministry of Education, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
| | - Gang Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing 100850, China
- Correspondence: (G.Y.); (J.C.); (S.L.)
| | - Jinjing Che
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing 100850, China
- Correspondence: (G.Y.); (J.C.); (S.L.)
| | - Sulan Luo
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources, Ministry of Education, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
- Medical School, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
- Correspondence: (G.Y.); (J.C.); (S.L.)
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22
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Bony AR, McArthur JR, Komori A, Wong AR, Hung A, Adams DJ. Analgesic α -Conotoxin Binding Site on the Human GABAB Receptor. Mol Pharmacol 2022; 102:196-208. [PMID: 35944919 DOI: 10.1124/molpharm.122.000543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The analgesic α-conotoxins Vc1.1, RgIA, and PeIA attenuate nociceptive transmission via activation of G protein-coupled GABAB receptors (GABABR) to modulate N-type calcium channels in primary afferent neurons and recombinantly co-expressed human GABABR and Cav2.2 channels in HEK293T cells. Here, we investigated the effects of analgesic α-conotoxins following the mutation of amino acid residues in the Venus Flytrap (VFT) domains of the GABABR subunits predicted through computational peptide docking and molecular dynamics simulations. Our docking calculations predicted that all three of the α-conotoxins form close contacts with VFT residues in both B1 and B2 subunits, comprising a novel GABABR ligand-binding site. The effects of baclofen and α-conotoxins on the peak Ba2+ current (IBa) amplitude were investigated on wild-type and 15 GABABR mutants individually co-expressed with human Cav2.2 channels. Mutations at the interface of the VFT domains of both GABABR subunits attenuated baclofen-sensitive IBa inhibition by the analgesic α-conotoxins. In contrast, mutations located outside the putative peptide-binding site (D380A and R98A) did not. The key GABABR residues involved in interactions with the α-conotoxins are K168 and R207 on the B2 subunit and S130, S153, R162, E200, F227, and E253 on the B1 subunit. The double mutant, S130A+S153A, abolished inhibition by both baclofen and the α-conotoxins. Depolarization-activated IBa mediated by both wild-type and all GABAαBR mutants were inhibited by the selective GABABR antagonist CGP 55845. This study identifies specific residues of GABABR involved in the binding of the analgesic α-conotoxins to the VFT domains of the GABABR. Significance Statement This study defines the binding site of analgesic α-conotoxins Vc1.1, RgIA, and PeIA on the human GABAB receptor to activate Gi/o proteins and inhibit Cav2.2 channels. Computational docking and MD simulations of GABABR identified amino acids of the Venus flytrap (VFT) domains with which the α-conotoxins interact. GABABR alanine mutants attenuated baclofen-sensitive Cav2.2 inhibition by the α-conotoxins. We identify an allosteric binding site at the interface of the VFT domains of the GABABR subunits for the analgesic α-conotoxins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anuja R Bony
- Illawarra Health & Medical Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Australia
| | - Jeffrey R McArthur
- Illawarra Health & Medical Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Australia
| | | | - Ann R Wong
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Australia
| | - Andrew Hung
- School of Science, RMIT University, Australia
| | - David J Adams
- Illawarra Health & Medical Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Australia
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Westlake S, Jones M, Sharma KD, Xie JY. Letters to the editor: Nicotinic acetylcholine receptor ligands as potential targets for managing neuropathic pain induced by diabetic peripheral neuropathy. eNeurologicalSci 2022; 28:100416. [PMID: 35855978 PMCID: PMC9287153 DOI: 10.1016/j.ensci.2022.100416] [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: 04/24/2022] [Revised: 06/12/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is a medical condition that is progressively becoming more prevalent. The underlying cause of DPN is still unknown, although there have been several hypothesized mechanisms. There are current pharmaceutical treatments used to manage the pain, but their efficacy is largely unsatisfactory and are often associated with serious adverse effects. This review will explore the evidence of a new potential target for treating DPN, the ligands for nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs), specifically α4ꞵ2 agonists and α9α10 antagonists.
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24
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Zlotos DP, Mandour YM, Jensen AA. Strychnine and its mono- and dimeric analogues: a pharmaco-chemical perspective. Nat Prod Rep 2022; 39:1910-1937. [PMID: 35380133 DOI: 10.1039/d1np00079a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Covering: up to November 2021Since its isolation in 1818, strychnine has attracted the attention of a plethora of chemists and pharmacologists who have established its structure, developed total syntheses, and examined its complex pharmacology. While numerous reviews on structure elucidation and total synthesis of strychnine are available, reports on structure-activity relationships (SARs) of this fascinating alkaloid are rare. In this review, we present and discuss structures, synthetic approaches, metabolic transformations, and the diverse pharmacological actions of strychnine and its mono- and dimeric analogues. Particular attention is given to its SARs at glycine receptors (GlyRs) in light of recently published high-resolution structures of strychnine-GlyR complexes. Other pharmacological actions of strychnine and its derivatives, such as their antagonistic properties at nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs), allosteric modulation of muscarinic acetylcholine receptors as well as anti-cancer and anti-plasmodial effects are also critically reviewed, and possible future developments in the field are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darius P Zlotos
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, The German University in Cairo, New Cairo City, 11835 Cairo, Egypt.
| | - Yasmine M Mandour
- School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire hosted by Global Academic Foundation, New Administrative Capital, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Anders A Jensen
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
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25
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Papke RL, Andleeb H, Stokes C, Quadri M, Horenstein NA. Selective Agonists and Antagonists of α9 Versus α7 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors. ACS Chem Neurosci 2022; 13:624-637. [PMID: 35167270 PMCID: PMC9547379 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.1c00747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors containing α9 subunits are essential for the auditory function and have been implicated, along with α7-containing nicotinic receptors, as potential targets for the treatment of inflammatory and neuropathic pain. The study of α9-containing receptors has been hampered by the lack of selective agonists. The only α9-selective antagonists previously identified are peptide conotoxins. Curiously, the activity of α7 and α9 receptors as modulators of inflammatory pain appears to not rely strictly on ion channel activation, which led to the identification of α7 "silent agonists" and phosphocholine as an "unconventional agonist" for α9 containing receptors. The parallel testing of the α7 silent agonist p-CF3-diEPP and phosphocholine led to the discovery that p-CF3-diEPP was an α9 agonist. In this report, we compared the activity of α7 and α9 with a family of structurally related compounds, most of which were previously shown to be α7 partial or silent agonists. We identify several potent α9-selective agonists as well as numerous potent and selective α9 antagonists and describe the structural basis for these activities. Several of these compounds have previously been shown to be effective in animal models of inflammatory pain, an activity that was assumed to be due to α7 silent agonism but may, in fact, be due to α9 activity. The α9-selective conotoxin antagonists have also been shown to reduce pain in similar models. Our identification of these new α9 agonists and antagonists may prove to be invaluable for defining an optimal approach for treating pain, allowing for reduced use of opioid drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roger L. Papke
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Florida, PO Box 100267 Gainesville, FL 32610 USA (CS, RLP),To whom correspondence should be addressed: Roger L. Papke, Ph.D., , Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Florida, PO Box 100267, Gainesville FL, 32610-0267
| | - Hina Andleeb
- Department of Chemistry, University of Florida, PO Box 117200, Gainesville, FL 32611-7200 USA (HA, MQ, NAH)
| | - Clare Stokes
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Florida, PO Box 100267 Gainesville, FL 32610 USA (CS, RLP)
| | - Marta Quadri
- Department of Chemistry, University of Florida, PO Box 117200, Gainesville, FL 32611-7200 USA (HA, MQ, NAH)
| | - Nicole A. Horenstein
- Department of Chemistry, University of Florida, PO Box 117200, Gainesville, FL 32611-7200 USA (HA, MQ, NAH)
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26
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Elgoyhen AB. The α9α10 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor: a compelling drug target for hearing loss? Expert Opin Ther Targets 2022; 26:291-302. [PMID: 35225139 PMCID: PMC9007918 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2022.2047931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Hearing loss is a major health problem, impacting education, communication, interpersonal relationships, and mental health. Drugs that prevent or restore hearing are lacking and hence novel drug targets are sought. There is the possibility of targeting the α9α10 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) in the prevention of noise-induced, hidden hearing loss and presbycusis. This receptor mediates synaptic transmission between medial olivocochlear efferent fibers and cochlear outer hair cells. This target is key since enhanced olivocochlear activity prevents noise-induced hearing loss and delays presbycusis. AREAS COVERED The work examines the α9α10 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR), its role in noise-induced, hidden hearing loss and presbycusis and the possibility of targeting. Data has been searched in Pubmed, the World Report on Hearing from the World Health Organization and the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019. EXPERT OPINION The design of positive allosteric modulators of α9α10 nAChRs is proposed because of the advantage of reinforcing the medial olivocochlear (MOC)-hair cell endogenous neurotransmission without directly stimulating the target receptors, therefore avoiding receptor desensitization and reduced efficacy. The time is right for the discovery and development of α9α10 nAChRs targeting agents and high throughput screening assays will support this.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Belén Elgoyhen
- Laboratorio de Fisiología y Genética de la Audición, Instituto de Investigaciones en Ingeniería Genética y Biología Molecular "Dr. Héctor N. Torres" (INGEBI), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
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27
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Marine Origin Ligands of Nicotinic Receptors: Low Molecular Compounds, Peptides and Proteins for Fundamental Research and Practical Applications. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12020189. [PMID: 35204690 PMCID: PMC8961598 DOI: 10.3390/biom12020189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Revised: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The purpose of our review is to briefly show what different compounds of marine origin, from low molecular weight ones to peptides and proteins, offer for understanding the structure and mechanism of action of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) and for finding novel drugs to combat the diseases where nAChRs may be involved. The importance of the mentioned classes of ligands has changed with time; a protein from the marine snake venom was the first excellent tool to characterize the muscle-type nAChRs from the electric ray, while at present, muscle and α7 receptors are labeled with the radioactive or fluorescent derivatives prepared from α-bungarotoxin isolated from the many-banded krait. The most sophisticated instruments to distinguish muscle from neuronal nAChRs, and especially distinct subtypes within the latter, are α-conotoxins. Such information is crucial for fundamental studies on the nAChR revealing the properties of their orthosteric and allosteric binding sites and mechanisms of the channel opening and closure. Similar data are provided by low-molecular weight compounds of marine origin, but here the main purpose is drug design. In our review we tried to show what has been obtained in the last decade when the listed classes of compounds were used in the nAChR research, applying computer modeling, synthetic analogues and receptor mutants, X-ray and electron-microscopy analyses of complexes with the nAChRs, and their models which are acetylcholine-binding proteins and heterologously-expressed ligand-binding domains.
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28
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Pucci S, Zoli M, Clementi F, Gotti C. α9-Containing Nicotinic Receptors in Cancer. Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 15:805123. [PMID: 35126059 PMCID: PMC8814915 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2021.805123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors containing the α9 or the α9 and α10 subunits are expressed in various extra-neuronal tissues. Moreover, most cancer cells and tissues highly express α9-containing receptors, and a number of studies have shown that they are powerful regulators of responses that stimulate cancer processes such as proliferation, inhibition of apoptosis, and metastasis. It has also emerged that their modulation is a promising target for drug development. The aim of this review is to summarize recent data showing the involvement of these receptors in controlling the downstream signaling cascades involved in the promotion of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanna Pucci
- Institute of Neuroscience, National Research Council (CNR), Milan, Italy
- NeuroMi Milan Center for Neuroscience, University of Milano Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Michele Zoli
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, Center for Neuroscience and Neurotechnology (CfNN), University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Francesco Clementi
- Institute of Neuroscience, National Research Council (CNR), Milan, Italy
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Cecilia Gotti
- Institute of Neuroscience, National Research Council (CNR), Milan, Italy
- NeuroMi Milan Center for Neuroscience, University of Milano Bicocca, Milan, Italy
- *Correspondence: Cecilia Gotti
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29
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Bony AR, McArthur JR, Finol-Urdaneta RK, Adams DJ. Analgesic α-conotoxins modulate native and recombinant GIRK1/2 channels via activation of GABA B receptors and reduce neuroexcitability. Br J Pharmacol 2021; 179:179-198. [PMID: 34599513 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2021] [Revised: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Activation of GIRK channels via G protein-coupled GABAB receptors has been shown to attenuate nociceptive transmission. The analgesic α-conotoxin Vc1.1 activates GABAB receptors resulting in inhibition of Cav 2.2 and Cav 2.3 channels in mammalian primary afferent neurons. Here, we investigated the effects of analgesic α-conotoxins on recombinant and native GIRK-mediated K+ currents and on neuronal excitability. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH The effects of analgesic α-conotoxins, Vc1.1, RgIA, and PeIA, were investigated on inwardly-rectifying K+ currents in HEK293T cells recombinantly co-expressing either heteromeric human GIRK1/2 or homomeric GIRK2 subunits, with GABAB receptors. The effects of α-conotoxin Vc1.1 and baclofen were studied on GIRK-mediated K+ currents and the passive and active electrical properties of adult mouse dorsal root ganglion neurons. KEY RESULTS Analgesic α-conotoxins Vc1.1, RgIA, and PeIA potentiate inwardly-rectifying K+ currents in HEK293T cells recombinantly expressing human GIRK1/2 channels and GABAB receptors. GABAB receptor-dependent GIRK channel potentiation by Vc1.1 and baclofen occurs via a pertussis toxin-sensitive G protein and is inhibited by the selective GABAB receptor antagonist CGP 55845. In adult mouse dorsal root ganglion neurons, GABAB receptor-dependent GIRK channel potentiation by Vc1.1 and baclofen hyperpolarizes the cell membrane potential and reduces excitability. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS This is the first report of GIRK channel potentiation via allosteric α-conotoxin Vc1.1-GABAB receptor agonism, leading to decreased neuronal excitability. Such action potentially contributes to the analgesic effects of Vc1.1 and baclofen observed in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anuja R Bony
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute (IHMRI), University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Jeffrey R McArthur
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute (IHMRI), University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Rocio K Finol-Urdaneta
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute (IHMRI), University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - David J Adams
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute (IHMRI), University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
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30
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Gajewiak J, Christensen S, Dowell C, Hararah F, Fisher F, Huynh PN, Olivera B, McIntosh JM. Selective Penicillamine Substitution Enables Development of a Potent Analgesic Peptide that Acts through a Non-Opioid-Based Mechanism. J Med Chem 2021; 64:9271-9278. [PMID: 34142837 PMCID: PMC8360267 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c00512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Venom-derived compounds are of broad interest in neuropharmacology and drug development. α-Conotoxins are small disulfide-containing peptides from Conus snails that target nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) and are in clinical development for non-opioid-based treatment of intractable pain. Although refined by evolution for interaction with target prey receptors, enhancements of pharmacological properties are needed for use in mammalian systems. Therefore, we synthesized analogues of α-conotoxin RgIA using a combination of selective penicillamine substitutions together with natural and non-natural amino acid replacements. This approach resulted in a peptide with 9000-fold increased potency on the human α9α10 nAChR and improved resistance to disulfide shuffling compared to the native peptide. The lead analogue, RgIA-5474, potently blocked α9α10 nAChRs, but not opioid- or other pain-related targets. In addition, RgIA-5474 effectively reversed chemotherapy-induced neuropathic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Gajewiak
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, 257 South 1400 East, Salt Lake City, UT 84112-0840
| | - Sean Christensen
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, 257 South 1400 East, Salt Lake City, UT 84112-0840
| | - Cheryl Dowell
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, 257 South 1400 East, Salt Lake City, UT 84112-0840
| | - Fuaad Hararah
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, 257 South 1400 East, Salt Lake City, UT 84112-0840
| | - Fernando Fisher
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, 257 South 1400 East, Salt Lake City, UT 84112-0840
| | - Peter N. Huynh
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, 257 South 1400 East, Salt Lake City, UT 84112-0840
| | - Baldomero Olivera
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, 257 South 1400 East, Salt Lake City, UT 84112-0840
| | - J. Michael McIntosh
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, 257 South 1400 East, Salt Lake City, UT 84112-0840
- George E. Wahlen Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, 500 Foothill Dr, Salt Lake City, UT 84148
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Utah, 501 Chipeta Way, Salt Lake City, UT 84108
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31
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Zheng N, Christensen SB, Dowell C, Purushottam L, Skalicky JJ, McIntosh JM, Chou DHC. Discovery of Methylene Thioacetal-Incorporated α-RgIA Analogues as Potent and Stable Antagonists of the Human α9α10 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor for the Treatment of Neuropathic Pain. J Med Chem 2021; 64:9513-9524. [PMID: 34161094 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c00802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
α9-Containing nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) are key targets for the treatment of neuropathic pain. α-Conotoxin RgIA4 is a peptide antagonist of human α9α10 nAChRs with high selectivity. However, structural rearrangement reveals a potential liability for clinical applications. We herein report our designer RgIA analogues stabilized by methylene thioacetal as nonopioid analgesic agents. We demonstrate that replacing disulfide loop I [CysI-CysIII] with methylene thioacetal in the RgIA skeleton results in activity loss, whereas substitution of loop II [CysII-CysIV] can be accommodated. The lead molecule, RgIA-5524, exhibits highly selective inhibition of α9α10 nAChRs with an IC50 of 0.9 nM and much reduced degradation in human serum. In vivo studies showed that RgIA-5524 relieves chemotherapy-induced neuropathic pain in wild type but not α9 knockout mouse models, demonstrating that α9-containing nAChRs are necessary for the therapeutic effects. This work highlights the application of methylene thioacetal as a disulfide surrogate in conotoxin-based, disulfide-rich peptide drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan Zheng
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States
| | - Sean B Christensen
- School of Biological Science, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States
| | - Cheryl Dowell
- School of Biological Science, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States
| | - Landa Purushottam
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
| | - Jack J Skalicky
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States
| | - J Michael McIntosh
- School of Biological Science, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States.,George E. Whalen Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Salt Lake City, Utah 84108, United States.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States
| | - Danny Hung-Chieh Chou
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
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Bekbossynova A, Zharylgap A, Filchakova O. Venom-Derived Neurotoxins Targeting Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26113373. [PMID: 34204855 PMCID: PMC8199771 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26113373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 05/05/2021] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Acetylcholine was the first neurotransmitter described. The receptors targeted by acetylcholine are found within organisms spanning different phyla and position themselves as very attractive targets for predation, as well as for defense. Venoms of snakes within the Elapidae family, as well as those of marine snails within the Conus genus, are particularly rich in proteins and peptides that target nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs). Such compounds are invaluable tools for research seeking to understand the structure and function of the cholinergic system. Proteins and peptides of venomous origin targeting nAChR demonstrate high affinity and good selectivity. This review aims at providing an overview of the toxins targeting nAChRs found within venoms of different animals, as well as their activities and the structural determinants important for receptor binding.
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Belgi A, Burnley JV, MacRaild CA, Chhabra S, Elnahriry KA, Robinson SD, Gooding SG, Tae HS, Bartels P, Sadeghi M, Zhao FY, Wei H, Spanswick D, Adams DJ, Norton RS, Robinson AJ. Alkyne-Bridged α-Conotoxin Vc1.1 Potently Reverses Mechanical Allodynia in Neuropathic Pain Models. J Med Chem 2021; 64:3222-3233. [PMID: 33724033 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c02151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Several Conus-derived venom peptides are promising lead compounds for the management of neuropathic pain, with α-conotoxins being of particular interest. Modification of the interlocked disulfide framework of α-conotoxin Vc1.1 has been achieved using on-resin alkyne metathesis. Although introduction of a metabolically stable alkyne motif significantly disrupts backbone topography, the structural modification generates a potent and selective GABAB receptor agonist that inhibits Cav2.2 channels and exhibits dose-dependent reversal of mechanical allodynia in a behavioral rat model of neuropathic pain. The findings herein support the hypothesis that analgesia can be achieved via activation of GABABRs expressed in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) sensory neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Belgi
- School of Chemistry, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - James V Burnley
- School of Chemistry, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Christopher A MacRaild
- Medicinal Chemistry, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, Monash University, 381 Royal Parade, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Sandeep Chhabra
- Medicinal Chemistry, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, Monash University, 381 Royal Parade, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Khaled A Elnahriry
- Medicinal Chemistry, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, Monash University, 381 Royal Parade, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Samuel D Robinson
- Medicinal Chemistry, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, Monash University, 381 Royal Parade, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Simon G Gooding
- School of Chemistry, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Han-Shen Tae
- Illawarra Health & Medical Research Institute (IHMRI), University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales 2522, Australia
| | - Peter Bartels
- Illawarra Health & Medical Research Institute (IHMRI), University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales 2522, Australia
| | - Mahsa Sadeghi
- Illawarra Health & Medical Research Institute (IHMRI), University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales 2522, Australia
| | | | | | - David Spanswick
- NeuroSolutions Ltd., Coventry CV4 7AL, U.K
- Biomedicine Discovery Institute and the Department of Physiology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, U.K
| | - David J Adams
- Illawarra Health & Medical Research Institute (IHMRI), University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales 2522, Australia
| | - Raymond S Norton
- Medicinal Chemistry, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, Monash University, 381 Royal Parade, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
- ARC Centre for Fragment-Based Design, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Andrea J Robinson
- School of Chemistry, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
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Hone AJ, Kaas Q, Kearns I, Hararah F, Gajewiak J, Christensen S, Craik DJ, McIntosh JM. Computational and Functional Mapping of Human and Rat α6β4 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors Reveals Species-Specific Ligand-Binding Motifs. J Med Chem 2021; 64:1685-1700. [PMID: 33523678 PMCID: PMC8382285 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c01973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) are pharmacological targets for the treatment of neuropathic pain, and the α6β4 subtype has been identified as particularly promising. Rat α6β4 nAChRs are less sensitive to some ligands than the human homologue potentially complicating the use of rodent α6β4 receptors for screening therapeutic compounds. We used molecular dynamics simulations coupled with functional assays to study the interaction between α-conotoxin PeIA and α6β4 nAChRs and to identify key ligand-receptor interactions that contribute to species differences in α-conotoxin potency. Our results show that human and rat α6β4 nAChRs have distinct ligand-binding motifs and show markedly different sensitivities to α-conotoxins. These studies facilitated the creation of PeIA-5667, a peptide that shows 270-fold higher potency for rat α6β4 nAChRs over native PeIA and similar potency for the human homologue. Our results may inform the design of therapeutic ligands that target α6β4 nAChRs for the treatment of neuropathic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arik J Hone
- MIRECC, George E. Whalen Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Salt Lake City, Utah 84148 United States
| | - Quentin Kaas
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072 Australia
| | | | | | | | | | - David J Craik
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072 Australia
| | - J Michael McIntosh
- George E. Whalen Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Salt Lake City, Utah 84148 United States
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35
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Li X, Tae HS, Chu Y, Jiang T, Adams DJ, Yu R. Medicinal chemistry, pharmacology, and therapeutic potential of α-conotoxins antagonizing the α9α10 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor. Pharmacol Ther 2020; 222:107792. [PMID: 33309557 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2020.107792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
α-Conotoxins are disulfide-rich and well-structured peptides, most of which can block nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) with exquisite selectivity and potency. There are various nAChR subtypes, of which the α9α10 nAChR functions as a heteromeric ionotropic receptor in the mammalian cochlea and mediates postsynaptic transmission from the medial olivocochlear. The α9α10 nAChR subtype has also been proposed as a target for the treatment of neuropathic pain and the suppression of breast cancer cell proliferation. Therefore, α-conotoxins targeting the α9α10 nAChR are potentially useful in the development of specific therapeutic drugs and pharmacological tools. Despite dissimilarities in their amino acid sequence and structures, these conopeptides are potent antagonists of the α9α10 nAChR subtype. Consequently, the activity and stability of these peptides have been subjected to chemical modifications. The resulting synthetic analogues have not only functioned as molecular probes to explore ligand binding sites of the α9α10 nAChR, but also have the potential to become candidates for drug development. From the perspectives of medicinal chemistry and pharmacology, we highlight the structure and function of the α9α10 nAChR and review studies of α-conotoxins targeting it, including their three-dimensional structures, structure optimization strategies, and binding modes at the α9α10 nAChR, as well as their therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Li
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao 266003, China; Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Han-Shen Tae
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute (IHMRI), University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales 2522, Australia
| | - Yanyan Chu
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao 266003, China; Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266003, China; Innovation Platform of Marine Drug Screening & Evaluation, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, Shandong 266100, China
| | - Tao Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao 266003, China; Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - David J Adams
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute (IHMRI), University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales 2522, Australia.
| | - Rilei Yu
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao 266003, China; Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266003, China; Innovation Platform of Marine Drug Screening & Evaluation, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, Shandong 266100, China.
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36
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Safronova VG, Vulfius CA, Astashev ME, Tikhonova IV, Serov DA, Jirova EA, Pershina EV, Senko DA, Zhmak MN, Kasheverov IE, Tsetlin VI. α9α10 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors regulate murine bone marrow granulocyte functions. Immunobiology 2020; 226:152047. [PMID: 33340828 DOI: 10.1016/j.imbio.2020.152047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2020] [Revised: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Polymorphonuclear neutrophilic granulocytes (PMNs) are extremely important in defense of the organism against infections and in inflammatory processes including neuroinflammation and pain sensation. Different subtypes of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) are involved in modulation of PMN activities. Earlier we determined expression of α2-7, α9, β3, β4 subunits and regulatory role of α7 and α3β2 nAChR subtypes in functions of inflammatory PMNs. Other authors detected mRNA of α9 subunit in bone marrow neutrophils (BM-PMNs). Murine BM-PMNs coming out from the bone marrow, where they develop, to blood were characterized as mature. There was no data for α10 and for the presence of functionally active α9α10 nAChRs in BM-PMNs. Here we detected for the first time mRNA expression of the α10 nAChR subunit in BM-PMNs and confirmed the expression of mRNA for α9 nAChR. With the help of α-conotoxins RgIA and Vc1.1, highly selective antagonists of α9α10 nAChRs, we have revealed participation of α9 and/or α9α10 nAChRs in regulation of cytosolic Ca2+ concentration, cell adhesion, and in generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Nicotine, choline, RgIA, and Vc1.1 induced Ca2+ transients in BM-PMNs, enhanced cell adhesiveness and decreased production of ROS indicating involvement of α9, possibly co-assembled with α10, nAChRs in the BM-PMN activity for recruitment and cytotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina G Safronova
- Institute of Cell Biophysics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Institutskaya St., 3, 142290 Pushchino, Russia.
| | - Catherine A Vulfius
- Institute of Cell Biophysics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Institutskaya St., 3, 142290 Pushchino, Russia.
| | - Maxim E Astashev
- Institute of Cell Biophysics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Institutskaya St., 3, 142290 Pushchino, Russia.
| | - Irina V Tikhonova
- Institute of Cell Biophysics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Institutskaya St., 3, 142290 Pushchino, Russia.
| | - Dmitriy A Serov
- Institute of Cell Biophysics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Institutskaya St., 3, 142290 Pushchino, Russia.
| | - Elina A Jirova
- Institute of Cell Biophysics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Institutskaya St., 3, 142290 Pushchino, Russia.
| | - Ekaterina V Pershina
- Institute of Theoretical and Experimental Biophysics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Institutskaya St., 3, 142290 Pushchino, Russia.
| | - Dmitry A Senko
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Miklukho-Maklaya St., 16/10, 117997 Moscow, Russia; Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119991 Moscow, Russia.
| | - Maxim N Zhmak
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Miklukho-Maklaya St., 16/10, 117997 Moscow, Russia.
| | - Igor E Kasheverov
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Miklukho-Maklaya St., 16/10, 117997 Moscow, Russia.
| | - Victor I Tsetlin
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Miklukho-Maklaya St., 16/10, 117997 Moscow, Russia.
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37
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Ho TNT, Abraham N, Lewis RJ. Structure-Function of Neuronal Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor Inhibitors Derived From Natural Toxins. Front Neurosci 2020; 14:609005. [PMID: 33324158 PMCID: PMC7723979 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2020.609005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 10/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) are prototypical cation-selective, ligand-gated ion channels that mediate fast neurotransmission in the central and peripheral nervous systems. nAChRs are involved in a range of physiological and pathological functions and hence are important therapeutic targets. Their subunit homology and diverse pentameric assembly contribute to their challenging pharmacology and limit their drug development potential. Toxins produced by an extensive range of algae, plants and animals target nAChRs, with many proving pivotal in elucidating receptor pharmacology and biochemistry, as well as providing templates for structure-based drug design. The crystal structures of these toxins with diverse chemical profiles in complex with acetylcholine binding protein (AChBP), a soluble homolog of the extracellular ligand-binding domain of the nAChRs and more recently the extracellular domain of human α9 nAChRs, have been reported. These studies have shed light on the diverse molecular mechanisms of ligand-binding at neuronal nAChR subtypes and uncovered critical insights useful for rational drug design. This review provides a comprehensive overview and perspectives obtained from structure and function studies of diverse plant and animal toxins and their associated inhibitory mechanisms at neuronal nAChRs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Richard J. Lewis
- Centre for Pain Research, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia
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38
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Huynh PN, Harvey PJ, Gajewiak J, Craik DJ, Michael McIntosh J. Critical residue properties for potency and selectivity of α-Conotoxin RgIA towards α9α10 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. Biochem Pharmacol 2020; 181:114124. [PMID: 32593612 PMCID: PMC7572646 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2020.114124] [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: 05/01/2020] [Revised: 06/20/2020] [Accepted: 06/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The α9α10 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) has been characterized as an effective anti-pain target that functions through a non-opioid mechanism. However, as a pentameric ion channel comprised of two different subunits, the specific targeting of α9α10 nAChRs has proven challenging. Previously the 13-amino-acid peptide, RgIA, was shown to block α9α10 nAChRs with high potency and specificity. This peptide, characterized from the venom of the carnivorous marine snail, Conus regius, produced analgesia in several rodent models of chronic pain. Despite promising pre-clinical data in behavioral assays, the number of specific α9α10 nAChR antagonists remains small and the physiological mechanisms of analgesia remain cryptic. In this study, we implement amino-acid substitutions to definitively characterize the chemical properties of RgIA that contribute to its activity against α9α10 nAChRs. Using this mutational approach, we determined the vital role of biochemical side-chain properties and amino acids in the second loop that are amenable to substitutions to further engineer next-generation analogs for the blockade of α9α10 nAChRs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter N Huynh
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA.
| | - Peta J Harvey
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Joanna Gajewiak
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - David J Craik
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - J Michael McIntosh
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA; George E. Whalen Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA; Department of Psychiatry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
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39
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Herzig V, Cristofori-Armstrong B, Israel MR, Nixon SA, Vetter I, King GF. Animal toxins - Nature's evolutionary-refined toolkit for basic research and drug discovery. Biochem Pharmacol 2020; 181:114096. [PMID: 32535105 PMCID: PMC7290223 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2020.114096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2020] [Revised: 06/06/2020] [Accepted: 06/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Venomous animals have evolved toxins that interfere with specific components of their victim's core physiological systems, thereby causing biological dysfunction that aids in prey capture, defense against predators, or other roles such as intraspecific competition. Many animal lineages evolved venom systems independently, highlighting the success of this strategy. Over the course of evolution, toxins with exceptional specificity and high potency for their intended molecular targets have prevailed, making venoms an invaluable and almost inexhaustible source of bioactive molecules, some of which have found use as pharmacological tools, human therapeutics, and bioinsecticides. Current biomedically-focused research on venoms is directed towards their use in delineating the physiological role of toxin molecular targets such as ion channels and receptors, studying or treating human diseases, targeting vectors of human diseases, and treating microbial and parasitic infections. We provide examples of each of these areas of venom research, highlighting the potential that venom molecules hold for basic research and drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Volker Herzig
- School of Science & Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, QLD, Australia; Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD, Australia.
| | | | - Mathilde R Israel
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD, Australia
| | - Samantha A Nixon
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD, Australia
| | - Irina Vetter
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD, Australia
| | - Glenn F King
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD, Australia.
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40
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Zheng N, Christensen SB, Blakely A, Dowell C, Purushottam L, McIntosh JM, Chou DHC. Development of Conformationally Constrained α-RgIA Analogues as Stable Peptide Antagonists of Human α9α10 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors. J Med Chem 2020; 63:8380-8387. [PMID: 32597184 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c00613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Non-opioid therapeutics for the treatment of neuropathic pain are urgently needed to address the ongoing opioid crisis. Peptides from cone snail venoms have served as invaluable molecules to target key pain-related receptors but can suffer from unfavorable physicochemical properties, which limit their therapeutic potential. In this work, we developed conformationally constrained α-RgIA analogues with high potency, receptor selectivity, and enhanced human serum stability to target the human α9α10 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor. The key lactam linkage introduced in α-RgIA fixed the favored globular conformation and suppressed disulfide scrambling. The NMR structure of the macrocyclic peptide overlays well with that of α-RgIA4, demonstrating that the cyclization does not perturb the overall conformation of backbone and key side-chain residues. Finally, a molecular docking model was used to rationalize the selective binding between a macrocyclic analogue and the α9α10 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor. These conformationally constrained antagonists are therefore promising candidates for antinociceptive therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan Zheng
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States
| | - Sean B Christensen
- School of Biological Science, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States
| | - Alan Blakely
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States
| | - Cheryl Dowell
- School of Biological Science, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States
| | - Landa Purushottam
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States
| | - J Michael McIntosh
- School of Biological Science, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States.,George E. Whalen Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Salt Lake City, Utah 84108, United States
| | - Danny Hung-Chieh Chou
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States.,Department of Pediatrics, Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Stanford, California 94305, United States
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41
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Pivovarov AS, Palikhova TA, Nikolaev GM, Velikanov AN, Vasilieva NA, Kasheverov IE, Utkin YN, Tsetlin VI. Atypical Acetylcholine Receptors on the Neurons of the Turkish Snail. DOKL BIOCHEM BIOPHYS 2020; 491:81-84. [PMID: 32483757 DOI: 10.1134/s1607672920020118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2019] [Revised: 11/13/2019] [Accepted: 11/13/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Using electrophysiology, the effect of nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) ligands on acetylcholine-induced depolarization in the neurons of Helix lucorum snail was studied. It was found that the α-conotoxin PnIA [R9, L10], a selective antagonist of α7 nAChR, and α-cobratoxin (antagonist of α7 and muscle-type nAChR) suppressed neuronal depolarization. Fluorescence microscopy showed staining of the neurons with fluorescently labeled α-bungarotoxin; this staining was reduced by pretreatment with α-cobratoxin. Induced depolarization was also suppressed by α-conotoxin RgIA, a selective inhibitor of α9 nAChR. In contrast to Lymnaea stagnalis nAChR, which are weakly sensitive to neurotoxin II and α-conotoxin GI, antagonists of muscle-type nAChR, H. lucorum receptors were most effectively inhibited by these antagonists. The results obtained, as well as the previously found sensitivity of the receptors studied in this work to muscarinic receptor ligands, indicate an unusual atypical pharmacological profile of H. lucorum nAChR.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - I E Kasheverov
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997, Moscow, Russia
| | - Yu N Utkin
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997, Moscow, Russia.
| | - V I Tsetlin
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997, Moscow, Russia
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42
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Mussina K, Toktarkhanova D, Filchakova O. Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors of PC12 Cells. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2020; 41:17-29. [PMID: 32335772 DOI: 10.1007/s10571-020-00846-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2019] [Accepted: 04/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) have gained much attention in the scientific community since they play a significant role in multiple physiological and pathophysiological processes. Multiple approaches to study the receptors exist, with characterization of the receptors' functionality at a single cellular level using cell culturing being one of them. Derived from an adrenal medulla tumor, PC12 cells express nicotinic receptor subunits and form functional nicotinic receptors. Thus, the cells offer a convenient environment to address questions related to the functionality of the receptors. The review summarizes the findings on nicotinic receptors' expression and functions which were conducted using PC12 cells. Specific focus is given to α3-containing receptors as well as α7 receptor. Critical evaluation of findings is provided alongside insights into what can still be learned about nAChRs, using PC12 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamilla Mussina
- Biology Department, School of Sciences and Humanities, Nazarbayev University, NurSultan, Republic of Kazakhstan
| | - Dana Toktarkhanova
- Biology Department, School of Sciences and Humanities, Nazarbayev University, NurSultan, Republic of Kazakhstan
| | - Olena Filchakova
- Biology Department, School of Sciences and Humanities, Nazarbayev University, NurSultan, Republic of Kazakhstan.
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43
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Dong C, Kern NR, Anderson KR, Zhang XF, Miwa JM, Im W. Dynamics and Interactions of GPI-Linked lynx1 Protein with/without Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor in Membrane Bilayers. J Phys Chem B 2020; 124:4017-4025. [PMID: 32208709 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.0c00159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) participate in diverse biological processes, such as mood, learning, and addiction. Glycosylphosphatidylinositol-linked lynx1 is an allosteric modulator of nAChR function, including shifts in agonist sensitivity, reduced desensitization, and slower recovery from desensitization. This modulation is thought to be achieved by lynx1's interaction with nAChR subunits, particularly at the α4:α4 interface. In this study, we used molecular modeling and simulation to study the structure, dynamics, and interactions of lynx1 when bound to nAChRs, as well as unbound, monomeric lynx1 in membranes. Though lynx1 structures are similar in both states, its dynamics is more restricted in the bound state than in the unbound one. When bound, interactions between lynx1 and nAChR are observed to be maintained throughout the simulations. Of particular note, lynx1 demonstrates prolonged interactions with the receptor C-loop in one of the nAChR α4 subunits, a region important for agonist binding and possibly the transition between open/closed states. During interactions with lynx1, an α4 C-loop tends to be restricted in either a closed or open state, whereas the C-loop state transitions are more evident when lynx1 is unbound. Interestingly, the conformational change of the C-loop is stochastic, suggesting that lynx1 can influence nAChR (critical for its multimodal action), for instance, by shifting its agonist sensitivity and recovery from desensitization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuqiao Dong
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Mechanics, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania 18015, United States
| | - Nathan R Kern
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania 18015, United States
| | - Kristin R Anderson
- Department of Biological Sciences, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania 18015, United States
| | - X Frank Zhang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Mechanics, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania 18015, United States.,Department of Bioengineering, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania 18015, United States
| | - Julie M Miwa
- Department of Biological Sciences, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania 18015, United States
| | - Wonpil Im
- Department of Biological Sciences, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania 18015, United States.,Department of Bioengineering, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania 18015, United States.,Department of Chemistry, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania 18015, United States
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44
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Liang J, Tae HS, Xu X, Jiang T, Adams DJ, Yu R. Dimerization of α-Conotoxins as a Strategy to Enhance the Inhibition of the Human α7 and α9α10 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors. J Med Chem 2020; 63:2974-2985. [PMID: 32101438 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.9b01536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The affinity of α-conotoxins, a class of nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) peptide inhibitors, can be enhanced by dendrimerization. It has been hypothesized that this improvement arose from simultaneous binding of the α-conotoxins to several spatially adjacent sites. We here engineered several α-conotoxin dimers using a linker length compatible between neighboring binding sites on the same receptor. Remarkably, the dimer of α-conotoxin PeIA compared to the monomer displayed an increase in potency by 11-fold (IC50 = 1.9 nM) for the human α9α10 nAChR. The dimerization of α-conotoxin RgIA# resulted in a dual inhibitor that targets both α9α10 and α7 nAChR subtypes with an IC50 = ∼50 nM. The RgIA# dimer is therapeutically interesting because it is the first dual inhibitor that potently and selectively inhibits these two nAChR subtypes, which are both involved in the etiology of several cancers. We propose that the dimerization of α-conotoxins is a simpler and efficient alternative strategy to dendrimers for enhancing the activity of α-conotoxins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiazhen Liang
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao 266003, China.,Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Han-Shen Tae
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute (IHMRI), University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales 2522, Australia
| | - Xiaoxiao Xu
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao 266003, China.,Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Tao Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao 266003, China.,Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - David J Adams
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute (IHMRI), University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales 2522, Australia
| | - Rilei Yu
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao 266003, China.,Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266003, China.,Innovation Center for Marine Drug Screening & Evaluation, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266003, China
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45
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Zeng SL, Sudlow LC, Berezin MY. Using Xenopus oocytes in neurological disease drug discovery. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2019; 15:39-52. [PMID: 31674217 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2020.1682993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: Neurological diseases present a difficult challenge in drug discovery. Many of the current treatments have limited efficiency or result in a variety of debilitating side effects. The search of new therapies is of a paramount importance, since the number of patients that require a better treatment is growing rapidly. As an in vitro model, Xenopus oocytes provide the drug developer with many distinct advantages, including size, durability, and efficiency in exogenous protein expression. However, there is an increasing need to refine the recent breakthroughs.Areas covered: This review covers the usage and recent advancements of Xenopus oocytes for drug discovery in neurological diseases from expression and functional measurement techniques to current applications in Alzheimer's disease, painful neuropathies, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The existing limitations of Xenopus oocytes in drug discovery are also discussed.Expert opinion: With the rise of aging population and neurological disorders, Xenopus oocytes, will continue to play an important role in understanding the mechanism of the disease, identification and validation of novel molecular targets, and drug screening, providing high-quality data despite the technical limitations. With further advances in oocytes-related techniques toward an accurate modeling of the disease, the diagnostics and treatment of neuropathologies will be becoming increasing personalized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven L Zeng
- Department of Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Leland C Sudlow
- Department of Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Mikhail Y Berezin
- Department of Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
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Marine Toxins and Nociception: Potential Therapeutic Use in the Treatment of Visceral Pain Associated with Gastrointestinal Disorders. Toxins (Basel) 2019; 11:toxins11080449. [PMID: 31370176 PMCID: PMC6723473 DOI: 10.3390/toxins11080449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2019] [Revised: 07/24/2019] [Accepted: 07/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Visceral pain, of which the pathogenic basis is currently largely unknown, is a hallmark symptom of both functional disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome, and inflammatory bowel disease. Intrinsic sensory neurons in the enteric nervous system and afferent sensory neurons of the dorsal root ganglia, connecting with the central nervous system, represent the primary neuronal pathways transducing gut visceral pain. Current pharmacological therapies have several limitations, owing to their partial efficacy and the generation of severe adverse effects. Numerous cellular targets of visceral nociception have been recognized, including, among others, channels (i.e., voltage-gated sodium channels, VGSCs, voltage-gated calcium channels, VGCCs, Transient Receptor Potential, TRP, and Acid-sensing ion channels, ASICs) and neurotransmitter pathways (i.e., GABAergic pathways), which represent attractive targets for the discovery of novel drugs. Natural biologically active compounds, such as marine toxins, able to bind with high affinity and selectivity to different visceral pain molecular mediators, may represent a useful tool (1) to improve our knowledge of the physiological and pathological relevance of each nociceptive target, and (2) to discover therapeutically valuable molecules. In this review we report the most recent literature describing the effects of marine toxin on gastrointestinal visceral pain pathways and the possible clinical implications in the treatment of chronic pain associated with gut diseases.
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van Hout M, Valdes A, Christensen SB, Tran PT, Watkins M, Gajewiak J, Jensen AA, Olivera BM, McIntosh JM. α-Conotoxin VnIB from Conus ventricosus is a potent and selective antagonist of α6β4* nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. Neuropharmacology 2019; 157:107691. [PMID: 31255696 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2019.107691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2019] [Revised: 06/05/2019] [Accepted: 06/26/2019] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
α6-containing (α6*) nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) are expressed throughout the periphery and the central nervous system and constitute putative therapeutic targets in pain, addiction and movement disorders. The α6β2* nAChRs are relatively well studied, in part due to the availability of target specific α-conotoxins (α-Ctxs). In contrast, all native α-Ctxs identified that potently block α6β4 nAChRs exhibit higher potencies for the closely related α6β2β3 and/or α3β4 subtypes. In this study, we have identified a novel peptide from Conus ventricosus with pronounced selectivity for the α6β4 nAChR. The peptide-encoding gene was cloned from genomic DNA and the predicted mature peptide, α-Ctx VnIB, was synthesized. The functional properties of VnIB were characterized at rat and human nAChRs expressed in Xenopus oocytes by two-electrode voltage clamp electrophysiology. VnIB potently inhibited ACh-evoked currents at rα6β4 and rα6/α3β4 nAChRs, displayed ∼20-fold and ∼250-fold lower potencies at rα3β4 and rα6/α3β2β3 receptors, respectively, and exhibited negligible effects at eight other nAChR subtypes. Interestingly, even higher degrees of selectivity were observed for hα6/α3β4 over hα6/α3β2β3 and hα3β4 receptors. Finally, VnIB displayed fast binding kinetics at rα6/α3β4 (on-rate t½ = 0.87 min-1, off-rate t½ = 2.7 min-1). The overall preference of VnIB for β4* over β2* nAChRs is similar to the selectivity profiles of other 4/6 α-Ctxs. However, in contrast to previously identified native α-Ctxs targeting α6* nAChRs, VnIB displays pronounced selectivity for α6β4 nAChRs over both α3β4 and α6β2β3 receptors. VnIB thus represents a novel molecular probe for elucidating the physiological role and therapeutic properties of α6β4* nAChRs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marloes van Hout
- Department of Biology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA; Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Amanda Valdes
- Department of Biology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA
| | - Sean B Christensen
- Department of Biology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA.
| | - Phuong T Tran
- Department of Biology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA
| | - Maren Watkins
- Department of Biology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA; Department of Pathology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA.
| | - Joanna Gajewiak
- Department of Biology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA.
| | - Anders A Jensen
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | | | - J Michael McIntosh
- Department of Biology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA; Department of Psychiatry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, 84108, USA; George E. Wahlen Veterans Affair Medical Center, Salt Lake City, UT, 84148, USA.
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Wang H, Li X, Zhangsun D, Yu G, Su R, Luo S. The α9α10 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor Antagonist αO-Conotoxin GeXIVA[1,2] Alleviates and Reverses Chemotherapy-Induced Neuropathic Pain. Mar Drugs 2019; 17:md17050265. [PMID: 31060282 PMCID: PMC6562493 DOI: 10.3390/md17050265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2019] [Revised: 04/26/2019] [Accepted: 05/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Oxaliplatin is a third-generation platinum drug and is widely used as a first-line therapy for the treatment of colorectal cancer (CRC). However, a large number of patients receiving oxaliplatin develop dose-limiting painful neuropathy. Here, we report that αO-conotoxin GeXIVA[1,2], a highly potent and selective antagonist of the α9α10 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) subtype, can relieve and reverse oxaliplatin-induced mechanical and cold allodynia after single and repeated intramuscular (IM) injections in rats. Treatments were started at 4 days post oxaliplatin injection when neuropathic pain emerged and continued for 8 and 16 days. Cold score and mechanical paw withdrawal threshold (PWT) were detected by the acetone test and von Frey test respectively. GeXIVA[1,2] significantly relieved mechanical and cold allodynia in oxaliplatin-treated rats after a single injection. After repeated treatments, GeXIVA[1,2] produced a cumulative analgesic effect without tolerance and promoted recovery from neuropathic pain. Moreover, the long lasting analgesic effect of GeXIVA[1,2] on mechanical allodynia continued until day 10 after the termination of the 16-day repeated treatment procedure. On the contrary, GeXIVA[1,2] did not affect acute mechanical and thermal pain behaviors in normal rats after repeated injections detected by the von Frey test and tail flick test. GeXIVA[1,2] had no influence on rat hind limb grip strength and body weight after repeated treatments. These results indicate that αO-conotoxin GeXIVA[1,2] could provide a novel strategy to treat chemotherapy-induced neuropathic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huanbai Wang
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources, Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory for Marine Drugs of Haikou, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan 570228, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Key Laboratory of Neuropsychopharmacology, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, 27 Taiping Road, Beijing 100850, China.
| | - Xiaodan Li
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources, Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory for Marine Drugs of Haikou, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan 570228, China.
| | - Dongting Zhangsun
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources, Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory for Marine Drugs of Haikou, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan 570228, China.
| | - Gang Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Key Laboratory of Neuropsychopharmacology, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, 27 Taiping Road, Beijing 100850, China.
| | - Ruibin Su
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Key Laboratory of Neuropsychopharmacology, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, 27 Taiping Road, Beijing 100850, China.
| | - Sulan Luo
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources, Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory for Marine Drugs of Haikou, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan 570228, China.
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Spirova EN, Ivanov IA, Kasheverov IE, Kudryavtsev DS, Shelukhina IV, Garifulina AI, Son LV, Lummis SCR, Malca-Garcia GR, Bussmann RW, Hennig L, Giannis A, Tsetlin VI. Curare alkaloids from Matis Dart Poison: Comparison with d-tubocurarine in interactions with nicotinic, 5-HT3 serotonin and GABAA receptors. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0210182. [PMID: 30608952 PMCID: PMC6319706 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0210182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2018] [Accepted: 12/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Several novel bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloids (BBIQAs) have recently been isolated from a Matis tribe arrow poison and shown by two-electrode voltage-clamp to inhibit mouse muscle nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChR). Here, using radioligand assay with Aplysia californica AChBP and radioiodinated α-bungarotoxin ([125I]-αBgt), we show that BBIQA1, BBIQA2, and d-tubocurarine (d-TC) have similar affinities to nAChR orthosteric site. However, a competition with [125I]-αBgt for binding to the Torpedo californica muscle-type nAChR revealed that BBIQAs1, 2, and 3 are less potent (IC50s = 26.3, 8.75, and 17.0 μM) than d-TC (IC50 = 0.39 μM), while with α7 nAChR in GH4C1 cells, BBIQA1 was less potent that d-TC (IC50s = 162 μM and 7.77 μM, respectively), but BBIQA2 was similar (IC50 = 5.52 μM). In inhibiting the Ca2+ responses induced by acetylcholine in Neuro2a cells expressing the mouse adult α1β1εδ nAChR or human α7 nAChR, BBIQAs1 and 2 had similar potencies to d-TC (IC50s in the range 0.75-3.08 μM). Our data suggest that BBIQA1 and BBIQA2 can inhibit adult muscle α1β1εδ nAChR by both competitive and noncompetitive mechanisms. Further experiments on neuronal α3β2, α4β2, and α9α10 nAChRs, expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes, showed that similar potencies for BBIQAs1, 2, and d-TC. With α3β2γ2 GABAAR currents were almost completely inhibited by d-TC at a high (100 μM) concentration, but BBIQAs1 and 2 were less potent (only 40-50% inhibition), whereas in competition with Alexa Fluor 546-α-cobratoxin for binding to α1β3γ2 GABAAR in Neuro2a cells, d-TC and these analogs had comparable affinities. Especially interesting effects of BBIQAs1 and 2 in comparison with d-TC were observed for 5-HT3AR: BBIQA1 and BBIQA2 were 5- and 87-fold less potent than d-TC (IC50 = 22.63 nM). Thus, our results reveal that these BBIQAs differ from d-TC in their potencies towards certain Cys-loop receptors, and we suggest that understanding the reasons behind this might be useful for future drug design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ekaterina N. Spirova
- Department of Molecular Neuroimmune signaling, Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Igor A. Ivanov
- Department of Molecular Neuroimmune signaling, Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Igor E. Kasheverov
- Department of Molecular Neuroimmune signaling, Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
- Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Institute of Molecular Medicine, Moscow, Russia
| | - Denis S. Kudryavtsev
- Department of Molecular Neuroimmune signaling, Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Irina V. Shelukhina
- Department of Molecular Neuroimmune signaling, Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Alexandra I. Garifulina
- Department of Molecular Neuroimmune signaling, Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Lina V. Son
- Department of Molecular Neuroimmune signaling, Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Sarah C. R. Lummis
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Gonzalo R. Malca-Garcia
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States of America
| | | | - Lothar Hennig
- Institut für Organische Chemie, Fakultät für Chemie und Mineralogie, Universität Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Athanassios Giannis
- Institut für Organische Chemie, Fakultät für Chemie und Mineralogie, Universität Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Victor I. Tsetlin
- Department of Molecular Neuroimmune signaling, Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
- PhysBio of MEPhI, Moscow, Russia
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50
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Cai F, Xu N, Liu Z, Ding R, Yu S, Dong M, Wang S, Shen J, Tae HS, Adams DJ, Zhang X, Dai Q. Targeting of N-Type Calcium Channels via GABAB-Receptor Activation by α-Conotoxin Vc1.1 Variants Displaying Improved Analgesic Activity. J Med Chem 2018; 61:10198-10205. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.8b01343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Fengtao Cai
- Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing 100071, China
- School of Preclinical Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Ning Xu
- Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Zhuguo Liu
- Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Rong Ding
- Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Shuo Yu
- Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Mingxin Dong
- Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Shuo Wang
- Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Jintao Shen
- Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Han-Shen Tae
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute (IHMRI), University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
| | - David J. Adams
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute (IHMRI), University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
| | - Xuerong Zhang
- School of Preclinical Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Qiuyun Dai
- Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing 100071, China
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