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Stopera CJ, Bartlett MJ, Liu C, Esqueda A, Parmar R, Heien ML, Sherman SJ, Falk T. Differential effects of opioid receptor antagonism on the anti-dyskinetic and anti-parkinsonian effects of sub-anesthetic ketamine treatment in a preclinical model. Neuropharmacology 2024; 257:110047. [PMID: 38889877 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2024.110047] [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: 03/26/2024] [Revised: 06/06/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
Sub-anesthetic ketamine treatment has been shown to be an effective therapy for treatment-resistant depression and chronic pain. Our group has previously shown that sub-anesthetic ketamine produces acute anti-parkinsonian, and acute anti-dyskinetic effects in preclinical models of Parkinson's disease (PD). Ketamine is a multifunctional drug and exerts effects through blockade of N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors but also through interaction with the opioid system. In this report, we provide detailed pharmacokinetic rodent data on ketamine and its main metabolites following an intraperitoneal injection, and second, we explore the pharmacodynamic properties of ketamine in a rodent PD model with respect to the opioid system, using naloxone, a pan-opioid receptor antagonist, in unilateral 6-hydroxydopamine-lesioned male rats, treated with 6 mg/kg levodopa (l-DOPA) to establish a model of l-DOPA-induced dyskinesia (LID). As previously reported, we showed that ketamine (20 mg/kg) is highly efficacious in reducing LID and now report that the magnitude of this effect is resistant to naloxone (3 and 5 mg/kg). The higher naloxone dose of 5 mg/kg, however, led to an extension of the time-course of the LID, indicating that opioid receptor activation, while not a prerequisite for the anti-dyskinetic effects of ketamine, still exerts an acute modulatory effect. In contrast to the mild modulatory effect on LID, we found that naloxone added to the anti-parkinsonian activity of ketamine, further reducing the akinetic phenotype. In conclusion, our data show opioid receptor blockade differentially modulates the acute anti-parkinsonian and anti-dyskinetic actions of ketamine, providing novel mechanistic information to support repurposing ketamine for individuals with LID.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolyn J Stopera
- Graduate Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85724, USA.
| | | | - Chenxi Liu
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85721, USA.
| | - Alexander Esqueda
- Department of Neurology, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85724, USA.
| | - Raveena Parmar
- Department of Pharmacology, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85724, USA.
| | - M Leandro Heien
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85721, USA.
| | - Scott J Sherman
- Department of Neurology, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85724, USA.
| | - Torsten Falk
- Graduate Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85724, USA; Department of Neurology, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85724, USA; Department of Pharmacology, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85724, USA.
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Ciancetta A, Malfacini D, Gozzi M, Marzola E, Camilotto R, Calò G, Guerrini R. A Multi-Angle Approach to Predict Peptide-GPCR Complexes: The N/OFQ-NOP System as a Successful AlphaFold Application Case Study. J Chem Inf Model 2024. [PMID: 39137328 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.4c00499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/15/2024]
Abstract
With nearly 700 structures solved and a growing number of customized structure prediction algorithms being developed at a fast pace, G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are an optimal test case for validating new approaches for the prediction of receptor active state and ligand bioactive conformation complexes. In this study, we leveraged the availability of hundreds of peptide GPCRs in the active state and both classical homology and artificial intelligence (AI) based protein modeling combined with docking and AI-based peptide structure prediction approaches to predict the nociceptin/orphanin FQ-NOP receptor active state complex (N/OFQ-NOPa). The In Silico generated hypotheses were validated via the design, synthesis, and pharmacological characterization of novel linear N/OFQ(1-13)-NH2 analogues, leading to the discovery of a novel antagonist (3B; pKB = 6.63) bearing a single ring-constrained residue in place of the Gly2-Gly3 motif of the N/OFQ message sequence (FGGF). While the experimental validation was ongoing, the availability of the Cryo-EM structure of the predicted complex enabled us to unambiguously validate the generated hypotheses. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first example of a peptide-GPCR complex predicted with atomistic accuracy (full complex Cα RMSD < 1.0 Å) and of the N/OFQ message moiety being successfully modified with a rigid scaffold.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Ciancetta
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Davide Malfacini
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Padova 35131, Italy
| | - Matteo Gozzi
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Erika Marzola
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Riccardo Camilotto
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Padova 35131, Italy
| | - Girolamo Calò
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Padova 35131, Italy
| | - Remo Guerrini
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
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Flores AJ, Bartlett MJ, Seaton BT, Samtani G, Sexauer MR, Weintraub NC, Siegenthaler JR, Lu D, Heien ML, Porreca F, Sherman SJ, Falk T. Antagonism of kappa opioid receptors accelerates the development of L-DOPA-induced dyskinesia in a preclinical model of moderate dopamine depletion. Brain Res 2023; 1821:148613. [PMID: 37783263 PMCID: PMC10841913 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2023.148613] [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: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
Levels of the opioid peptide dynorphin, an endogenous ligand selective for kappa-opioid receptors (KORs), its mRNA and pro-peptide precursors are differentially dysregulated in Parkinson's disease (PD) and following the development of l-DOPA-induced dyskinesia (LID). It remains unclear whether these alterations contribute to the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying PD motor impairment and the subsequent development of LID, or whether they are part of compensatory mechanisms. We sought to investigate nor-BNI, a KOR antagonist, 1) in the dopamine (DA)-depleted PD state, 2) during the development phase of LID, and 3) via measuring of tonic levels of striatal DA. While nor-BNI (3 mg/kg; s.c.) did not lead to functional restoration in the DA-depleted state, it affected the dose-dependent development of abnormal voluntary movements (AIMs) in response to escalating doses of l-DOPA in a rat PD model with a moderate striatal 6-hydroxdopamine (6-OHDA) lesion. We tested five escalating doses of l-DOPA (6, 12, 24, 48, 72 mg/kg; i.p.), and nor-BNI significantly increased the development of AIMs at the 12 and 24 mg/kg l-DOPA doses. However, after reaching the 72 mg/kg l-DOPA, AIMs were not significantly different between control and nor-BNI groups. In summary, while blocking KORs significantly increased the rate of development of LID induced by chronic, escalating doses of l-DOPA in a moderate-lesioned rat PD model, it did not contribute further once the overall severity of LID was established. While we observed an increase of tonic DA levels in the moderately lesioned dorsolateral striatum, there was no tonic DA change following administration of nor-BNI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew J Flores
- Department of Neurology, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA; Graduate Interdisciplinary Program in Physiological Sciences, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA
| | - Mitchell J Bartlett
- Department of Neurology, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA; Department of Pharmacology, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA
| | - Blake T Seaton
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
| | - Grace Samtani
- Department of Neurology, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA
| | - Morgan R Sexauer
- Department of Neurology, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA
| | - Nathan C Weintraub
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA; Department of Pharmacology, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA
| | - James R Siegenthaler
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
| | - Dong Lu
- Department of Pharmacology, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA
| | - Michael L Heien
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
| | - Frank Porreca
- Department of Pharmacology, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA
| | - Scott J Sherman
- Department of Neurology, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA
| | - Torsten Falk
- Department of Neurology, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA; Graduate Interdisciplinary Program in Physiological Sciences, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA; Department of Pharmacology, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA.
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Alam MR, Singh S. Neuromodulation in Parkinson's disease targeting opioid and cannabinoid receptors, understanding the role of NLRP3 pathway: a novel therapeutic approach. Inflammopharmacology 2023:10.1007/s10787-023-01259-0. [PMID: 37318694 DOI: 10.1007/s10787-023-01259-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a prevalent neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta, resulting in motor and non-motor symptoms. Although levodopa is the primary medication for PD, its long-term use is associated with complications such as dyskinesia and drug resistance, necessitating novel therapeutic approaches. Recent research has highlighted the potential of targeting opioid and cannabinoid receptors as innovative strategies for PD treatment. Modulating opioid transmission, particularly through activating µ (MOR) and δ (DOR) receptors while inhibiting κ (KOR) receptors, shows promise in preventing motor complications and reducing L-DOPA-induced dyskinesia. Opioids also possess neuroprotective properties and play a role in neuroprotection and seizure control. Similar to this, endocannabinoid signalling via CB1 and CB2 receptors influences the basal ganglia and may contribute to PD pathophysiology, making it a potential therapeutic target. In addition to opioid and cannabinoid receptor targeting, the NLRP3 pathway, implicated in neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration, emerges as another potential therapeutic avenue for PD. Recent studies suggest that targeting this pathway holds promise as a therapeutic strategy for PD management. This comprehensive review focuses on neuromodulation and novel therapeutic approaches for PD, specifically highlighting the targeting of opioid and cannabinoid receptors and the NLRP3 pathway. A better understanding of these mechanisms has the potential to enhance the quality of life for PD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Reyaz Alam
- Neuropharmacology Division, Department of Pharmacology, ISF College of Pharmacy, Moga, Punjab, 142001, India
| | - Shamsher Singh
- Neuropharmacology Division, Department of Pharmacology, ISF College of Pharmacy, Moga, Punjab, 142001, India.
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Pisanò CA, Mercatelli D, Mazzocchi M, Brugnoli A, Morella I, Fasano S, Zaveri NT, Brambilla R, O'Keeffe GW, Neubig RR, Morari M. Regulator of G-Protein Signalling 4 (RGS4) negatively modulates nociceptin/orphanin FQ opioid receptor signalling: Implication for l-Dopa-induced dyskinesia. Br J Pharmacol 2023; 180:927-942. [PMID: 34767639 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Revised: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Regulator of G-protein signalling 4 (RGS4) is a signal transduction protein that accelerates intrinsic GTPase activity of Gαi/o and Gαq subunits, suppressing GPCR signalling. Here, we investigate whether RGS4 modulates nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) opioid (NOP) receptor signalling and if this modulation has relevance for l-Dopa-induced dyskinesia. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH HEK293T cells transfected with NOP, NOP/RGS4 or NOP/RGS19 were challenged with N/OFQ and the small-molecule NOP agonist AT-403, using D1-stimulated cAMP levels as a readout. Primary rat striatal neurons and adult mouse striatal slices were challenged with either N/OFQ or AT-403 in the presence of the experimental RGS4 chemical probe, CCG-203920, and D1-stimulated cAMP or phosphorylated extracellular signal regulated kinase 1/2 (pERK) responses were monitored. In vivo, CCG-203920 was co-administered with AT-403 and l-Dopa to 6-hydroxydopamine hemilesioned rats, and dyskinetic movements, striatal biochemical correlates of dyskinesia (pERK and pGluR1 levels) and striatal RGS4 levels were measured. KEY RESULTS RGS4 expression reduced NOFQ and AT-403 potency and efficacy in HEK293T cells. CCG-203920 increased N/OFQ potency in primary rat striatal neurons and potentiated AT-403 response in mouse striatal slices. CCG-203920 enhanced AT-403-mediated inhibition of dyskinesia and its biochemical correlates, without compromising its motor-improving effects. Unilateral dopamine depletion caused bilateral reduction of RGS4 levels, which was reversed by l-Dopa. l-Dopa acutely up-regulated RGS4 in the lesioned striatum. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS RGS4 physiologically inhibits NOP receptor signalling. CCG-203920 enhanced NOP responses and improved the antidyskinetic potential of NOP receptor agonists, mitigating the effects of striatal RGS4 up-regulation occurring during dyskinesia expression. LINKED ARTICLES This article is part of a themed issue on Advances in Opioid Pharmacology at the Time of the Opioid Epidemic. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v180.7/issuetoc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clarissa A Pisanò
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Daniela Mercatelli
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Martina Mazzocchi
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Alberto Brugnoli
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Ilaria Morella
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute, Division of Neuroscience, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Stefania Fasano
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute, Division of Neuroscience, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Nurulain T Zaveri
- Astraea Therapeutics, Medicinal Chemistry Division, Mountain View, California, USA
| | - Riccardo Brambilla
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute, Division of Neuroscience, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "L. Spallanzani", University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Gerard W O'Keeffe
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Richard R Neubig
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | - Michele Morari
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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Caminski ES, Antunes FTT, Souza IA, Dallegrave E, Zamponi GW. Regulation of N-type calcium channels by nociceptin receptors and its possible role in neurological disorders. Mol Brain 2022; 15:95. [PMID: 36434658 PMCID: PMC9700961 DOI: 10.1186/s13041-022-00982-z] [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: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Activation of nociceptin opioid peptide receptors (NOP, a.k.a. opioid-like receptor-1, ORL-1) by the ligand nociceptin/orphanin FQ, leads to G protein-dependent regulation of Cav2.2 (N-type) voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCCs). This typically causes a reduction in calcium currents, triggering changes in presynaptic calcium levels and thus neurotransmission. Because of the widespread expression patterns of NOP and VGCCs across multiple brain regions, the dorsal horn of the spinal cord, and the dorsal root ganglia, this results in the alteration of numerous neurophysiological features. Here we review the regulation of N-type calcium channels by the NOP-nociceptin system in the context of neurological conditions such as anxiety, addiction, and pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuelle Sistherenn Caminski
- grid.412344.40000 0004 0444 6202Graduate Program in Health Sciences, Laboratory of Research in Toxicology (LAPETOX), Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, RS Brazil
| | - Flavia Tasmin Techera Antunes
- grid.22072.350000 0004 1936 7697Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB Canada ,grid.22072.350000 0004 1936 7697Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB Canada
| | - Ivana Assis Souza
- grid.22072.350000 0004 1936 7697Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB Canada ,grid.22072.350000 0004 1936 7697Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB Canada
| | - Eliane Dallegrave
- grid.412344.40000 0004 0444 6202Graduate Program in Health Sciences, Laboratory of Research in Toxicology (LAPETOX), Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, RS Brazil
| | - Gerald W. Zamponi
- grid.22072.350000 0004 1936 7697Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB Canada ,grid.22072.350000 0004 1936 7697Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB Canada
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Loss of Corticostriatal Mu-Opioid Receptors in α-Synuclein Transgenic Mouse Brains. LIFE (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 12:life12010063. [PMID: 35054456 PMCID: PMC8781165 DOI: 10.3390/life12010063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Revised: 12/28/2021] [Accepted: 12/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Ultrastructural, neurochemical, and molecular alterations within the striatum are associated with the onset and progression of Parkinson’s disease (PD). In PD, the dopamine-containing neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc) degenerate and reduce dopamine-containing innervations to the striatum. The loss of striatal dopamine is associated with enhanced corticostriatal glutamatergic plasticity at the early stages of PD. However, with disease progression, the glutamatergic corticostriatal white matter tracts (WMTs) also degenerate. We analyzed the levels of Mu opioid receptors (MORs) in the corticostriatal WMTs, as a function of α-Synuclein (α-Syn) toxicity in transgenic mouse brains. Our data show an age-dependent loss of MOR expression levels in the striatum and specifically, within the caudal striatal WMTs in α-Syn tg mouse brains. The loss of MOR expression is associated with degeneration of the myelinated axons that are localized within the corticostriatal WMTs. In brains affected with late stages of PD, we detect evidence confirming the degeneration of myelinated axons within the corticostriatal WMTs. We conclude that loss of corticostriatal MOR expression is associated with degeneration of corticostriatal WMT in α-Syn tg mice, modeling PD.
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Azevedo Neto J, Ruzza C, Sturaro C, Malfacini D, Pacifico S, Zaveri NT, Calò G. Functional Selectivity Does Not Predict Antinociceptive/Locomotor Impairing Potencies of NOP Receptor Agonists. Front Neurosci 2021; 15:657153. [PMID: 33859548 PMCID: PMC8042269 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.657153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Nociceptin/orphanin FQ controls several functions, including pain transmission, via stimulation of the N/OFQ peptide (NOP) receptor. Here we tested the hypothesis that NOP biased agonism may be instrumental for identifying innovative analgesics. In vitro experiments were performed with the dynamic mass redistribution label free assay and the NOP non-peptide agonists Ro 65-6570, AT-403 and MCOPPB. In vivo studies were performed in wild type and β-arrestin 2 knockout mice using the formalin, rotarod and locomotor activity tests. In vitro all compounds mimicked the effects of N/OFQ behaving as potent NOP full agonists. In vivo Ro 65-6570 demonstrated a slightly higher therapeutic index (antinociceptive vs. motor impairment effects) in knockout mice. However, all NOP agonists displayed very similar therapeutic index in normal mice despite significant differences in G protein biased agonism. In conclusion the different ability of inducing G protein vs. β-arrestin 2 recruitment of a NOP agonist cannot be applied to predict its antinociceptive vs. motor impairment properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joaquim Azevedo Neto
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Chiara Ruzza
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,Technopole of Ferrara, LTTA Laboratory for Advanced Therapies, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Chiara Sturaro
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Davide Malfacini
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Salvatore Pacifico
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | | | - Girolamo Calò
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
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Wtorek K, Janecka A. Potential of Nociceptin/Orphanin FQ Peptide Analogs for Drug Development. Chem Biodivers 2021; 18:e2000871. [PMID: 33351271 DOI: 10.1002/cbdv.202000871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 11/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Nociceptin receptor (NOP) belongs to the family of opioid receptors but was discovered and characterized much later than the so called classical opioid receptors, μ, δ and κ (or MOP, DOP and KOP, resp.). Nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) is the endogenous ligand of this receptor and it controls numerous important functions in the central nervous system and in the periphery, so its analogs may be developed as innovative drugs for the treatment of a variety of conditions and pathological states. Availability of potent and selective ligands with high affinity to NOP receptor is essential to fully understand the role of NOP-N/OFQ system in the body, which in turn may lead to designing novel therapeutics. Here, we have focused on reviewing the structure of potent peptide-based agonists, antagonists, biased analogs and bivalent ligands that target NOP receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karol Wtorek
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, Medical University of Lodz, Mazowiecka 6/8, PL-92-215 Lodz, Poland
| | - Anna Janecka
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, Medical University of Lodz, Mazowiecka 6/8, PL-92-215 Lodz, Poland
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µ Opioid Receptor Agonism for L-DOPA-Induced Dyskinesia in Parkinson's Disease. J Neurosci 2020; 40:6812-6819. [PMID: 32690616 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0610-20.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2020] [Revised: 07/12/2020] [Accepted: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is characterized by severe locomotor deficits and is commonly treated with the dopamine precursor L-DOPA, but its prolonged usage causes dyskinesias referred to as L-DOPA-induced dyskinesia (LID). Several studies in animal models of PD have suggested that dyskinesias are associated with a heightened opioid cotransmitter tone, observations that have led to the notion of a LID-related hyperactive opioid transmission that should be corrected by µ opioid receptor antagonists. Reports that both antagonists and agonists of the µ opioid receptor may alleviate LID severity in primate models of PD and LID, together with the failure of nonspecific antagonist to improve LID in pilot clinical trials in patients, raises doubt about the reliability of the available data on the opioid system in PD and LID. After in vitro characterization of the functional activity at the µ opioid receptor, we selected prototypical agonists, antagonists, and partial agonists at the µ opioid receptor. We then showed that both oral and discrete intracerebral administration of a µ receptor agonist, but not of an antagonist as long thought, ameliorated LIDs in the gold-standard bilateral 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine-lesioned female macaque model of PD and LID. The results call for a reappraisal of opioid pharmacology in the basal ganglia as well as for the development of brain nucleus-targeted µ opioid receptor agonists.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT µ opioid receptors have long been considered as a viable target for alleviating the severity of L-DOPA-induced hyperkinetic side effects, induced by the chronic treatment of Parkinson's disease motor symptoms with L-DOPA. Conflicting results between experimental parkinsonism and Parkinson's disease patients, however, dampened the enthusiasm for the target. Here we reappraise the pharmacology and then demonstrate that both oral and discrete intracerebral administration of a µ receptor agonist, but not of an antagonist as long thought, ameliorates LIDs in the gold-standard bilateral 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine-lesioned macaque model of Parkinson's disease, calling for a reappraisal of the opioid pharmacology as well as for the development of brain nucleus-targeted µ receptor agonists.
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Mercatelli D, Bezard E, Eleopra R, Zaveri NT, Morari M. Managing Parkinson's disease: moving ON with NOP. Br J Pharmacol 2020; 177:28-47. [PMID: 31648371 PMCID: PMC6976791 DOI: 10.1111/bph.14893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2019] [Revised: 09/12/2019] [Accepted: 09/25/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The opioid-like neuropeptide nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) and its receptor (NOP receptor) contribute to Parkinson's disease (PD) and motor complications associated with levodopa therapy. The N/OFQ-NOP receptor system is expressed in cortical and subcortical motor areas and, notably, in dopaminergic neurons of the substantia nigra compacta. Dopamine depletion, as in rodent models of PD results in up-regulation of N/OFQ transmission in the substantia nigra and down-regulation of N/OFQ transmission in the striatum. Consistent with this, NOP receptor antagonists relieve motor deficits in PD models by reinstating the physiological balance between excitatory and inhibitory inputs impinging on nigro-thalamic GABAergic neurons. NOP receptor antagonists also counteract the degeneration of nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurons, possibly by attenuating the excitotoxicity or modulating the immune response. Conversely, NOP receptor agonists attenuate levodopa-induced dyskinesia by attenuating the hyperactivation of striatal D1 receptor signalling in neurons of the direct striatonigral pathway. The N/OFQ-NOP receptor system might represent a novel target in the therapy of PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Mercatelli
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of PharmacologyUniversity of Ferrara and National Institute of NeuroscienceFerraraItaly
| | - Erwan Bezard
- Institut des Maladies Neurodégénératives, UMR 5293Université de BordeauxBordeauxFrance
- Institut des Maladies Neurodégénératives, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UMR 5293BordeauxFrance
| | - Roberto Eleopra
- Neurology Unit 1Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo BestaMilanItaly
| | - Nurulain T. Zaveri
- Astraea Therapeutics, Medicinal Chemistry DivisionMountain ViewCaliforniaUSA
| | - Michele Morari
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of PharmacologyUniversity of Ferrara and National Institute of NeuroscienceFerraraItaly
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