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Vandeputte MM, Bilel S, Tirri M, Corli G, Bassi M, Layle NK, Fantinati A, Walther D, Iula DM, Baumann MH, Stove CP, Marti M. Elucidating the harm potential of brorphine analogues as new synthetic opioids: Synthesis, in vitro, and in vivo characterization. Neuropharmacology 2024; 260:110113. [PMID: 39154855 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2024.110113] [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: 02/19/2024] [Revised: 07/18/2024] [Accepted: 08/09/2024] [Indexed: 08/20/2024]
Abstract
The emergence of new synthetic opioids (NSOs) has added complexity to recreational opioid markets worldwide. While NSOs with diverse chemical structures have emerged, brorphine currently remains the only NSO with a piperidine benzimidazolone scaffold. However, the emergence of new generations of NSOs, including brorphine analogues, can be anticipated. This study explored the pharmaco-toxicological, opioid-like effect profile of brorphine alongside its non-brominated analogue (orphine) and three other halogenated analogues (fluorphine, chlorphine, iodorphine). In vitro, radioligand binding assays in rat brain tissue indicated that all analogues bind to the μ-opioid receptor (MOR) with nM affinity. While analogues with smaller-sized substituents showed the highest MOR affinity, further in vitro characterization via two cell-based (HEK 293T) MOR activation (β-arrestin 2 and mini-Gαi recruitment) assays indicated that chlorphine, brorphine, and iodorphine were generally the most active MOR agonists. None of the compounds showed significant in vitro biased agonism compared to hydromorphone. In vivo, we investigated the effects of intraperitoneal (IP) administration of the benzimidazolones (0.01-15 mg/kg) on mechanical and thermal antinociception in male CD-1 mice. Chlorphine and brorphine overall induced the highest levels of antinociception. Furthermore, the effects on respiratory changes induced by a fixed dose (15 mg/kg IP) of the compounds were investigated using non-invasive plethysmography. Fluorphine-, chlorphine-, and brorphine-induced respiratory depressant effects were the most pronounced. For some compounds, pretreatment with naloxone (6 mg/kg IP) could not reverse respiratory depression. Taken together, brorphine-like piperidine benzimidazolones are opioid agonists that have the potential to cause substantial harm to users should they emerge as NSOs. This article is part of the Special Issue on "Novel Synthetic Opioids (NSOs)".
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Affiliation(s)
- Marthe M Vandeputte
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Sabrine Bilel
- Department of Translational Medicine, Section of Legal Medicine and LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Micaela Tirri
- Department of Translational Medicine, Section of Legal Medicine and LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Giorgia Corli
- Department of Translational Medicine, Section of Legal Medicine and LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Marta Bassi
- Department of Translational Medicine, Section of Legal Medicine and LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Nathan K Layle
- Forensic Chemistry Division, Cayman Chemical Company, Ann Arbor, MI, 48108, USA
| | - Anna Fantinati
- Department of Environmental and Prevention Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Donna Walther
- Designer Drug Research Unit (DDRU), Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
| | - Donna M Iula
- Forensic Chemistry Division, Cayman Chemical Company, Ann Arbor, MI, 48108, USA
| | - Michael H Baumann
- Designer Drug Research Unit (DDRU), Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
| | - Christophe P Stove
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Matteo Marti
- Department of Translational Medicine, Section of Legal Medicine and LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy; Collaborative Center of the National Early Warning System, Department for Anti-Drug Policies, Presidency of the Council of Ministers, Italy.
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2
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Wirth D, Özdemir E, Hristova K. Probing phosphorylation events in biological membranes: The transducer function. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. BIOMEMBRANES 2024; 1866:184362. [PMID: 38885782 PMCID: PMC11365757 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2024.184362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2024] [Revised: 05/26/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
The extracellular environment is sensed by receptors in the plasma membrane. Some of these receptors initiate cytoplasmic signaling cascades involving phosphorylation: the addition of a phosphate group to a specific amino acid, such as tyrosine, in a protein. Receptor Tyrosine Kinases (RTKs) are one large class of membrane receptors that can directly initiate signaling cascades through their intracellular kinase domains, which both catalyze tyrosine phosphorylation and get phosphorylated. In the first step of signaling, the ligands stabilize phosphorylation-competent RTK dimers and oligomers, which leads to the phosphorylation of specific tyrosine residues in the activation loop of the kinases. Here we discuss quantitative measurements of tyrosine phosphorylation efficiencies for RTKs, described by the "transducer function". The transducer function links the phosphorylation (the response) and the binding of the activating ligand to the receptor (the stimulus). We overview a methodology that allows such measurements in direct response to ligand binding. We discuss experiments which demonstrate that EGF is a partial agonist, and that two tyrosines in the intracellular domain of EGFR, Y1068 and Y1173, are differentially phosphorylated in the EGF-bound EGFR dimers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Wirth
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering and Institute for NanoBioTechnology, Johns Hopkins University, 3400 Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21218, United States of America
| | - Ece Özdemir
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering and Institute for NanoBioTechnology, Johns Hopkins University, 3400 Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21218, United States of America
| | - Kalina Hristova
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering and Institute for NanoBioTechnology, Johns Hopkins University, 3400 Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21218, United States of America.
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3
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Kogut-Günthel MM, Zara Z, Nicoli A, Steuer A, Lopez-Balastegui M, Selent J, Karanth S, Koehler M, Ciancetta A, Abiko LA, Hagn F, Di Pizio A. The path to the G protein-coupled receptor structural landscape: Major milestones and future directions. Br J Pharmacol 2024. [PMID: 39209310 DOI: 10.1111/bph.17314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 06/14/2024] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) play a crucial role in cell function by transducing signals from the extracellular environment to the inside of the cell. They mediate the effects of various stimuli, including hormones, neurotransmitters, ions, photons, food tastants and odorants, and are renowned drug targets. Advancements in structural biology techniques, including X-ray crystallography and cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM), have driven the elucidation of an increasing number of GPCR structures. These structures reveal novel features that shed light on receptor activation, dimerization and oligomerization, dichotomy between orthosteric and allosteric modulation, and the intricate interactions underlying signal transduction, providing insights into diverse ligand-binding modes and signalling pathways. However, a substantial portion of the GPCR repertoire and their activation states remain structurally unexplored. Future efforts should prioritize capturing the full structural diversity of GPCRs across multiple dimensions. To do so, the integration of structural biology with biophysical and computational techniques will be essential. We describe in this review the progress of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) to examine GPCR plasticity and conformational dynamics, of atomic force microscopy (AFM) to explore the spatial-temporal dynamics and kinetic aspects of GPCRs, and the recent breakthroughs in artificial intelligence for protein structure prediction to characterize the structures of the entire GPCRome. In summary, the journey through GPCR structural biology provided in this review illustrates how far we have come in decoding these essential proteins architecture and function. Looking ahead, integrating cutting-edge biophysics and computational tools offers a path to navigating the GPCR structural landscape, ultimately advancing GPCR-based applications.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Zeenat Zara
- Leibniz Institute for Food Systems Biology at the Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany
- Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia in Ceske Budejovice, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Alessandro Nicoli
- Leibniz Institute for Food Systems Biology at the Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany
- Professorship for Chemoinformatics and Protein Modelling, Department of Molecular Life Science, School of Life Science, Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany
| | - Alexandra Steuer
- Leibniz Institute for Food Systems Biology at the Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany
- Professorship for Chemoinformatics and Protein Modelling, Department of Molecular Life Science, School of Life Science, Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany
| | - Marta Lopez-Balastegui
- Research Programme on Biomedical Informatics (GRIB), Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute & Pompeu Fabra University, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jana Selent
- Research Programme on Biomedical Informatics (GRIB), Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute & Pompeu Fabra University, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sanjai Karanth
- Leibniz Institute for Food Systems Biology at the Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany
| | - Melanie Koehler
- Leibniz Institute for Food Systems Biology at the Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany
- TUM Junior Fellow at the Chair of Nutritional Systems Biology, Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany
| | - Antonella Ciancetta
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Layara Akemi Abiko
- Focal Area Structural Biology and Biophysics, Biozentrum, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Franz Hagn
- Structural Membrane Biochemistry, Bavarian NMR Center, Dept. Bioscience, School of Natural Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- Institute of Structural Biology (STB), Helmholtz Munich, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Antonella Di Pizio
- Leibniz Institute for Food Systems Biology at the Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany
- Professorship for Chemoinformatics and Protein Modelling, Department of Molecular Life Science, School of Life Science, Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany
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4
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Navarro G, Gómez-Autet M, Morales P, Rebassa JB, Llinas Del Torrent C, Jagerovic N, Pardo L, Franco R. Homodimerization of CB 2 cannabinoid receptor triggered by a bivalent ligand enhances cellular signaling. Pharmacol Res 2024; 208:107363. [PMID: 39179054 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2024.107363] [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: 05/11/2024] [Revised: 08/17/2024] [Accepted: 08/18/2024] [Indexed: 08/26/2024]
Abstract
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) exist within a landscape of interconvertible conformational states and in dynamic equilibrium between monomers and higher-order oligomers, both influenced by ligand binding. Here, we show that a homobivalent ligand formed by equal chromenopyrazole moieties as pharmacophores, connected by 14 methylene units, can modulate the dynamics of the cannabinoid CB2 receptor (CB2R) homodimerization by simultaneously binding both protomers of the CB2R-CB2R homodimer. Computational and pharmacological experiments showed that one of the ligand pharmacophores binds to the orthosteric site of one protomer, and the other pharmacophore to a membrane-oriented pocket between transmembranes 1 and 7 of the partner protomer. This results in unique pharmacological properties, including increased potency in Gi-mediated signaling and enhanced recruitment of β-arrestin. Thus, by modulating dimerization dynamics, it may be possible to fine-tune CB2R activity, potentially leading to improved therapeutic outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gemma Navarro
- Department of Biochemistry and Physiology. Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences. Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona 08028, Spain; Institute of Neuroscience, University of Barcelona (NeuroUB), Barcelona 08035, Spain; Centro de Investigación en Red, Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid 28031, Spain
| | - Marc Gómez-Autet
- Laboratory of Computational Medicine, Biostatistics Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra 08193, Spain
| | - Paula Morales
- Medicinal Chemistry Institute, Spanish National Research Council, CSIC, Madrid 28006, Spain
| | - Joan Biel Rebassa
- Department of Biochemistry and Physiology. Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences. Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona 08028, Spain; Institute of Neuroscience, University of Barcelona (NeuroUB), Barcelona 08035, Spain
| | - Claudia Llinas Del Torrent
- Laboratory of Computational Medicine, Biostatistics Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra 08193, Spain
| | - Nadine Jagerovic
- Medicinal Chemistry Institute, Spanish National Research Council, CSIC, Madrid 28006, Spain.
| | - Leonardo Pardo
- Laboratory of Computational Medicine, Biostatistics Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra 08193, Spain.
| | - Rafael Franco
- Centro de Investigación en Red, Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid 28031, Spain; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biomedicine, Faculty of Biology, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona 08028, Spain.
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5
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Yeung HY, Ramiro IBL, Andersen DB, Koch TL, Hamilton A, Bjørn-Yoshimoto WE, Espino S, Vakhrushev SY, Pedersen KB, de Haan N, Hipgrave Ederveen AL, Olivera BM, Knudsen JG, Bräuner-Osborne H, Schjoldager KT, Holst JJ, Safavi-Hemami H. Fish-hunting cone snail disrupts prey's glucose homeostasis with weaponized mimetics of somatostatin and insulin. Nat Commun 2024; 15:6408. [PMID: 39164229 PMCID: PMC11336141 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-50470-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 07/04/2024] [Indexed: 08/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Venomous animals have evolved diverse molecular mechanisms to incapacitate prey and defend against predators. Most venom components disrupt nervous, locomotor, and cardiovascular systems or cause tissue damage. The discovery that certain fish-hunting cone snails use weaponized insulins to induce hypoglycemic shock in prey highlights a unique example of toxins targeting glucose homeostasis. Here, we show that, in addition to insulins, the deadly fish hunter, Conus geographus, uses a selective somatostatin receptor 2 (SSTR2) agonist that blocks the release of the insulin-counteracting hormone glucagon, thereby exacerbating insulin-induced hypoglycemia in prey. The native toxin, Consomatin nG1, exists in several proteoforms with a minimized vertebrate somatostatin-like core motif connected to a heavily glycosylated N-terminal region. We demonstrate that the toxin's N-terminal tail closely mimics a glycosylated somatostatin from fish pancreas and is crucial for activating the fish SSTR2. Collectively, these findings provide a stunning example of chemical mimicry, highlight the combinatorial nature of venom components, and establish glucose homeostasis as an effective target for prey capture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ho Yan Yeung
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3, DK-2200, Copenhagen N, Denmark
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah, 15 N Medical Drive, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA
| | - Iris Bea L Ramiro
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3, DK-2200, Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Daniel B Andersen
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3, DK-2200, Copenhagen N, Denmark
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Centre for Basic Metabolic Research, Blegdamsvej 3, DK-2200, Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Thomas Lund Koch
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3, DK-2200, Copenhagen N, Denmark
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah, 15 N Medical Drive, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, 257 South 1400 East, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA
| | - Alexander Hamilton
- Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Ole Maaløes Vej 5, DK-2200, Copenhagen N, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Sciences in Malmö, Islet Cell Exocytosis, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Walden E Bjørn-Yoshimoto
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3, DK-2200, Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Samuel Espino
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, 257 South 1400 East, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA
| | - Sergey Y Vakhrushev
- Copenhagen Center for Glycomics, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3, DK-2200, Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Kasper B Pedersen
- Copenhagen Center for Glycomics, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3, DK-2200, Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Noortje de Haan
- Leiden University Medical Center, Center for Proteomics and Metabolomics, 2333, ZA, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Agnes L Hipgrave Ederveen
- Leiden University Medical Center, Center for Proteomics and Metabolomics, 2333, ZA, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Baldomero M Olivera
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, 257 South 1400 East, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA
| | - Jakob G Knudsen
- Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Ole Maaløes Vej 5, DK-2200, Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Hans Bräuner-Osborne
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, Jagtvej 160, DK-2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Katrine T Schjoldager
- Copenhagen Center for Glycomics, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3, DK-2200, Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Jens Juul Holst
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3, DK-2200, Copenhagen N, Denmark
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Centre for Basic Metabolic Research, Blegdamsvej 3, DK-2200, Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Helena Safavi-Hemami
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3, DK-2200, Copenhagen N, Denmark.
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah, 15 N Medical Drive, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA.
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, 257 South 1400 East, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA.
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6
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Thompson MD, Reiner-Link D, Berghella A, Rana BK, Rovati GE, Capra V, Gorvin CM, Hauser AS. G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) pharmacogenomics. Crit Rev Clin Lab Sci 2024:1-44. [PMID: 39119983 DOI: 10.1080/10408363.2024.2358304] [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: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 09/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024]
Abstract
The field of pharmacogenetics, the investigation of the influence of one or more sequence variants on drug response phenotypes, is a special case of pharmacogenomics, a discipline that takes a genome-wide approach. Massively parallel, next generation sequencing (NGS), has allowed pharmacogenetics to be subsumed by pharmacogenomics with respect to the identification of variants associated with responders and non-responders, optimal drug response, and adverse drug reactions. A plethora of rare and common naturally-occurring GPCR variants must be considered in the context of signals from across the genome. Many fundamentals of pharmacogenetics were established for G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) genes because they are primary targets for a large number of therapeutic drugs. Functional studies, demonstrating likely-pathogenic and pathogenic GPCR variants, have been integral to establishing models used for in silico analysis. Variants in GPCR genes include both coding and non-coding single nucleotide variants and insertion or deletions (indels) that affect cell surface expression (trafficking, dimerization, and desensitization/downregulation), ligand binding and G protein coupling, and variants that result in alternate splicing encoding isoforms/variable expression. As the breadth of data on the GPCR genome increases, we may expect an increase in the use of drug labels that note variants that significantly impact the clinical use of GPCR-targeting agents. We discuss the implications of GPCR pharmacogenomic data derived from the genomes available from individuals who have been well-phenotyped for receptor structure and function and receptor-ligand interactions, and the potential benefits to patients of optimized drug selection. Examples discussed include the renin-angiotensin system in SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) infection, the probable role of chemokine receptors in the cytokine storm, and potential protease activating receptor (PAR) interventions. Resources dedicated to GPCRs, including publicly available computational tools, are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miles D Thompson
- Krembil Brain Institute, Toronto Western Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - David Reiner-Link
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Alessandro Berghella
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Brinda K Rana
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - G Enrico Rovati
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Valerie Capra
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Caroline M Gorvin
- Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research (IMSR), University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Alexander S Hauser
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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7
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Semeano A, Garland R, Bonifazi A, Lee KH, Famiglietti J, Zhang W, Jo YJ, Battiti FO, Shi L, Newman AH, Yano H. Linkers in Bitopic Agonists Shape Bias Profile among Transducers for the Dopamine D2 and D3 Receptors. ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci 2024; 7:2333-2349. [PMID: 39144557 PMCID: PMC11320723 DOI: 10.1021/acsptsci.4c00119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2024] [Revised: 06/10/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 08/16/2024]
Abstract
Bitopic ligands bind both orthosteric and allosteric or secondary binding sites within the same receptor, often resulting in an improvement of receptor selectivity, potency, and efficacy. In particular, for both agonists and antagonists of the dopamine D2 and D3 receptors (D2R and D3R), the primary therapeutic targets for several neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders, bitopic ligand design has proved advantageous in achieving better pharmacological profiles in vitro. Although the two pharmacophores within a bitopic ligand are typically considered the main drivers of conformational change for a receptor, the role of the linker that connects the two has not yet been systematically studied for its relevance in receptor activity profiles. Here, we present a comprehensive analysis of sumanirole and PF592,379-based indole-containing bitopic compounds in agonist activity at D2R and D3R, with a focus on linker chemical space and stereochemistry through testing six distinct chirally resolved linkers and a simple aliphatic linker. The structure activity relationships (SARs) of these linkers are examined extensively, beyond the conventional level, by characterizing the activation of all putative transducers over a 44 min time course. Our multiparametric analysis reveals previously unappreciated specific linker-dependent effects on primary pharmacophores, receptors, transducer activation kinetics, and bias, highlighting the utility of this comprehensive approach and the significance of the linker type in shaping transducer bias profiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Semeano
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical
Sciences, Bouvé College of Health Sciences, Center for Drug
Discovery, Northeastern University, 140 The Fenway, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Rian Garland
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical
Sciences, Bouvé College of Health Sciences, Center for Drug
Discovery, Northeastern University, 140 The Fenway, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Alessandro Bonifazi
- Medicinal
Chemistry Section, Molecular Targets and Medications Discovery Branch,
National Institute on Drug Abuse − Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, 333 Cassell Drive, Baltimore, Maryland 21224, United States
| | - Kuo Hao Lee
- Computational
Chemistry and Molecular Biophysics Section, Molecular Targets and
Medications Discovery Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse −
Intramural Research Program, National Institutes
of Health, 333 Cassell Drive, Baltimore, Maryland 21224, United States
| | - John Famiglietti
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical
Sciences, Bouvé College of Health Sciences, Center for Drug
Discovery, Northeastern University, 140 The Fenway, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Wenqi Zhang
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical
Sciences, Bouvé College of Health Sciences, Center for Drug
Discovery, Northeastern University, 140 The Fenway, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Yoon Jae Jo
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical
Sciences, Bouvé College of Health Sciences, Center for Drug
Discovery, Northeastern University, 140 The Fenway, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Francisco O. Battiti
- Medicinal
Chemistry Section, Molecular Targets and Medications Discovery Branch,
National Institute on Drug Abuse − Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, 333 Cassell Drive, Baltimore, Maryland 21224, United States
| | - Lei Shi
- Computational
Chemistry and Molecular Biophysics Section, Molecular Targets and
Medications Discovery Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse −
Intramural Research Program, National Institutes
of Health, 333 Cassell Drive, Baltimore, Maryland 21224, United States
| | - Amy Hauck Newman
- Medicinal
Chemistry Section, Molecular Targets and Medications Discovery Branch,
National Institute on Drug Abuse − Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, 333 Cassell Drive, Baltimore, Maryland 21224, United States
| | - Hideaki Yano
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical
Sciences, Bouvé College of Health Sciences, Center for Drug
Discovery, Northeastern University, 140 The Fenway, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
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8
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Sakai K, Bradley ER, Zamaria JA, Agin-Liebes G, Kelley DP, Fish A, Martini V, Ferris MC, Morton E, Michalak EE, O'Donovan A, Woolley JD. Content analysis of Reddit posts about coadministration of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and psilocybin mushrooms. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2024; 241:1617-1630. [PMID: 38687360 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-024-06585-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
RATIONALE Treatments with the serotonergic psychedelic psilocybin are being investigated for multiple neuropsychiatric disorders. Because many patients with these disorders use selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), understanding interactions between psilocybin and SSRIs is critical for evaluating the safety, efficacy, and scalability of psilocybin-based treatments. Current knowledge about these interactions is limited, as most clinical psilocybin research has prohibited concomittant SSRI use. OBJECTIVES We aimed to explore potential interactions between psilocybin and SSRIs by characterizing peoples' real-world experiences using psilocybin mushrooms and SSRIs together. METHODS We conducted a systematic search of Reddit for posts describing psilocybin mushroom and SSRI coadministration. We identified 443 eligible posts and applied qualitative content analysis to each. RESULTS 8% of posts reported negative physical or psychological effects resulting from coadministration. These included 13 reports that may reflect serotonin toxicity, and 1 concerning for a psychotic/manic episode. 54% of posts described reduced intensity of the acute psilocybin experience, but 39% reported unchanged intensity with SSRI coadministration. CONCLUSIONS Psilocybin's interactions with SSRIs are likely complex and may depend on multiple factors. Prospective studies are needed to evaluate whether psilocybin treatments are reliably safe and effective in the setting of SSRI use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly Sakai
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
- San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center, San Francisco, CA, 94121, USA
| | - Ellen R Bradley
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA.
- San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center, San Francisco, CA, 94121, USA.
| | - Joseph A Zamaria
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
- School of Education, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
| | - Gabrielle Agin-Liebes
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - D Parker Kelley
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
- San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center, San Francisco, CA, 94121, USA
| | - Alexander Fish
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - Valeria Martini
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
- Psychology Department, Palo Alto University, Palo Alto, CA, 94304, USA
| | - Michelle C Ferris
- Psychology Department, Palo Alto University, Palo Alto, CA, 94304, USA
| | - Emma Morton
- Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 2A1, Canada
| | - Erin E Michalak
- Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 2A1, Canada
| | - Aoife O'Donovan
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
- San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center, San Francisco, CA, 94121, USA
| | - Joshua D Woolley
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
- San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center, San Francisco, CA, 94121, USA
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9
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Krzyscik MA, Karl K, Dudeja P, Krejci P, Hristova K. Quantitative and qualitative differences in the activation of a fibroblast growth factor receptor by different FGF ligands. Cytokine Growth Factor Rev 2024; 78:77-84. [PMID: 39043538 DOI: 10.1016/j.cytogfr.2024.07.002] [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: 05/24/2024] [Revised: 07/03/2024] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/25/2024]
Abstract
The FGF system is the most complex of all receptor tyrosine kinase signaling networks with 18 FGF ligands and four FGFRs that deliver morphogenic signals to pattern most embryonic structures. Even when a single FGFR is expressed in the tissue, different FGFs can trigger dramatically different biological responses via this receptor. Here we show both quantitative and qualitative differences in the signaling of one of the FGF receptors, FGFR1c, in response to different FGFs. We provide an overview of the recent discovery that FGFs engage in biased signaling via FGFR1c. We discuss the concept of ligand bias, which represents qualitative differences in signaling as it is a measure of differential ligand preferences for different downstream responses. We show how FGF ligand bias manifests in functional data in cultured chondrocyte cells. We argue that FGF-ligand bias contributes substantially to FGF-driven developmental processes, along with known differences in FGF expression levels, FGF-FGFR binding coefficients and differences in FGF stability in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mateusz A Krzyscik
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering and Institute for NanoBioTechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Kelly Karl
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering and Institute for NanoBioTechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Pooja Dudeja
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno 62500, Czech Republic; International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne's University Hospital, Brno 65691, Czech Republic
| | - Pavel Krejci
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno 62500, Czech Republic; International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne's University Hospital, Brno 65691, Czech Republic; Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics of the CAS, Brno 60200, Czech Republic
| | - Kalina Hristova
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering and Institute for NanoBioTechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA.
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10
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Tóth AD, Turu G, Hunyady L. Functional consequences of spatial, temporal and ligand bias of G protein-coupled receptors. Nat Rev Nephrol 2024:10.1038/s41581-024-00869-3. [PMID: 39039165 DOI: 10.1038/s41581-024-00869-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/24/2024]
Abstract
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) regulate every aspect of kidney function by mediating the effects of various endogenous and exogenous substances. A key concept in GPCR function is biased signalling, whereby certain ligands may selectively activate specific pathways within the receptor's signalling repertoire. For example, different agonists may induce biased signalling by stabilizing distinct active receptor conformations - a concept that is supported by advances in structural biology. However, the processes underlying functional selectivity in receptor signalling are extremely complex, involving differences in subcellular compartmentalization and signalling dynamics. Importantly, the molecular mechanisms of spatiotemporal bias, particularly its connection to ligand binding kinetics, have been detailed for GPCRs critical to kidney function, such as the AT1 angiotensin receptor (AT1R), V2 vasopressin receptor (V2R) and the parathyroid hormone 1 receptor (PTH1R). This expanding insight into the multifaceted nature of biased signalling paves the way for innovative strategies for targeting GPCR functions; the development of novel biased agonists may represent advanced pharmacotherapeutic approaches to the treatment of kidney diseases and related systemic conditions, such as hypertension, diabetes and heart failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- András D Tóth
- Institute of Molecular Life Sciences, Centre of Excellence of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, HUN-REN Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Internal Medicine and Haematology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Gábor Turu
- Institute of Molecular Life Sciences, Centre of Excellence of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, HUN-REN Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - László Hunyady
- Institute of Molecular Life Sciences, Centre of Excellence of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, HUN-REN Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Budapest, Hungary.
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary.
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11
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Matthees ESF, Filor JC, Jaiswal N, Reichel M, Youssef N, D'Uonnolo G, Szpakowska M, Drube J, König GM, Kostenis E, Chevigné A, Godbole A, Hoffmann C. GRK specificity and Gβγ dependency determines the potential of a GPCR for arrestin-biased agonism. Commun Biol 2024; 7:802. [PMID: 38956302 PMCID: PMC11220067 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-06490-1] [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: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024] Open
Abstract
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are mainly regulated by GPCR kinase (GRK) phosphorylation and subsequent β-arrestin recruitment. The ubiquitously expressed GRKs are classified into cytosolic GRK2/3 and membrane-tethered GRK5/6 subfamilies. GRK2/3 interact with activated G protein βγ-subunits to translocate to the membrane. Yet, this need was not linked as a factor for bias, influencing the effectiveness of β-arrestin-biased agonist creation. Using multiple approaches such as GRK2/3 mutants unable to interact with Gβγ, membrane-tethered GRKs and G protein inhibitors in GRK2/3/5/6 knockout cells, we show that G protein activation will precede GRK2/3-mediated β-arrestin2 recruitment to activated receptors. This was independent of the source of free Gβγ and observable for Gs-, Gi- and Gq-coupled GPCRs. Thus, β-arrestin interaction for GRK2/3-regulated receptors is inseparably connected with G protein activation. We outline a theoretical framework of how GRK dependence on free Gβγ can determine a GPCR's potential for biased agonism. Due to this inherent cellular mechanism for GRK2/3 recruitment and receptor phosphorylation, we anticipate generation of β-arrestin-biased ligands to be mechanistically challenging for the subgroup of GPCRs exclusively regulated by GRK2/3, but achievable for GRK5/6-regulated receptors, that do not demand liberated Gβγ. Accordingly, GRK specificity of any GPCR is foundational for developing arrestin-biased ligands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edda S F Matthees
- Institut für Molekulare Zellbiologie, CMB - Center for Molecular Biomedicine; Universitätsklinikum Jena, Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena, Hans-Knöll-Straße 2, D-07745, Jena, Germany
| | - Jenny C Filor
- Institut für Molekulare Zellbiologie, CMB - Center for Molecular Biomedicine; Universitätsklinikum Jena, Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena, Hans-Knöll-Straße 2, D-07745, Jena, Germany
| | - Natasha Jaiswal
- Institut für Molekulare Zellbiologie, CMB - Center for Molecular Biomedicine; Universitätsklinikum Jena, Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena, Hans-Knöll-Straße 2, D-07745, Jena, Germany
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine, Section of Molecular Medicine, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Mona Reichel
- Institut für Molekulare Zellbiologie, CMB - Center for Molecular Biomedicine; Universitätsklinikum Jena, Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena, Hans-Knöll-Straße 2, D-07745, Jena, Germany
| | - Noureldine Youssef
- Institut für Molekulare Zellbiologie, CMB - Center for Molecular Biomedicine; Universitätsklinikum Jena, Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena, Hans-Knöll-Straße 2, D-07745, Jena, Germany
| | - Giulia D'Uonnolo
- Immuno-Pharmacology and Interactomics, Department of Infection and Immunity, Luxembourg Institute of Health (LIH), 29 rue Henri Koch, L-4354, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
- Faculty of Science, Technology and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Martyna Szpakowska
- Immuno-Pharmacology and Interactomics, Department of Infection and Immunity, Luxembourg Institute of Health (LIH), 29 rue Henri Koch, L-4354, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Julia Drube
- Institut für Molekulare Zellbiologie, CMB - Center for Molecular Biomedicine; Universitätsklinikum Jena, Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena, Hans-Knöll-Straße 2, D-07745, Jena, Germany
| | - Gabriele M König
- Molecular, Cellular and Pharmacobiology Section, Institute for Pharmaceutical Biology, University of Bonn, Nussallee 6, D-53115, Bonn, Germany
| | - Evi Kostenis
- Molecular, Cellular and Pharmacobiology Section, Institute for Pharmaceutical Biology, University of Bonn, Nussallee 6, D-53115, Bonn, Germany
| | - Andy Chevigné
- Immuno-Pharmacology and Interactomics, Department of Infection and Immunity, Luxembourg Institute of Health (LIH), 29 rue Henri Koch, L-4354, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Amod Godbole
- Institut für Molekulare Zellbiologie, CMB - Center for Molecular Biomedicine; Universitätsklinikum Jena, Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena, Hans-Knöll-Straße 2, D-07745, Jena, Germany
| | - Carsten Hoffmann
- Institut für Molekulare Zellbiologie, CMB - Center for Molecular Biomedicine; Universitätsklinikum Jena, Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena, Hans-Knöll-Straße 2, D-07745, Jena, Germany.
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12
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Tóth AD, Szalai B, Kovács OT, Garger D, Prokop S, Soltész-Katona E, Balla A, Inoue A, Várnai P, Turu G, Hunyady L. G protein-coupled receptor endocytosis generates spatiotemporal bias in β-arrestin signaling. Sci Signal 2024; 17:eadi0934. [PMID: 38917219 DOI: 10.1126/scisignal.adi0934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024]
Abstract
The stabilization of different active conformations of G protein-coupled receptors is thought to underlie the varying efficacies of biased and balanced agonists. Here, profiling the activation of signal transducers by angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1R) agonists revealed that the extent and kinetics of β-arrestin binding exhibited substantial ligand-dependent differences, which were lost when receptor internalization was inhibited. When AT1R endocytosis was prevented, even weak partial agonists of the β-arrestin pathway acted as full or near-full agonists, suggesting that receptor conformation did not exclusively determine β-arrestin recruitment. The ligand-dependent variance in β-arrestin translocation was much larger at endosomes than at the plasma membrane, showing that ligand efficacy in the β-arrestin pathway was spatiotemporally determined. Experimental investigations and mathematical modeling demonstrated how multiple factors concurrently shaped the effects of agonists on endosomal receptor-β-arrestin binding and thus determined the extent of functional selectivity. Ligand dissociation rate and G protein activity had particularly strong, internalization-dependent effects on the receptor-β-arrestin interaction. We also showed that endocytosis regulated the agonist efficacies of two other receptors with sustained β-arrestin binding: the V2 vasopressin receptor and a mutant β2-adrenergic receptor. In the absence of endocytosis, the agonist-dependent variance in β-arrestin2 binding was markedly diminished. Our results suggest that endocytosis determines the spatiotemporal bias in GPCR signaling and can aid in the development of more efficacious, functionally selective compounds.
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MESH Headings
- Endocytosis/physiology
- Humans
- Signal Transduction
- Receptor, Angiotensin, Type 1/metabolism
- Receptor, Angiotensin, Type 1/genetics
- beta-Arrestins/metabolism
- beta-Arrestins/genetics
- HEK293 Cells
- Receptors, Vasopressin/metabolism
- Receptors, Vasopressin/genetics
- Receptors, Adrenergic, beta-2/metabolism
- Receptors, Adrenergic, beta-2/genetics
- Endosomes/metabolism
- Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled/metabolism
- Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled/genetics
- Animals
- Ligands
- Protein Binding
- Protein Transport
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Affiliation(s)
- András D Tóth
- Institute of Molecular Life Sciences, Centre of Excellence of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, HUN-REN Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Magyar tudósok körútja 2, H-1117 Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Semmelweis University, Tűzoltó utca 37-47, H-1094 Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Internal Medicine and Haematology, Semmelweis University, Szentkirályi utca 46, H-1088 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Bence Szalai
- Institute of Molecular Life Sciences, Centre of Excellence of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, HUN-REN Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Magyar tudósok körútja 2, H-1117 Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Semmelweis University, Tűzoltó utca 37-47, H-1094 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Orsolya T Kovács
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Semmelweis University, Tűzoltó utca 37-47, H-1094 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Dániel Garger
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Semmelweis University, Tűzoltó utca 37-47, H-1094 Budapest, Hungary
- Computational Health Center, Helmholtz Munich, Ingolstaedter Landstraße 1, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Susanne Prokop
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Semmelweis University, Tűzoltó utca 37-47, H-1094 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Eszter Soltész-Katona
- Institute of Molecular Life Sciences, Centre of Excellence of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, HUN-REN Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Magyar tudósok körútja 2, H-1117 Budapest, Hungary
| | - András Balla
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Semmelweis University, Tűzoltó utca 37-47, H-1094 Budapest, Hungary
- HUN-REN-SE Laboratory of Molecular Physiology, Hungarian Research Network, Tűzoltó utca 37-47, H-1094 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Asuka Inoue
- Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University, 6-3, Aoba, Aramaki, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi, 980-8578 Japan
| | - Péter Várnai
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Semmelweis University, Tűzoltó utca 37-47, H-1094 Budapest, Hungary
- HUN-REN-SE Laboratory of Molecular Physiology, Hungarian Research Network, Tűzoltó utca 37-47, H-1094 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Gábor Turu
- Institute of Molecular Life Sciences, Centre of Excellence of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, HUN-REN Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Magyar tudósok körútja 2, H-1117 Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Semmelweis University, Tűzoltó utca 37-47, H-1094 Budapest, Hungary
| | - László Hunyady
- Institute of Molecular Life Sciences, Centre of Excellence of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, HUN-REN Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Magyar tudósok körútja 2, H-1117 Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Semmelweis University, Tűzoltó utca 37-47, H-1094 Budapest, Hungary
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13
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Liu S, Anderson PJ, Rajagopal S, Lefkowitz RJ, Rockman HA. G Protein-Coupled Receptors: A Century of Research and Discovery. Circ Res 2024; 135:174-197. [PMID: 38900852 PMCID: PMC11192237 DOI: 10.1161/circresaha.124.323067] [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] [Indexed: 06/22/2024]
Abstract
GPCRs (G protein-coupled receptors), also known as 7 transmembrane domain receptors, are the largest receptor family in the human genome, with ≈800 members. GPCRs regulate nearly every aspect of human physiology and disease, thus serving as important drug targets in cardiovascular disease. Sharing a conserved structure comprised of 7 transmembrane α-helices, GPCRs couple to heterotrimeric G-proteins, GPCR kinases, and β-arrestins, promoting downstream signaling through second messengers and other intracellular signaling pathways. GPCR drug development has led to important cardiovascular therapies, such as antagonists of β-adrenergic and angiotensin II receptors for heart failure and hypertension, and agonists of the glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor for reducing adverse cardiovascular events and other emerging indications. There continues to be a major interest in GPCR drug development in cardiovascular and cardiometabolic disease, driven by advances in GPCR mechanistic studies and structure-based drug design. This review recounts the rich history of GPCR research, including the current state of clinically used GPCR drugs, and highlights newly discovered aspects of GPCR biology and promising directions for future investigation. As additional mechanisms for regulating GPCR signaling are uncovered, new strategies for targeting these ubiquitous receptors hold tremendous promise for the field of cardiovascular medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Liu
- Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical
Center
| | - Preston J. Anderson
- Cell and Molecular Biology (CMB), Duke University, Durham,
NC, 27710, USA
- Duke Medical Scientist Training Program, Duke University,
Durham, NC, 27710, USA
| | - Sudarshan Rajagopal
- Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical
Center
- Cell and Molecular Biology (CMB), Duke University, Durham,
NC, 27710, USA
- Deparment of Biochemistry Duke University, Durham, NC,
27710, USA
| | - Robert J. Lefkowitz
- Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical
Center
- Deparment of Biochemistry Duke University, Durham, NC,
27710, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Duke University Medical
Center, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA
| | - Howard A. Rockman
- Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical
Center
- Cell and Molecular Biology (CMB), Duke University, Durham,
NC, 27710, USA
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14
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Shen S, Wu C, Lin G, Yang X, Zhou Y, Zhao C, Miao Z, Tian X, Wang K, Yang Z, Liu Z, Guo N, Li Y, Xia A, Zhou P, Liu J, Yan W, Ke B, Yang S, Shao Z. Structure-based identification of a G protein-biased allosteric modulator of cannabinoid receptor CB1. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2321532121. [PMID: 38830102 PMCID: PMC11181136 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2321532121] [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: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Cannabis sativa is known for its therapeutic benefit in various diseases including pain relief by targeting cannabinoid receptors. The primary component of cannabis, Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), and other agonists engage the orthosteric site of CB1, activating both Gi and β-arrestin signaling pathways. The activation of diverse pathways could result in on-target side effects and cannabis addiction, which may hinder therapeutic potential. A significant challenge in pharmacology is the design of a ligand that can modulate specific signaling of CB1. By leveraging insights from the structure-function selectivity relationship (SFSR), we have identified Gi signaling-biased agonist-allosteric modulators (ago-BAMs). Further, two cryoelectron microscopy (cryo-EM) structures reveal the binding mode of ago-BAM at the extrahelical allosteric site of CB1. Combining mutagenesis and pharmacological studies, we elucidated the detailed mechanism of ago-BAM-mediated biased signaling. Notably, ago-BAM CB-05 demonstrated analgesic efficacy with fewer side effects, minimal drug toxicity and no cannabis addiction in mouse pain models. In summary, our finding not only suggests that ago-BAMs of CB1 provide a potential nonopioid strategy for pain management but also sheds light on BAM identification for GPCRs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyuan Shen
- Division of Nephrology and Kidney Research Institute, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu610041, Sichuan, China
- Frontiers Medical Center, Tianfu Jincheng Laboratory, Chengdu610212, Sichuan, China
| | - Chao Wu
- Division of Nephrology and Kidney Research Institute, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Guifeng Lin
- Division of Nephrology and Kidney Research Institute, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Xin Yang
- Division of Nephrology and Kidney Research Institute, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Yangli Zhou
- Division of Nephrology and Kidney Research Institute, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Chang Zhao
- Division of Nephrology and Kidney Research Institute, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Zhuang Miao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Laboratory of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, National-Local Joint Engineering Research Centre of Translational Medicine of Anesthesiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Xiaowen Tian
- Division of Nephrology and Kidney Research Institute, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Kexin Wang
- Division of Nephrology and Kidney Research Institute, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Zhiqian Yang
- Division of Nephrology and Kidney Research Institute, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Zhiyu Liu
- Division of Nephrology and Kidney Research Institute, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Nihong Guo
- Division of Nephrology and Kidney Research Institute, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Yueshan Li
- Division of Nephrology and Kidney Research Institute, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Anjie Xia
- Division of Nephrology and Kidney Research Institute, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Pei Zhou
- Division of Nephrology and Kidney Research Institute, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Jingming Liu
- Division of Nephrology and Kidney Research Institute, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Wei Yan
- Division of Nephrology and Kidney Research Institute, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Bowen Ke
- Department of Anesthesiology, Laboratory of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, National-Local Joint Engineering Research Centre of Translational Medicine of Anesthesiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Shengyong Yang
- Division of Nephrology and Kidney Research Institute, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu610041, Sichuan, China
- Frontiers Medical Center, Tianfu Jincheng Laboratory, Chengdu610212, Sichuan, China
| | - Zhenhua Shao
- Division of Nephrology and Kidney Research Institute, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu610041, Sichuan, China
- Frontiers Medical Center, Tianfu Jincheng Laboratory, Chengdu610212, Sichuan, China
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15
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Sachdev S, Creemer BA, Gardella TJ, Cheloha RW. Highly biased agonism for GPCR ligands via nanobody tethering. Nat Commun 2024; 15:4687. [PMID: 38824166 PMCID: PMC11144202 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-49068-5] [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: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Ligand-induced activation of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) can initiate signaling through multiple distinct pathways with differing biological and physiological outcomes. There is intense interest in understanding how variation in GPCR ligand structure can be used to promote pathway selective signaling ("biased agonism") with the goal of promoting desirable responses and avoiding deleterious side effects. Here we present an approach in which a conventional peptide ligand for the type 1 parathyroid hormone receptor (PTHR1) is converted from an agonist which induces signaling through all relevant pathways to a compound that is highly selective for a single pathway. This is achieved not through variation in the core structure of the agonist, but rather by linking it to a nanobody tethering agent that binds with high affinity to a separate site on the receptor not involved in signal transduction. The resulting conjugate represents the most biased agonist of PTHR1 reported to date. This approach holds promise for facile generation of pathway selective ligands for other GPCRs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shivani Sachdev
- Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry, National Institutes of Diabetes, Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bathesda, MD, USA
| | - Brendan A Creemer
- Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry, National Institutes of Diabetes, Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bathesda, MD, USA
| | - Thomas J Gardella
- Endocrine Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ross W Cheloha
- Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry, National Institutes of Diabetes, Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bathesda, MD, USA.
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16
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Conibear A, Bailey CP, Kelly E. Biased signalling in analgesic research and development. Curr Opin Pharmacol 2024; 76:102465. [PMID: 38830321 DOI: 10.1016/j.coph.2024.102465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Revised: 05/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
Ligand bias offers a novel means to improve the therapeutic profile of drugs. With regard to G protein-coupled receptors involved in analgesia, it could be advantageous to develop such drugs if the analgesic effect is mediated by a different cellular signalling pathway than the adverse effects associated with the drug. Whilst this has been explored over a number of years for the μ receptor, it remains unclear whether this approach offers significant benefit for the treatment of pain. Nevertheless, the development of biased ligands at other G protein-coupled receptors in the CNS does offer some promise for the development of novel analgesic drugs in the future. Here we summarise and discuss the recent evidence to support this.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Conibear
- School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Biomedical Sciences Building, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK
| | - Chris P Bailey
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath BA2 7AY, UK
| | - Eamonn Kelly
- School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Biomedical Sciences Building, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK.
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17
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Kossatz E, Diez-Alarcia R, Gaitonde SA, Ramon-Duaso C, Stepniewski TM, Aranda-Garcia D, Muneta-Arrate I, Tepaz E, Saen-Oon S, Soliva R, Shahraki A, Moreira D, Brea J, Loza MI, de la Torre R, Kolb P, Bouvier M, Meana JJ, Robledo P, Selent J. G protein-specific mechanisms in the serotonin 5-HT 2A receptor regulate psychosis-related effects and memory deficits. Nat Commun 2024; 15:4307. [PMID: 38811567 PMCID: PMC11137019 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-48196-2] [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: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024] Open
Abstract
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are sophisticated signaling machines able to simultaneously elicit multiple intracellular signaling pathways upon activation. Complete (in)activation of all pathways can be counterproductive for specific therapeutic applications. This is the case for the serotonin 2 A receptor (5-HT2AR), a prominent target for the treatment of schizophrenia. In this study, we elucidate the complex 5-HT2AR coupling signature in response to different signaling probes, and its physiological consequences by combining computational modeling, in vitro and in vivo experiments with human postmortem brain studies. We show how chemical modification of the endogenous agonist serotonin dramatically impacts the G protein coupling profile of the 5-HT2AR and the associated behavioral responses. Importantly, among these responses, we demonstrate that memory deficits are regulated by Gαq protein activation, whereas psychosis-related behavior is modulated through Gαi1 stimulation. These findings emphasize the complexity of GPCR pharmacology and physiology and open the path to designing improved therapeutics for the treatment of stchizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elk Kossatz
- Integrative Pharmacology and Systems Neuroscience Research Group, Hospital del Mar Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Rebeca Diez-Alarcia
- Department of Pharmacology, University of the Basque Country/Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea, Leioa, Bizkaia, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental CIBERSAM, Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Biobizkaia, Barakaldo, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Supriya A Gaitonde
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer (IRIC), Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Carla Ramon-Duaso
- Cell-type mechanisms in normal and pathological behaviour Research Group, IMIM-Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Tomasz Maciej Stepniewski
- Research Programme on Biomedical Informatics (GRIB), Hospital del Mar Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain
- InterAx Biotech AG, PARK InnovAARE, 5234, Villigen, Switzerland
| | - David Aranda-Garcia
- Research Programme on Biomedical Informatics (GRIB), Hospital del Mar Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Medicine and Life Sciences, Pompeu Fabra University, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Itziar Muneta-Arrate
- Department of Pharmacology, University of the Basque Country/Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea, Leioa, Bizkaia, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental CIBERSAM, Madrid, Spain
| | - Elodie Tepaz
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer (IRIC), Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Suwipa Saen-Oon
- NBD NOSTRUM BIODISCOVERY, Av. de Josep Tarradellas, 8-10, 3-2, 08029, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Robert Soliva
- NBD NOSTRUM BIODISCOVERY, Av. de Josep Tarradellas, 8-10, 3-2, 08029, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Aida Shahraki
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Marburg, Marbacher Weg 8, Marburg, 35037, Germany
| | - David Moreira
- Innopharma Drug Screening and Pharmacogenomics Platform. BioFarma research group. Center for Research in Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases (CiMUS). Department of Pharmacology, Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology, University of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), University Hospital of Santiago de Compostela (SERGAS), Trav. Choupana s/n, 15706, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Jose Brea
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Marburg, Marbacher Weg 8, Marburg, 35037, Germany
- Innopharma Drug Screening and Pharmacogenomics Platform. BioFarma research group. Center for Research in Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases (CiMUS). Department of Pharmacology, Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology, University of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Maria Isabel Loza
- Innopharma Drug Screening and Pharmacogenomics Platform. BioFarma research group. Center for Research in Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases (CiMUS). Department of Pharmacology, Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology, University of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), University Hospital of Santiago de Compostela (SERGAS), Trav. Choupana s/n, 15706, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Rafael de la Torre
- Integrative Pharmacology and Systems Neuroscience Research Group, Hospital del Mar Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Peter Kolb
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Marburg, Marbacher Weg 8, Marburg, 35037, Germany
| | - Michel Bouvier
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer (IRIC), Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - J Javier Meana
- Department of Pharmacology, University of the Basque Country/Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea, Leioa, Bizkaia, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental CIBERSAM, Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Biobizkaia, Barakaldo, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Patricia Robledo
- Integrative Pharmacology and Systems Neuroscience Research Group, Hospital del Mar Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Jana Selent
- Research Programme on Biomedical Informatics (GRIB), Hospital del Mar Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain.
- Department of Medicine and Life Sciences, Pompeu Fabra University, Barcelona, Spain.
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18
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Gloriam D, Thorsen T, Kulkarni Y, Sykes D, Bøggild A, Drace T, Hompluem P, Iliopoulos-Tsoutsouvas C, Nikas S, Daver H, Makriyannis A, Nissen P, Gajhede M, Veprintsev D, Boesen T, Kastrup J. Structural basis of Δ 9-THC analog activity at the Cannabinoid 1 receptor. RESEARCH SQUARE 2024:rs.3.rs-4277209. [PMID: 38826401 PMCID: PMC11142349 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-4277209/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the principal psychoactive compound derived from the cannabis plant Cannabis sativa and approved for emetic conditions, appetite stimulation and sleep apnea relief. THC's psychoactive actions are mediated primarily by the cannabinoid receptor CB1. Here, we determine the cryo-EM structure of HU210, a THC analog and widely used tool compound, bound to CB1 and its primary transducer, Gi1. We leverage this structure for docking and 1,000 ns molecular dynamics simulations of THC and 10 structural analogs delineating their spatiotemporal interactions at the molecular level. Furthermore, we pharmacologically profile their recruitment of Gi and β-arrestins and reversibility of binding from an active complex. By combining detailed CB1 structural information with molecular models and signaling data we uncover the differential spatiotemporal interactions these ligands make to receptors governing potency, efficacy, bias and kinetics. This may help explain the actions of abused substances, advance fundamental receptor activation studies and design better medicines.
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19
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Meqbil YJ, Aguilar J, Blaine AT, Chen L, Cassell RJ, Pradhan AA, van Rijn RM. Identification of 1,3,8-Triazaspiro[4.5]Decane-2,4-Dione Derivatives as a Novel δ Opioid Receptor-Selective Agonist Chemotype. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2024; 389:301-309. [PMID: 38621994 PMCID: PMC11125782 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.123.001735] [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: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024] Open
Abstract
δ opioid receptors (DORs) hold potential as a target for neurologic and psychiatric disorders, yet no DOR agonist has proven efficacious in critical phase II clinical trials. The exact reasons for the failure to produce quality drug candidates for the DOR are unclear. However, it is known that certain DOR agonists can induce seizures and exhibit tachyphylaxis. Several studies have suggested that those adverse effects are more prevalent in delta agonists that share the (+)-4-[(αR)-α-((2S,5R)-4-allyl-2,5-dimethyl-1-piperazinyl)-3-methoxybenzyl]-N,N-diethylbenzamide (SNC80)/4-[(αR*)-α-((2S*,5R*)-4-allyl-2,5-dimethyl-1-piperazinyl)-3-hydroxybenzyl]-N,N-diethylbenzamide chemotype. There is a need to find novel lead candidates for drug development that have improved pharmacological properties to differentiate them from the current failed delta agonists. Our objective in this study was to identify novel DOR agonists. We used a β-arrestin assay to screen a small G-protein coupled receptors (GPCR)-focused chemical library. We identified a novel chemotype of DOR agonists that appears to bind to the orthosteric site based of docking and molecular dynamic simulation. The most potent agonist hit compound is selective for the DOR over a panel of 167 other GPCRs, is slightly biased toward G-protein signaling and has anti-allodynic efficacy in a complete Freund's adjuvant model of inflammatory pain in C57BL/6 male and female mice. The newly discovered chemotype contrasts with molecules like SNC80 that are highly efficacious β-arrestin recruiters and may suggest this novel class of DOR agonists could be expanded on to develop a clinical candidate drug. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: δ opioid receptors are a clinical target for various neurological disorders, including migraine and chronic pain. Many of the clinically tested delta opioid agonists share a single chemotype, which carries risks during drug development. Through a small-scale high-throughput screening assay, this study identified a novel δ opioid receptor agonist chemotype, which may serve as alternative for the current analgesic clinical candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yazan J Meqbil
- Borch Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology (Y.J.M., A.T.B., R.J.C., R.M.v.R.), Computational Interdisciplinary Graduate Programs, Computational Life Sciences (Y.J.M.), and Interdisciplinary Life Science-PULSe (A.T.B.), Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana; Purdue Institute for Integrative Neuroscience, West Lafayette, Indiana (R.M.v.R.); Purdue Institute for Drug Discovery, West Lafayette, Indiana (L.C., R.M.v.R.); Septerna Inc., South San Francisco, California (R.M.v.R.); and Center for Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri (J.A., A.A.P.)
| | - Jhoan Aguilar
- Borch Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology (Y.J.M., A.T.B., R.J.C., R.M.v.R.), Computational Interdisciplinary Graduate Programs, Computational Life Sciences (Y.J.M.), and Interdisciplinary Life Science-PULSe (A.T.B.), Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana; Purdue Institute for Integrative Neuroscience, West Lafayette, Indiana (R.M.v.R.); Purdue Institute for Drug Discovery, West Lafayette, Indiana (L.C., R.M.v.R.); Septerna Inc., South San Francisco, California (R.M.v.R.); and Center for Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri (J.A., A.A.P.)
| | - Arryn T Blaine
- Borch Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology (Y.J.M., A.T.B., R.J.C., R.M.v.R.), Computational Interdisciplinary Graduate Programs, Computational Life Sciences (Y.J.M.), and Interdisciplinary Life Science-PULSe (A.T.B.), Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana; Purdue Institute for Integrative Neuroscience, West Lafayette, Indiana (R.M.v.R.); Purdue Institute for Drug Discovery, West Lafayette, Indiana (L.C., R.M.v.R.); Septerna Inc., South San Francisco, California (R.M.v.R.); and Center for Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri (J.A., A.A.P.)
| | - Lan Chen
- Borch Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology (Y.J.M., A.T.B., R.J.C., R.M.v.R.), Computational Interdisciplinary Graduate Programs, Computational Life Sciences (Y.J.M.), and Interdisciplinary Life Science-PULSe (A.T.B.), Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana; Purdue Institute for Integrative Neuroscience, West Lafayette, Indiana (R.M.v.R.); Purdue Institute for Drug Discovery, West Lafayette, Indiana (L.C., R.M.v.R.); Septerna Inc., South San Francisco, California (R.M.v.R.); and Center for Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri (J.A., A.A.P.)
| | - Robert J Cassell
- Borch Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology (Y.J.M., A.T.B., R.J.C., R.M.v.R.), Computational Interdisciplinary Graduate Programs, Computational Life Sciences (Y.J.M.), and Interdisciplinary Life Science-PULSe (A.T.B.), Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana; Purdue Institute for Integrative Neuroscience, West Lafayette, Indiana (R.M.v.R.); Purdue Institute for Drug Discovery, West Lafayette, Indiana (L.C., R.M.v.R.); Septerna Inc., South San Francisco, California (R.M.v.R.); and Center for Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri (J.A., A.A.P.)
| | - Amynah A Pradhan
- Borch Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology (Y.J.M., A.T.B., R.J.C., R.M.v.R.), Computational Interdisciplinary Graduate Programs, Computational Life Sciences (Y.J.M.), and Interdisciplinary Life Science-PULSe (A.T.B.), Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana; Purdue Institute for Integrative Neuroscience, West Lafayette, Indiana (R.M.v.R.); Purdue Institute for Drug Discovery, West Lafayette, Indiana (L.C., R.M.v.R.); Septerna Inc., South San Francisco, California (R.M.v.R.); and Center for Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri (J.A., A.A.P.)
| | - Richard M van Rijn
- Borch Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology (Y.J.M., A.T.B., R.J.C., R.M.v.R.), Computational Interdisciplinary Graduate Programs, Computational Life Sciences (Y.J.M.), and Interdisciplinary Life Science-PULSe (A.T.B.), Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana; Purdue Institute for Integrative Neuroscience, West Lafayette, Indiana (R.M.v.R.); Purdue Institute for Drug Discovery, West Lafayette, Indiana (L.C., R.M.v.R.); Septerna Inc., South San Francisco, California (R.M.v.R.); and Center for Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri (J.A., A.A.P.)
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20
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Wu Y, Jensen N, Rossner MJ, Wehr MC. Exploiting Cell-Based Assays to Accelerate Drug Development for G Protein-Coupled Receptors. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5474. [PMID: 38791511 PMCID: PMC11121687 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25105474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2024] [Revised: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are relevant targets for health and disease as they regulate various aspects of metabolism, proliferation, differentiation, and immune pathways. They are implicated in several disease areas, including cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and mental disorders. It is worth noting that about a third of all marketed drugs target GPCRs, making them prime pharmacological targets for drug discovery. Numerous functional assays have been developed to assess GPCR activity and GPCR signaling in living cells. Here, we review the current literature of genetically encoded cell-based assays to measure GPCR activation and downstream signaling at different hierarchical levels of signaling, from the receptor to transcription, via transducers, effectors, and second messengers. Singleplex assay formats provide one data point per experimental condition. Typical examples are bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET) assays and protease cleavage assays (e.g., Tango or split TEV). By contrast, multiplex assay formats allow for the parallel measurement of multiple receptors and pathways and typically use molecular barcodes as transcriptional reporters in barcoded assays. This enables the efficient identification of desired on-target and on-pathway effects as well as detrimental off-target and off-pathway effects. Multiplex assays are anticipated to accelerate drug discovery for GPCRs as they provide a comprehensive and broad identification of compound effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxin Wu
- Research Group Cell Signalling, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Nussbaumstr. 7, 80336 Munich, Germany
- Systasy Bioscience GmbH, Balanstr. 6, 81669 Munich, Germany
| | - Niels Jensen
- Systasy Bioscience GmbH, Balanstr. 6, 81669 Munich, Germany
- Section of Molecular Neurobiology, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Nussbaumstr. 7, 80336 Munich, Germany
| | - Moritz J. Rossner
- Systasy Bioscience GmbH, Balanstr. 6, 81669 Munich, Germany
- Section of Molecular Neurobiology, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Nussbaumstr. 7, 80336 Munich, Germany
| | - Michael C. Wehr
- Research Group Cell Signalling, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Nussbaumstr. 7, 80336 Munich, Germany
- Systasy Bioscience GmbH, Balanstr. 6, 81669 Munich, Germany
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21
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Kenakin T. Bias translation: The final frontier? Br J Pharmacol 2024; 181:1345-1360. [PMID: 38424747 DOI: 10.1111/bph.16335] [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: 09/03/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Biased signalling is a natural result of GPCR allosteric function and should be expected from any and all synthetic and natural agonists. Therefore, it may be encountered in all agonist discovery projects and must be considered as a beneficial (or possible detrimental) feature of new candidate molecules. While bias is detected easily, the synoptic nature of GPCR signalling makes translation of simple in vitro bias to complex in vivo systems problematic. The practical outcome of this is a difficulty in predicting the therapeutic value of biased signalling due to the failure of translation of identified biased signalling to in vivo agonism. This is discussed in this review as well as some new ways forward to improve this translation process and better exploit this powerful pharmacologic mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Terry Kenakin
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina, School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
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22
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Luginina AP, Khnykin AN, Khorn PA, Moiseeva OV, Safronova NA, Pospelov VA, Dashevskii DE, Belousov AS, Borschevskiy VI, Mishin AV. Rational Design of Drugs Targeting G-Protein-Coupled Receptors: Ligand Search and Screening. BIOCHEMISTRY. BIOKHIMIIA 2024; 89:958-972. [PMID: 38880655 DOI: 10.1134/s0006297924050158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are transmembrane proteins that participate in many physiological processes and represent major pharmacological targets. Recent advances in structural biology of GPCRs have enabled the development of drugs based on the receptor structure (structure-based drug design, SBDD). SBDD utilizes information about the receptor-ligand complex to search for suitable compounds, thus expanding the chemical space of possible receptor ligands without the need for experimental screening. The review describes the use of structure-based virtual screening (SBVS) for GPCR ligands and approaches for the functional testing of potential drug compounds, as well as discusses recent advances and successful examples in the application of SBDD for the identification of GPCR ligands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra P Luginina
- Research Center for Molecular Mechanisms of Aging and Age-Related Diseases, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Dolgoprudny, Moscow Region, 141701, Russia
| | - Andrey N Khnykin
- Research Center for Molecular Mechanisms of Aging and Age-Related Diseases, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Dolgoprudny, Moscow Region, 141701, Russia
| | - Polina A Khorn
- Research Center for Molecular Mechanisms of Aging and Age-Related Diseases, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Dolgoprudny, Moscow Region, 141701, Russia
| | - Olga V Moiseeva
- Research Center for Molecular Mechanisms of Aging and Age-Related Diseases, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Dolgoprudny, Moscow Region, 141701, Russia
- Skryabin Institute of Biochemistry and Physiology of Microorganisms, Russian Academy of Sciences, Pushchino, Moscow Region, 142290, Russia
| | - Nadezhda A Safronova
- Research Center for Molecular Mechanisms of Aging and Age-Related Diseases, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Dolgoprudny, Moscow Region, 141701, Russia
| | - Vladimir A Pospelov
- Research Center for Molecular Mechanisms of Aging and Age-Related Diseases, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Dolgoprudny, Moscow Region, 141701, Russia
| | - Dmitrii E Dashevskii
- Research Center for Molecular Mechanisms of Aging and Age-Related Diseases, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Dolgoprudny, Moscow Region, 141701, Russia
| | - Anatolii S Belousov
- Research Center for Molecular Mechanisms of Aging and Age-Related Diseases, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Dolgoprudny, Moscow Region, 141701, Russia
| | - Valentin I Borschevskiy
- Research Center for Molecular Mechanisms of Aging and Age-Related Diseases, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Dolgoprudny, Moscow Region, 141701, Russia.
- Frank Laboratory of Neutron Physics, Joint Institute for Nuclear Research, Dubna, Moscow Region, 141980, Russia
| | - Alexey V Mishin
- Research Center for Molecular Mechanisms of Aging and Age-Related Diseases, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Dolgoprudny, Moscow Region, 141701, Russia.
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23
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Nelic D, Chetverikov N, Hochmalová M, Diaz C, Doležal V, Boulos J, Jakubík J, Martemyanov K, Janoušková-Randáková A. Agonist-selective activation of individual G-proteins by muscarinic receptors. Sci Rep 2024; 14:9652. [PMID: 38671143 PMCID: PMC11053168 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-60259-4] [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: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Selective activation of individual subtypes of muscarinic receptors is a promising way to safely alleviate a wide range of pathological conditions in the central nervous system and the periphery as well. The flexible G-protein interface of muscarinic receptors allows them to interact with several G-proteins with various efficacy, potency, and kinetics. Agonists biased to the particular G-protein mediated pathway may result in selectivity among muscarinic subtypes and, due to the non-uniform expression of individual G-protein alpha subunits, possibly achieve tissue specificity. Here, we demonstrate that novel tetrahydropyridine-based agonists exert specific signalling profiles in coupling with individual G-protein α subunits. These signalling profiles profoundly differ from the reference agonist carbachol. Moreover, coupling with individual Gα induced by these novel agonists varies among subtypes of muscarinic receptors which may lead to subtype selectivity. Thus, the novel tetrahydropyridine-based agonist can contribute to the elucidation of the mechanism of pathway-specific activation of muscarinic receptors and serve as a starting point for the development of desired selective muscarinic agonists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominik Nelic
- Department of Neurochemistry, Institute of Physiology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Nikolai Chetverikov
- Department of Neurochemistry, Institute of Physiology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Martina Hochmalová
- Department of Neurochemistry, Institute of Physiology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Christina Diaz
- Department of Physical Sciences, Barry University, Miami Shores, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Vladimír Doležal
- Department of Neurochemistry, Institute of Physiology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - John Boulos
- Department of Physical Sciences, Barry University, Miami Shores, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Jan Jakubík
- Department of Neurochemistry, Institute of Physiology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Kirill Martemyanov
- Department of Neuroscience, UF Scripps Biomedical Research, University of Florida, Jupiter, FL, 33458, USA.
| | - Alena Janoušková-Randáková
- Department of Neurochemistry, Institute of Physiology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic.
- Department of Neuroscience, UF Scripps Biomedical Research, University of Florida, Jupiter, FL, 33458, USA.
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24
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Mirchandani-Duque M, Choucri M, Hernández-Mondragón JC, Crespo-Ramírez M, Pérez-Olives C, Ferraro L, Franco R, Pérez de la Mora M, Fuxe K, Borroto-Escuela DO. Membrane Heteroreceptor Complexes as Second-Order Protein Modulators: A Novel Integrative Mechanism through Allosteric Receptor-Receptor Interactions. MEMBRANES 2024; 14:96. [PMID: 38786931 PMCID: PMC11122807 DOI: 10.3390/membranes14050096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2024] [Revised: 04/13/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Bioluminescence and fluorescence resonance energy transfer (BRET and FRET) together with the proximity ligation method revealed the existence of G-protein-coupled receptors, Ionotropic and Receptor tyrosine kinase heterocomplexes, e.g., A2AR-D2R, GABAA-D5R, and FGFR1-5-HT1AR heterocomplexes. Molecular integration takes place through allosteric receptor-receptor interactions in heteroreceptor complexes of synaptic and extra-synaptic regions. It involves the modulation of receptor protomer recognition, signaling and trafficking, as well as the modulation of behavioral responses. Allosteric receptor-receptor interactions in hetero-complexes give rise to concepts like meta-modulation and protein modulation. The introduction of receptor-receptor interactions was the origin of the concept of meta-modulation provided by Katz and Edwards in 1999, which stood for the fine-tuning or modulation of nerve cell transmission. In 2000-2010, Ribeiro and Sebastiao, based on a series of papers, provided strong support for their view that adenosine can meta-modulate (fine-tune) synaptic transmission through adenosine receptors. However, another term should also be considered: protein modulation, which is the key feature of allosteric receptor-receptor interactions leading to learning and consolidation by novel adapter proteins to memory. Finally, it must be underlined that allosteric receptor-receptor interactions and their involvement both in brain disease and its treatment are of high interest. Their pathophysiological relevance has been obtained, especially for major depressive disorder, cocaine use disorder, and Parkinson's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Mirchandani-Duque
- Receptomics and Brain Disorders Lab, Department of Human Physiology Physical Education and Sport, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaga, 29010 Málaga, Spain;
| | - Malak Choucri
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Biomedicum (B0852), Solnavägen 9, 17165 Solna, Sweden;
| | - Juan C. Hernández-Mondragón
- Instituto de Fisiología Celular, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City 04510, Mexico; (J.C.H.-M.); (M.C.-R.); (M.P.d.l.M.)
| | - Minerva Crespo-Ramírez
- Instituto de Fisiología Celular, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City 04510, Mexico; (J.C.H.-M.); (M.C.-R.); (M.P.d.l.M.)
| | - Catalina Pérez-Olives
- Molecular Neurobiology Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biomedicine, Universitat de Barcelona, 08007 Barcelona, Spain;
| | - Luca Ferraro
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Section of Medicinal and Health Products University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (L.F.); (R.F.)
| | - Rafael Franco
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Section of Medicinal and Health Products University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (L.F.); (R.F.)
| | - Miguel Pérez de la Mora
- Instituto de Fisiología Celular, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City 04510, Mexico; (J.C.H.-M.); (M.C.-R.); (M.P.d.l.M.)
| | - Kjell Fuxe
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Biomedicum (B0852), Solnavägen 9, 17165 Solna, Sweden;
| | - Dasiel O. Borroto-Escuela
- Receptomics and Brain Disorders Lab, Department of Human Physiology Physical Education and Sport, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaga, 29010 Málaga, Spain;
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Biomedicum (B0852), Solnavägen 9, 17165 Solna, Sweden;
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25
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Ryalls B, Patel M, Sparkes E, Banister SD, Finlay DB, Glass M. Investigating selectivity and bias for G protein subtypes and β-arrestins by synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists at the cannabinoid CB 1 receptor. Biochem Pharmacol 2024; 222:116052. [PMID: 38354957 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2024.116052] [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: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
The cannabinoid CB1 receptor (CB1) is a G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) with widespread expression in the central nervous system. This canonically G⍺i/o-coupled receptor mediates the effects of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists (SCRAs). Recreational use of SCRAs is associated with serious adverse health effects, making pharmacological research into these compounds a priority. Several studies have hypothesised that signalling bias may explain the different toxicological profiles between SCRAs and THC. Previous studies have focused on bias between G protein activation measured by cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) inhibition and β-arrestin translocation. In contrast, the current study characterises bias between G⍺ subtypes of the G⍺i/o family and β-arrestins; this method facilitates a more accurate assessment of ligand bias by assessing signals that have not undergone major amplification. We have characterised G protein dissociation and translocation of β-arrestin 1 and 2 using real-time BRET reporters. The responses produced by each SCRA across the G protein subtypes tested were consistent with the responses produced by the reference ligand AMB-FUBINACA. Ligand bias was probed by applying the operational analysis to determine biases within the G⍺i/o family, and between G protein subtypes and β-arrestins. Overall, these results confirm SCRAs to be balanced, high-efficacy ligands compared to the low efficacy ligand THC, with only one SCRA, 4CN-MPP-BUT7IACA, demonstrating statistically significant bias in one pathway comparison (towards β-arrestin 1 when compared with G⍺oA/oB). This suggests that the adverse effects caused by SCRAs are due to high potency and efficacy at CB1, rather than biased agonism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beth Ryalls
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand. PO Box 56, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand
| | - Monica Patel
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand. PO Box 56, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand
| | - Eric Sparkes
- School of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Samuel D Banister
- School of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - David B Finlay
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand. PO Box 56, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand
| | - Michelle Glass
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand. PO Box 56, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand; Institute of Environmental Science and Research Limited (ESR) Kenepuru Science Centre: 34 Kenepuru Drive, Kenepuru, Porirua 5022, New Zealand.
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26
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Kise R, Inoue A. GPCR signaling bias: an emerging framework for opioid drug development. J Biochem 2024; 175:367-376. [PMID: 38308136 DOI: 10.1093/jb/mvae013] [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: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Biased signaling, also known as functional selectivity, has emerged as an important concept in drug development targeting G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). Drugs that provoke biased signaling are expected to offer an opportunity for enhanced therapeutic effectiveness with minimized side effects. Opioid analgesics, whilst exerting potent pain-relieving effects, have become a social problem owing to their serious side effects. For the development of safer pain medications, there has been extensive exploration of agonists with a distinct balance of G-protein and β-arrestin (βarr) signaling. Recently, several approaches based on protein-protein interactions have been developed to precisely evaluate individual signal pathways, paving the way for the comprehensive analysis of biased signals. In this review, we describe an overview of bias signaling in opioid receptors, especially the μ-opioid receptor (MOR), and how to evaluate signaling bias in the GPCR field. We also discuss future directions for rational drug development through the integration of diverse signal datasets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryoji Kise
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University, 6-3, Aoba, Aramaki, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8578, Japan
| | - Asuka Inoue
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University, 6-3, Aoba, Aramaki, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8578, Japan
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27
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Gooding SW, Felth L, Foxall R, Rosa Z, Ireton K, Sall I, Gipoor J, Gaur A, King M, Dirks N, Whistler CA, Whistler JL. Deletion of arrestin-3 does not improve compulsive drug-seeking behavior in a longitudinal paradigm of oral morphine self-administration. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.03.30.534994. [PMID: 38562752 PMCID: PMC10983877 DOI: 10.1101/2023.03.30.534994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Opioid drugs are potent analgesics that mimic the endogenous opioid peptides, endorphins and enkephalins, by activating the μ-opioid receptor. Opioid use is limited by side effects, including significant risk of opioid use disorder. Improvement of the effect/side effect profile of opioid medications is a key pursuit of opioid research, yet there is no consensus on how to achieve this goal. One hypothesis is that the degree of arrestin-3 recruitment to the μ-opioid receptor impacts therapeutic utility. However, it is not clear whether increased or decreased interaction of the μ-opioid receptor with arrestin-3 would reduce compulsive drug-seeking. To examine this question, we utilized three genotypes of mice with varying abilities to recruit arrestin-3 to the μ-opioid receptor in response to morphine in a novel longitudinal operant self-administration model. We demonstrate that arrestin-3 knockout and wild type mice have highly variable drug-seeking behavior with few genotype differences. In contrast, in mice where the μ-opioid receptor strongly recruits arrestin-3, drug-seeking behavior is much less varied. We created a quantitative method to define compulsivity in drug-seeking and found that mice lacking arrestin-3 were more likely to meet the criteria for compulsivity whereas mice with enhanced arrestin-3 recruitment did not develop a compulsive phenotype. Our data suggest that opioids that engage both G protein and arrestin-3, recapitulating the endogenous signaling pattern, will reduce abuse liability.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lindsey Felth
- Center for Neuroscience, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Randi Foxall
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, & Biomedical Sciences, University of New Hampshire
| | - Zachary Rosa
- Center for Neuroscience, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Kyle Ireton
- Center for Neuroscience, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Izabella Sall
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, & Biomedical Sciences, University of New Hampshire
| | - Joshua Gipoor
- Center for Neuroscience, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Anirudh Gaur
- Center for Neuroscience, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Madeline King
- Center for Neuroscience, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Noah Dirks
- Center for Neuroscience, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Cheryl A Whistler
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, & Biomedical Sciences, University of New Hampshire
| | - Jennifer L Whistler
- Center for Neuroscience, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA, USA
- Department of Physiology and Membrane Biology, UC Davis School of Medicine, Davis, CA, USA
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28
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Watts SW, Townsend RR, Neubig RR. How New Developments in Pharmacology Receptor Theory Are Changing (Our Understanding of) Hypertension Therapy. Am J Hypertens 2024; 37:248-260. [PMID: 38150382 PMCID: PMC10941088 DOI: 10.1093/ajh/hpad121] [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: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many hypertension therapeutics were developed prior to major advances in drug receptor theory. Moreover, newer drugs may take advantage of some of the newly understood modalities of receptor function. GOAL The goal of this review is to provide an up-to-date summary of drug receptor theory. This is followed by a discussion of the drug classes recognized for treating hypertension to which new concepts in receptor theory apply. RESULTS We raise ideas for mechanisms of potential new antihypertensive drugs and whether they may take advantage of new theories in drug-receptor interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie W Watts
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824-131, USA
| | - Raymond R Townsend
- Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA
| | - Richard R Neubig
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824-131, USA
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29
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Vanalken N, Boon K, Szpakowska M, Chevigné A, Schols D, Van Loy T. Systematic Assessment of Human CCR7 Signalling Using NanoBRET Biosensors Points towards the Importance of the Cellular Context. BIOSENSORS 2024; 14:142. [PMID: 38534251 DOI: 10.3390/bios14030142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2024] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
The human CC chemokine receptor 7 (CCR7) is activated by two natural ligands, CC chemokine ligand 19 (CCL19) and 21 (CCL21). The CCL19-CCL21-CCR7 axis has been extensively studied in vitro, but there is still debate over whether CCL21 is an overall weaker agonist or if the axis displays biased signalling. In this study, we performed a systematic analysis at the transducer level using NanoBRET-based methodologies in three commonly used cellular backgrounds to evaluate pathway and ligand preferences, as well as ligand bias and the influence of the cellular system thereon. We found that both CCL19 and CCL21 activated all cognate G proteins and some non-cognate couplings in a cell-type-dependent manner. Both ligands recruited β-arrestin1 and 2, but the potency was strongly dependent on the cellular system. Overall, CCL19 and CCL21 showed largely conserved pathway preferences, but small differences were detected. However, these differences only consolidated in a weak ligand bias. Together, these data suggest that CCL19 and CCL21 share mostly overlapping, weakly biased, transducer profiles, which can be influenced by the cellular context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan Vanalken
- KU Leuven, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Katrijn Boon
- KU Leuven, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Martyna Szpakowska
- Department of Infection and Immunity, Immuno-Pharmacology and Interactomics, Luxembourg Institute of Health, L-4354 Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Andy Chevigné
- Department of Infection and Immunity, Immuno-Pharmacology and Interactomics, Luxembourg Institute of Health, L-4354 Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Dominique Schols
- KU Leuven, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Tom Van Loy
- KU Leuven, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
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30
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Xu C, Zhou Y, Liu Y, Lin L, Liu P, Wang X, Xu Z, Pin JP, Rondard P, Liu J. Specific pharmacological and G i/o protein responses of some native GPCRs in neurons. Nat Commun 2024; 15:1990. [PMID: 38443355 PMCID: PMC10914727 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-46177-z] [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: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) constitute the largest family of membrane proteins and are important drug targets. The discovery of drugs targeting these receptors and their G protein signaling properties are based on assays mainly performed with modified receptors expressed in heterologous cells. However, GPCR responses may differ in their native environment. Here, by using highly sensitive Gi/o sensors, we reveal specific properties of Gi/o protein-mediated responses triggered by GABAB, α2 adrenergic and cannabinoid CB1 receptors in primary neurons, different from those in heterologous cells. These include different profiles in the Gi/o protein subtypes-mediated responses, and differences in the potencies of some ligands even at similar receptor expression levels. Altogether, our results show the importance of using biosensors compatible with primary cells for evaluating the activities of endogenous GPCRs in their native environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chanjuan Xu
- Cellular Signaling Laboratory, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Bioland Laboratory, Guangzhou Regenerative Medicine and Health Guangdong Laboratory, 510005, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yiwei Zhou
- Cellular Signaling Laboratory, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Kindstar Global Precision Medicine Institute, Wuhan, China
| | - Yuxuan Liu
- Cellular Signaling Laboratory, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Li Lin
- Cellular Signaling Laboratory, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Peng Liu
- Cellular Signaling Laboratory, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Xiaomei Wang
- Cellular Signaling Laboratory, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Zhengyuan Xu
- Cellular Signaling Laboratory, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Jean-Philippe Pin
- Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle (IGF), Université de Montpellier, CNRS, INSERM, 34094, Montpellier, France.
| | - Philippe Rondard
- Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle (IGF), Université de Montpellier, CNRS, INSERM, 34094, Montpellier, France.
| | - Jianfeng Liu
- Cellular Signaling Laboratory, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
- Bioland Laboratory, Guangzhou Regenerative Medicine and Health Guangdong Laboratory, 510005, Guangzhou, China.
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31
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Anversa RG, Maddern XJ, Lawrence AJ, Walker LC. Orphan peptide and G protein-coupled receptor signalling in alcohol use disorder. Br J Pharmacol 2024; 181:595-609. [PMID: 38073127 PMCID: PMC10953447 DOI: 10.1111/bph.16301] [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: 10/14/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Neuropeptides and G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) have long been, and continue to be, one of the most popular target classes for drug discovery in CNS disorders, including alcohol use disorder (AUD). Yet, orphaned neuropeptide systems and receptors (oGPCR), which have no known cognate receptor or ligand, remain understudied in drug discovery and development. Orphan neuropeptides and oGPCRs are abundantly expressed within the brain and represent an unprecedented opportunity to address brain function and may hold potential as novel treatments for disease. Here, we describe the current literature regarding orphaned neuropeptides and oGPCRs implicated in AUD. Specifically, in this review, we focus on the orphaned neuropeptide cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART), and several oGPCRs that have been directly implicated in AUD (GPR6, GPR26, GPR88, GPR139, GPR158) and discuss their potential and pitfalls as novel treatments, and progress in identifying their cognate receptors or ligands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Goncalves Anversa
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental HealthMelbourneVICAustralia
- Florey Department of Neuroscience and Mental HealthUniversity of MelbourneMelbourneVICAustralia
| | - Xavier J. Maddern
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental HealthMelbourneVICAustralia
- Florey Department of Neuroscience and Mental HealthUniversity of MelbourneMelbourneVICAustralia
| | - Andrew J. Lawrence
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental HealthMelbourneVICAustralia
- Florey Department of Neuroscience and Mental HealthUniversity of MelbourneMelbourneVICAustralia
| | - Leigh C. Walker
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental HealthMelbourneVICAustralia
- Florey Department of Neuroscience and Mental HealthUniversity of MelbourneMelbourneVICAustralia
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32
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Nürnberg B, Beer-Hammer S, Reisinger E, Leiss V. Non-canonical G protein signaling. Pharmacol Ther 2024; 255:108589. [PMID: 38295906 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2024.108589] [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: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
The original paradigm of classical - also referred to as canonical - cellular signal transduction of heterotrimeric G proteins (G protein) is defined by a hierarchical, orthograde interaction of three players: the agonist-activated G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR), which activates the transducing G protein, that in turn regulates its intracellular effectors. This receptor-transducer-effector concept was extended by the identification of regulators and adapters such as the regulators of G protein signaling (RGS), receptor kinases like βARK, or GPCR-interacting arrestin adapters that are integrated into this canonical signaling process at different levels to enable fine-tuning. Finally, the identification of atypical signaling mechanisms of classical regulators, together with the discovery of novel modulators, added a new and fascinating dimension to the cellular G protein signal transduction. This heterogeneous group of accessory G protein modulators was coined "activators of G protein signaling" (AGS) proteins and plays distinct roles in canonical and non-canonical G protein signaling pathways. AGS proteins contribute to the control of essential cellular functions such as cell development and division, intracellular transport processes, secretion, autophagy or cell movements. As such, they are involved in numerous biological processes that are crucial for diseases, like diabetes mellitus, cancer, and stroke, which represent major health burdens. Although the identification of a large number of non-canonical G protein signaling pathways has broadened the spectrum of this cellular communication system, their underlying mechanisms, functions, and biological effects are poorly understood. In this review, we highlight and discuss atypical G protein-dependent signaling mechanisms with a focus on inhibitory G proteins (Gi) involved in canonical and non-canonical signal transduction, review recent developments and open questions, address the potential of new approaches for targeted pharmacological interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernd Nürnberg
- Department of Pharmacology, Experimental Therapy and Toxicology, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacogenomics, and ICePhA Mouse Clinic, University of Tübingen, Wilhelmstraße 56, D-72074 Tübingen, Germany.
| | - Sandra Beer-Hammer
- Department of Pharmacology, Experimental Therapy and Toxicology, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacogenomics, and ICePhA Mouse Clinic, University of Tübingen, Wilhelmstraße 56, D-72074 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Ellen Reisinger
- Gene Therapy for Hearing Impairment Group, Department of Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery, University of Tübingen Medical Center, Elfriede-Aulhorn-Straße 5, D-72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Veronika Leiss
- Department of Pharmacology, Experimental Therapy and Toxicology, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacogenomics, and ICePhA Mouse Clinic, University of Tübingen, Wilhelmstraße 56, D-72074 Tübingen, Germany
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33
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Tummino TA, Iliopoulos-Tsoutsouvas C, Braz JM, O'Brien ES, Stein RM, Craik V, Tran NK, Ganapathy S, Liu F, Shiimura Y, Tong F, Ho TC, Radchenko DS, Moroz YS, Rosado SR, Bhardwaj K, Benitez J, Liu Y, Kandasamy H, Normand C, Semache M, Sabbagh L, Glenn I, Irwin JJ, Kumar KK, Makriyannis A, Basbaum AI, Shoichet BK. Large library docking for cannabinoid-1 receptor agonists with reduced side effects. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.02.27.530254. [PMID: 38328157 PMCID: PMC10849508 DOI: 10.1101/2023.02.27.530254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Large library docking can reveal unexpected chemotypes that complement the structures of biological targets. Seeking new agonists for the cannabinoid-1 receptor (CB1R), we docked 74 million tangible molecules, prioritizing 46 high ranking ones for de novo synthesis and testing. Nine were active by radioligand competition, a 20% hit-rate. Structure-based optimization of one of the most potent of these (Ki = 0.7 uM) led to '4042, a 1.9 nM ligand and a full CB1R agonist. A cryo-EM structure of the purified enantiomer of '4042 ('1350) in complex with CB1R-Gi1 confirmed its docked pose. The new agonist was strongly analgesic, with generally a 5-10-fold therapeutic window over sedation and catalepsy and no observable conditioned place preference. These findings suggest that new cannabinoid chemotypes may disentangle characteristic cannabinoid side-effects from their analgesia, supporting the further development of cannabinoids as pain therapeutics.
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34
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Gooding SW, Whistler JL. A Balancing Act: Learning from the Past to Build a Future-Focused Opioid Strategy. Annu Rev Physiol 2024; 86:1-25. [PMID: 38029388 PMCID: PMC10987332 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-physiol-042022-015914] [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] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
The harmful side effects of opioid drugs such as respiratory depression, tolerance, dependence, and abuse potential have limited the therapeutic utility of opioids for their entire clinical history. However, no previous attempt to develop effective pain drugs that substantially ameliorate these effects has succeeded, and the current opioid epidemic affirms that they are a greater hindrance to the field of pain management than ever. Recent attempts at new opioid development have sought to reduce these side effects by minimizing engagement of the regulatory protein arrestin-3 at the mu-opioid receptor, but there is significant controversy around this approach. Here, we discuss the ongoing effort to develop safer opioids and its relevant historical context. We propose a new model that reconciles results previously assumed to be in direct conflict to explain how different signaling profiles at the mu-opioid receptor contribute to opioid tolerance and dependence. Our goal is for this framework to inform the search for a new generation of lower liability opioid analgesics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jennifer L Whistler
- Center for Neuroscience, University of California, Davis, California, USA;
- Department of Physiology and Membrane Biology, UC Davis School of Medicine, Davis, California, USA
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35
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Onaran HO, Costa T. Why classical receptor theory, which ignores allostery, can effectively measure the strength of an allosteric effect as agonist's efficacy. Br J Pharmacol 2024. [PMID: 38343142 DOI: 10.1111/bph.16327] [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: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 12/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The classical theory of receptor action has been used for decades as a powerful tool to estimate molecular determinants of ligand-induced receptor activation (i.e., affinity and efficacy) from experimentally observable biological responses. However, it is also a well-recognized fact that the receptor-binding and activation mechanisms, and the parameters thereof, described in the classical theory contradict with the modern view of receptor activation based on allosteric principles. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH We used mathematical analysis, along with some numerical simulations, to answer the key question as to what extent the classical theory is compatible-if at all-with the modern understanding of receptor activation. KEY RESULTS Here, we showed conclusively that (1) receptor activation equations based on allosteric principles contain the logic of the classical theory in disguise, and therefore, (2) estimates of "intrinsic efficacy" (ε) obtained by means of classical techniques (i.e., null methods or fitting the operational model to concentration-response data) are equivalent to the allosteric coupling factors that represent the molecular efficacy of ligands. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS Thus, we conclude that despite the justified criticisms it has received so far, the classical theory may continue to be useful in estimating ligand efficacy from experimental data, if used properly. Here, we also provide rigorous criteria for the proper use of the theory. These findings not only have implications for ligand classification but also resolve some long lasting discussions in the field of bias agonism in GPCR, which requires reasonable estimates of relative ligand efficacies at different signalling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Ongun Onaran
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Tommaso Costa
- Istituto Superiore di Sanità (retired), Viale America 111, Rome, Italy
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36
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Yi X, Tran E, Odiba JO, Qin CX, Ritchie RH, Baell JB. The formyl peptide receptors FPR1 and FPR2 as targets for inflammatory disorders: recent advances in the development of small-molecule agonists. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 265:115989. [PMID: 38199163 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
Formyl peptide receptors (FPRs) comprise a class of chemoattractant pattern recognition receptors, for which several physiological functions like host-defences, as well as the regulation of inflammatory responses, have been ascribed. With accumulating evidence that agonism of FPR1/FPR2 can confer pro-resolution of inflammation, increased attention from academia and industry has led to the discovery of new and interesting small-molecule FPR1/FPR2 agonists. Focused attention on the development of appropriate physicochemical and pharmacokinetic profiles is yielding synthesis of new compounds with promising in vivo readouts. This review presents an overview of small-molecule FPR1/FPR2 agonist medicinal chemistry developed over the past 20 years, with a particular emphasis on interrogation in the increasingly sophisticated bioassays which have been developed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangyan Yi
- Medicinal Chemistry, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia
| | - Eric Tran
- Medicinal Chemistry, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia
| | - Jephthah O Odiba
- Medicinal Chemistry, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia
| | - Cheng Xue Qin
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia; Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, 75 Commercial Road, Melbourne, Victoria, 3004, Australia.
| | - Rebecca H Ritchie
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia; Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, 75 Commercial Road, Melbourne, Victoria, 3004, Australia.
| | - Jonathan B Baell
- Medicinal Chemistry, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia.
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Janero DR. Current strategic trends in drug discovery: the present as prologue. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2024; 19:147-159. [PMID: 37936504 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2023.2275640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Escalating costs and inherent uncertainties associated with drug discovery invite initiatives to improve its efficiency and de-risk campaigns for inventing better therapeutics. One such initiative involves recognizing and exploiting current approaches in therapeutics invention with molecular mechanisms of action that hold promise for designing and targeting new chemical entities as drugs. AREAS COVERED This perspective considers the current contextual framework around three drug-discovery approaches and evaluates their potential to help identify new targets/modalities in small-molecule molecular pharmacology: diversifying ligand-directed phenotypes for G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) pharmacotherapeutic signaling; developing therapeutic-protein degraders and stabilizers for proximity-inducing pharmacology; and mining organelle biology for druggable therapeutic targets. EXPERT OPINION The contemporary drug-discovery approaches examined appear generalizable and versatile to have applications in therapeutics invention beyond those case studies discussed herein. Accordingly, they may be considered strategic trends worthy of note in advancing the field toward novel ways of addressing pharmacotherapeutically unmet medical needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- David R Janero
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Health Sciences Entrepreneurs, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
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Boon K, Vanalken N, Szpakowska M, Chevigné A, Schols D, Van Loy T. Systematic assessment of chemokine ligand bias at the human chemokine receptor CXCR2 indicates G protein bias over β-arrestin recruitment and receptor internalization. Cell Commun Signal 2024; 22:43. [PMID: 38233929 PMCID: PMC10795402 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-023-01460-2] [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: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The human CXC chemokine receptor 2 (CXCR2) is a G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) interacting with multiple chemokines (i.e., CXC chemokine ligands CXCL1-3 and CXCL5-8). It is involved in inflammatory diseases as well as cancer. Consequently, much effort is put into the identification of CXCR2 targeting drugs. Fundamental research regarding CXCR2 signaling is mainly focused on CXCL8 (IL-8), which is the first and best described high-affinity ligand for CXCR2. Much less is known about CXCR2 activation induced by other chemokines and it remains to be determined to what extent potential ligand bias exists within this signaling system. This insight might be important to unlock new opportunities in therapeutic targeting of CXCR2. METHODS Ligand binding was determined in a competition binding assay using labeled CXCL8. Activation of the ELR + chemokine-induced CXCR2 signaling pathways, including G protein activation, β-arrestin1/2 recruitment, and receptor internalization, were quantified using NanoBRET-based techniques. Ligand bias within and between these pathways was subsequently investigated by ligand bias calculations, with CXCL8 as the reference CXCR2 ligand. Statistical significance was tested through a one-way ANOVA followed by Dunnett's multiple comparisons test. RESULTS All chemokines (CXCL1-3 and CXCL5-8) were able to displace CXCL8 from CXCR2 with high affinity and activated the same panel of G protein subtypes (Gαi1, Gαi2, Gαi3, GαoA, GαoB, and Gα15) without any statistically significant ligand bias towards any one type of G protein. Compared to CXCL8, all other chemokines were less potent in β-arrestin1 and -2 recruitment and receptor internalization while equivalently activating G proteins, indicating a G protein activation bias for CXCL1,-2,-3,-5,-6 and CXCL7. Lastly, with CXCL8 used as reference ligand, CXCL2 and CXCL6 showed ligand bias towards β-arrestin1/2 recruitment compared to receptor internalization. CONCLUSION This study presents an in-depth analysis of signaling bias upon CXCR2 stimulation by its chemokine ligands. Using CXCL8 as a reference ligand for bias index calculations, no ligand bias was observed between chemokines with respect to activation of separate G proteins subtypes or recruitment of β-arrestin1/2 subtypes, respectively. However, compared to β-arrestin recruitment and receptor internalization, CXCL1-3 and CXCL5-7 were biased towards G protein activation when CXCL8 was used as reference ligand.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrijn Boon
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, KU Leuven, B-3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Nathan Vanalken
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, KU Leuven, B-3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Martyna Szpakowska
- Department of Infection and Immunity, Immuno-Pharmacology and Interactomics, Luxembourg Institute of Health (LIH), Esch-Sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Andy Chevigné
- Department of Infection and Immunity, Immuno-Pharmacology and Interactomics, Luxembourg Institute of Health (LIH), Esch-Sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Dominique Schols
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, KU Leuven, B-3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Tom Van Loy
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, KU Leuven, B-3000, Leuven, Belgium.
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Al Hamwi G, Namasivayam V, Büschbell B, Gedschold R, Golz S, Müller CE. Proinflammatory chemokine CXCL14 activates MAS-related G protein-coupled receptor MRGPRX2 and its putative mouse ortholog MRGPRB2. Commun Biol 2024; 7:52. [PMID: 38184723 PMCID: PMC10771525 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-05739-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis show a strongly upregulated expression of chemokine CXCL14, whose target is still unknown. Screening of CXCL14 in a panel of human G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) revealed its potent and selective activation of the orphan MAS-related GPCR X2 (MRGPRX2). This receptor is expressed on mast cells and - like CXCL14 - upregulated in bronchial inflammation. CXCL14 induces robust activation of MRGPRX2 and its putative mouse ortholog MRGPRB2 in G protein-dependent and β-arrestin recruitment assays that is blocked by a selective MRGPRX2/B2 antagonist. Truncation combined with mutagenesis and computational studies identified the pharmacophoric sequence of CXCL14 and its presumed interaction with the receptor. Intriguingly, C-terminal domain sequences of CXCL14 consisting of 4 to 11 amino acids display similar or increased potency and efficacy compared to the full CXCL14 sequence (77 amino acids). These results provide a rational basis for the future development of potential idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ghazl Al Hamwi
- PharmaCenter Bonn, Pharmaceutical Institute, Pharmaceutical & Medicinal Chemistry, University of Bonn, An der Immenburg 4, 53121, Bonn, Germany
| | - Vigneshwaran Namasivayam
- PharmaCenter Bonn, Pharmaceutical Institute, Pharmaceutical & Medicinal Chemistry, University of Bonn, An der Immenburg 4, 53121, Bonn, Germany
| | - Beatriz Büschbell
- PharmaCenter Bonn, Pharmaceutical Institute, Pharmaceutical & Medicinal Chemistry, University of Bonn, An der Immenburg 4, 53121, Bonn, Germany
| | - Robin Gedschold
- PharmaCenter Bonn, Pharmaceutical Institute, Pharmaceutical & Medicinal Chemistry, University of Bonn, An der Immenburg 4, 53121, Bonn, Germany
| | - Stefan Golz
- Lead Identification & Characterization, Pharma Research and Development Center, Bayer AG, Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Christa E Müller
- PharmaCenter Bonn, Pharmaceutical Institute, Pharmaceutical & Medicinal Chemistry, University of Bonn, An der Immenburg 4, 53121, Bonn, Germany.
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Pándy-Szekeres G, Taracena Herrera LP, Caroli J, Kermani AA, Kulkarni Y, Keserű GM, Gloriam DE. GproteinDb in 2024: new G protein-GPCR couplings, AlphaFold2-multimer models and interface interactions. Nucleic Acids Res 2024; 52:D466-D475. [PMID: 38000391 PMCID: PMC10767870 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad1089] [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: 09/22/2023] [Revised: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
G proteins are the major signal proteins of ∼800 receptors for medicines, hormones, neurotransmitters, tastants and odorants. GproteinDb offers integrated genomic, structural, and pharmacological data and tools for analysis, visualization and experiment design. Here, we present the first major update of GproteinDb greatly expanding its coupling data and structural templates, adding AlphaFold2 structure models of GPCR-G protein complexes and advancing the interactive analysis tools for their interfaces underlying coupling selectivity. We present insights on coupling agreement across datasets and parameters, including constitutive activity, agonist-induced activity and kinetics. GproteinDb is accessible at https://gproteindb.org.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gáspár Pándy-Szekeres
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
- Medicinal Chemistry Research Group, HUN-REN Research Center for Natural Sciences, Budapest H-1117, Hungary
| | - Luis P Taracena Herrera
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jimmy Caroli
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ali A Kermani
- Department of Structural Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Yashraj Kulkarni
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - György M Keserű
- Medicinal Chemistry Research Group, HUN-REN Research Center for Natural Sciences, Budapest H-1117, Hungary
| | - David E Gloriam
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
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41
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Addis P, Bali U, Baron F, Campbell A, Harborne S, Jagger L, Milne G, Pearce M, Rosethorne EM, Satchell R, Swift D, Young B, Unitt JF. Key aspects of modern GPCR drug discovery. SLAS DISCOVERY : ADVANCING LIFE SCIENCES R & D 2024; 29:1-22. [PMID: 37625784 DOI: 10.1016/j.slasd.2023.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023]
Abstract
G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are the largest and most versatile cell surface receptor family with a broad repertoire of ligands and functions. We've learned an enormous amount about discovering drugs of this receptor class since the first GPCR was cloned and expressed in 1986, such that it's now well-recognized that GPCRs are the most successful target class for approved drugs. Here we take the reader through a GPCR drug discovery journey from target to the clinic, highlighting the key learnings, best practices, challenges, trends and insights on discovering drugs that ultimately modulate GPCR function therapeutically in patients. The future of GPCR drug discovery is inspiring, with more desirable drug mechanisms and new technologies enabling the delivery of better and more successful drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phil Addis
- Bioscience, Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmacology and Protein Science Departments, Sygnature Discovery Ltd, BioCity, Pennyfoot Street, Nottingham NG1 1GR, UK
| | - Utsav Bali
- Bioscience, Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmacology and Protein Science Departments, Sygnature Discovery Ltd, BioCity, Pennyfoot Street, Nottingham NG1 1GR, UK
| | - Frank Baron
- Bioscience, Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmacology and Protein Science Departments, Sygnature Discovery Ltd, BioCity, Pennyfoot Street, Nottingham NG1 1GR, UK
| | - Adrian Campbell
- Bioscience, Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmacology and Protein Science Departments, Sygnature Discovery Ltd, BioCity, Pennyfoot Street, Nottingham NG1 1GR, UK
| | - Steven Harborne
- Bioscience, Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmacology and Protein Science Departments, Sygnature Discovery Ltd, BioCity, Pennyfoot Street, Nottingham NG1 1GR, UK
| | - Liz Jagger
- Bioscience, Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmacology and Protein Science Departments, Sygnature Discovery Ltd, BioCity, Pennyfoot Street, Nottingham NG1 1GR, UK
| | - Gavin Milne
- Bioscience, Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmacology and Protein Science Departments, Sygnature Discovery Ltd, BioCity, Pennyfoot Street, Nottingham NG1 1GR, UK
| | - Martin Pearce
- Bioscience, Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmacology and Protein Science Departments, Sygnature Discovery Ltd, BioCity, Pennyfoot Street, Nottingham NG1 1GR, UK
| | - Elizabeth M Rosethorne
- Bioscience, Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmacology and Protein Science Departments, Sygnature Discovery Ltd, BioCity, Pennyfoot Street, Nottingham NG1 1GR, UK
| | - Rupert Satchell
- Bioscience, Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmacology and Protein Science Departments, Sygnature Discovery Ltd, BioCity, Pennyfoot Street, Nottingham NG1 1GR, UK
| | - Denise Swift
- Bioscience, Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmacology and Protein Science Departments, Sygnature Discovery Ltd, BioCity, Pennyfoot Street, Nottingham NG1 1GR, UK
| | - Barbara Young
- Bioscience, Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmacology and Protein Science Departments, Sygnature Discovery Ltd, BioCity, Pennyfoot Street, Nottingham NG1 1GR, UK
| | - John F Unitt
- Bioscience, Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmacology and Protein Science Departments, Sygnature Discovery Ltd, BioCity, Pennyfoot Street, Nottingham NG1 1GR, UK.
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Buchwald P. Quantitative receptor model for responses that are left- or right-shifted versus occupancy (are more or less concentration sensitive): the SABRE approach. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1274065. [PMID: 38161688 PMCID: PMC10755021 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1274065] [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: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Simple one-to three-parameter models routinely used to fit typical dose-response curves and calculate EC50 values using the Hill or Clark equation cannot provide the full picture connecting measured response to receptor occupancy, which can be quite complex due to the interplay between partial agonism and (pathway-dependent) signal amplification. The recently introduced SABRE quantitative receptor model is the first one that explicitly includes a parameter for signal amplification (γ) in addition to those for binding affinity (K d), receptor-activation efficacy (ε), constitutive activity (ε R0), and steepness of response (Hill slope, n). It can provide a unified framework to fit complex cases, where fractional response and occupancy do not match, as well as simple ones, where parameters constrained to specific values can be used (e.g., ε R0 = 0, γ = 1, or n = 1). Here, it is shown for the first time that SABRE can fit not only typical cases where response curves are left-shifted compared to occupancy (κ = K d/EC50 > 1) due to signal amplification (γ > 1), but also less common ones where they are right-shifted (i.e., less concentration-sensitive; κ = K d/EC50 < 1) by modeling them as apparent signal attenuation/loss (γ < 1). Illustrations are provided with μ-opioid receptor (MOPr) data from three different experiments with one left- and one right-shifted response (G protein activation and β-arrestin2 recruitment, respectively; EC50,Gprt < K d < EC50,βArr). For such cases of diverging pathways with differently shifted responses, partial agonists can cause very weak responses in the less concentration-sensitive pathway without having to be biased ligands due to the combination of low ligand efficacy and signal attenuation/loss-an illustration with SABRE-fitted oliceridine data is included.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Buchwald
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, Diabetes Research Institute, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States
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43
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Wallach J, Cao AB, Calkins MM, Heim AJ, Lanham JK, Bonniwell EM, Hennessey JJ, Bock HA, Anderson EI, Sherwood AM, Morris H, de Klein R, Klein AK, Cuccurazzu B, Gamrat J, Fannana T, Zauhar R, Halberstadt AL, McCorvy JD. Identification of 5-HT 2A receptor signaling pathways associated with psychedelic potential. Nat Commun 2023; 14:8221. [PMID: 38102107 PMCID: PMC10724237 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-44016-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Serotonergic psychedelics possess considerable therapeutic potential. Although 5-HT2A receptor activation mediates psychedelic effects, prototypical psychedelics activate both 5-HT2A-Gq/11 and β-arrestin2 transducers, making their respective roles unclear. To elucidate this, we develop a series of 5-HT2A-selective ligands with varying Gq efficacies, including β-arrestin-biased ligands. We show that 5-HT2A-Gq but not 5-HT2A-β-arrestin2 recruitment efficacy predicts psychedelic potential, assessed using head-twitch response (HTR) magnitude in male mice. We further show that disrupting Gq-PLC signaling attenuates the HTR and a threshold level of Gq activation is required to induce psychedelic-like effects, consistent with the fact that certain 5-HT2A partial agonists (e.g., lisuride) are non-psychedelic. Understanding the role of 5-HT2A Gq-efficacy in psychedelic-like psychopharmacology permits rational development of non-psychedelic 5-HT2A agonists. We also demonstrate that β-arrestin-biased 5-HT2A receptor agonists block psychedelic effects and induce receptor downregulation and tachyphylaxis. Overall, 5-HT2A receptor Gq-signaling can be fine-tuned to generate ligands distinct from classical psychedelics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason Wallach
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Saint Joseph's University, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
| | - Andrew B Cao
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology, and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, 53226, USA
| | - Maggie M Calkins
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology, and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, 53226, USA
| | - Andrew J Heim
- Department of Chemistry, Saint Joseph's University, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- Chemical Computing Group ULC, 910-1010 Sherbrooke W, Montréal, QC, H3A 2R7, Canada
| | - Janelle K Lanham
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology, and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, 53226, USA
| | - Emma M Bonniwell
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology, and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, 53226, USA
| | - Joseph J Hennessey
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology, and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, 53226, USA
| | - Hailey A Bock
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology, and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, 53226, USA
| | - Emilie I Anderson
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology, and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, 53226, USA
| | | | - Hamilton Morris
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Saint Joseph's University, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Robbin de Klein
- Research Service, VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, 92161, USA
| | - Adam K Klein
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
- Gilgamesh Pharmaceuticals, New York, NY, 10003, USA
| | - Bruna Cuccurazzu
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - James Gamrat
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Saint Joseph's University, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Tilka Fannana
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Saint Joseph's University, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Randy Zauhar
- Department of Chemistry, Saint Joseph's University, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- Artemis Discovery, LLC, Suite 300, 709 N 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19123, USA
| | - Adam L Halberstadt
- Research Service, VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, 92161, USA.
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA.
- Center for Psychedelic Research, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA.
| | - John D McCorvy
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology, and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, 53226, USA.
- Neuroscience Research Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, 53226, USA.
- Cancer Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, 53226, USA.
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Steinmüller SAM, Fender J, Deventer MH, Tutov A, Lorenz K, Stove CP, Hislop JN, Decker M. Visible-Light Photoswitchable Benzimidazole Azo-Arenes as β-Arrestin2-Biased Selective Cannabinoid 2 Receptor Agonists. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2023; 62:e202306176. [PMID: 37269130 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202306176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
The cannabinoid 2 receptor (CB2 R) has high therapeutic potential for multiple pathogenic processes, such as neuroinflammation. Pathway-selective ligands are needed to overcome the lack of clinical success and to elucidate correlations between pathways and their respective therapeutic effects. Herein, we report the design and synthesis of a photoswitchable scaffold based on the privileged structure of benzimidazole and its application as a functionally selective CB2 R "efficacy-switch". Benzimidazole azo-arenes offer huge potential for the broad extension of photopharmacology to a wide range of optically addressable biological targets. We used this scaffold to develop compound 10 d, a "trans-on" agonist, which serves as a molecular probe to study the β-arrestin2 (βarr2) pathway at CB2 R. βΑrr2 bias was observed in CB2 R internalization and βarr2 recruitment, while no activation occurred when looking at Gα16 or mini-Gαi . Overall, compound 10 d is the first light-dependent functionally selective agonist to investigate the complex mechanisms of CB2 R-βarr2 dependent endocytosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie A M Steinmüller
- Pharmazeutische und Medizinische Chemie, Institut für Pharmazie und Lebensmittelchemie, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Julia Fender
- Institut für Pharmakologie und Toxikologie, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Versbacher Str. 9, 97078, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Marie H Deventer
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Anna Tutov
- Pharmazeutische und Medizinische Chemie, Institut für Pharmazie und Lebensmittelchemie, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Kristina Lorenz
- Institut für Pharmakologie und Toxikologie, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Versbacher Str. 9, 97078, Würzburg, Germany
- Leibniz-Institut für Analytische Wissenschaften - ISAS-e.V., Bunsen-Kirchhoff-Straße 11, 44139, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Christophe P Stove
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - James N Hislop
- School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen Foresterhill, Aberdeen, AB25 2ZD, UK
| | - Michael Decker
- Pharmazeutische und Medizinische Chemie, Institut für Pharmazie und Lebensmittelchemie, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074, Würzburg, Germany
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45
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Zhang M, Lan X, Li X, Lu S. Pharmacologically targeting intracellular allosteric sites of GPCRs for drug discovery. Drug Discov Today 2023; 28:103803. [PMID: 37852356 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2023.103803] [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: 09/12/2023] [Revised: 10/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023]
Abstract
G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are a family of cell surface proteins that can sense a variety of extracellular stimuli and mediate multiple signaling transduction pathways involved in human physiology. Recent advances in GPCR structural biology have revealed a relatively conserved intracellular allosteric site in multiple GPCRs, which can be utilized to modulate receptors from the inside. This novel intracellular site partially overlaps with the G-protein and β-arrestin coupling sites, providing a novel avenue for biological intervention. Here, we review evidence available for GPCR structures complexed with intracellular small-molecule allosteric modulators, elucidating drug-target interactions and allosteric mechanisms. Moreover, we highlight the potential of intracellular allosteric modulators in achieving biased signaling, which provides insights into biased allosteric mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingyang Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region 750004, China; Medicinal Chemistry and Bioinformatics Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Xiaobing Lan
- School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region 750004, China
| | - Xiaolong Li
- Department of Orthopedics, Changhai Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China.
| | - Shaoyong Lu
- School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region 750004, China; Medicinal Chemistry and Bioinformatics Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China.
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46
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Simon IA, Bjørn-Yoshimoto WE, Harpsøe K, Iliadis S, Svensson B, Jensen AA, Gloriam DE. Ligand selectivity hotspots in serotonin GPCRs. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2023; 44:978-990. [PMID: 37914598 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2023.09.012] [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: 09/02/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
Serotonin is a neurotransmitter regulating numerous physiological processes also modulated by drugs, for example, schizophrenia, depression, migraine, and obesity. However, these drugs typically have adverse effects caused by promiscuous binding across 12 serotonin and more than 20 homologous receptors. Recently, structures of the entire serotonin receptor family uncovered molecular ligand recognition. Here, we present a map of 19 'selectivity hotspots', that is, nonconserved binding site residues governing selectivity via favorable target interactions or repulsive 'off-target' contacts. Furthermore, we review functional rationale from observed ligand-binding affinities and mutagenesis effects. Unifying knowledge underlying specific probes and drugs is critical toward the functional characterization of different receptors and alleviation of adverse effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Icaro A Simon
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Walden E Bjørn-Yoshimoto
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kasper Harpsøe
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Stylianos Iliadis
- Centre for Endocrinology, William Harvey Research Institute, Bart's and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of London, London EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - Bo Svensson
- SARomics Biostructures AB, Scheelevägen 2, 223 63 Lund, Sweden
| | - Anders A Jensen
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - David E Gloriam
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark.
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Wirth D, Özdemir E, Hristova K. Quantification of ligand and mutation-induced bias in EGFR phosphorylation in direct response to ligand binding. Nat Commun 2023; 14:7579. [PMID: 37989743 PMCID: PMC10663608 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-42926-8] [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: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Signaling bias is the ability of a receptor to differentially activate downstream signaling pathways in response to different ligands. Bias investigations have been hindered by inconsistent results in different cellular contexts. Here we introduce a methodology to identify and quantify bias in signal transduction across the plasma membrane without contributions from feedback loops and system bias. We apply the methodology to quantify phosphorylation efficiencies and determine absolute bias coefficients. We show that the signaling of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) to EGF and TGFα is biased towards Y1068 and against Y1173 phosphorylation, but has no bias for epiregulin. We further show that the L834R mutation found in non-small-cell lung cancer induces signaling bias as it switches the preferences to Y1173 phosphorylation. The knowledge gained here challenges the current understanding of EGFR signaling in health and disease and opens avenues for the exploration of biased inhibitors as anti-cancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Wirth
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering and Institute for NanoBioTechnology, Johns Hopkins University, 3400 Charles Street, Baltimore, MD, 21218, USA
| | - Ece Özdemir
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering and Institute for NanoBioTechnology, Johns Hopkins University, 3400 Charles Street, Baltimore, MD, 21218, USA
| | - Kalina Hristova
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering and Institute for NanoBioTechnology, Johns Hopkins University, 3400 Charles Street, Baltimore, MD, 21218, USA.
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48
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Ramos-Gonzalez N, Paul B, Majumdar S. IUPHAR themed review: Opioid efficacy, bias, and selectivity. Pharmacol Res 2023; 197:106961. [PMID: 37844653 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2023.106961] [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: 09/13/2023] [Revised: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023]
Abstract
Drugs acting at the opioid receptor family are clinically used to treat chronic and acute pain, though they represent the second line of treatment behind GABA analogs, antidepressants and SSRI's. Within the opioid family mu and kappa opioid receptor are commonly targeted. However, activation of the mu opioid receptor has side effects of constipation, tolerance, dependence, euphoria, and respiratory depression; activation of the kappa opioid receptor leads to dysphoria and sedation. The side effects of mu opioid receptor activation have led to mu receptor drugs being widely abused with great overdose risk. For these reasons, newer safer opioid analgesics are in high demand. For many years a focus within the opioid field was finding drugs that activated the G protein pathway at mu opioid receptor, without activating the β-arrestin pathway, known as biased agonism. Recent advances have shown that this may not be the way forward to develop safer analgesics at mu opioid receptor, though there is still some promise at the kappa opioid receptor. Here we discuss recent novel approaches to develop safer opioid drugs including efficacy vs bias and fine-tuning receptor activation by targeting sub-pockets in the orthosteric site, we explore recent works on the structural basis of bias, and we put forward the suggestion that Gα subtype selectivity may be an exciting new area of interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nokomis Ramos-Gonzalez
- Department of Anesthesiology and Washington University Pain Center, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA; Center for Clinical Pharmacology, University of Health Sciences & Pharmacy at St. Louis and Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Barnali Paul
- Department of Anesthesiology and Washington University Pain Center, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA; Center for Clinical Pharmacology, University of Health Sciences & Pharmacy at St. Louis and Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Susruta Majumdar
- Department of Anesthesiology and Washington University Pain Center, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA; Center for Clinical Pharmacology, University of Health Sciences & Pharmacy at St. Louis and Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA.
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49
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Sachdev S, Creemer BA, Gardella TJ, Cheloha RW. Highly biased agonism for GPCR ligands via nanobody tethering. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.10.10.561766. [PMID: 37873435 PMCID: PMC10592785 DOI: 10.1101/2023.10.10.561766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
Ligand-induced activation of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) can initiate signaling through multiple distinct pathways with differing biological and physiological outcomes. There is intense interest in understanding how variation in GPCR ligand structure can be used to promote pathway selective signaling ("biased agonism") with the goal of promoting desirable responses and avoiding deleterious side effects. Here we present a new approach in which a conventional peptide ligand for the type 1 parathyroid hormone receptor (PTHR1) is converted from an agonist which induces signaling through all relevant pathways to a compound that is highly selective for a single pathway. This is achieved not through variation in the core structure of the agonist, but rather by linking it to a nanobody tethering agent that binds with high affinity to a separate site on the receptor not involved in signal transduction. The resulting conjugate represents the most biased agonist of PTHR1 reported to date. This approach holds promise for facile generation of pathway selective ligands for other GPCRs.
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50
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Muratspahić E, Aslanoglou D, White AM, Draxler C, Kozisek X, Farooq Z, Craik DJ, McCormick PJ, Durek T, Gruber CW. Development of Melanocortin 4 Receptor Agonists by Exploiting Animal-Derived Macrocyclic, Disulfide-Rich Peptide Scaffolds. ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci 2023; 6:1373-1381. [PMID: 37854631 PMCID: PMC10580383 DOI: 10.1021/acsptsci.3c00090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023]
Abstract
G protein-coupled receptors are among the most widely studied classes of drug targets. A major challenge in this field is to develop ligands that will selectively modulate a single receptor subtype to overcome the disadvantages of undesired "off target" effects caused by lack of target and thus signaling specificity. In the current study, we explored ligand design for the melanocortin 4 receptor (MC4R) since it is an attractive target for developing antiobesity drugs. Endogenously, the receptor is activated by peptide ligands, i.e., three melanocyte-stimulating hormones (α-MSH, β-MSH, and γ-MSH) and by adrenocorticotropic hormone. Therefore, we utilized a peptide drug design approach, utilizing "molecular grafting" of pharmacophore peptide sequence motifs onto a stable nature-derived peptide scaffold. Specifically, protegrin-4-like-peptide-1 (Pr4LP1) and arenicin-1-like-peptide-1 (Ar3LP1) fully activated MC4R in a functional cAMP assay with potencies of 3.7 and 1.0 nM, respectively. In a nanoluciferase complementation assay with less signal amplification, the designed peptides fully recruited mini-Gs with subnanomolar and nanomolar potencies. Interestingly, these novel peptide MC4R ligands recruited β-arrestin-2 with ∼2-fold greater efficacies and ∼20-fold increased potencies as compared to the endogenous α-MSH. The peptides were inactive at related MC1R and MC3R in a cAMP accumulation assay. These findings highlight the applicability of animal-derived disulfide-rich scaffolds to design pathway and subtype selective MC4R pharmacological probes. In the future, this approach could be exploited to develop functionally selective ligands that could offer safer and more effective obesity drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edin Muratspahić
- Center
for Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
- 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
| | - Despoina Aslanoglou
- Department
of Endocrinology, Queen Mary University
of London, London E1 4NS, U.K.
| | - Andrew M. White
- 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
| | - Claudia Draxler
- Center
for Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Xaver Kozisek
- Center
for Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Zara Farooq
- Department
of Endocrinology, Queen Mary University
of London, London E1 4NS, U.K.
| | - 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
| | - Peter J. McCormick
- Department
of Endocrinology, Queen Mary University
of London, London E1 4NS, U.K.
| | - Thomas Durek
- 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
| | - Christian W. Gruber
- Center
for Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
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