1
|
Sedlák F, Kvasnička A, Marešová B, Brumarová R, Dobešová D, Dostálová K, Šrámková K, Pehr M, Šácha P, Friedecký D, Konvalinka J. Parallel Metabolomics and Lipidomics of a PSMA/GCPII Deficient Mouse Model Reveal Alteration of NAAG Levels and Brain Lipid Composition. ACS Chem Neurosci 2024; 15:1342-1355. [PMID: 38377674 PMCID: PMC10995945 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.3c00494] [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: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Glutamate carboxypeptidase II (GCPII, also known as PSMA or FOLH1) is responsible for the cleavage of N-acetyl-aspartyl-glutamate (NAAG) to N-acetyl-aspartate and glutamate in the central nervous system and facilitates the intestinal absorption of folate by processing dietary folyl-poly-γ-glutamate in the small intestine. The physiological function of GCPII in other organs like kidneys is still not known. GCPII inhibitors are neuroprotective in various conditions (e.g., ischemic brain injury) in vivo; however, their utilization as potential drug candidates has not been investigated in regard to not yet known GCPII activities. To explore the GCPII role and possible side effects of GCPII inhibitors, we performed parallel metabolomic and lipidomic analysis of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), urine, plasma, and brain tissue of mice with varying degrees of GCPII deficiency (fully deficient in Folh1, -/-; one allele deficient in Folh1, +/-; and wild type, +/+). Multivariate analysis of metabolites showed no significant differences between wild-type and GCPII-deficient mice (except for NAAG), although changes were observed between the sex and age. NAAG levels were statistically significantly increased in the CSF, urine, and plasma of GCPII-deficient mice. However, no difference in NAAG concentrations was found in the whole brain lysate likely because GCPII, as an extracellular enzyme, can affect only extracellular and not intracellular NAAG concentrations. Regarding the lipidome, the most pronounced genotype-linked changes were found in the brain tissue. In brains of GCPII-deficient mice, we observed statistically significant enrichment in phosphatidylcholine-based lipids and reduction of sphingolipids and phosphatidylethanolamine plasmalogens. We hypothesize that the alteration of the NAA-NAAG axis by absent GCPII activity affected myelin composition. In summary, the absence of GCPII and thus similarly its inhibition do not have detrimental effects on metabolism, with just minor changes in the brain lipidome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- František Sedlák
- Institute
of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Czech
Academy of Sciences, Prague 6 166 10, Czechia
- Institute
of Biochemistry and Experimental Oncology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague 2 110 01, Czechia
- First
Department of Internal Medicine - Hematology, Charles University General Hospital in Prague, Prague 110 01, Czechia
| | - Aleš Kvasnička
- Laboratory
for Inherited Metabolic Disorders, Department of Clinical Biochemistry, University Hospital Olomouc, and Faculty of Medicine
and Dentistry, Palacký University Olomouc, Zdravotníku° 248/7, Olomouc 779 00, Czechia
| | - Barbora Marešová
- Institute
of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Czech
Academy of Sciences, Prague 6 166 10, Czechia
- Institute
of Biochemistry and Experimental Oncology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague 2 110 01, Czechia
| | - Radana Brumarová
- Laboratory
for Inherited Metabolic Disorders, Department of Clinical Biochemistry, University Hospital Olomouc, and Faculty of Medicine
and Dentistry, Palacký University Olomouc, Zdravotníku° 248/7, Olomouc 779 00, Czechia
| | - Dana Dobešová
- Laboratory
for Inherited Metabolic Disorders, Department of Clinical Biochemistry, University Hospital Olomouc, and Faculty of Medicine
and Dentistry, Palacký University Olomouc, Zdravotníku° 248/7, Olomouc 779 00, Czechia
| | - Kateřina Dostálová
- Laboratory
for Inherited Metabolic Disorders, Department of Clinical Biochemistry, University Hospital Olomouc, and Faculty of Medicine
and Dentistry, Palacký University Olomouc, Zdravotníku° 248/7, Olomouc 779 00, Czechia
| | - Karolína Šrámková
- Institute
of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Czech
Academy of Sciences, Prague 6 166 10, Czechia
| | - Martin Pehr
- Institute
of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Czech
Academy of Sciences, Prague 6 166 10, Czechia
- Third
Department of Medicine − Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism
of the first Faculty of Medicine and General University Hospital in
Prague, Charles University, Prague 110 01, Czechia
| | - Pavel Šácha
- Institute
of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Czech
Academy of Sciences, Prague 6 166 10, Czechia
| | - David Friedecký
- Laboratory
for Inherited Metabolic Disorders, Department of Clinical Biochemistry, University Hospital Olomouc, and Faculty of Medicine
and Dentistry, Palacký University Olomouc, Zdravotníku° 248/7, Olomouc 779 00, Czechia
| | - Jan Konvalinka
- Institute
of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Czech
Academy of Sciences, Prague 6 166 10, Czechia
- Department
of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Charles
University, Hlavova 8, Prague 128 00, Czechia
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Xie RG, Xu GY, Wu SX, Luo C. Presynaptic glutamate receptors in nociception. Pharmacol Ther 2023; 251:108539. [PMID: 37783347 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2023.108539] [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: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 08/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
Chronic pain is a frequent, distressing and poorly understood health problem. Plasticity of synaptic transmission in the nociceptive pathways after inflammation or injury is assumed to be an important cellular basis for chronic, pathological pain. Glutamate serves as the main excitatory neurotransmitter at key synapses in the somatosensory nociceptive pathways, in which it acts on both ionotropic and metabotropic glutamate receptors. Although conventionally postsynaptic, compelling anatomical and physiological evidence demonstrates the presence of presynaptic glutamate receptors in the nociceptive pathways. Presynaptic glutamate receptors play crucial roles in nociceptive synaptic transmission and plasticity. They modulate presynaptic neurotransmitter release and synaptic plasticity, which in turn regulates pain sensitization. In this review, we summarize the latest understanding of the expression of presynaptic glutamate receptors in the nociceptive pathways, and how they contribute to nociceptive information processing and pain hypersensitivity associated with inflammation / injury. We uncover the cellular and molecular mechanisms of presynaptic glutamate receptors in shaping synaptic transmission and plasticity to mediate pain chronicity, which may provide therapeutic approaches for treatment of chronic pain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rou-Gang Xie
- Department of Neurobiology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China.
| | - Guang-Yin Xu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases, Institute of Neuroscience, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Sheng-Xi Wu
- Department of Neurobiology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China.
| | - Ceng Luo
- Department of Neurobiology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Group II metabotropic glutamate receptor activation suppresses ATP currents in rat dorsal root ganglion neurons. Neuropharmacology 2023; 227:109443. [PMID: 36709909 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2023.109443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2022] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
P2X3 receptors and group II metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) have been found to be expressed in primary sensory neurons. P2X3 receptors participate in a variety of pain processes, while the activation of mGluRs has an analgesic effect. However, it's still unclear whether there is a link between them in pain. Herein, we reported that the group II mGluR activation inhibited the electrophysiological activity of P2X3 receptors in rat dorsal root ganglia (DRG) neurons. Group II mGluR agonist LY354740 concentration-dependently decreased P2X3 receptor-mediated and α,β-methylene-ATP (α,β-meATP)-evoked inward currents in DRG neurons. LY354740 significantly suppressed the maximum response of P2X3 receptor to α,β-meATP, but did not change their affinity. Inhibition of ATP currents by LY354740 was blocked by the group II mGluR antagonist LY341495, also prevented by the intracellular dialysis of either the Gi/o protein inhibitor pertussis toxin, the cAMP analog 8-Br-cAMP, or the protein kinase A (PKA) inhibitor H-89. Moreover, LY354740 decreased α,β-meATP-induced membrane potential depolarization and action potential bursts in DRG neurons. Finally, intraplantar injection of LY354740 also relieved α,β-meATP-induced spontaneous nociceptive behaviors and mechanical allodynia in rats by activating peripheral group Ⅱ mGluRs. These results indicated that peripheral group II mGluR activation inhibited the functional activity of P2X3 receptors via a Gi/o protein and cAMP/PKA signaling pathway in rat DRG neurons, which revealed a novel mechanism underlying analgesic effects of peripheral group II mGluRs. This article is part of the Special Issue on "Purinergic Signaling: 50 years".
Collapse
|
4
|
Group II metabotropic glutamate receptor activation attenuates acid-sensing ion channel currents in rat primary sensory neurons. J Biol Chem 2023; 299:102953. [PMID: 36731795 PMCID: PMC9976456 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.102953] [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: 09/21/2022] [Revised: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Acid-sensing ion channels (ASICs) play an important role in pain associated with tissue acidification. Peripheral inhibitory group II metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) have analgesic effects in a variety of pain conditions. Whether there is a link between ASICs and mGluRs in pain processes is still unclear. Herein, we show that the group II mGluR agonist LY354740 inhibited acid-evoked ASIC currents and action potentials in rat dorsal root ganglia neurons. LY354740 reduced the maximum current response to protons, but it did not change the sensitivity of ASICs to protons. LY354740 inhibited ASIC currents by activating group II mGluRs. We found that the inhibitory effect of LY354740 was blocked by intracellular application of the Gi/o protein inhibitor pertussis toxin and the cAMP analogue 8-Br-cAMP and mimicked by the protein kinase A (PKA) inhibitor H-89. LY354740 also inhibited ASIC3 currents in CHO cells coexpressing mGluR2 and ASIC3 but not in cells expressing ASIC3 alone. In addition, intraplantar injection of LY354740 dose-dependently alleviated acid-induced nociceptive behavior in rats through local group II mGluRs. Together, these results suggested that activation of peripheral group II mGluRs inhibited the functional activity of ASICs through a mechanism that depended on Gi/o proteins and the intracellular cAMP/PKA signaling pathway in rat dorsal root ganglia neurons. We propose that peripheral group II mGluRs are an important therapeutic target for ASIC-mediated pain.
Collapse
|
5
|
Mazzitelli M, Presto P, Antenucci N, Meltan S, Neugebauer V. Recent Advances in the Modulation of Pain by the Metabotropic Glutamate Receptors. Cells 2022; 11:2608. [PMID: 36010684 PMCID: PMC9406805 DOI: 10.3390/cells11162608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Revised: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluR or mGlu) are G-protein coupled receptors activated by the binding of glutamate, the main classical neurotransmitter of the nervous system. Eight different mGluR subtypes (mGluR1-8) have been cloned and are classified in three groups based on their molecular, pharmacological and signaling properties. mGluRs mediate several physiological functions such as neuronal excitability and synaptic plasticity, but they have also been implicated in numerous pathological conditions including pain. The availability of new and more selective allosteric modulators together with the canonical orthosteric ligands and transgenic technologies has led to significant advances in our knowledge about the role of the specific mGluR subtypes in the pathophysiological mechanisms of various diseases. Although development of successful compounds acting on mGluRs for clinical use has been scarce, the subtype-specific-pharmacological manipulation might be a compelling approach for the treatment of several disorders in humans, including pain; this review aims to summarize and update on preclinical evidence for the roles of different mGluRs in the pain system and discusses knowledge gaps regarding mGluR-related sex differences and neuroimmune signaling in pain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mariacristina Mazzitelli
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA
| | - Peyton Presto
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA
| | - Nico Antenucci
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA
| | - Shakira Meltan
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA
| | - Volker Neugebauer
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA
- Center of Excellence for Translational Neuroscience and Therapeutics, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA
- Garrison Institute on Aging, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Frontera A, Bauzá A. Glutamate carboxypeptidase II as a model system for designing host-guest units: a theoretical approach. Org Biomol Chem 2021; 19:7816-7821. [PMID: 34549237 DOI: 10.1039/d1ob01209f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Through the combination of X-ray structure analysis and density functional theory (DFT) theoretical calculations at the B3LYP-D3/def2-TZVP level of theory, we designed and investigated two novel host units for the recognition of neutral (e.g. halobenzenes) and charged (e.g. chloride and nitrate) guests inspired by a glutamate carboxypeptidase II (GCPII) system and its inhibitors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Frontera
- Department of Chemistry, Universitat de les Illes Balears, Crts de Valldemossa km 7.6, 07122 Palma de Mallorca (Baleares), Spain.
| | - Antonio Bauzá
- Department of Chemistry, Universitat de les Illes Balears, Crts de Valldemossa km 7.6, 07122 Palma de Mallorca (Baleares), Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Becker I, Wang-Eckhardt L, Lodder-Gadaczek J, Wang Y, Grünewald A, Eckhardt M. Mice deficient in the NAAG synthetase II gene Rimkla are impaired in a novel object recognition task. J Neurochem 2021; 157:2008-2023. [PMID: 33638175 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2020] [Revised: 02/11/2021] [Accepted: 02/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
N-acetylaspartylglutamate (NAAG) is an abundant neuropeptide in the mammalian nervous system, synthesized by two related NAAG synthetases I and II (NAAGS-I and -II) encoded by the genes Rimklb and Rimkla, respectively. NAAG plays a role in cognition and memory, according to studies using inhibitors of the NAAG hydrolase glutamate carboxypeptidase II that increase NAAG concentration. To examine consequences of reduced NAAG concentration, Rimkla-deficient (Rimkla-/- ) mice were generated. These mice exhibit normal NAAG level at birth, likely because of the intact Rimklb gene, but have significantly reduced NAAG levels in all brain regions in adulthood. In wild type mice NAAGS-II was most abundant in brainstem and spinal cord, as demonstrated using a new NAAGS-II antiserum. In the hippocampus, NAAGS-II was only detectable in neurons expressing parvalbumin, a marker of GABAergic interneurons. Apart from reduced open field activity, general behavior of adult (6 months old) Rimkla-/- mice examined in different tests (dark-light transition, optokinetic behavior, rotarod, and alternating T-maze) was not significantly altered. However, Rimkla-/- mice were impaired in a short-term novel object recognition test. This was also the case for mice lacking NAA synthase Nat8l, which are devoid of NAAG. Together with results from previous studies showing that inhibition of the NAAG degrading enzyme glutamate carboxypeptidase II is associated with a significant improvement in object recognition, these results suggest a direct involvement of NAAG synthesized by NAAGS-II in the memory consolidation underlying the novel object recognition task.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ivonne Becker
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Lihua Wang-Eckhardt
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Julia Lodder-Gadaczek
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Yong Wang
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Agathe Grünewald
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Matthias Eckhardt
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Neale JH, Yamamoto T. N-acetylaspartylglutamate (NAAG) and glutamate carboxypeptidase II: An abundant peptide neurotransmitter-enzyme system with multiple clinical applications. Prog Neurobiol 2019; 184:101722. [PMID: 31730793 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2019.101722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2019] [Revised: 09/24/2019] [Accepted: 11/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
N-Acetylaspartylglutamate (NAAG) is the third most prevalent neurotransmitter in the mammalian nervous system, yet its therapeutic potential is only now being fully recognized. Drugs that inhibit the inactivation of NAAG by glutamate carboxypeptidase II (GCPII) increase its extracellular concentration and its activation of its receptor, mGluR3. These drugs warrant attention, as they are effective in animal models of several clinical disorders including stroke, traumatic brain injury and schizophrenia. In inflammatory and neuropathic pain studies, GCPII inhibitors moderated both the primary and secondary pain responses when given systemically, locally or in brain regions associated with the pain perception pathway. The finding that GCPII inhibition also moderated the motor and cognitive effects of ethanol intoxication led to the discovery of their procognitive efficacy in long-term memory tests in control mice and in short-term memory in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. NAAG and GCPII inhibitors respectively reduce cocaine self-administration and the rewarding effects of a synthetic stimulant. Most recently, GCPII inhibition also has been reported to be efficacious in a model of inflammatory bowel disease. GCPII was first discovered as a protein expressed by and released from metastatic prostate cells where it is known as prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA). GCPII inhibitors with high affinity for this protein have been developed as prostate imaging and radiochemical therapies for prostate cancer. Taken together, these data militate in favor of the development and application of GCPII inhibitors in more advanced preclinical research as a prelude to clinical trials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joseph H Neale
- Department of Biology, Georgetown University, 37(th) and O Sts., NW, Washington, DC, 20057, USA.
| | - Tatsuo Yamamoto
- Dept. of Anesthesiology, Kumamoto University., Kumamoto, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Banerjee SR, Minn I, Kumar V, Josefsson A, Lisok A, Brummet M, Chen J, Kiess AP, Baidoo K, Brayton C, Mease RC, Brechbiel M, Sgouros G, Hobbs RF, Pomper MG. Preclinical Evaluation of 203/212Pb-Labeled Low-Molecular-Weight Compounds for Targeted Radiopharmaceutical Therapy of Prostate Cancer. J Nucl Med 2019; 61:80-88. [PMID: 31253744 DOI: 10.2967/jnumed.119.229393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2019] [Accepted: 06/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Targeted radiopharmaceutical therapy (TRT) using α-particle radiation is a promising approach for treating both large and micrometastatic lesions. We developed prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA)-targeted low-molecular-weight agents for 212Pb-based TRT of patients with prostate cancer (PC) by evaluating the matching γ-emitting surrogate, 203Pb. Methods: Five rationally designed low-molecular-weight ligands (L1-L5) were synthesized using the lysine-urea-glutamate scaffold, and PSMA inhibition constants were determined. Tissue biodistribution and SPECT/CT imaging of 203Pb-L1-203Pb-L5 were performed on mice bearing PSMA(+) PC3 PIP and PSMA(-) PC3 flu flank xenografts. The absorbed radiation dose of the corresponding 212Pb-labeled analogs was determined using the biodistribution data. Antitumor efficacy of 212Pb-L2 was evaluated in PSMA(+) PC3 PIP and PSMA(-) PC3 flu tumor models and in the PSMA(+) luciferase-expressing micrometastatic model. 212Pb-L2 was also evaluated for dose-escalated, long-term toxicity. Results: All new ligands were obtained in high yield and purity. PSMA inhibitory activities ranged from 0.10 to 17 nM. 203Pb-L1-203Pb-L5 were synthesized in high radiochemical yield and specific activity. Whole-body clearance of 203Pb-L1-203Pb-L5 was fast. The absorbed dose coefficients (mGy/kBq) of the tumor and kidneys were highest for 203Pb-L5 (31.0, 15.2) and lowest for 203Pb-L2 (8.0, 4.2). The tumor-to-kidney absorbed dose ratio was higher for 203Pb-L3 (3.2) and 203Pb-L4 (3.6) than for the other agents, but with lower tumor-to-blood ratios. PSMA(+) tumor lesions were visualized through SPECT/CT as early as 0.5 h after injection. A proof-of-concept therapy study with a single administration of 212Pb-L2 demonstrated dose-dependent inhibition of tumor growth in the PSMA(+) flank tumor model. 212Pb-L2 also demonstrated an increased survival benefit in the micrometastatic model compared with 177Lu-PSMA-617. Long-term toxicity studies in healthy, immunocompetent CD-1 mice revealed kidney as the dose-limiting organ. Conclusion: 203Pb-L1-203Pb-L5 demonstrated favorable pharmacokinetics for 212Pb-based TRT. The antitumor efficacy of 212Pb-L2 supports the corresponding 203Pb/212Pb theranostic pair for PSMA-based α-particle TRT in advanced PC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sangeeta Ray Banerjee
- Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland .,Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Il Minn
- Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Vivek Kumar
- Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Anders Josefsson
- Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Ala Lisok
- Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Mary Brummet
- Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Jian Chen
- Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Ana P Kiess
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | | | - Cory Brayton
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Ronnie C Mease
- Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.,Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | | | - George Sgouros
- Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Robert F Hobbs
- Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Martin G Pomper
- Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.,Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Neale JH, Olszewski R. A role for N-acetylaspartylglutamate (NAAG) and mGluR3 in cognition. Neurobiol Learn Mem 2019; 158:9-13. [PMID: 30630041 DOI: 10.1016/j.nlm.2019.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2018] [Revised: 12/03/2018] [Accepted: 01/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The peptide transmitter N-acetylaspartylglutamate (NAAG) and its receptor, the type 3 metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR3, GRM3), are prevalent and widely distributed in the mammalian nervous system. Drugs that inhibit the inactivation of synaptically released NAAG have procognitive activity in object recognition and other behavioral models. These inhibitors also reverse cognitive deficits in animal models of clinical disorders. Antagonists of mGluR3 block these actions and mice that are null mutant for this receptor are insensitive to the actions of these procognitive drugs. A positive allosteric modulator of this receptor also has procognitive activity. While some data suggest that drugs acting on mGluR3 achieve their procognitive action by increasing arousal during acquisition training, exploration of the procognitive efficacy of NAAG is in its early stages and thus substantial opportunities exist to define the breadth and nature of this activity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joseph H Neale
- Department of Biology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA.
| | - Rafal Olszewski
- Department of Biology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Mazzitelli M, Palazzo E, Maione S, Neugebauer V. Group II Metabotropic Glutamate Receptors: Role in Pain Mechanisms and Pain Modulation. Front Mol Neurosci 2018; 11:383. [PMID: 30356691 PMCID: PMC6189308 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2018.00383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2018] [Accepted: 09/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Glutamate is the main excitatory neurotransmitter in the nervous system and plays a critical role in nociceptive processing and pain modulation. G-protein coupled metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) are widely expressed in the central and peripheral nervous system, and they mediate neuronal excitability and synaptic transmission. Eight different mGluR subtypes have been identified so far, and are classified into Groups I-III. Group II mGluR2 and mGluR3 couple negatively to adenylyl cyclase through Gi/Go proteins, are mainly expressed presynaptically, and typically inhibit the release of neurotransmitters, including glutamate and GABA. Group II mGluRs have consistently been linked to pain modulation; they are expressed in peripheral, spinal and supraspinal elements of pain-related neural processing. Pharmacological studies have shown anti-nociceptive/analgesic effects of group II mGluR agonists in preclinical models of acute and chronic pain, although much less is known about mechanisms and sites of action for mGluR2 and mGluR3 compared to other mGluRs. The availability of orthosteric and new selective allosteric modulators acting on mGluR2 and mGluR3 has provided valuable tools for elucidating (subtype) specific contributions of these receptors to the pathophysiological mechanisms of pain and other disorders and their potential as therapeutic targets. This review focuses on the important role of group II mGluRs in the neurobiology of pain mechanisms and behavioral modulation, and discusses evidence for their therapeutic potential in pain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mariacristina Mazzitelli
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, United States
| | - Enza Palazzo
- Section of Pharmacology L. Donatelli, Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Sabatino Maione
- Section of Pharmacology L. Donatelli, Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Volker Neugebauer
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, United States
- Center of Excellence for Translational Neuroscience and Therapeutics, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, United States
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Olszewski RT, Janczura KJ, Bzdega T, Der EK, Venzor F, O'Rourke B, Hark TJ, Craddock KE, Balasubramanian S, Moussa C, Neale JH. NAAG Peptidase Inhibitors Act via mGluR3: Animal Models of Memory, Alzheimer's, and Ethanol Intoxication. Neurochem Res 2017; 42:2646-2657. [PMID: 28285415 PMCID: PMC5603630 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-017-2181-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2016] [Revised: 01/08/2017] [Accepted: 01/16/2017] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Glutamate carboxypeptidase II (GCPII) inactivates the peptide neurotransmitter N-acetylaspartylglutamate (NAAG) following synaptic release. Inhibitors of GCPII increase extracellular NAAG levels and are efficacious in animal models of clinical disorders via NAAG activation of a group II metabotropic glutamate receptor. mGluR2 and mGluR3 knock-out (ko) mice were used to test the hypothesis that mGluR3 mediates the activity of GCPII inhibitors ZJ43 and 2-PMPA in animal models of memory and memory loss. Short- (1.5 h) and long- (24 h) term novel object recognition tests were used to assess memory. Treatment with ZJ43 or 2-PMPA prior to acquisition trials increased long-term memory in mGluR2, but not mGluR3, ko mice. Nine month-old triple transgenic Alzheimer's disease model mice exhibited impaired short-term novel object recognition memory that was rescued by treatment with a NAAG peptidase inhibitor. NAAG peptidase inhibitors and the group II mGluR agonist, LY354740, reversed the short-term memory deficit induced by acute ethanol administration in wild type mice. 2-PMPA also moderated the effect of ethanol on short-term memory in mGluR2 ko mice but failed to do so in mGluR3 ko mice. LY354740 and ZJ43 blocked ethanol-induced motor activation. Both GCPII inhibitors and LY354740 also significantly moderated the loss of motor coordination induced by 2.1 g/kg ethanol treatment. These data support the conclusion that inhibitors of glutamate carboxypeptidase II are efficacious in object recognition models of normal memory and memory deficits via an mGluR3 mediated process, actions that could have widespread clinical applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rafal T Olszewski
- Department of Biology, Georgetown University, 37th and O Sts., N.W., Washington, D.C., 20057-1225, USA
| | - Karolina J Janczura
- Department of Biology, Georgetown University, 37th and O Sts., N.W., Washington, D.C., 20057-1225, USA
| | - Tomasz Bzdega
- Department of Biology, Georgetown University, 37th and O Sts., N.W., Washington, D.C., 20057-1225, USA
| | - Elise K Der
- Department of Biology, Georgetown University, 37th and O Sts., N.W., Washington, D.C., 20057-1225, USA
| | - Faustino Venzor
- Department of Biology, Georgetown University, 37th and O Sts., N.W., Washington, D.C., 20057-1225, USA
| | - Brennen O'Rourke
- Department of Biology, Georgetown University, 37th and O Sts., N.W., Washington, D.C., 20057-1225, USA
| | - Timothy J Hark
- Department of Biology, Georgetown University, 37th and O Sts., N.W., Washington, D.C., 20057-1225, USA
| | - Kirsten E Craddock
- Department of Biology, Georgetown University, 37th and O Sts., N.W., Washington, D.C., 20057-1225, USA
| | - Shankar Balasubramanian
- Department of Biology, Georgetown University, 37th and O Sts., N.W., Washington, D.C., 20057-1225, USA
| | - Charbel Moussa
- Department of Neuroscience, Georgetown University, Washington, D.C., 20057, USA
| | - Joseph H Neale
- Department of Biology, Georgetown University, 37th and O Sts., N.W., Washington, D.C., 20057-1225, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Palazzo E, Marabese I, Luongo L, Guida F, de Novellis V, Maione S. Nociception modulation by supraspinal group III metabotropic glutamate receptors. J Neurochem 2017; 141:507-519. [DOI: 10.1111/jnc.13725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2016] [Revised: 06/15/2016] [Accepted: 06/20/2016] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Enza Palazzo
- Department of Experimental Medicine; The Second University of Naples; Naples Italy
| | - Ida Marabese
- Department of Experimental Medicine; The Second University of Naples; Naples Italy
| | - Livio Luongo
- Department of Experimental Medicine; The Second University of Naples; Naples Italy
| | - Francesca Guida
- Department of Experimental Medicine; The Second University of Naples; Naples Italy
| | - Vito de Novellis
- Department of Experimental Medicine; The Second University of Naples; Naples Italy
| | - Sabatino Maione
- Department of Experimental Medicine; The Second University of Naples; Naples Italy
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Evans JC, Malhotra M, Cryan JF, O'Driscoll CM. The therapeutic and diagnostic potential of the prostate specific membrane antigen/glutamate carboxypeptidase II (PSMA/GCPII) in cancer and neurological disease. Br J Pharmacol 2016; 173:3041-3079. [PMID: 27526115 PMCID: PMC5056232 DOI: 10.1111/bph.13576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2016] [Revised: 07/08/2016] [Accepted: 07/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA) otherwise known as glutamate carboxypeptidase II (GCPII) is a membrane bound protein that is highly expressed in prostate cancer and in the neovasculature of a wide variety of tumours including glioblastomas, breast and bladder cancers. This protein is also involved in a variety of neurological diseases including schizophrenia and ALS. In recent years, there has been a surge in the development of both diagnostics and therapeutics that take advantage of the expression and activity of PSMA/GCPII. These include gene therapy, immunotherapy, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. In this review, we discuss the biological roles that PSMA/GCPII plays, both in normal and diseased tissues, and the current therapies exploiting its activity that are at the preclinical stage. We conclude by giving an expert opinion on the future direction of PSMA/GCPII based therapies and diagnostics and hurdles that need to be overcome to make them effective and viable.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- James C Evans
- Pharmacodelivery Group, School of Pharmacy, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Meenakshi Malhotra
- Pharmacodelivery Group, School of Pharmacy, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - John F Cryan
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Ha D, Bing SJ, Ahn G, Kim J, Cho J, Kim A, Herath KHINM, Yu HS, Jo SA, Cho IH, Jee Y. Blocking glutamate carboxypeptidase II inhibits glutamate excitotoxicity and regulates immune responses in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. FEBS J 2016; 283:3438-56. [DOI: 10.1111/febs.13816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2016] [Revised: 06/23/2016] [Accepted: 07/19/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Danbee Ha
- College of Veterinary Medicine; Jeju National University; South Korea
| | - So Jin Bing
- College of Veterinary Medicine; Jeju National University; South Korea
| | - Ginnae Ahn
- Department of Marine Bio-Food Sciences; Chonnam National University; Yeosu South Korea
| | - Jinhee Kim
- College of Veterinary Medicine; Jeju National University; South Korea
| | - Jinhee Cho
- College of Veterinary Medicine; Jeju National University; South Korea
| | - Areum Kim
- Department of Advanced Convergence Technology & Science; Jeju National University; South Korea
| | | | - Hak Sun Yu
- Department of Parasitology; School of Medicine; Pusan National University; Yangsan South Korea
| | - Sangmee Ahn Jo
- Department of Nanobiomedical Science & BK21 PLUS NBM Global Research Center for Regenerative Medicine; Dankook University; Cheonan South Korea
- Department of Pharmacology; College of Pharmacy; Dankook University; Cheonan South Korea
| | - Ik-Hyun Cho
- Department of Convergence Medical Science; Brain Korea 21 Plus Program, and Institute of Korean Medicine; College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University; Seoul South Korea
| | - Youngheun Jee
- College of Veterinary Medicine; Jeju National University; South Korea
- Department of Advanced Convergence Technology & Science; Jeju National University; South Korea
- Veterinary Medical Research Institute; Jeju National University; South Korea
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Machulkin AE, Ivanenkov YA, Aladinskaya AV, Veselov MS, Aladinskiy VA, Beloglazkina EK, Koteliansky VE, Shakhbazyan AG, Sandulenko YB, Majouga AG. Small-molecule PSMA ligands. Current state, SAR and perspectives. J Drug Target 2016; 24:679-93. [DOI: 10.3109/1061186x.2016.1154564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Alexey E. Machulkin
- Moscow State University, Chemistry Dept, Leninskie Gory, Moscow, Russian Federation
- National University of Science and Technology MISiS, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Yan A. Ivanenkov
- Moscow State University, Chemistry Dept, Leninskie Gory, Moscow, Russian Federation
- National University of Science and Technology MISiS, Moscow, Russian Federation
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (State University), Dolgoprudny City, Russian Federation
| | - Anastasia V. Aladinskaya
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (State University), Dolgoprudny City, Russian Federation
| | - Mark S. Veselov
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (State University), Dolgoprudny City, Russian Federation
| | - Vladimir A. Aladinskiy
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (State University), Dolgoprudny City, Russian Federation
| | | | - Victor E. Koteliansky
- Moscow State University, Chemistry Dept, Leninskie Gory, Moscow, Russian Federation
- Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology “Scoltech”, Novaya, Russian Federation
| | - Artem G. Shakhbazyan
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (State University), Dolgoprudny City, Russian Federation
| | - Yuri B. Sandulenko
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (State University), Dolgoprudny City, Russian Federation
| | - Alexander G. Majouga
- Moscow State University, Chemistry Dept, Leninskie Gory, Moscow, Russian Federation
- National University of Science and Technology MISiS, Moscow, Russian Federation
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Still NAAG’ing After All These Years. NEUROPSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY: A TRIBUTE TO JOSEPH T. COYLE 2016; 76:215-55. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.apha.2016.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
|
18
|
Dean BJF, Snelling SJB, Dakin SG, Murphy RJ, Javaid MK, Carr AJ. Differences in glutamate receptors and inflammatory cell numbers are associated with the resolution of pain in human rotator cuff tendinopathy. Arthritis Res Ther 2015; 17:176. [PMID: 26160609 PMCID: PMC4498529 DOI: 10.1186/s13075-015-0691-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2015] [Accepted: 06/18/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The relationship between peripheral tissue characteristics and pain symptoms in soft tissue inflammation is poorly understood. The primary aim of this study was to determine immunohistochemical differences in tissue obtained from patients with persistent pain and patients who had become pain-free after surgical treatment for rotator cuff tendinopathy. The secondary aim was to investigate whether there would be differences in glutaminergic and inflammatory gene expression between disease-derived and healthy control cells in vitro. METHODS Supraspinatus tendon biopsies were obtained from nine patients with tendon pain before shoulder surgery and from nine further patients whose pain had resolved completely following shoulder surgery. Histological markers relating to the basic tendon characteristics, inflammation and glutaminergic signalling were quantified by immunohistochemical analysis. Gene expression of glutaminergic and inflammatory markers was determined in tenocyte explants derived from painful rotator cuff tendon tears in a separate cohort of patients and compared to that of explants from healthy control tendons. Dual labelling was performed to identify cell types expressing nociceptive neuromodulators. RESULTS Tendon samples from patients with persistent pain demonstrated increased levels of metabotropic glutamate receptor 2 (mGluR2), kainate receptor 1 (KA1), protein gene product 9.5 (PGP9.5), CD206 (macrophage marker) and CD45 (pan-leucocyte marker) versus pain-free controls (p <0.05). NMDAR1 co-localised with CD206-positive cells, whereas PGP9.5 and glutamate were predominantly expressed by resident tendon cells. These results were validated by in vitro increases in the expression of mGluR2, N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR1), KA1, CD45, CD206 and tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) genes (p <0.05) in disease-derived versus control cells. CONCLUSIONS We conclude that differences in glutamate receptors and inflammatory cell numbers are associated with the resolution of shoulder pain in rotator cuff tendinopathy, and that disease-derived cells exhibit a distinctly different neuro-inflammatory gene expression profile to healthy control cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin John Floyd Dean
- Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Botnar Research Centre, Windmill Road, Oxford, OX3 7LD, UK.
| | - Sarah J B Snelling
- Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Botnar Research Centre, Windmill Road, Oxford, OX3 7LD, UK.
| | - Stephanie G Dakin
- Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Botnar Research Centre, Windmill Road, Oxford, OX3 7LD, UK.
| | - Richard J Murphy
- Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Botnar Research Centre, Windmill Road, Oxford, OX3 7LD, UK.
| | - Muhammad Kassim Javaid
- Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Botnar Research Centre, Windmill Road, Oxford, OX3 7LD, UK.
| | - Andrew Jonathan Carr
- Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Botnar Research Centre, Windmill Road, Oxford, OX3 7LD, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Rais R, Wozniak K, Wu Y, Niwa M, Stathis M, Alt J, Giroux M, Sawa A, Rojas C, Slusher BS. Selective CNS Uptake of the GCP-II Inhibitor 2-PMPA following Intranasal Administration. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0131861. [PMID: 26151906 PMCID: PMC4494705 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0131861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2014] [Accepted: 06/09/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Glutamate carboxypeptidase II (GCP-II) is a brain metallopeptidase that hydrolyzes the abundant neuropeptide N-acetyl-aspartyl-glutamate (NAAG) to NAA and glutamate. Small molecule GCP-II inhibitors increase brain NAAG, which activates mGluR3, decreases glutamate, and provide therapeutic utility in a variety of preclinical models of neurodegenerative diseases wherein excess glutamate is presumed pathogenic. Unfortunately no GCP-II inhibitor has advanced clinically, largely due to their highly polar nature resulting in insufficient oral bioavailability and limited brain penetration. Herein we report a non-invasive route for delivery of GCP-II inhibitors to the brain via intranasal (i.n.) administration. Three structurally distinct classes of GCP-II inhibitors were evaluated including DCMC (urea-based), 2-MPPA (thiol-based) and 2-PMPA (phosphonate-based). While all showed some brain penetration following i.n. administration, 2-PMPA exhibited the highest levels and was chosen for further evaluation. Compared to intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration, equivalent doses of i.n. administered 2-PMPA resulted in similar plasma exposures (AUC0-t, i.n./AUC0-t, i.p. = 1.0) but dramatically enhanced brain exposures in the olfactory bulb (AUC0-t, i.n./AUC0-t, i.p. = 67), cortex (AUC0-t, i.n./AUC0-t, i.p. = 46) and cerebellum (AUC0-t, i.n./AUC0-t, i.p. = 6.3). Following i.n. administration, the brain tissue to plasma ratio based on AUC0-t in the olfactory bulb, cortex, and cerebellum were 1.49, 0.71 and 0.10, respectively, compared to an i.p. brain tissue to plasma ratio of less than 0.02 in all areas. Furthermore, i.n. administration of 2-PMPA resulted in complete inhibition of brain GCP-II enzymatic activity ex-vivo confirming target engagement. Lastly, because the rodent nasal system is not similar to humans, we evaluated i.n. 2-PMPA also in a non-human primate. We report that i.n. 2-PMPA provides selective brain delivery with micromolar concentrations. These studies support intranasal delivery of 2-PMPA to deliver therapeutic concentrations in the brain and may facilitate its clinical development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rana Rais
- Brain Science Institute, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Krystyna Wozniak
- Brain Science Institute, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Ying Wu
- Brain Science Institute, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Minae Niwa
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Marigo Stathis
- Brain Science Institute, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Jesse Alt
- Brain Science Institute, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Marc Giroux
- Kurve Technology, Inc., Bothell, Washington, United States of America
| | - Akira Sawa
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Camilo Rojas
- Brain Science Institute, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- Department of Molecular and Comparative Pathobiology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Barbara S. Slusher
- Brain Science Institute, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Asseri K, Puil E, Schwarz S, MacLeod B. Group II metabotropic glutamate receptor antagonism prevents the antiallodynic effects of R-isovaline. Neuroscience 2015; 293:151-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2015.02.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2014] [Revised: 01/21/2015] [Accepted: 02/11/2015] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
|
21
|
Pavlicek J, Ptacek J, Cerny J, Byun Y, Skultetyova L, Pomper MG, Lubkowski J, Barinka C. Structural characterization of P1'-diversified urea-based inhibitors of glutamate carboxypeptidase II. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2014; 24:2340-5. [PMID: 24731280 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2014.03.066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2014] [Revised: 03/19/2014] [Accepted: 03/20/2014] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Urea-based inhibitors of human glutamate carboxypeptidase II (GCPII) have advanced into clinical trials for imaging metastatic prostate cancer. In parallel efforts, agents with increased lipophilicity have been designed and evaluated for targeting GCPII residing within the neuraxis. Here we report the structural and computational characterization of six complexes between GCPII and P1'-diversified urea-based inhibitors that have the C-terminal glutamate replaced by more hydrophobic moieties. The X-ray structures are complemented by quantum mechanics calculations that provide a quantitative insight into the GCPII/inhibitor interactions. These data can be used for the rational design of novel glutamate-free GCPII inhibitors with tailored physicochemical properties.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiri Pavlicek
- Institute of Biotechnology, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, v.v.i., Laboratory of Structural Biology, Vídeňská 1083, 14220 Prague 4, Czech Republic
| | - Jakub Ptacek
- Institute of Biotechnology, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, v.v.i., Laboratory of Structural Biology, Vídeňská 1083, 14220 Prague 4, Czech Republic
| | - Jiri Cerny
- Institute of Biotechnology, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, v.v.i., Laboratory of Structural Biology, Vídeňská 1083, 14220 Prague 4, Czech Republic
| | - Youngjoo Byun
- Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, 1550 Orleans Street, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA; College of Pharmacy, Korea University, 2511 Sejong-ro, Sejong 339-700, South Korea
| | - Lubica Skultetyova
- Institute of Biotechnology, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, v.v.i., Laboratory of Structural Biology, Vídeňská 1083, 14220 Prague 4, Czech Republic
| | - Martin G Pomper
- Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, 1550 Orleans Street, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA
| | - Jacek Lubkowski
- Center for Cancer Research, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Macromolecular Crystallography Laboratory, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Cyril Barinka
- Institute of Biotechnology, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, v.v.i., Laboratory of Structural Biology, Vídeňská 1083, 14220 Prague 4, Czech Republic.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Vornov JJ, Wozniak KM, Wu Y, Rojas C, Rais R, Slusher BS. Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of the glutamate carboxypeptidase II inhibitor 2-MPPA show prolonged alleviation of neuropathic pain through an indirect mechanism. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2013; 346:406-13. [PMID: 23776202 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.113.205039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Glutamate carboxypeptidase II (GCP II) is a therapeutic target in neurologic disorders associated with excessive activation of glutamatergic systems. The potent, orally bioavailable GCP II inhibitor 2-(3-mercaptopropyl) pentanedioic acid (2-MPPA) is effective in preclinical models of diseases where excess glutamate release is implicated, including neuropathic pain, and was the first GCP II inhibitor to be administered to man. The relationships between dosing regimen, pharmacokinetics, and analgesia in a neuropathic pain model were examined in rats to aid development of clinical dosing. The efficacy of oral 2-MPPA in the chronic constrictive injury model was not simply related to plasma concentrations. Even though maximal concentrations were observed within 1 hour of dosing, the analgesic effect took at least 8 days of daily dosing to become significant. The delay was not due to tissue drug accumulation since inhibitory concentrations of the drug were achieved in the nerve within 1 hour of dosing. There was also no accumulation of drug in plasma or tissue after multiple daily dosing. Effects were dependent on reaching a threshold concentration since dividing the daily dose led to a loss of effect. The analgesic effect outlasted plasma exposure and was maintained for days even after daily dosing was halted. The delayed onset, dependence on threshold plasma concentration, and sustained effects after exposure support the hypothesis that an indirect, long-lived mechanism of action exists. Although these longer lasting secondary mechanisms are not yet identified, daily clinical dosing of a GCP II inhibitor seems justified.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- James J Vornov
- Brain Science Institute, NeuroTranslational Drug Discovery Program, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
23
|
Janczura KJ, Olszewski RT, Bzdega T, Bacich DJ, Heston WD, Neale JH. NAAG peptidase inhibitors and deletion of NAAG peptidase gene enhance memory in novel object recognition test. Eur J Pharmacol 2012. [PMID: 23200894 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2012.11.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The peptide neurotransmitter N-acetylaspartylglutamate (NAAG) is inactivated by the extracellular enzyme glutamate carboxypeptidase II. Inhibitors of this enzyme reverse dizocilpine (MK-801)-induced impairment of short-term memory in the novel object recognition test. The objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that NAAG peptidase inhibition enhances long-term (24h delay) memory of C57BL mice. These mice and mice in which glutamate carboxypeptidase II had been knocked out were presented with two identical objects to explore for 10min on day 1 and tested with one of these familiar objects and one novel object on day 2. Memory was assessed as the degree to which the mice recalled the familiar object and explored the novel object to a greater extent on day 2. Uninjected mice or mice injected with saline prior to the acquisition session on day 1 demonstrated a lack of memory of the acquisition experience by exploring the familiar and novel objects to the same extent on day 2. Mice treated with glutamate carboxypeptidase II inhibitors ZJ43 or 2-PMPA prior to the acquisition trial explored the novel object significantly more time than the familiar object on day 2. Consistent with these results, mice in which glutamate carboxypeptidase II had been knocked out distinguished the novel from the familiar object on day 2 while their heterozygous colony mates did not. Inhibition of glutamate carboxypeptidase II enhances recognition memory, a therapeutic action that might be useful in treatment of memory deficits related to age and neurological disorders.
Collapse
|
24
|
Bernabucci M, Notartomaso S, Zappulla C, Fazio F, Cannella M, Motolese M, Battaglia G, Bruno V, Gradini R, Nicoletti F. N-Acetyl-cysteine causes analgesia by reinforcing the endogenous activation of type-2 metabotropic glutamate receptors. Mol Pain 2012; 8:77. [PMID: 23088864 PMCID: PMC3543227 DOI: 10.1186/1744-8069-8-77] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2012] [Accepted: 09/28/2012] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Pharmacological activation of type-2 metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGlu2 receptors) causes analgesia in experimental models of inflammatory and neuropathic pain. Presynaptic mGlu2 receptors are activated by the glutamate released from astrocytes by means of the cystine/glutamate antiporter (System xc- or Sxc-). We examined the analgesic activity of the Sxc- activator, N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC), in mice developing inflammatory or neuropathic pain. Results A single injection of NAC (100 mg/kg, i.p.) reduced nocifensive behavior in the second phase of the formalin test. NAC-induced analgesia was abrogated by the Sxc- inhibitor, sulphasalazine (8 mg/kg, i.p.) or by the mGlu2/3 receptor antagonist, LY341495 (1 mg/kg, i.p.). NAC still caused analgesia in mGlu3−/− mice, but was inactive in mGlu2−/− mice. In wild-type mice, NAC retained the analgesic activity in the formalin test when injected daily for 7 days, indicating the lack of tolerance. Both single and repeated injections of NAC also caused analgesia in the complete Freund’s adjuvant (CFA) model of chronic inflammatory pain, and, again, analgesia was abolished by LY341495. Data obtained in mice developing neuropathic pain in response to chronic constriction injury (CCI) of the sciatic nerve were divergent. In this model, a single injection of NAC caused analgesia that was reversed by LY341495, whereas repeated injections of NAC were ineffective. Thus, tolerance to NAC-induced analgesia developed in the CCI model, but not in models of inflammatory pain. The CFA and CCI models differed with respect to the expression levels of xCT (the catalytic subunit of Sxc-) and activator of G-protein signaling type-3 (AGS3) in the dorsal portion of the lumbar spinal cord. CFA-treated mice showed no change in either protein, whereas CCI mice showed an ipislateral reduction in xCT levels and a bilateral increase in AGS3 levels in the spinal cord. Conclusions These data demonstrate that pharmacological activation of Sxc- causes analgesia by reinforcing the endogenous activation of mGlu2 receptors. NAC has an excellent profile of safety and tolerability when clinically used as a mucolytic agent or in the management of acetaminophen overdose. Thus, our data encourage the use of NAC for the experimental treatment of inflammatory pain in humans.
Collapse
|
25
|
Wozniak KM, Wu Y, Vornov JJ, Lapidus R, Rais R, Rojas C, Tsukamoto T, Slusher BS. The Orally Active Glutamate Carboxypeptidase II Inhibitor E2072 Exhibits Sustained Nerve Exposure and Attenuates Peripheral Neuropathy. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2012; 343:746-54. [DOI: 10.1124/jpet.112.197665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
|
26
|
Yamada T, Zuo D, Yamamoto T, Olszewski RT, Bzdega T, Moffett JR, Neale JH. NAAG peptidase inhibition in the periaqueductal gray and rostral ventromedial medulla reduces flinching in the formalin model of inflammation. Mol Pain 2012; 8:67. [PMID: 22971334 PMCID: PMC3539905 DOI: 10.1186/1744-8069-8-67] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2012] [Accepted: 05/21/2012] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) have been identified as significant analgesic targets. Systemic treatments with inhibitors of the enzymes that inactivate the peptide transmitter N-acetylaspartylglutamate (NAAG), an mGluR3 agonist, have an analgesia-like effect in rat models of inflammatory and neuropathic pain. The goal of this study was to begin defining locations within the central pain pathway at which NAAG activation of its receptor mediates this effect. Results NAAG immunoreactivity was found in neurons in two brain regions that mediate nociceptive processing, the periaqueductal gray (PAG) and the rostral ventromedial medulla (RVM). Microinjection of the NAAG peptidase inhibitor ZJ43 into the PAG contralateral, but not ipsilateral, to the formalin injected footpad reduced the rapid and slow phases of the nociceptive response in a dose-dependent manner. ZJ43 injected into the RVM also reduced the rapid and slow phase of the response. The group II mGluR antagonist LY341495 blocked these effects of ZJ43 on the PAG and RVM. NAAG peptidase inhibition in the PAG and RVM did not affect the thermal withdrawal response in the hot plate test. Footpad inflammation also induced a significant increase in glutamate release in the PAG. Systemic injection of ZJ43 increased NAAG levels in the PAG and RVM and blocked the inflammation-induced increase in glutamate release in the PAG. Conclusion These data demonstrate a behavioral and neurochemical role for NAAG in the PAG and RVM in regulating the spinal motor response to inflammation and that NAAG peptidase inhibition has potential as an approach to treating inflammatory pain via either the ascending (PAG) and/or the descending pain pathways (PAG and RVM) that warrants further study.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Toshihiko Yamada
- Department of Biology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
27
|
NAAG peptidase inhibitors block cognitive deficit induced by MK-801 and motor activation induced by d-amphetamine in animal models of schizophrenia. Transl Psychiatry 2012; 2:e145. [PMID: 22850437 PMCID: PMC3410622 DOI: 10.1038/tp.2012.68] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The most widely validated animal models of the positive, negative and cognitive symptoms of schizophrenia involve administration of d-amphetamine or the open channel NMDA receptor blockers, dizocilpine (MK-801), phencyclidine (PCP) and ketamine. The drug ZJ43 potently inhibits glutamate carboxypeptidase II (GCPII), an enzyme that inactivates the peptide transmitter N-acetylaspartylglutamate (NAAG) and reduces positive and negative behaviors induced by PCP in several of these models. NAAG is an agonist at the metabotropic glutamate receptor 3 (mGluR3). Polymorphisms in this receptor have been associated with expression of schizophrenia. This study aimed to determine whether two different NAAG peptidase inhibitors are effective in dopamine models, whether their efficacy was eliminated in GCPII knockout mice and whether the efficacy of these inhibitors extended to MK-801-induced cognitive deficits as assessed using the novel object recognition test. ZJ43 blocked motor activation when given before or after d-amphetamine treatment. (R,S)-2-phosphono-methylpentanedioic acid (2-PMPA), another potent NAAG peptidase inhibitor, also reduced motor activation induced by PCP or d-amphetamine. 2-PMPA was not effective in GCPII knockout mice. ZJ43 and 2-PMPA also blocked MK-801-induced deficits in novel object recognition when given before, but not after, the acquisition trial. The group II mGluR antagonist LY341495 blocked the effects of NAAG peptidase inhibition in these studies. 2-PMPA was more potent than ZJ43 in a test of NAAG peptidase inhibition in vivo. By bridging the dopamine and glutamate theories of schizophrenia with two structurally different NAAG peptidase inhibitors and demonstrating their efficacy in blocking MK-801-induced memory deficits, these data advance the concept that NAAG peptidase inhibition represents a potentially novel antipsychotic therapy.
Collapse
|
28
|
Bařinka C, Rojas C, Slusher B, Pomper M. Glutamate carboxypeptidase II in diagnosis and treatment of neurologic disorders and prostate cancer. Curr Med Chem 2012; 19:856-70. [PMID: 22214450 DOI: 10.2174/092986712799034888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 135] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2011] [Revised: 11/10/2011] [Accepted: 11/14/2011] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Glutamate carboxypeptidase II (GCPII) is a membrane-bound binuclear zinc metallopeptidase with the highest expression levels found in the nervous and prostatic tissue. Throughout the nervous system, glia-bound GCPII is intimately involved in the neuron-neuron and neuron-glia signaling via the hydrolysis of N-acetylaspartylglutamate (NAAG), the most abundant mammalian peptidic neurotransmitter. The inhibition of the GCPII-controlled NAAG catabolism has been shown to attenuate neurotoxicity associated with enhanced glutamate transmission and GCPII-specific inhibitors demonstrate efficacy in multiple preclinical models including traumatic brain injury, stroke, neuropathic and inflammatory pain, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and schizophrenia. The second major area of pharmacological interventions targeting GCPII focuses on prostate carcinoma; GCPII expression levels are highly increased in androgen-independent and metastatic disease. Consequently, the enzyme serves as a potential target for imaging and therapy. This review offers a summary of GCPII structure, physiological functions in healthy tissues, and its association with various pathologies. The review also outlines the development of GCPII-specific small-molecule compounds and their use in preclinical and clinical settings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C Bařinka
- Institute of Biotechnology, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Videnska 1083, 14200 Praha 4, Czech Republic.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
29
|
Montana MC, Gereau RW. Metabotropic glutamate receptors as targets for analgesia: antagonism, activation, and allosteric modulation. Curr Pharm Biotechnol 2012; 12:1681-8. [PMID: 21466446 DOI: 10.2174/138920111798357438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2010] [Accepted: 08/20/2010] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) are expressed pre- and post-synaptically throughout the nervous system where they serve as modulators of synaptic transmission and neuronal excitability. Activation of mGluRs can be pro- or anti-nociceptive, depending on their anatomic location and the signaling cascades to which they couple. Antagonists of Group I mGluRs and agonists of Group II and III mGluRs have shown therapeutic promise in animal pain models. This article reviews the potential therapeutic utility of several agents that act predominantly via mGluRs, specifically focusing on their analgesic efficacy and discussing possible off-target effects. Glutamate, the primary excitatory neurotransmitter in the vertebrate nervous system, mediates its effects via activation of two main classes of receptors: ligand-gated ion channels known as ionotropic receptors and G-protein coupled metabotropic receptors. Antagonists of ionotropic glutamate receptors, such as ketamine, have robust analgesic properties; however, their analgesic utility is limited to monitored clinical settings due to the potential for psychomimetic effects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael C Montana
- Washington University Pain Center, Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
30
|
Zuo D, Bzdega T, Olszewski RT, Moffett JR, Neale JH. Effects of N-acetylaspartylglutamate (NAAG) peptidase inhibition on release of glutamate and dopamine in prefrontal cortex and nucleus accumbens in phencyclidine model of schizophrenia. J Biol Chem 2012; 287:21773-82. [PMID: 22570482 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m112.363226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The "glutamate" theory of schizophrenia emerged from the observation that phencyclidine (PCP), an open channel antagonist of the NMDA subtype of glutamate receptor, induces schizophrenia-like behaviors in humans. PCP also induces a complex set of behaviors in animal models of this disorder. PCP also increases glutamate and dopamine release in the medial prefrontal cortex and nucleus accumbens, brain regions associated with expression of psychosis. Increased motor activation is among the PCP-induced behaviors that have been widely validated as models for the characterization of new antipsychotic drugs. The peptide transmitter N-acetylaspartylglutamate (NAAG) activates a group II metabotropic receptor, mGluR3. Polymorphisms in this receptor have been associated with schizophrenia. Inhibitors of glutamate carboxypeptidase II, an enzyme that inactivates NAAG following synaptic release, reduce several behaviors induced by PCP in animal models. This research tested the hypothesis that two structurally distinct NAAG peptidase inhibitors, ZJ43 and 2-(phosphonomethyl)pentane-1,5-dioic acid, would elevate levels of synaptically released NAAG and reduce PCP-induced increases in glutamate and dopamine levels in the medial prefrontal cortex and nucleus accumbens. NAAG-like immunoreactivity was found in neurons and presumptive synaptic endings in both regions. These peptidase inhibitors reduced the motor activation effects of PCP while elevating extracellular NAAG levels. They also blocked PCP-induced increases in glutamate but not dopamine or its metabolites. The mGluR2/3 antagonist LY341495 blocked these behavioral and neurochemical effects of the peptidase inhibitors. The data reported here provide a foundation for assessment of the neurochemical mechanism through which NAAG achieves its antipsychotic-like behavioral effects and support the conclusion NAAG peptidase inhibitors warrant further study as a novel antipsychotic therapy aimed at mGluR3.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daiying Zuo
- Department of Biology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20057, USA
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
31
|
|
32
|
Chiechio S, Nicoletti F. Metabotropic glutamate receptors and the control of chronic pain. Curr Opin Pharmacol 2011; 12:28-34. [PMID: 22040745 DOI: 10.1016/j.coph.2011.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2011] [Revised: 10/10/2011] [Accepted: 10/10/2011] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Over the past two decades metabotropic glutamate (mGlu) receptor ligands have been investigated for their potential therapeutic effects in different disorders of the central nervous system (CNS), including anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, and neurodegenerative diseases. In addition, it has been widely demonstrated that mGlu receptors are able to modulate pain transmission both in inflammatory and neuropathic pain models. A large number of preclinical studies combining the use of selective ligands with the knockout strategy have revealed more details about the role of the different mGlu receptor subtypes in the modulation of pain information. This review will address the role of mGlu receptors in pain sensitivity focusing on different strategies to achieve pain control by targeting specific mGlu receptor subtypes. Specifically, pharmacological interventions aimed at inhibiting group I mGlu receptor-mediated signaling and/or potentiating groups II and III mGlu receptor signaling together with an epigenetic approach leading to an increased expression of mGlu2 receptors will be discussed.
Collapse
|
33
|
Group II mGluR agonist LY354740 and NAAG peptidase inhibitor effects on prepulse inhibition in PCP and D-amphetamine models of schizophrenia. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2011; 216:235-43. [PMID: 21327758 PMCID: PMC3108005 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-011-2200-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2010] [Accepted: 01/25/2011] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE Group II metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR) agonists represent a novel approach to the treatment of schizophrenia. Inasmuch as the peptide neurotransmitter N-acetylaspartylglutamate (NAAG) activates these receptors, NAAG peptidase inhibitors conceptually represent a parallel path toward development of new antipsychotic drugs. While group II agonists are effective in several animal models of schizophrenia, they are reported to lack efficacy in moderating the effects of phencyclidine (PCP) on prepulse inhibition of acoustic startle in animal models of sensory processing deficits found in this disorder. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to re-examine the efficacy of a group II metabotropic glutamate agonist and NAAG peptidase inhibitors in prepulse inhibition models of schizophrenia across two strains of mice. METHODS The method used was an assay to determine the efficacy of these drugs in moderating the reduction in prepulse inhibition of acoustic startle in mice treated with PCP and D: -amphetamine. RESULTS The group II agonist LY354740 (5 and 10 mg/kg) moderated the effects of PCP on prepulse inhibition of acoustic startle in DBA/2 but not C57BL/6 mice. In contrast, two NAAG peptidase inhibitors, ZJ43 (150 mg/kg) and 2-PMPA (50, 100, and 150 mg/kg), did not significantly affect the PCP-induced reduction in prepulse inhibition in either strain. CONCLUSIONS These data demonstrate that the efficacy of group II agonists in this model of sensory motor processing is strain-specific in mice. The difference between the effects of the group II agonist and the peptidase inhibitors in the DBA/2 mice may relate to the difference in efficacy of NAAG and the agonist at mGluR2.
Collapse
|
34
|
Neale JH, Olszewski RT, Zuo D, Janczura KJ, Profaci CP, Lavin KM, Madore JC, Bzdega T. Advances in understanding the peptide neurotransmitter NAAG and appearance of a new member of the NAAG neuropeptide family. J Neurochem 2011; 118:490-8. [PMID: 21644997 DOI: 10.1111/j.1471-4159.2011.07338.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
A substantial body of data was reported between 1984 and 2000 demonstrating that the neuropeptide N-acetylaspartylglutamate (NAAG) not only functions as a neurotransmitter but also is the third most prevalent transmitter in the mammalian nervous system behind glutamate and GABA. By 2005, this conclusion was validated further through a series of studies in vivo and in vitro. The primary enzyme responsible for the inactivation of NAAG following its synaptic release had been cloned, characterized and knocked out. Potent inhibitors of this enzyme were developed and their efficacy has been extensively studied in a series of animal models of clinical conditions, including stroke, peripheral neuropathy, traumatic brain injury, inflammatory and neuropathic pain, cocaine addiction, and schizophrenia. Considerable progress also has been made in defining further the mechanism of action of these peptidase inhibitors in elevating synaptic levels of NAAG with the consequent inhibition of transmitter release via the activation of pre-synaptic metabotropic glutamate receptor 3 by this peptide. Very recent discoveries include identification of two different nervous system enzymes that mediate the synthesis of NAAG from N-acetylaspartate and glutamate and the finding that one of these enzymes also mediates the synthesis of a second member of the NAAG family of neuropeptides, N-acetylaspartylglutamylglutamate.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joseph H Neale
- Department of Biology, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia 20057, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
35
|
Rojas C, Stathis M, Polydefkis M, Rudek MA, Zhao M, Ebenezer GJ, Slusher BS. Glutamate carboxypeptidase activity in human skin biopsies as a pharmacodynamic marker for clinical studies. J Transl Med 2011; 9:27. [PMID: 21388540 PMCID: PMC3063219 DOI: 10.1186/1479-5876-9-27] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2010] [Accepted: 03/09/2011] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Glutamate excitotoxicity is thought to be involved in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disease. One potential source of glutamate is N-acetyl-aspartyl-glutamate (NAAG) which is hydrolyzed to glutamate and N-acetyl-aspartate (NAA) in a reaction catalyzed by glutamate carboxypeptidase (GCP). As a result, GCP inhibition is thought to be beneficial for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases where excess glutamate is presumed pathogenic. Both pharmacological and genetic inhibition of GCP has shown therapeutic utility in preclinical models and this has led to GCP inhibitors being pursued for the treatment of nervous system disorders in human clinical trials. Specifically, GCP inhibitors are currently being developed for peripheral neuropathy and neuropathic pain. The purpose of this study was to develop a pharmacodynamic (PD) marker assay to use in clinical development. The PD marker will determine the effect of GCP inhibitors on GCP enzymatic activity in human skin as measure of inhibition in peripheral nerve and help predict drug doses required to elicit pharmacologic responses. Methods GCP activity was first characterized in both human skin and rat paw pads. GCP activity was then monitored in both rodent paw pads and sciatic nerve from the same animals following peripheral administration of various doses of GCP inhibitor. Significant differences among measurements were determined using two-tailed distribution, equal variance student's t test. Results We describe for the first time, a direct and quantifiable assay to evaluate GCP enzymatic activity in human skin biopsy samples. In addition, we show that GCP activity in skin is responsive to pharmacological manipulation; GCP activity in rodent paws was inhibited in a dose response manner following peripheral administration of a potent and selective GCP inhibitor. Inhibition of GCP activity in rat paw pads was shown to correlate to inhibition of GCP activity in peripheral nerve. Conclusion Monitoring GCP activity in human skin after administration of GCP inhibitors could be readily used as PD marker in the clinical development of GCP inhibitors. Enzymatic activity provides a simple and direct measurement of GCP activity from tissue samples easily assessable in human subjects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Camilo Rojas
- Brain Science Institute, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, 855 North Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
36
|
mGlu2 metabotropic glutamate receptors restrain inflammatory pain and mediate the analgesic activity of dual mGlu2/mGlu3 receptor agonists. Mol Pain 2011; 7:6. [PMID: 21235748 PMCID: PMC3030510 DOI: 10.1186/1744-8069-7-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2010] [Accepted: 01/14/2011] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Group II metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) couple to the inhibitory G-protein Gi. The group II mGluRs include two subtypes, mGlu2 and mGlu3, and their pharmacological activation produces analgesic effects in inflammatory and neuropathic pain states. However, the specific contribution of each one of the two subtypes has not been clarified due to the lack of selective orthosteric ligands that can discriminate between mGlu2 and mGlu3 subtypes. In this study we used mGlu2 or mGlu3 knock-out mice to dissect the specific role for these two receptors in the endogenous control of inflammatory pain and their specific contribution to the analgesic activity of mixed mGlu2/3 receptor agonists. Our results showed that mGlu2-/- mice display a significantly greater pain response compared to their wild type littermates. Interestingly the increased pain sensitivity in mGlu2-/- mice occurred only in the second phase of the formalin test. No differences were observed in the first phase. In contrast, mGlu3-/- mice did not significantly differ from their wild type littermates in either phase of the formalin test. When systemically injected, a single administration of the mGlu2/3 agonist, LY379268 (3 mg/kg, ip), showed a significant reduction of both phases in wild-type mice and in mGlu3-/- but not in mGlu2-/- mice. However tolerance to the analgesic effect of LY379268 (3 mg/kg, ip) in mGlu3-/- mice developed following 5 consecutive days of injection. Taken together, these results demonstrate that: (i) mGlu2 receptors play a predominant role over mGlu3 receptors in the control of inflammatory pain in mice; (ii) the analgesic activity of mixed mGlu2/3 agonists is entirely mediated by the activation of the mGlu2 subtype and (iii) the development of tolerance to the analgesic effect of mGlu2/3 agonists develops despite the lack of mGlu3 receptors.
Collapse
|
37
|
Adedoyin MO, Vicini S, Neale JH. Endogenous N-acetylaspartylglutamate (NAAG) inhibits synaptic plasticity/transmission in the amygdala in a mouse inflammatory pain model. Mol Pain 2010; 6:60. [PMID: 20860833 PMCID: PMC3152775 DOI: 10.1186/1744-8069-6-60] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2010] [Accepted: 09/22/2010] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The peptide neurotransmitter N-acetylaspartylglutamate (NAAG) is widely expressed throughout the vertebrate nervous system, including the pain processing neuraxis. Inhibitors of NAAG peptidases are analgesic in animal models of pain. However, the brain regions involved in NAAG's analgesic action have not been rigorously defined. Group II metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluR2/3) play a role in pain processing in the laterocapsular part of the central nucleus of the amygdala (CeLC). Given the high concentration of NAAG in the amygdala and its activation of group II mGluRs (mGluR3 > mGluR2), this study was undertaken using the mouse formalin model of inflammatory pain to test the hypothesis that NAAG influences pain processing in the amygdala. Evoked excitatory postsynaptic currents (eEPSCs) were studied in neurons in the CeLC of mouse brain slices following stimulation of the spinoparabrachial amygdaloid afferents. RESULTS Application of a NAAG peptidase inhibitor, ZJ43, dose dependently inhibited the amplitude of the eEPSCs by up to 50% in control CeLC demonstrating the role of NAAG in regulation of excitatory transmission at this synapse. A group II mGluR agonist (SLx-3095-1) similarly inhibited eEPSC amplitude by about 30%. Both effects were blocked by the group II mGluR antagonist LY341495. ZJ43 was much less effective than SLx in reducing eEPSCs 24 hours post inflammation suggesting an inflammation induced reduction in NAAG release or an increase in the ratio of mGluR2 to mGluR3 expression. Systemic injection of ZJ43 proximal to the time of inflammation blocked peripheral inflammation-induced increases in synaptic transmission of this pathway 24 hrs later and blocked the induction of mechanical allodynia that developed by this time point. CONCLUSIONS The main finding of this study is that NAAG and NAAG peptidase inhibition reduce excitatory neurotransmission and inflammation-induced plasticity at the spinoparabrachial synapse within the pain processing pathway of the central amygdaloid nucleus.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mary O Adedoyin
- Department of Biology, Georgetown University, Biology Reiss Building 37th and O St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20057, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
38
|
Carozzi VA, Chiorazzi A, Canta A, Lapidus RG, Slusher BS, Wozniak KM, Cavaletti G. Glutamate Carboxypeptidase Inhibition Reduces the Severity of Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neurotoxicity in Rat. Neurotox Res 2009; 17:380-91. [DOI: 10.1007/s12640-009-9114-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2009] [Revised: 08/07/2009] [Accepted: 09/01/2009] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
|
39
|
Chopra M, Yao Y, Blake TJ, Hampson DR, Johnson EC. The Neuroactive Peptide N-Acetylaspartylglutamate Is Not an Agonist at the Metabotropic Glutamate Receptor Subtype 3 of Metabotropic Glutamate Receptor. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2009; 330:212-9. [DOI: 10.1124/jpet.109.152553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
|
40
|
Barinka C, Byun Y, Dusich CL, Banerjee SR, Chen Y, Castanares M, Kozikowski AP, Mease RC, Pomper MG, Lubkowski J. Interactions between human glutamate carboxypeptidase II and urea-based inhibitors: structural characterization. J Med Chem 2008; 51:7737-43. [PMID: 19053759 PMCID: PMC5516903 DOI: 10.1021/jm800765e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 121] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Urea-based, low molecular weight ligands of glutamate carboxypeptidase II (GCPII) have demonstrated efficacy in various models of neurological disorders and can serve as imaging agents for prostate cancer. To enhance further development of such compounds, we determined X-ray structures of four complexes between human GCPII and urea-based inhibitors at high resolution. All ligands demonstrate an invariant glutarate moiety within the S1' pocket of the enzyme. The ureido linkage between P1 and P1' inhibitor sites interacts with the active-site Zn(1)(2+) ion and the side chains of Tyr552 and His553. Interactions within the S1 pocket are defined primarily by a network of hydrogen bonds between the P1 carboxylate group of the inhibitors and the side chains of Arg534, Arg536, and Asn519. Importantly, we have identified a hydrophobic pocket accessory to the S1 site that can be exploited for structure-based design of novel GCPII inhibitors with increased lipophilicity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Martin G. Pomper
- To whom correspondence should be addressed. for J.L.: phone, 301-846-5494; fax, 301-846-7517; ; address: Macromolecular Crystallography Laboratory, 539 Boyles Street, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, MD 21702. For M.G.P.: phone, 410-955-2789; fax, 443-956-5055; ; address: 1550 Orleans Street, 492 CRB II, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions Baltimore, MD 21213
| | - Jacek Lubkowski
- To whom correspondence should be addressed. for J.L.: phone, 301-846-5494; fax, 301-846-7517; ; address: Macromolecular Crystallography Laboratory, 539 Boyles Street, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, MD 21702. For M.G.P.: phone, 410-955-2789; fax, 443-956-5055; ; address: 1550 Orleans Street, 492 CRB II, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions Baltimore, MD 21213
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Yamamoto T, Kozikowski A, Zhou J, Neale JH. Intracerebroventricular administration of N-acetylaspartylglutamate (NAAG) peptidase inhibitors is analgesic in inflammatory pain. Mol Pain 2008; 4:31. [PMID: 18673570 PMCID: PMC2517065 DOI: 10.1186/1744-8069-4-31] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2008] [Accepted: 08/01/2008] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The peptide neurotransmitter N-Acetylaspartylglutamate (NAAG) is the third most prevalent transmitter in the mammalian central nervous system. Local, intrathecal and systemic administration of inhibitors of enzymes that inactivate NAAG decrease responses to inflammatory pain in rat models. Consistent with NAAG's activation of group II metabotropic glutamate receptors, this analgesia is blocked by a group II antagonist. Results This research aimed at determining if analgesia obtained following systemic administration of NAAG peptidase inhibitors is due to NAAG activation of group II mGluRs in brain circuits that mediate perception of inflammatory pain. NAAG and NAAG peptidase inhibitors, ZJ43 and 2-PMPA, were microinjected into a lateral ventricle prior to injection of formalin in the rat footpad. Each treatment reduced the early and late phases of the formalin-induced inflammatory pain response in a dose-dependent manner. The group II mGluR antagonist reversed these analgesic effects consistent with the conclusion that analgesia was mediated by increasing NAAG levels and the peptide's activation of group II receptors. Conclusion These data contribute to proof of the concept that NAAG peptidase inhibition is a novel therapeutic approach to inflammatory pain and that these inhibitors achieve analgesia by elevating synaptic levels of NAAG within pain processing circuits in brain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tatsuo Yamamoto
- Department of Biology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20057, USA.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
42
|
Olszewski RT, Wegorzewska MM, Monteiro AC, Krolikowski KA, Zhou J, Kozikowski AP, Long K, Mastropaolo J, Deutsch SI, Neale JH. Phencyclidine and dizocilpine induced behaviors reduced by N-acetylaspartylglutamate peptidase inhibition via metabotropic glutamate receptors. Biol Psychiatry 2008; 63:86-91. [PMID: 17597589 PMCID: PMC2185547 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2007.04.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2007] [Revised: 04/13/2007] [Accepted: 04/13/2007] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor open channel blockers phencyclidine (PCP) and dizocilpine (MK-801) elicit schizophrenia-like symptoms in humans and in animal models. Group II metabotropic glutamate receptor agonists reverse the behavioral effects of PCP and MK-801 in animal models. N-acetylaspartylglutamate (NAAG), the third most prevalent neurotransmitter in the mammalian nervous system, is a selective group II metabotropic glutamate receptor agonist. We previously reported that ZJ43, a potent inhibitor of the enzymes that inactivate synaptically released NAAG, reduced motor and stereotypic effects of PCP in the rat. METHODS To confirm the efficacy of NAAG peptidase inhibition in decreasing motor behaviors induced by PCP and MK-801, ZJ43 was tested in additional schizophrenia models. RESULTS ZJ43 reduced MK-801-induced motor activation in a mouse model that has been used to characterize the efficacy of a wide range of pharmacotherapies for this human disorder. In a second mouse strain, the peptidase inhibitor reduced PCP-induced stereotypic movements. ZJ43 also reduced PCP-induced negative symptoms in a resident-intruder assay. The group II metabotropic glutamate receptor antagonist, LY341495, blocked the effect of NAAG peptidase inhibition in these mouse models of positive and negative PCP- and MK-801-induced behaviors. Additionally, LY341495 alone increased some PCP-induced behaviors suggesting that normal levels of NAAG act to moderate the effect of PCP via a group II mGluR. CONCLUSIONS These data support the proposal that NAAG peptidase inhibition and elevation of synaptic NAAG levels represent a new therapeutic approach to treating the positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia that are modeled by open channel NMDA receptor antagonists.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rafal T. Olszewski
- Department of Biology, Georgetown University, Washington, D.C. 20057, USA
| | | | - Ana C. Monteiro
- Department of Biology, Georgetown University, Washington, D.C. 20057, USA
| | | | - Jia Zhou
- Acenta Discovery Inc., Tuscon, AZ, 85747
| | - Alan P. Kozikowski
- Acenta Discovery Inc., Tuscon, AZ, 85747
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, University of Illinois at Chicago, IL 60612
| | - Katrice Long
- Mental Health Service Line, Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Washington, D.C. 20422
| | - John Mastropaolo
- Mental Health Service Line, Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Washington, D.C. 20422
| | - Stephen I. Deutsch
- Department of Psychiatry, Georgetown University, Washington, D.C. 20057, USA
- Mental Health Service Line, Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Washington, D.C. 20422
| | - Joseph H. Neale
- Department of Biology, Georgetown University, Washington, D.C. 20057, USA
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Tsukamoto T, Wozniak KM, Slusher BS. Progress in the discovery and development of glutamate carboxypeptidase II inhibitors. Drug Discov Today 2007; 12:767-76. [PMID: 17826690 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2007.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
During the past 10 years, substantial progress has been made in the discovery and development of small molecule glutamate carboxypeptidase II (GCP II) inhibitors. These inhibitors have provided the necessary tools to investigate the physiological role of GCP II as well as the potential therapeutic benefits of its inhibition in neurological disorders of glutamatergic dysregulation. This review article details key GCP II inhibitors discovered in the last decade and important findings from preclinical and clinical studies.
Collapse
|