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Cai J, Cheung J, Cheung SWM, Chin KTC, Leung RWK, Lam RST, Sharma R, Yiu JHC, Woo CW. Butyrate acts as a positive allosteric modulator of the 5-HT transporter to decrease availability of 5-HT in the ileum. Br J Pharmacol 2024; 181:1654-1670. [PMID: 38129963 DOI: 10.1111/bph.16305] [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: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Radiation therapy-induced gastrointestinal distress is partly associated with the elimination of gut microbiota. The effectiveness of 5-HT receptor antagonists to treat radiation therapy-induced emesis implies a pathophysiological role of 5-HT. Peripheral 5-HT is derived from intestinal epithelium. We have investigated the role of gut microbiota in regulating intestinal 5-HT availability. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH A radiation therapy murine model accompanied by faecal microbiota transplantation from donors fed different diets was investigated, and mouse ileal organoids were used for mechanistic studies. The clinical relevance was validated by a small-scale human study. KEY RESULTS Short-term high-fat diet (HFD) induced gut bacteria to produce butyrate. Irradiated mice receiving HFD-induced microbiome had the lowest ileal levels of 5-HT, compared with other recipients. Treatment with butyrate increased 5-HT uptake in mouse ileal organoids, assayed by the real-time tracking of a fluorescent substrate for monoamine transporters. Silencing the 5-HT transporter (SERT) in the organoids abolished butyrate-stimulated 5-HT uptake. The competitive tests using different types of selective 5-HT reuptake inhibitors suggested that butyrate acted as a positive allosteric modulator of SERT. In human gut microbiota, butyrate production was associated with the interconversion between acetate and butyrate. Faecal contents of both acetate and butyrate were negatively associated with serum 5-HT, but only butyrate was positively correlated with body mass index in humans. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS Short-term HFD may be beneficial for alleviating gastrointestinal reactions by increasing butyrate to suppress local 5-HT levels and providing energy to cancer patients given radiation therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jieling Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Jamie Cheung
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Samson W M Cheung
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Karie T C Chin
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Ricky W K Leung
- Centre for PanorOmic Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Ronald S T Lam
- Centre for PanorOmic Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Rakesh Sharma
- Centre for PanorOmic Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Jensen H C Yiu
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Connie W Woo
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Micon Analytics, Toronto, Canada
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Salomon K, Abramyan AM, Plenge P, Wang L, Bundgaard C, Bang-Andersen B, Loland CJ, Shi L. Dynamic extracellular vestibule of human SERT: Unveiling druggable potential with high-affinity allosteric inhibitors. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2304089120. [PMID: 37792512 PMCID: PMC10576121 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2304089120] [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: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The serotonin transporter (SERT) tightly regulates synaptic serotonin levels and has been the primary target of antidepressants. Binding of inhibitors to the allosteric site of human SERT (hSERT) impedes the dissociation of antidepressants bound at the central site and may enhance the efficacy of such antidepressants to potentially reduce their dosage and side effects. Here, we report the identification of a series of high-affinity allosteric inhibitors of hSERT in a unique scaffold, with the lead compound, Lu AF88273 (3-(1-(2-(1H-indol-3-yl)ethyl)piperidin-4-yl)-6-chloro-1H-indole), having 2.1 nM allosteric potency in inhibiting imipramine dissociation. In addition, we find that Lu AF88273 also inhibits serotonin transport in a noncompetitive manner. The binding pose of Lu AF88273 in the allosteric site of hSERT is determined with extensive molecular dynamics simulations and rigorous absolute binding free energy perturbation (FEP) calculations, which show that a part of the compound occupies a dynamically formed small cavity. The predicted binding location and pose are validated by site-directed mutagenesis and can explain much of the structure-activity relationship of these inhibitors using the relative binding FEP calculations. Together, our findings provide a promising lead compound and the structural basis for the development of allosteric drugs targeting hSERT. Further, they demonstrate that the divergent allosteric sites of neurotransmitter transporters can be selectively targeted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristine Salomon
- Laboratory for Membrane Protein Dynamics, Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, DK-2200Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Ara M. Abramyan
- Computational Chemistry and Molecular Biophysics Section, Molecular Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse - Intramural Research Program, NIH, Baltimore, MD21224
- Schrödinger, Inc., San Diego, CA92121
| | - Per Plenge
- Laboratory for Membrane Protein Dynamics, Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, DK-2200Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | | | - Christoffer Bundgaard
- Medicinal Chemistry and Translational DMPK, H. Lundbeck A/S, DK-2500Copenhagen-Valby, Denmark
| | - Benny Bang-Andersen
- Medicinal Chemistry and Translational DMPK, H. Lundbeck A/S, DK-2500Copenhagen-Valby, Denmark
| | - Claus J. Loland
- Laboratory for Membrane Protein Dynamics, Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, DK-2200Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Lei Shi
- Computational Chemistry and Molecular Biophysics Section, Molecular Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse - Intramural Research Program, NIH, Baltimore, MD21224
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Raza S, Ahmed S, Islam R, Ahmed M, Ashraf S, Islam H, Kiyani H, Saqib M, Shah SAR, Mumtaz H. Sertraline versus escitalopram in South Asians with moderate to severe major depressive disorder: (SOUTH-DEP) a double-blind, parallel, randomized controlled trial. Ann Med Surg (Lond) 2023; 85:4851-4859. [PMID: 37811114 PMCID: PMC10553200 DOI: 10.1097/ms9.0000000000001185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective The study design included the double-blind, parallel, randomized controlled trial. The aim of this randomized controlled trial was to compare the efficacy and safety of sertraline and escitalopram in participants with moderate to severe major depressive disorder (MDD). Methods The study was conducted in South Asian participants. A total of 744 participants with moderate to severe MDD were randomly assigned to receive either sertraline or escitalopram for 8 weeks. Drug dosages and titration schedules were based on the recommendations of the prescribing information for each product and according to the judgment of the clinicians involved in the study. The primary outcome measures were changes from baseline on the Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) and the clinical global impression (CGI) scale as well as the frequency of adverse events in both groups. Baseline MADRS scores in the escitalopram and sertraline groups were 28.2±0.47 (mean±SD) and 29.70±0.46 (mean±SD) respectively, and was no variability in the baseline assessments. Changes in MADRS as well as CGI scales at the end of the study were significant only for the sertraline group whereas they remained statistically nonsignificant for the escitalopram group. Results: The results of the study showed that sertraline was more efficacious than escitalopram in reducing depression rating scales such as MADRS and CGI, and that participants subjectively felt better regarding their symptoms in the sertraline group. Sertraline displays enhanced safety or tolerability than other groups of antidepressants, which frequently cause high levels of drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision, and other undesirable effects. Adverse events were seen in both groups, but delayed ejaculation was the most frequent adverse event seen in both groups. However, a greater number of participants reported having nausea and insomnia in the sertraline group compared to the escitalopram group. Conclusion Our study clearly highlights that there is a statistically significant difference in efficacy between sertraline and escitalopram at the doses used in our study. Sertraline was able to significantly lower the depression rating scales like MADRS and CGI in participants with moderate to severe MDD. Participants subjectively felt better regarding their symptoms in the sertraline group. The most frequent adverse event in both groups was delayed ejaculation. From an efficacy standpoint, sertraline was more efficacious than escitalopram. The study indicates that the prevalence of depressive disorders in South Asia is comparable to the global estimate, and Bangladesh and India has higher proportions of people with depressive disorders in South Asia. Additionally, females and older adults (75-79 years) have the highest burden of depressive disorders across all countries in the region. This study's limitation included the absence of a placebo arm. An additional limitation of the current study was the lack of an evaluation of inter-rater reliability and the research sample could not have been uniform in terms of the kind of depressive disorders and bipolarity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Hassan Mumtaz
- Clinical Research Associate, Maroof International Hospital, Islamabad
- Public Health Scholar, Health Services Academy, Pakistan
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The Bright Side of Psychedelics: Latest Advances and Challenges in Neuropharmacology. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24021329. [PMID: 36674849 PMCID: PMC9865175 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24021329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 12/31/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The need to identify effective therapies for the treatment of psychiatric disorders is a particularly important issue in modern societies. In addition, difficulties in finding new drugs have led pharmacologists to review and re-evaluate some past molecules, including psychedelics. For several years there has been growing interest among psychotherapists in psilocybin or lysergic acid diethylamide for the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder, of depression, or of post-traumatic stress disorder, although results are not always clear and definitive. In fact, the mechanisms of action of psychedelics are not yet fully understood and some molecular aspects have yet to be well defined. Thus, this review aims to summarize the ethnobotanical uses of the best-known psychedelic plants and the pharmacological mechanisms of the main active ingredients they contain. Furthermore, an up-to-date overview of structural and computational studies performed to evaluate the affinity and binding modes to biologically relevant receptors of ibogaine, mescaline, N,N-dimethyltryptamine, psilocin, and lysergic acid diethylamide is presented. Finally, the most recent clinical studies evaluating the efficacy of psychedelic molecules in some psychiatric disorders are discussed and compared with drugs already used in therapy.
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Bhatia V, Dhingra AK, Chopra B, Guarve K. A Review of Clinical Studies Assessing the Therapeutic Efficacy of Escitalopram: A Step Towards Development. CNS & NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS DRUG TARGETS 2023; 22:41-50. [PMID: 35232356 DOI: 10.2174/1871527321666220301122807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Revised: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Major depression is a debilitating, sometimes fatal disorder, deteriorating the quality of life and well-being. Escitalopram showed highly selective and dose-dependent inhibitory activity on human serotonin transport. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the first-line drugs to manage major depressive disorder (MDD). OBJECTIVE The objective of this study is to explore the therapeutic potential of escitalopram, a clinically approved drug to manage MDD and panic disorders. METHODS It emphasizes comparative and clinical trial studies with several pharmacological targets reviewed from the data available on PubMed, Science Direct, Clinicaltrails.gov, and from many reputed foundations. RESULTS To highlight the clinical efficacy, safety, recent development, and stable formulation of escitalopram with an increased bioavailability profile. Evidence-based on the available clinical and pharmacoeconomic data, escitalopram represents an effective first-line treatment option for MDD patients. CONCLUSION The present review highlights the placebo-controlled clinical studies and the recent development that can be helpful for further research perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vishal Bhatia
- Guru Gobind Singh College of Pharmacy, City Center Road, Yamuna Nagar-135001, Haryana, India
| | - Ashwani K Dhingra
- Guru Gobind Singh College of Pharmacy, City Center Road, Yamuna Nagar-135001, Haryana, India
| | - Bhawna Chopra
- Guru Gobind Singh College of Pharmacy, City Center Road, Yamuna Nagar-135001, Haryana, India
| | - Kumar Guarve
- Guru Gobind Singh College of Pharmacy, City Center Road, Yamuna Nagar-135001, Haryana, India
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The antidepressant drug vilazodone is an allosteric inhibitor of the serotonin transporter. Nat Commun 2021; 12:5063. [PMID: 34417466 PMCID: PMC8379219 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-25363-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Depression is a common mental disorder. The standard medical treatment is the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). All characterized SSRIs are competitive inhibitors of the serotonin transporter (SERT). A non-competitive inhibitor may produce a more favorable therapeutic profile. Vilazodone is an antidepressant with limited information on its molecular interactions with SERT. Here we use molecular pharmacology and cryo-EM structural elucidation to characterize vilazodone binding to SERT. We find that it exhibits non-competitive inhibition of serotonin uptake and impedes dissociation of [3H]imipramine at low nanomolar concentrations. Our SERT structure with bound imipramine and vilazodone reveals a unique binding pocket for vilazodone, expanding the boundaries of the extracellular vestibule. Characterization of the binding site is substantiated with molecular dynamics simulations and systematic mutagenesis of interacting residues resulting in decreased vilazodone binding to the allosteric site. Our findings underline the versatility of SERT allosteric ligands and describe the unique binding characteristics of vilazodone. Vilazodone (VLZ) is a drug for the treatment of major depressive disorders that targets the serotonin transporter (SERT). Here, the authors combine pharmacology measurements and cryo-EM structural analysis to characterize VLZ binding to SERT and observe that VLZ exhibits non-competitive inhibition of serotonin transport and binds with nanomolar affinity to an allosteric site in SERT.
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7
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Niello M, Gradisch R, Loland CJ, Stockner T, Sitte HH. Allosteric Modulation of Neurotransmitter Transporters as a Therapeutic Strategy. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2020; 41:446-463. [PMID: 32471654 PMCID: PMC7610661 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2020.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2020] [Revised: 04/21/2020] [Accepted: 04/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Neurotransmitter transporters (NTTs) are involved in the fine-tuning of brain neurotransmitter homeostasis. As such, they are implicated in a plethora of complex behaviors, including reward, movement, and cognition. During recent decades, compounds that modulate NTT functions have been developed. Some of them are in clinical use for the management of different neuropsychiatric conditions. The majority of these compounds have been found to selectively interact with the orthosteric site of NTTs. Recently, diverse allosteric sites have been described in a number of NTTs, modulating their function. A more complex NTT pharmacology may be useful in the development of novel therapeutics. Here, we summarize current knowledge on such modulatory allosteric sites, with specific focus on their pharmacological and therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Niello
- Centre for Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Ralph Gradisch
- Centre for Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Claus Juul Loland
- Laboratory for Membrane Protein Dynamics. Department of Neuroscience. University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Thomas Stockner
- Centre for Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Harald H Sitte
- Centre for Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; AddRess, Centre for Addiction Research and Science, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
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8
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Cheng B, Morstein J, Ladefoged LK, Maesen JB, Schiøtt B, Sinning S, Trauner D. A Photoswitchable Inhibitor of the Human Serotonin Transporter. ACS Chem Neurosci 2020; 11:1231-1237. [PMID: 32275382 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.9b00521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The human serotonin transporter (hSERT) terminates serotonergic signaling through reuptake of neurotransmitter into presynaptic neurons and is a target for many antidepressant drugs. We describe here the development of a photoswitchable hSERT inhibitor, termed azo-escitalopram, that can be reversibly switched between trans and cis configurations using light of different wavelengths. The dark-adapted trans isomer was found to be significantly less active than the cis isomer, formed upon irradiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bichu Cheng
- School of Science, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), Shenzhen 518055, China
- Department of Chemistry, New York University, 100 Washington Square East, New York, New York 10003, United States
| | - Johannes Morstein
- Department of Chemistry, New York University, 100 Washington Square East, New York, New York 10003, United States
| | - Lucy Kate Ladefoged
- Department of Chemistry, Aarhus University, Langelandsgade 140, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Jannick Bang Maesen
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Aarhus University, Palle Juul-Jensens Boulevard 99, 8200 Aarhus N, Denmark
| | - Birgit Schiøtt
- Department of Chemistry, Aarhus University, Langelandsgade 140, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Steffen Sinning
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Aarhus University, Palle Juul-Jensens Boulevard 99, 8200 Aarhus N, Denmark
| | - Dirk Trauner
- Department of Chemistry, New York University, 100 Washington Square East, New York, New York 10003, United States
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Nakamoto C, Kawamura M, Nakatsukasa E, Natsume R, Takao K, Watanabe M, Abe M, Takeuchi T, Sakimura K. GluD1 knockout mice with a pure C57BL/6N background show impaired fear memory, social interaction, and enhanced depressive-like behavior. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0229288. [PMID: 32078638 PMCID: PMC7032715 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0229288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2019] [Accepted: 02/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The GluD1 gene is associated with susceptibility for schizophrenia, autism, depression, and bipolar disorder. However, the function of GluD1 and how it is involved in these conditions remain elusive. In this study, we generated a Grid1 gene-knockout (GluD1-KO) mouse line with a pure C57BL/6N genetic background and performed several behavioral analyses. Compared to a control group, GluD1-KO mice showed no significant anxiety-related behavioral differences, evaluated using behavior in an open field, elevated plus maze, a light-dark transition test, the resident-intruder test of aggression and sensorimotor gating evaluated by the prepulse inhibition test. However, GluD1-KO mice showed (1) higher locomotor activity in the open field, (2) decreased sociability and social novelty preference in the three-chambered social interaction test, (3) impaired memory in contextual, but not cued fear conditioning tests, and (4) enhanced depressive-like behavior in a forced swim test. Pharmacological studies revealed that enhanced depressive-like behavior in GluD1-KO mice was restored by the serotonin reuptake inhibitors imipramine and fluoxetine, but not the norepinephrine transporter inhibitor desipramine. In addition, biochemical analysis revealed no significant difference in protein expression levels, such as other glutamate receptors in the synaptosome and postsynaptic densities prepared from the frontal cortex and the hippocampus. These results suggest that GluD1 plays critical roles in fear memory, sociability, and depressive-like behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chihiro Nakamoto
- Department of Animal Model Development, Brain Research Institute, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Danish Research Institute of Translational Neuroscience–DANDRITE, Nordic-EMBL Partnership for Molecular Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Meiko Kawamura
- Department of Animal Model Development, Brain Research Institute, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
| | - Ena Nakatsukasa
- Department of Animal Model Development, Brain Research Institute, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
| | - Rie Natsume
- Department of Animal Model Development, Brain Research Institute, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
| | - Keizo Takao
- Graduate School of Innovative Life Science, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
- Life Science Research Center, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | - Masahiko Watanabe
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Manabu Abe
- Department of Animal Model Development, Brain Research Institute, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
- * E-mail: (TT); (MA)
| | - Tomonori Takeuchi
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Danish Research Institute of Translational Neuroscience–DANDRITE, Nordic-EMBL Partnership for Molecular Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- * E-mail: (TT); (MA)
| | - Kenji Sakimura
- Department of Animal Model Development, Brain Research Institute, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
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Budău M, Hancu G, Rusu A, Muntean DL. Analytical methodologies for the enantiodetermination of citalopram and its metabolites. Chirality 2019; 32:32-41. [PMID: 31702071 DOI: 10.1002/chir.23139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2019] [Revised: 09/25/2019] [Accepted: 10/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Citalopram (CIT) is a highly selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) frequently used in the treatment of major depressive disorders. It has a chiral centre in its structure and is used in therapy both as a racemic mixture (R,S-CIT) and a pure enantiomer (S-CIT). The differences between the pharmacokinetic and pharmacological profiles of the two enantiomers are well established. Consequently, the development of new efficient chiral analysis methods for their enantiomeric separation is a topic of great actuality. CIT metabolism is stereoselective as it is metabolized in chiral active metabolites, which retain considerable SSRI activity and contribute to the pharmacological effect. Chiral analytical methods are employed for the determination of enantiomeric ratio in pharmaceutical preparations and for monitoring the enantiomer levels in biological samples for therapeutic and toxicologic purposes. The current study reviews the published literature for the chiral analysis of CIT and its metabolites based on chromatographic and electrophoretic methods coupled with UV, fluorescence and mass spectrometry detectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Budău
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Medicine, Romania
| | - Gabriel Hancu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Medicine, Romania
| | - Aura Rusu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Medicine, Romania
| | - Daniela Lucia Muntean
- Department of Analytical Chemistry and Drug Analysis, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Medicine, Romania
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Joseph D, Pidathala S, Mallela AK, Penmatsa A. Structure and Gating Dynamics of Na +/Cl - Coupled Neurotransmitter Transporters. Front Mol Biosci 2019; 6:80. [PMID: 31555663 PMCID: PMC6742698 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2019.00080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2019] [Accepted: 08/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurotransmitters released at the neural synapse through vesicle exocytosis are spatiotemporally controlled by the action of neurotransmitter transporters. Integral membrane proteins of the solute carrier 6 (SLC6) family are involved in the sodium and chloride coupled uptake of biogenic amine neurotransmitters including dopamine, serotonin, noradrenaline and inhibitory neurotransmitters including glycine and γ-amino butyric acid. This ion-coupled symport works through a well-orchestrated gating of substrate through alternating-access, which is mediated through movements of helices that resemble a rocking-bundle. A large array of commercially prescribed drugs and psychostimulants selectively target neurotransmitter transporters thereby modulating their levels in the synaptic space. Drug-induced changes in the synaptic neurotransmitter levels can be used to treat depression or neuropathic pain whereas in some instances prolonged usage can lead to habituation. Earlier structural studies of bacterial neurotransmitter transporter homolog LeuT and recent structure elucidation of the Drosophila dopamine transporter (dDAT) and human serotonin transporter (hSERT) have yielded a wealth of information in understanding the transport and inhibition mechanism of neurotransmitter transporters. Computational studies based on the structures of dDAT and hSERT have shed light on the dynamics of varied components of these molecular gates in affecting the uphill transport of neurotransmitters. This review seeks to address structural dynamics of neurotransmitter transporters at the extracellular and intracellular gates and the effect of inhibitors on the ligand-binding pocket. We also delve into the effect of additional factors including lipids and cytosolic domains that influence the translocation of neurotransmitters across the membrane.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepthi Joseph
- Molecular Biophysics Unit, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India
| | | | | | - Aravind Penmatsa
- Molecular Biophysics Unit, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India
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12
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Serotonin transporter-ibogaine complexes illuminate mechanisms of inhibition and transport. Nature 2019; 569:141-145. [PMID: 31019304 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-019-1135-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 154] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2018] [Accepted: 03/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The serotonin transporter (SERT) regulates neurotransmitter homeostasis through the sodium- and chloride-dependent recycling of serotonin into presynaptic neurons1-3. Major depression and anxiety disorders are treated using selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors-small molecules that competitively block substrate binding and thereby prolong neurotransmitter action2,4. The dopamine and noradrenaline transporters, together with SERT, are members of the neurotransmitter sodium symporter (NSS) family. The transport activities of NSSs can be inhibited or modulated by cocaine and amphetamines2,3, and genetic variants of NSSs are associated with several neuropsychiatric disorders including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, autism and bipolar disorder2,5. Studies of bacterial NSS homologues-including LeuT-have shown how their transmembrane helices (TMs) undergo conformational changes during the transport cycle, exposing a central binding site to either side of the membrane1,6-12. However, the conformational changes associated with transport in NSSs remain unknown. To elucidate structure-based mechanisms for transport in SERT we investigated its complexes with ibogaine, a hallucinogenic natural product with psychoactive and anti-addictive properties13,14. Notably, ibogaine is a non-competitive inhibitor of transport but displays competitive binding towards selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors15,16. Here we report cryo-electron microscopy structures of SERT-ibogaine complexes captured in outward-open, occluded and inward-open conformations. Ibogaine binds to the central binding site, and closure of the extracellular gate largely involves movements of TMs 1b and 6a. Opening of the intracellular gate involves a hinge-like movement of TM1a and the partial unwinding of TM5, which together create a permeation pathway that enables substrate and ion diffusion to the cytoplasm. These structures define the structural rearrangements that occur from the outward-open to inward-open conformations, and provide insight into the mechanism of neurotransmitter transport and ibogaine inhibition.
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13
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Substrate and inhibitor binding to the serotonin transporter: Insights from computational, crystallographic, and functional studies. Neuropharmacology 2019; 161:107548. [PMID: 30807752 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2019.02.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2018] [Revised: 02/19/2019] [Accepted: 02/22/2019] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
The serotonin transporter (SERT) belongs to the monoamine transporter family, which also includes the dopamine and norepinephrine transporters. SERT is essential for regulating serotonergic signaling by the reuptake of serotonin from the synaptic cleft back into the presynaptic neuron. Dysregulation of SERT has been implicated in several major psychiatric disorders such as major depressive disorder (MDD). MDD was among the top five leading causes of years lived with disease in 2016 and is characterized as a major global burden. Several drugs have been developed to target SERT for use in the treatment of MDD, and their respective binding modes and locations within SERT have been studied. The elucidation of the first structure of a bacterial SERT homologue in 2005 has accelerated crystallographic, computational, and functional studies to further elucidate drug binding and method of action in SERT. Herein, we aim to highlight and compare these studies with an emphasis on what the different experimental methods conclude on substrate and inhibitor binding modes, and the potential caveats of using the different types of studies are discussed. We focus this review on the binding of cognate substrate and drugs belonging to the different families of antidepressants, including tricyclic antidepressants, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, and multimodal drugs, as well as illicit drugs such as cocaine, amphetamines, and ibogaine. This article is part of the issue entitled 'Special Issue on Neurotransmitter Transporters'.
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14
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Yarravarapu N, Geffert L, Surratt CK, Cascio M, Lapinsky DJ. Clickable photoaffinity ligands for the human serotonin transporter based on the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (S)-citalopram. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2018; 28:3431-3435. [PMID: 30266542 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2018.09.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2018] [Revised: 09/20/2018] [Accepted: 09/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
To date, the development of photoaffinity ligands targeting the human serotonin transporter (hSERT), a key protein involved in disease states such as depression and anxiety, have been radioisotope-based (i.e., 3H or 125I). This letter instead highlights three derivatives of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) (S)-citalopram that were rationally designed and synthesized to contain a photoreactive benzophenone or an aryl azide for protein target capture via photoaffinity labeling and a terminal alkyne or an aliphatic azide for click chemistry-based proteomics. Specifically, clickable benzophenone-based (S)-citalopram photoprobe 6 (hSERT Ki = 0.16 nM) displayed 11-fold higher binding affinity at hSERT when compared to (S)-citalopram (hSERT Ki = 1.77 nM), and was subsequently shown to successfully undergo tandem photoaffinity labeling-biorthogonal conjugation using purified hSERT. Given clickable photoprobes can be used for various applications depending on which reporter is attached by click chemistry subsequent to photoaffinity labeling, photoprobe 6 is expected to find value in structure-function studies and other research applications involving hSERT (e.g., imaging).
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Affiliation(s)
- Nageswari Yarravarapu
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Duquesne University, 600 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15282, United States
| | - Laura Geffert
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Duquesne University, 600 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15282, United States
| | - Christopher K Surratt
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Duquesne University, 600 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15282, United States
| | - Michael Cascio
- Bayer School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Duquesne University, 600 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15282, United States
| | - David J Lapinsky
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Duquesne University, 600 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15282, United States.
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15
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Tomlinson MJ, Krout D, Pramod AB, Lever JR, Newman AH, Henry LK, Vaughan RA. Identification of the benztropine analog [ 125I]GA II 34 binding site on the human dopamine transporter. Neurochem Int 2018; 123:34-45. [PMID: 30125594 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2018.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2018] [Revised: 08/10/2018] [Accepted: 08/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The dopamine transporter (DAT) is a neuronal membrane protein that is responsible for reuptake of dopamine (DA) from the synapse and functions as a major determinant in control of DA neurotransmission. Cocaine and many psychostimulant drugs bind to DAT and block reuptake, inducing DA overflow that forms the neurochemical basis for euphoria and addiction. Paradoxically, however, some ligands such as benztropine (BZT) bind to DAT and inhibit reuptake but do not produce these effects, and it has been hypothesized that differential mechanisms of binding may stabilize specific transporter conformations that affect downstream neurochemical or behavioral outcomes. To investigate the binding mechanisms of BZT on DAT we used the photoaffinity BZT analog [125I]N-[n-butyl-4-(4‴-azido-3‴-iodophenyl)]-4',4″-difluoro-3α-(diphenylmethoxy)tropane ([125I]GA II 34) to identify the site of cross-linking and predict the binding pose relative to that of previously-examined cocaine photoaffinity analogs. Biochemical findings show that adduction of [125I]GA II 34 occurs at residues Asp79 or Leu80 in TM1, with molecular modeling supporting adduction to Leu80 and a pharmacophore pose in the central S1 site similar to that of cocaine and cocaine analogs. Substituted cysteine accessibility method protection analyses verified these findings, but identified some differences in structural stabilization relative to cocaine that may relate to BZT neurochemical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Tomlinson
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences, 1301 North Columbia Road, Grand Forks, ND 58202, United States
| | - Danielle Krout
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences, 1301 North Columbia Road, Grand Forks, ND 58202, United States
| | - Akula Bala Pramod
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences, 1301 North Columbia Road, Grand Forks, ND 58202, United States
| | - John R Lever
- Research Service, Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans' Hospital, Columbia, MO, 65201, United States; Department of Radiology and Radiopharmaceutical Sciences Institute, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, United States
| | - Amy Hauck Newman
- Medicinal Chemistry Section, National Institute on Drug Abuse - Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD 21224, United States
| | - L Keith Henry
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences, 1301 North Columbia Road, Grand Forks, ND 58202, United States.
| | - Roxanne A Vaughan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences, 1301 North Columbia Road, Grand Forks, ND 58202, United States.
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16
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Neiens P, De Simone A, Ramershoven A, Höfner G, Allmendinger L, Wanner KT. Development and validation of an LC-ESI-MS/MS method for the quantification of D-84, reboxetine and citalopram for their use in MS Binding Assays addressing the monoamine transporters hDAT, hSERT and hNET. Biomed Chromatogr 2018; 32:e4231. [PMID: 29500932 DOI: 10.1002/bmc.4231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2017] [Revised: 01/10/2018] [Accepted: 02/26/2018] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
MS Binding Assays represent a label-free alternative to radioligand binding assays. In this study, we present an LC-ESI-MS/MS method for the quantification of (R,R)-4-(2-benzhydryloxyethyl)-1-(4-fluorobenzyl)piperidin-3-ol [(R,R)-D-84, (R,R)-1], (S,S)-reboxetine [(S,S)-2], and (S)-citalopram [(S)-3] employed as highly selective nonlabeled reporter ligands in MS Binding Assays addressing the dopamine [DAT, (R,R)-D-84], norepinephrine [NET, (S,S)-reboxetine] and serotonin transporter [SERT, (S)-citalopram], respectively. The developed LC-ESI-MS/MS method uses a pentafluorphenyl stationary phase in combination with a mobile phase composed of acetonitrile and ammonium formate buffer for chromatography and a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer in the multiple reaction monitoring mode for mass spectrometric detection. Quantification is based on deuterated derivatives of all three analytes serving as internal standards. The established LC-ESI-MS/MS method enables fast, robust, selective and highly sensitive quantification of all three reporter ligands in a single chromatographic run. The method was validated according to the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER) guideline for bioanalytical method validation regarding selectivity, accuracy, precision, calibration curve and sensitivity. Finally, filtration-based MS Binding Assays were performed for all three monoamine transporters based on this LC-ESI-MS/MS quantification method as read out. The affinities determined in saturation experiments for (R,R)-D-84 toward hDAT, for (S,S)-reboxetine toward hNET, and for (S)-citalopram toward hSERT, respectively, were in good accordance with results from literature, clearly demonstrating that the established MS Binding Assays have the potential to be an efficient alternative to radioligand binding assays widely used for this purpose so far.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Neiens
- Department Pharmazie - Zentrum für Pharmaforschung, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Angela De Simone
- Department for Life Quality Studies, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Rimini, Italy
| | - Anna Ramershoven
- Department Pharmazie - Zentrum für Pharmaforschung, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Georg Höfner
- Department Pharmazie - Zentrum für Pharmaforschung, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Lars Allmendinger
- Department Pharmazie - Zentrum für Pharmaforschung, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Klaus T Wanner
- Department Pharmazie - Zentrum für Pharmaforschung, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
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17
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Structural basis for recognition of diverse antidepressants by the human serotonin transporter. Nat Struct Mol Biol 2018; 25:170-175. [PMID: 29379174 DOI: 10.1038/s41594-018-0026-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2017] [Accepted: 12/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are clinically prescribed antidepressants that act by increasing the local concentrations of neurotransmitters at synapses and in extracellular spaces via blockade of the serotonin transporter. Here we report X-ray structures of engineered thermostable variants of the human serotonin transporter bound to the antidepressants sertraline, fluvoxamine, and paroxetine. The drugs prevent serotonin binding by occupying the central substrate-binding site and stabilizing the transporter in an outward-open conformation. These structures explain how residues within the central site orchestrate binding of chemically diverse inhibitors and mediate transporter drug selectivity.
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18
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Zhu R, Gruber HJ, Hinterdorfer P. Two Ligand Binding Sites in Serotonin Transporter Revealed by Nanopharmacological Force Sensing. Methods Mol Biol 2018; 1814:19-33. [PMID: 29956224 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-8591-3_2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The number of ligand binding sites in neurotransmitter-sodium symporters has been determined by crystal structure analysis and molecular pharmacology with controversial results. Here, we designed molecular tools to measure the interaction forces between the serotonin transporter (SERT) and S-citalopram on the single-molecule level by means of atomic force microscopy. Force spectroscopy allows for the extraction of dynamic information under physiological conditions which is inaccessible via X-ray crystallography. Two populations of distinctly different binding strength between S-citalopram and SERT were demonstrated in Na+-containing buffer. In Li+-containing buffer, SERT showed merely low-force interactions, whereas the vestibular mutant SERT-G402H only displayed the high force population. These observations provide physical evidence for the existence of two different binding sites in SERT when tested under near-physiological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong Zhu
- Institute of Biophysics, Johannes Kepler University Linz, Linz, Austria
| | - Hermann J Gruber
- Institute of Biophysics, Johannes Kepler University Linz, Linz, Austria
| | - Peter Hinterdorfer
- Institute of Biophysics, Johannes Kepler University Linz, Linz, Austria.
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19
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McDonald MD. An AOP analysis of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) for fish. Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol 2017; 197:19-31. [PMID: 28288906 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpc.2017.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2016] [Revised: 02/16/2017] [Accepted: 03/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) are found in measureable quantities within the aquatic environment. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants are one class of pharmaceutical compound that has received a lot of attention. Consistent with most PPCPs, the pharmacokinetics and physiological impacts of SSRI treatment have been well-studied in small mammals and humans and this, combined with the evolutionary conservation of the serotonergic system across vertebrates, allows for the read-across of known SSRI effects in mammals to potential SSRI impacts on aquatic organisms. Using an Adverse Outcome Pathway (AOP) framework, this review examines the similarities and differences between the mammalian and teleost fish SSRI target, the serotonin transporter (SERT; SLC6A4), and the downstream impacts of elevated extracellular serotonin (5-HT; 5-hydroxytryptamine), the consequence of SERT inhibition, on organ systems and physiological processes within teleost fish. This review also intends to reveal potentially understudied endpoints for SSRI toxicity based on what is known to be controlled by 5-HT in fish.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Danielle McDonald
- Department of Marine Biology and Ecology, Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33149, USA.
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20
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Topiol S, Bang-Andersen B, Sanchez C, Plenge P, Loland CJ, Juhl K, Larsen K, Bregnedal P, Bøgesø KP. X-ray structure based evaluation of analogs of citalopram: Compounds with increased affinity and selectivity compared with R-citalopram for the allosteric site (S2) on hSERT. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2017; 27:470-478. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2016.12.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2016] [Revised: 12/12/2016] [Accepted: 12/14/2016] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
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21
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Ferraro M, Masetti M, Recanatini M, Cavalli A, Bottegoni G. Mapping Cholesterol Interaction Sites on Serotonin Transporter through Coarse-Grained Molecular Dynamics. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0166196. [PMID: 27907003 PMCID: PMC5132266 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0166196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2016] [Accepted: 10/24/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Serotonin transporter (SERT) modulates serotonergic signaling via re-uptake of serotonin in pre-synaptic cells. The inclusion in cholesterol-enriched membrane domains is crucial for SERT activity, suggesting a cross-talk between the protein and the sterol. Here, we develop a protocol to identify potential cholesterol interaction sites coupling statistical analysis to multi-microsecond coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations of SERT in a previously validated raft-like membrane model. Six putative sites were found, including a putative CRAC motif on TM4 and a CARC motif on TM10. Among them, four hot-spots near regions related to ion binding, transport, and inhibition were detected. Our results encourage prospective studies to unravel mechanistic features of the transporter and related drug discovery implications.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Matteo Masetti
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology (FaBiT), Alma Mater Studiorum - Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- * E-mail: (MM); (GB)
| | - Maurizio Recanatini
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology (FaBiT), Alma Mater Studiorum - Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Andrea Cavalli
- CompuNet, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova, Italy
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology (FaBiT), Alma Mater Studiorum - Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giovanni Bottegoni
- CompuNet, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova, Italy
- BiKi Technologies s.r.l., Genova, Italy
- * E-mail: (MM); (GB)
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22
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Exploration of insights, opportunities and caveats provided by the X-ray structures of hSERT. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2016; 26:5058-5064. [PMID: 27624075 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2016.08.087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2016] [Revised: 08/24/2016] [Accepted: 08/26/2016] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
The recently reported X-ray structures of the human serotonin (5-HT) transporter SERT with bound inhibitors open new opportunities for drug discovery at SERT, selectivity design with respect to other neurotransmitter sodium transporters, and enhanced understanding of the molecular events involved in SERT action. Through computational and structural analyses, we explore the binding and migration of 5-HT at SERT. Consistent with earlier studies of leucine migration at the bacterial homolog of SERT, LeuT, we find multiple potential 'stopover' sites for 5-HT binding at SERT including the two (transmembrane S1 and extracellular vestibule S2) seen in the binding of the SSRI (S)-citalopram (S-Cit) to SERT, as well as other sites. Docking studies reveal the possibility of both hetero- (S-Cit+5-HT) and homo-dimeric (5-HT+5-HT) co-binding at both these sites which may explain earlier published allosteric activity observations and provide novel design strategies. Comparisons with substrate bound X-ray structures of the dopamine transporter reveal a number of potential sources of selectivity, some of which may be 'artificial' including target based, species related, experimental design related, and ligand dependent examples including substrate versus inhibitor related features.
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23
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Larsen MAB, Plenge P, Andersen J, Eildal JNN, Kristensen AS, Bøgesø KP, Gether U, Strømgaard K, Bang-Andersen B, Loland CJ. Structure-activity relationship studies of citalopram derivatives: examining substituents conferring selectivity for the allosteric site in the 5-HT transporter. Br J Pharmacol 2016; 173:925-36. [PMID: 26699847 DOI: 10.1111/bph.13411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2015] [Revised: 12/10/2015] [Accepted: 12/14/2015] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The 5-HT transporter (SERT) is a target for antidepressant drugs. SERT possesses two binding sites: the orthosteric (S1) binding site, which is the presumed target for current SERT inhibitors, and an allosteric (S2) site for which potential therapeutic effects are unknown. The antidepressant drug citalopram displays high-affinity S1 binding and low-affinity S2 binding. To elucidate a possible therapeutic role of allosteric inhibition of SERT, a drug that specifically targets the allosteric site is required. The purpose of this study was to find a compound having higher selectivity towards the S2 site. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH We performed a systematic structure-activity relationship study based on the scaffold of citalopram and the structurally closely related congener, talopram, which shows low-affinity S1 binding in SERT. The role of the four chemical substituents, which distinguish citalopram from talopram in conferring selectivity towards the S1 and S2 site, respectively, was assessed by determining the binding of 14 citalopram/talopram analogous to the S1 and S2 binding sites in SERT using membranes of COS7 cells transiently expressing SERT. KEY RESULTS The structure-activity relationship study revealed that dimethyl citalopram possesses the highest affinity for the allosteric site relative to the S1 site in SERT and has approximately twofold selectivity for the allosteric site relative to the S1 site in SERT. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS The compound could be a useful lead for future synthesis of drugs with high affinity and high selectivity towards the allosteric binding site.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Andreas B Larsen
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Per Plenge
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jacob Andersen
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jonas N N Eildal
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anders S Kristensen
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Klaus P Bøgesø
- Neuroscience Drug Discovery, H. Lundbeck A/S, Valby, Denmark
| | - Ulrik Gether
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kristian Strømgaard
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Benny Bang-Andersen
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Neuroscience Drug Discovery, H. Lundbeck A/S, Valby, Denmark
| | - Claus J Loland
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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24
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Wein T, Petrera M, Allmendinger L, Höfner G, Pabel J, Wanner KT. Different Binding Modes of Small and Large Binders of GAT1. ChemMedChem 2016; 11:509-18. [DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.201500534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2015] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Wein
- Department for Pharmacy-Center for Drug Research; Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München; Butenandtstr. 7-13 81377 Munich Germany
| | | | - Lars Allmendinger
- Department for Pharmacy-Center for Drug Research; Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München; Butenandtstr. 7-13 81377 Munich Germany
| | - Georg Höfner
- Department for Pharmacy-Center for Drug Research; Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München; Butenandtstr. 7-13 81377 Munich Germany
| | - Jörg Pabel
- Department for Pharmacy-Center for Drug Research; Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München; Butenandtstr. 7-13 81377 Munich Germany
| | - Klaus T. Wanner
- Department for Pharmacy-Center for Drug Research; Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München; Butenandtstr. 7-13 81377 Munich Germany
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25
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Zhu R, Sinwel D, Hasenhuetl PS, Saha K, Kumar V, Zhang P, Rankl C, Holy M, Sucic S, Kudlacek O, Karner A, Sandtner W, Stockner T, Gruber HJ, Freissmuth M, Newman A, Sitte HH, Hinterdorfer P. Nanopharmacological Force Sensing to Reveal Allosteric Coupling in Transporter Binding Sites. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2015. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.201508755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Rong Zhu
- Institute for Biophysics; Johannes Kepler University Linz; Gruberstrasse 40 4020 Linz Austria
| | - Doris Sinwel
- Institute for Biophysics; Johannes Kepler University Linz; Gruberstrasse 40 4020 Linz Austria
- Christian Doppler Laboratory for Nanoscopic Methods in Biophysics; Johannes Kepler University Linz; Gruberstrasse 40 4020 Linz Austria
| | - Peter S. Hasenhuetl
- Center of Physiology and Pharmacology; Medical University of Vienna; Waehringerstrasse 13a 1090 Vienna Austria
| | - Kusumika Saha
- Center of Physiology and Pharmacology; Medical University of Vienna; Waehringerstrasse 13a 1090 Vienna Austria
| | - Vivek Kumar
- Medicinal Chemistry Section; Molecular Targets and Medications Discovery Branch; Intramural Research Program; National Institute on Drug Abuse; Baltimore MD 21224 USA
| | - Peng Zhang
- Medicinal Chemistry Section; Molecular Targets and Medications Discovery Branch; Intramural Research Program; National Institute on Drug Abuse; Baltimore MD 21224 USA
| | - Christian Rankl
- Keysight Technologies Austria GmbH; Mooslackengasse 17 1190 Vienna Austria
| | - Marion Holy
- Center of Physiology and Pharmacology; Medical University of Vienna; Waehringerstrasse 13a 1090 Vienna Austria
| | - Sonja Sucic
- Center of Physiology and Pharmacology; Medical University of Vienna; Waehringerstrasse 13a 1090 Vienna Austria
| | - Oliver Kudlacek
- Center of Physiology and Pharmacology; Medical University of Vienna; Waehringerstrasse 13a 1090 Vienna Austria
| | - Andreas Karner
- Institute for Biophysics; Johannes Kepler University Linz; Gruberstrasse 40 4020 Linz Austria
- Center for Advanced Bioanalysis; Gruberstrasse 40 4020 Linz Austria
| | - Walter Sandtner
- Center of Physiology and Pharmacology; Medical University of Vienna; Waehringerstrasse 13a 1090 Vienna Austria
| | - Thomas Stockner
- Center of Physiology and Pharmacology; Medical University of Vienna; Waehringerstrasse 13a 1090 Vienna Austria
| | - Hermann J. Gruber
- Institute for Biophysics; Johannes Kepler University Linz; Gruberstrasse 40 4020 Linz Austria
| | - Michael Freissmuth
- Center of Physiology and Pharmacology; Medical University of Vienna; Waehringerstrasse 13a 1090 Vienna Austria
| | - Amy Hauck Newman
- Medicinal Chemistry Section; Molecular Targets and Medications Discovery Branch; Intramural Research Program; National Institute on Drug Abuse; Baltimore MD 21224 USA
| | - Harald H. Sitte
- Center of Physiology and Pharmacology; Medical University of Vienna; Waehringerstrasse 13a 1090 Vienna Austria
| | - Peter Hinterdorfer
- Institute for Biophysics; Johannes Kepler University Linz; Gruberstrasse 40 4020 Linz Austria
- Christian Doppler Laboratory for Nanoscopic Methods in Biophysics; Johannes Kepler University Linz; Gruberstrasse 40 4020 Linz Austria
- Center for Advanced Bioanalysis; Gruberstrasse 40 4020 Linz Austria
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26
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Zhu R, Sinwel D, Hasenhuetl PS, Saha K, Kumar V, Zhang P, Rankl C, Holy M, Sucic S, Kudlacek O, Karner A, Sandtner W, Stockner T, Gruber HJ, Freissmuth M, Newman AH, Sitte HH, Hinterdorfer P. Nanopharmacological Force Sensing to Reveal Allosteric Coupling in Transporter Binding Sites. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2015; 55:1719-22. [PMID: 26695726 DOI: 10.1002/anie.201508755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2015] [Revised: 11/11/2015] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Controversy regarding the number and function of ligand binding sites in neurotransmitter/sodium symporters arose from conflicting data in crystal structures and molecular pharmacology. Here, we have designed novel tools for atomic force microscopy that directly measure the interaction forces between the serotonin transporter (SERT) and the S- and R-enantiomers of citalopram on the single molecule level. This approach is based on force spectroscopy, which allows for the extraction of dynamic information under physiological conditions thus inaccessible via X-ray crystallography. Two distinct populations of characteristic binding strengths of citalopram to SERT were revealed in Na(+)-containing buffer. In contrast, in Li(+) -containing buffer, SERT showed only low force interactions. Conversely, the vestibular mutant SERT-G402H merely displayed the high force population. These observations provide physical evidence for the existence of two binding sites in SERT when accessed in a physiological context. Competition experiments revealed that these two sites are allosterically coupled and exert reciprocal modulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong Zhu
- Institute for Biophysics, Johannes Kepler University Linz, Gruberstrasse 40, 4020, Linz, Austria
| | - Doris Sinwel
- Institute for Biophysics, Johannes Kepler University Linz, Gruberstrasse 40, 4020, Linz, Austria.,Christian Doppler Laboratory for Nanoscopic Methods in Biophysics, Johannes Kepler University Linz, Gruberstrasse 40, 4020, Linz, Austria
| | - Peter S Hasenhuetl
- Center of Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringerstrasse 13a, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Kusumika Saha
- Center of Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringerstrasse 13a, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Vivek Kumar
- Medicinal Chemistry Section, Molecular Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
| | - Peng Zhang
- Medicinal Chemistry Section, Molecular Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
| | - Christian Rankl
- Keysight Technologies Austria GmbH, Mooslackengasse 17, 1190, Vienna, Austria
| | - Marion Holy
- Center of Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringerstrasse 13a, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Sonja Sucic
- Center of Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringerstrasse 13a, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Oliver Kudlacek
- Center of Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringerstrasse 13a, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Andreas Karner
- Institute for Biophysics, Johannes Kepler University Linz, Gruberstrasse 40, 4020, Linz, Austria.,Center for Advanced Bioanalysis, Gruberstrasse 40, 4020, Linz, Austria
| | - Walter Sandtner
- Center of Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringerstrasse 13a, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Thomas Stockner
- Center of Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringerstrasse 13a, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Hermann J Gruber
- Institute for Biophysics, Johannes Kepler University Linz, Gruberstrasse 40, 4020, Linz, Austria
| | - Michael Freissmuth
- Center of Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringerstrasse 13a, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Amy Hauck Newman
- Medicinal Chemistry Section, Molecular Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
| | - Harald H Sitte
- Center of Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringerstrasse 13a, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Peter Hinterdorfer
- Institute for Biophysics, Johannes Kepler University Linz, Gruberstrasse 40, 4020, Linz, Austria. .,Christian Doppler Laboratory for Nanoscopic Methods in Biophysics, Johannes Kepler University Linz, Gruberstrasse 40, 4020, Linz, Austria. .,Center for Advanced Bioanalysis, Gruberstrasse 40, 4020, Linz, Austria.
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27
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Murray KE, Ressler KJ, Owens MJ. In vivo investigation of escitalopram's allosteric site on the serotonin transporter. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2015; 141:50-7. [PMID: 26621784 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2015.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2015] [Revised: 11/20/2015] [Accepted: 11/23/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Escitalopram is a commonly prescribed antidepressant of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor class. Clinical evidence and mapping of the serotonin transporter (SERT) identified that escitalopram, in addition to its binding to a primary uptake-blocking site, is capable of binding to the SERT via an allosteric site that is hypothesized to alter escitalopram's kinetics at the SERT. The studies reported here examined the in vivo role of the SERT allosteric site in escitalopram action. A knockin mouse model that possesses an allosteric-null SERT was developed. Autoradiographic studies indicated that the knockin protein was expressed at a lower density than endogenous mouse SERT (approximately 10-30% of endogenous mouse SERT), but the knockin mice are a viable tool to study the allosteric site. Microdialysis studies in the ventral hippocampus found no measurable decrease in extracellular serotonin response after local escitalopram challenge in mice without the allosteric site compared to mice with the site (p=0.297). In marble burying assays there was a modest effect of the absence of the allosteric site, with a larger systemic dose of escitalopram (10-fold) necessary for the same effect as in mice with intact SERT (p=0.023). However, there was no effect of the allosteric site in the tail suspension test. Together these data suggest that there may be a regional specificity in the role of the allosteric site. The lack of a robust effect overall suggests that the role of the allosteric site for escitalopram on the SERT may not produce meaningful in vivo effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen E Murray
- Laboratory of Neuropsychopharmacology, 101 Woodruff Circle, Suite 4000, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, United States
| | - Kerry J Ressler
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology of Fear, 101 Woodruff Circle, Suite 4000, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, United States
| | - Michael J Owens
- Laboratory of Neuropsychopharmacology, 101 Woodruff Circle, Suite 4000, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, United States.
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28
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Mortensen OV, Kortagere S. Designing modulators of monoamine transporters using virtual screening techniques. Front Pharmacol 2015; 6:223. [PMID: 26483692 PMCID: PMC4586420 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2015.00223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2015] [Accepted: 09/17/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The plasma-membrane monoamine transporters (MATs), including the serotonin (SERT), norepinephrine (NET) and dopamine (DAT) transporters, serve a pivotal role in limiting monoamine-mediated neurotransmission through the reuptake of their respective monoamine neurotransmitters. The transporters are the main target of clinically used psychostimulants and antidepressants. Despite the availability of several potent and selective MAT substrates and inhibitors the continuing need for therapeutic drugs to treat brain disorders involving aberrant monoamine signaling provides a compelling reason to identify novel ways of targeting and modulating the MATs. Designing novel modulators of MAT function have been limited by the lack of three dimensional structure information of the individual MATs. However, crystal structures of LeuT, a bacterial homolog of MATs, in a substrate-bound occluded, substrate-free outward-open, and an apo inward-open state and also with competitive and non-competitive inhibitors have been determined. In addition, several structures of the Drosophila DAT have also been resolved. Together with computational modeling and experimental data gathered over the past decade, these structures have dramatically advanced our understanding of several aspects of SERT, NET, and DAT transporter function, including some of the molecular determinants of ligand interaction at orthosteric substrate and inhibitor binding pockets. In addition progress has been made in the understanding of how allosteric modulation of MAT function can be achieved. Here we will review all the efforts up to date that has been made through computational approaches employing structural models of MATs to design small molecule modulators to the orthosteric and allosteric sites using virtual screening techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ole V Mortensen
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Drexel University College of Medicine , Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Sandhya Kortagere
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Drexel University College of Medicine , Philadelphia, PA, USA
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29
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Grimm SH, Höfner G, Wanner KT. MS Binding Assays for the Three Monoamine Transporters Using the Triple Reuptake Inhibitor (1R,3S)-Indatraline as Native Marker. ChemMedChem 2015; 10:1027-39. [PMID: 25899387 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.201500084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2015] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
We herein present label-free, mass-spectrometry-based binding assays (MS Binding Assays) for the human dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin transporters (hDAT, hNET, and hSERT). Using this approach both enantiomers of the triple reuptake inhibitor indatraline as well as its cis-configured diastereomer were investigated toward hDAT, hNET, and hSERT in saturation experiments. The dissociation rate constants for (1R,3S)-indatraline binding at hDAT, hNET, and hSERT were determined in kinetic studies. These experiments revealed an allosteric effect of clomipramine on the dissociation of (1R,3S)-indatraline from hSERT. Finally, a comprehensive set of known monoamine transport inhibitors and substrates was studied in competition experiments at hDAT, hNET, and hSERT, using (1R,3S)-indatraline as nonlabeled marker. The results are in excellent agreement with those reported for radioligand binding assays. Therefore, the established MS Binding Assays are a promising alternative to the latter for the characterization of new monoamine reuptake inhibitors at DAT, NET, and SERT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie H Grimm
- Department Pharmazie-Zentrum für Pharmaforschung, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Butenandtstr. 7, 81377 Munich (Germany)
| | - Georg Höfner
- Department Pharmazie-Zentrum für Pharmaforschung, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Butenandtstr. 7, 81377 Munich (Germany)
| | - Klaus T Wanner
- Department Pharmazie-Zentrum für Pharmaforschung, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Butenandtstr. 7, 81377 Munich (Germany).
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30
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Escitalopram Ameliorates Forskolin-Induced Tau Hyperphosphorylation in HEK239/tau441 Cells. J Mol Neurosci 2015; 56:500-8. [PMID: 25687330 DOI: 10.1007/s12031-015-0519-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2015] [Accepted: 02/04/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
To investigate the effect of escitalopram (a widely used and highly efficacious antidepressant from the SSRI class) on tau hyperphosphorylation, HEK293/tau441 cells were pretreated with 4 μM of forskolin for 2 h. Then we treated the cells with different doses of escitalopram (0, 5, 10, 20, 40, 80 μM) for 22 h. We measured the phosphorylation level of tau by Western blotting. It was shown that escitalopram could protect tau from hyperphosphorylation induced by pharmacological activation of protein kinase A (PKA) at a dose of 20, 40, and 80 μM in vitro. Interestingly, the same dose of escitalopram could also increase the level of serine-9-phosphorylated GSK-3β (inactive form) and the phosphorylation level of Akt at Ser473 (active form) with no significant change in the level of total GSK-3β and Akt. Unexpectedly, 5-hydroxytryptamine 1A receptor (5-HT1A) agonist 8-OH-DPAT did not decrease forskolin-induced tau hyperphosphorylation. Our results suggest that escitalopram can ameliorate forskolin-induced tau hyperphosphorylation, which is not through the typical 5-HT1A pathway, and Akt/GSK-3β signaling pathway is involved. These findings may support an effective role of antidepressants in the prevention of dementia associated with depression in patients.
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31
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Fuchs S, Rende E, Crisanti A, Nolan T. Disruption of aminergic signalling reveals novel compounds with distinct inhibitory effects on mosquito reproduction, locomotor function and survival. Sci Rep 2014; 4:5526. [PMID: 24984706 PMCID: PMC4078307 DOI: 10.1038/srep05526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2014] [Accepted: 06/06/2014] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Insecticide resistance amongst disease vectors is a growing problem and novel compounds are needed. Biogenic amines are important for neurotransmission and we have recently shown a potential role for these in mosquito fertility. Here, we dissected the relative contribution of different aminergic signalling pathways to biological processes essential for vectorial capacity such as fertility, locomotion and survival by injecting agonists and antagonists and showed that octopaminergic/tyraminergic signalling is essential for oviposition and hatching rate. We show that egg melanisation is regulated by adrenergic signalling, whose disruption causes premature melanisation specifically through the action of tyramine. In addition to this, co-injection of tyramine with DOPA, the precursor of melanin, had a strong cumulative negative effect on mosquito locomotion and survival. Dopaminergic and serotonergic antagonists such as amitriptyline and citalopram recapitulate this effect. Together these results reveal potential new target sites for the development of future mosquito sterilants and insecticides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silke Fuchs
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Ermelinda Rende
- Department of Pharmaco-Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Calabria, Arcavacata di Rende, Cosenza, Italy
| | - Andrea Crisanti
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Tony Nolan
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK
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32
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Sanchez C, Reines EH, Montgomery SA. A comparative review of escitalopram, paroxetine, and sertraline: Are they all alike? Int Clin Psychopharmacol 2014; 29:185-96. [PMID: 24424469 PMCID: PMC4047306 DOI: 10.1097/yic.0000000000000023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 160] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2013] [Accepted: 10/25/2013] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
It is known that newer antidepressants, such as the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), provide advantages in tolerability over antidepressants such as the tricyclics. However, even within the SSRI class, differences in efficacy or tolerability exist between the individual drugs. Among the three most widely prescribed SSRIs are paroxetine, sertraline, and escitalopram. Escitalopram is commonly referred to as an SSRI, but also has well-documented allosteric properties, and thus can be further classed as an allosteric serotonin reuptake inhibitor. All three antidepressants are efficacious compared with placebo, but there is evidence that escitalopram is more effective than a range of other antidepressants. There are no direct data to regard either paroxetine or sertraline as a superior antidepressant. Escitalopram is superior compared with paroxetine, which has a less favorable tolerability profile. Paroxetine is associated with cholinergic muscarinic antagonism and potent inhibition of CYP2D6, and sertraline has moderate drug interaction issues in comparison with escitalopram. Overall, as an allosteric serotonin reuptake inhibitor that is somewhat different from classical SSRIs, escitalopram is the first choice judged by combined efficacy and tolerability, and nonclinical data have offered possible mechanisms through which escitalopram could be more efficacious, based on its interaction with orthosteric and allosteric binding sites at the serotonin transporter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Connie Sanchez
- External Sourcing, Lundbeck Research USA Inc., Paramus, New Jersey, USA
| | - Elin H. Reines
- International Clinical Research, H. Lundbeck A/S, Copenhagen, Denmark
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33
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Yu Z, Klaasse E, Heitman LH, IJzerman AP. Allosteric modulators of the hERG K+ channel. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2014; 274:78-86. [DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2013.10.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2013] [Revised: 10/22/2013] [Accepted: 10/25/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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34
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Banala AK, Zhang P, Plenge P, Cyriac G, Kopajtic T, Katz JL, Loland CJ, Newman AH. Design and synthesis of 1-(3-(dimethylamino)propyl)-1-(4-fluorophenyl)-1,3-dihydroisobenzofuran-5-carbonitrile (citalopram) analogues as novel probes for the serotonin transporter S1 and S2 binding sites. J Med Chem 2013; 56:9709-24. [PMID: 24237160 DOI: 10.1021/jm4014136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
The serotonin transporter (SERT) is the primary target for antidepressant drugs. The existence of a high affinity primary orthosteric binding site (S1) and a low affinity secondary site (S2) has been described, and their relation to antidepressant pharmacology has been debated. Herein, structural modifications to the N, 4, 5, and 4' positions of (±)citalopram (1) are reported. All of the analogues were SERT-selective and demonstrated that steric bulk was tolerated at the SERT S1 site, including two dimeric ligands (15 and 51). In addition, eight analogues were identified with similar potencies to S-1 for decreasing the dissociation of [(3)H]S-1 from the S1 site via allosteric modulation at S2. Both dimeric compounds had similar affinities for the SERT S1 site (Ki = 19.7 and 30.2 nM, respectively), whereas only the N-substituted analogue, 51, was as effective as S-1 in allosterically modulating the binding of [(3)H]S-1 via S2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashwini K Banala
- Medicinal Chemistry Section, Molecular Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse-Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health , 333 Cassell Drive, Baltimore, Maryland 21224, United States
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35
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The cardiovascular safety profile of escitalopram. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2013; 23:1391-400. [PMID: 23928296 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2013.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2012] [Revised: 05/17/2013] [Accepted: 05/28/2013] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The cardiovascular effects of escitalopram were examined in a large group of participants in double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled studies. Escitalopram (n=3298) was administered at doses between 5 and 20mg/day. Patients were treated in acute (8-12 weeks) and long-term (24 weeks) studies. Assessment of cardiovascular safety included heart rate, blood pressure (BP), treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) and electrocardiograms (ECGs). In the short-term, there was a small, but statistically significant 2 beats per minute decrease in heart rate with escitalopram compared with placebo. The difference compared to placebo in systolic or diastolic BP was not clinically or statistically significant. Valid ECG assessments at both baseline and last assessment were available for 2407 escitalopram patients and 1952 placebo patients. Escitalopram-placebo differences in mean changes in ECG values were not clinically meaningful. The mean difference to placebo in the corrected QT [Fridericia's (QTcF)] interval was 3.5 ms (all escitalopram doses); 1.3 ms (escitalopram 10mg) and 1.7 ms (escitalopram 20mg) (p=0.2836 for 10 versus 20 mg). One out of 2407 escitalopram patients had a QTcF interval >500 ms and a change from baseline >60 ms. The incidence and types of cardiac-associated adverse events were similar between patients treated for 8-12 weeks with placebo (2.2%) or escitalopram (1.9%) and for 24 weeks with placebo (2.7%) or escitalopram (2.3%). Analyses of data from long-term studies and studies of the elderly showed similar results. In conclusion, these data demonstrate that escitalopram, like other SSRIs, has a statistically significant effect on heart rate and no clinically meaningful effect on ECG values, BP, with a placebo-level incidence of cardiac-associated adverse events.
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36
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Dallanoce C, Canovi M, Matera C, Mennini T, De Amici M, Gobbi M, De Micheli C. A novel spirocyclic tropanyl-Δ²-isoxazoline derivative enhances citalopram and paroxetine binding to serotonin transporters as well as serotonin uptake. Bioorg Med Chem 2012; 20:6344-55. [PMID: 23022052 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2012.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2012] [Revised: 08/03/2012] [Accepted: 09/01/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
A group of spirocyclic tropanyl-Δ(2)-isoxazolines was synthesized exploiting the 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of nitrile oxides to olefins. Their interaction with the dopamine and serotonin transporters (DAT and SERT, respectively) was evaluated through binding experiments. The majority of the compounds had no inhibitory effects (IC(50) >> 10 μM), while some had an IC(50) value in the range 5-10 μM (8a-c, 10b and 11c on DAT, 12b on SERT). Unexpectedly, one of the tertiary amines under investigation, that is 3'-methoxy-8-methyl-spiro{8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]octane-3,5'(4'H)-isoxazole 7a, was able to enhance at a concentration of 10 μM both [(3)H]citalopram and [(3)H]paroxetine binding to SERT in rat brain homogenate (up to 25%, due to an increase of B(max)) and [(3)H]serotonin uptake (up to 30%) in cortical synaptosomes. This peculiar pharmacological profile of 7a suggests it binds to an allosteric site on SERT, and positions derivative 7a as a very useful tool to investigate SERT machinery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clelia Dallanoce
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Sezione di Chimica Farmaceutica Pietro Pratesi, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Mangiagalli 25, 20133 Milano, Italy.
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37
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Plenge P, Shi L, Beuming T, Te J, Newman AH, Weinstein H, Gether U, Loland CJ. Steric hindrance mutagenesis in the conserved extracellular vestibule impedes allosteric binding of antidepressants to the serotonin transporter. J Biol Chem 2012; 287:39316-26. [PMID: 23007398 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m112.371765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The serotonin transporter (SERT) controls synaptic serotonin levels and is the primary target for antidepressants, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (e.g. (S)-citalopram) and tricyclic antidepressants (e.g. clomipramine). In addition to a high affinity binding site, SERT possesses a low affinity allosteric site for antidepressants. Binding to the allosteric site impedes dissociation of antidepressants from the high affinity site, which may enhance antidepressant efficacy. Here we employ an induced fit docking/molecular dynamics protocol to identify the residues that may be involved in the allosteric binding in the extracellular vestibule located above the central substrate binding (S1) site. Indeed, mutagenesis of selected residues in the vestibule reduces the allosteric potency of (S)-citalopram and clomipramine. The identified site is further supported by the inhibitory effects of Zn(2+) binding in an engineered site and the covalent attachment of benzocaine-methanethiosulfonate to a cysteine introduced in the extracellular vestibule. The data provide a mechanistic explanation for the allosteric action of antidepressants at SERT and suggest that the role of the vestibule is evolutionarily conserved among neurotransmitter:sodium symporter proteins as a binding pocket for small molecule ligands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Per Plenge
- Molecular Neuropharmacology Laboratory, Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, DK-2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
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Kirino E. Escitalopram for the management of major depressive disorder: a review of its efficacy, safety, and patient acceptability. Patient Prefer Adherence 2012; 6:853-61. [PMID: 23271894 PMCID: PMC3526882 DOI: 10.2147/ppa.s22495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Escitalopram (escitalopram oxalate; Cipralex(®), Lexapro(®)) is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) used for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) and anxiety disorder. This drug exerts a highly selective, potent, and dose-dependent inhibitory effect on the human serotonin transport. By inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin into presynaptic nerve endings, this drug enhances the activity of serotonin in the central nervous system. Escitalopram also has allosteric activity. Moreover, the possibility of interacting with other drugs is considered low. This review covers randomized, controlled studies that enrolled adult patients with MDD to evaluate the efficacy of escitalopram based on the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale and the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale. The results showed that escitalopram was superior to placebo, and nearly equal or superior to other SSRIs (eg, citalopram, paroxetine, fluoxetine, sertraline) and serotonin-noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (eg, duloxetine, sustained-release venlafaxine). In addition, with long-term administration, escitalopram has shown a preventive effect on MDD relapse and recurrence. Escitalopram also showed favorable tolerability, and associated adverse events were generally mild and temporary. Discontinuation symptoms were milder with escitalopram than with paroxetine. In view of the patient acceptability of escitalopram, based on both a meta-analysis and a pooled analysis, this drug was more favorable than other new antidepressants. The findings indicate that escitalopram achieved high continuity in antidepressant drug therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eiji Kirino
- Department of Psychiatry, Juntendo University Shizuoka Hospital, Shizuoka, Japan
- Department of Psychiatry, Juntendo University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
- Correspondence: Eiji Kirino, Juntendo University Shizuoka Hospital, 1129 Nagaoka Izunokunishi Shizuoka 4102211 Japan, Tel +81 55 948 3111, Fax +81 55 948 5088, Email
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39
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Zhong H, Haddjeri N, Sánchez C. Escitalopram, an antidepressant with an allosteric effect at the serotonin transporter--a review of current understanding of its mechanism of action. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2012; 219:1-13. [PMID: 21901317 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-011-2463-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2011] [Accepted: 08/19/2011] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE Escitalopram is a widely used antidepressant for the treatment of patients with major depression. It is the pure S-enantiomer of racemic citalopram. Several clinical trials and meta-analyses indicate that escitalopram is quantitatively more efficacious than many other antidepressants with a faster onset of action. OBJECTIVE This paper reviews current knowledge about the mechanism of action of escitalopram. RESULTS The primary target for escitalopram is the serotonin transporter (SERT), which is responsible for serotonin (or 5-hydroxytryptamine [5-HT]) reuptake at the terminals and cell bodies of serotonergic neurons. Escitalopram and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors bind with high affinity to the 5-HT binding site (orthosteric site) on the transporter. This leads to antidepressant effects by increasing extracellular 5-HT levels which enhance 5-HT neurotransmission. SERT also has one or more allosteric sites, binding to which modulates activity at the orthosteric binding site but does not directly affect 5-HT reuptake by the transporter. In vitro studies have shown that through allosteric binding, escitalopram decreases its own dissociation rate from the orthosteric site on the SERT. R-citalopram, the nontherapeutic enantiomer in citalopram, is also an allosteric modulator of SERT but can inhibit the actions of escitalopram by interfering negatively with its binding. Both nonclinical studies and some clinical investigations have demonstrated the cellular, neurochemical, neuroadaptive, and neuroplastic changes induced by escitalopram with acute and chronic administration. CONCLUSIONS The findings from binding, neurochemical, and neurophysiological studies may provide a mechanistic rationale for the clinical difference observed with escitalopram compared to other antidepressant therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huailing Zhong
- U-Pharm Laboratories LLC, 239 New Road, Suite A-107, Parsippany, NJ 07054, USA.
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Chang JC, Tomlinson ID, Warnement MR, Iwamoto H, DeFelice LJ, Blakely RD, Rosenthal SJ. A fluorescence displacement assay for antidepressant drug discovery based on ligand-conjugated quantum dots. J Am Chem Soc 2011; 133:17528-31. [PMID: 21970724 DOI: 10.1021/ja204301g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
The serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) transporter (SERT) protein plays a central role in terminating 5-HT neurotransmission and is the most important therapeutic target for the treatment of major depression and anxiety disorders. We report an innovative, versatile, and target-selective quantum dot (QD) labeling approach for SERT in single Xenopus oocytes that can be adopted as a drug-screening platform. Our labeling approach employs a custom-made, QD-tagged indoleamine derivative ligand, IDT318, that is structurally similar to 5-HT and accesses the primary binding site with enhanced human SERT selectivity. Incubating QD-labeled oocytes with paroxetine (Paxil), a high-affinity SERT-specific inhibitor, showed a concentration- and time-dependent decrease in QD fluorescence, demonstrating the utility of our approach for the identification of SERT modulators. Furthermore, with the development of ligands aimed at other pharmacologically relevant targets, our approach may potentially form the basis for a multitarget drug discovery platform.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jerry C Chang
- Department of Chemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
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Zhong H, Sánchez C, Caron MG. Consideration of allosterism and interacting proteins in the physiological functions of the serotonin transporter. Biochem Pharmacol 2011; 83:435-42. [PMID: 21983034 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2011.09.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2011] [Accepted: 09/19/2011] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The serotonin transporter (SERT) functions to transport serotonin (5-HT) from the extracellular space into neurons to maintain homeostatic control of 5-HT. It is the molecular target for selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants. Preclinical research has shown that some SERT inhibitors can bind to two distinct binding sites on the SERT, a primary high affinity binding site and a low affinity allosteric binding site. Mutational studies of the SERT and computational modeling methods with escitalopram resulted in the identification of key amino acid residues important for the function of the allosteric binding site. While this allosteric binding site appears to influence the clinical efficacy of escitalopram under physiological conditions, the molecular mechanism of this effect is still poorly understood and may involve a large network of protein-protein interactions with the SERT. Dynamic interfaces between the SERT and the SERT interacting proteins (SIPs) potentially influence not only the SERT on its uptake function, its regulation, and trafficking, but also on known as well as yet to be identified non-canonical signaling pathways through SIPs. In this commentary, we outline approaches in the areas of selective small-molecule allosteric compound discovery, biochemistry, in vivo genetic knock-in mouse models, as well as computational and structural biology. These studies of the intra-molecular allosteric modulation of the SERT in the context of the myriad of potential inter-molecular signaling interactions with SIPs may help uncover unknown physiological functions of the SERT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huailing Zhong
- U-Pharm Laboratories LLC, 239 New Road, Suite A-107, Parsippany, NJ 07054, USA.
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Kristensen AS, Andersen J, Jørgensen TN, Sørensen L, Eriksen J, Loland CJ, Strømgaard K, Gether U. SLC6 neurotransmitter transporters: structure, function, and regulation. Pharmacol Rev 2011; 63:585-640. [PMID: 21752877 DOI: 10.1124/pr.108.000869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 591] [Impact Index Per Article: 45.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The neurotransmitter transporters (NTTs) belonging to the solute carrier 6 (SLC6) gene family (also referred to as the neurotransmitter-sodium-symporter family or Na(+)/Cl(-)-dependent transporters) comprise a group of nine sodium- and chloride-dependent plasma membrane transporters for the monoamine neurotransmitters serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine), dopamine, and norepinephrine, and the amino acid neurotransmitters GABA and glycine. The SLC6 NTTs are widely expressed in the mammalian brain and play an essential role in regulating neurotransmitter signaling and homeostasis by mediating uptake of released neurotransmitters from the extracellular space into neurons and glial cells. The transporters are targets for a wide range of therapeutic drugs used in treatment of psychiatric diseases, including major depression, anxiety disorders, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and epilepsy. Furthermore, psychostimulants such as cocaine and amphetamines have the SLC6 NTTs as primary targets. Beginning with the determination of a high-resolution structure of a prokaryotic homolog of the mammalian SLC6 transporters in 2005, the understanding of the molecular structure, function, and pharmacology of these proteins has advanced rapidly. Furthermore, intensive efforts have been directed toward understanding the molecular and cellular mechanisms involved in regulation of the activity of this important class of transporters, leading to new methodological developments and important insights. This review provides an update of these advances and their implications for the current understanding of the SLC6 NTTs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anders S Kristensen
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
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Ali MK, Lam RW. Comparative efficacy of escitalopram in the treatment of major depressive disorder. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat 2011; 7:39-49. [PMID: 21430793 PMCID: PMC3056172 DOI: 10.2147/ndt.s12531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2011] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Escitalopram is an allosteric selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) with some indication of superior efficacy in the treatment of major depressive disorder. In this systematic review, we critically evaluate the evidence for comparative efficacy and tolerability of escitalopram, focusing on pooled and meta-analysis studies. METHODS A literature search was conducted for escitalopram studies that quantitatively synthesized data from comparative randomized controlled trials in MDD. Studies were excluded if they did not focus on efficacy, involved primarily subgroups of patients, or synthesized data included in subsequent studies. Outcomes extracted from the included studies were weighted mean difference or standard mean difference, response and remission rates, and withdrawal rate owing to adverse events. RESULTS The search initially identified 24 eligible studies, of which 12 (six pooled analysis and six meta-analysis studies) met the criteria for review. The pooled and meta-analysis studies with citalopram showed significant but modest differences in favor of escitalopram, with weighted mean differences ranging from 1.13 to 1.73 points on the Montgomery Asberg Depression Rating Scale, response rate differences of 7.0%-8.3%, and remission rate differences of 5.1%-17.6%. Pooled analysis studies showed efficacy differences compared with duloxetine and with serotonin noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors combined, but meta-analysis studies did not. The effect sizes of the efficacy differences increased in the severely depressed patient subgroups. CONCLUSION Based on pooled and meta-analysis studies, escitalopram demonstrates superior efficacy compared with citalopram and with SSRIs combined. Escitalopram shows similar efficacy to serotonin noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors but the number of trials in these comparisons is limited. Efficacy differences are modest but clinically relevant, especially in more severely depressed patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mazen K Ali
- Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, and Mood Disorders Centre, University of British Columbia Hospital, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Raymond W Lam
- Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, and Mood Disorders Centre, University of British Columbia Hospital, Vancouver, Canada
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Mennigen JA, Stroud P, Zamora JM, Moon TW, Trudeau VL. Pharmaceuticals as neuroendocrine disruptors: lessons learned from fish on Prozac. JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH. PART B, CRITICAL REVIEWS 2011; 14:387-412. [PMID: 21790318 DOI: 10.1080/10937404.2011.578559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Pharmaceuticals are increasingly detected in a variety of aquatic systems. One of the most prevalent environmental pharmaceuticals in North America and Europe is the antidepressant fluoxetine, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) and the active ingredient of Prozac. Usually detected in the range below 1 μg/L, fluoxetine and its active metabolite norfluoxetine are found to bioaccumulate in wild-caught fish, particularly in the brain. This has raised concerns over potential disruptive effects of neuroendocrine function in teleost fish, because of the known role of serotonin (5-HT) in the modulation of diverse physiological processes such as reproduction, food intake and growth, stress and multiple behaviors. This review describes the evolutionary conservation of the 5-HT transporter (the therapeutic target of SSRIs) and reviews the disruptive effects of fluoxetine on several physiological endpoints, including involvement of neuroendocrine mechanisms. Studies on the goldfish, Carassius auratus, whose neuroendocrine regulation of reproduction and food intake are well characterized, are described and represent a reliable model to study neuroendocrine disruption. In addition, fish studies investigating the effects of fluoxetine, not only on reproduction and food intake, but also on stress and behavior, are discussed to complement the emerging picture of neuroendocrine disruption of physiological systems in fish exposed to fluoxetine. Environmental relevance and key lessons learned from the effects of the antidepressant fluoxetine on fish are highlighted and may be helpful in designing targeted approaches for future risk assessments of pharmaceuticals disrupting the neuroendocrine system in general.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan A Mennigen
- Centre for Advanced Research in Environmental Genomics and Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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Garnock-Jones KP, McCormack PL. Escitalopram: a review of its use in the management of major depressive disorder in adults. CNS Drugs 2010; 24:769-96. [PMID: 20806989 DOI: 10.2165/11204760-000000000-00000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Escitalopram (escitalopram oxalate; Cipralex, Lexapro), a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) indicated for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD), demonstrates a highly selective and potent, dose-dependent inhibition of the human serotonin transporter, inhibiting serotonin reuptake into presynaptic nerve terminals and thus increasing serotonergic activity in the CNS. With regard to primary endpoints (such as improved scores on the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale [MADRS] and the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale [HAM-D]), escitalopram was generally more effective than placebo, at least as effective as citalopram, and generally at least as effective as other comparator drugs, including the SSRIs fluoxetine, paroxetine and sertraline, the serotonin-noradrenaline (norepinephrine) reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) venlafaxine extended release and duloxetine, and the aminoketone bupropion in adult patients with MDD in short-term, well designed trials. Moreover, it demonstrated a rapid onset of antidepressant action. Escitalopram was also found to be cost effective in several studies, dominating other SSRIs and venlafaxine extended release. Maintenance therapy is commonly required to prevent recurrence of depression. Long-term trials corroborated short-term results, with escitalopram demonstrating greater efficacy than placebo in relapse prevention. Additionally, escitalopram was at least as effective as citalopram, paroxetine and duloxetine in long-term comparative trials. Escitalopram has a predictable tolerability profile with generally mild to moderate and transient adverse events, and a low propensity for drug interactions. Sexual dysfunction with escitalopram treatment appeared to occur to a similar or lower extent to that with paroxetine (another SSRI), to a similar or greater extent to that with the SNRI duloxetine, and to a greater extent than that with the aminoketone bupropion. Thus, escitalopram is an effective and generally well tolerated treatment for moderate to severe MDD. Escitalopram, like other SSRIs, is an effective first-line option in the management of patients with MDD.
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Nutt DJ, Feetam CL. What one hand giveth the other taketh away: some unpredicted effects of enantiomers in psychopharmacology. J Psychopharmacol 2010; 24:1137-41. [PMID: 20663810 DOI: 10.1177/0269881110374782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
It is well known that many medicines are a mixture of two enantiomers, or mirror-image molecules. Two enantiomers occur when a molecule has a single chiral centre and the two mirror images, called S or L (left handed) and R or D (right handed), are usually found in equal amounts in the parent (racemic) mixture. While for many compounds used in clinical practice the active moiety is found in one of the two enantiomers with the other being seen as an unnecessary and redundant component of the racemic mixture, the difference between enantiomers can mean a difference between therapeutic and adverse effects, as well as in beneficial pharmacological effect and potency.
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Affiliation(s)
- David J Nutt
- Neuropsychopharmacology Unit, Centre for Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK.
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Leonard B, Taylor D. Escitalopram--translating molecular properties into clinical benefit: reviewing the evidence in major depression. J Psychopharmacol 2010; 24:1143-52. [PMID: 20147575 PMCID: PMC2923415 DOI: 10.1177/0269881109349835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The majority of currently marketed drugs contain a mixture of enantiomers; however, recent evidence suggests that individual enantiomers can have pharmacological properties that differ importantly from enantiomer mixtures. Escitalopram, the S-enantiomer of citalopram, displays markedly different pharmacological activity to the R-enantiomer. This review aims to evaluate whether these differences confer any significant clinical advantage for escitalopram over either citalopram or other frequently used antidepressants. Searches were conducted using PubMed and EMBASE (up to January 2009). Abstracts of the retrieved studies were reviewed independently by both authors for inclusion. Only those studies relating to depression or major depressive disorder were included. The search identified over 250 citations, of which 21 studies and 18 pooled or meta-analyses studies were deemed suitable for inclusion. These studies reveal that escitalopram has some efficacy advantage over citalopram and paroxetine, but no consistent advantage over other selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Escitalopram has at least comparable efficacy to available serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, venlafaxine XR and duloxetine, and may offer some tolerability advantages over these agents. This review suggests that the mechanistic advantages of escitalopram over citalopram translate into clinical efficacy advantages. Escitalopram may have a favourable benefit-risk ratio compared with citalopram and possibly with several other antidepressant agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian Leonard
- Department of Pharmacology, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland.,Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Ludwig Maximilians University, Munich, Germany
| | - David Taylor
- Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, King’s College, London, UK.,Maudsley Hospital, London, UK.,David Taylor, Maudsley Hospital, Denmark Hill, London SE5 8AZ, UK.
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Matheus N, Mendoza C, Iceta R, Mesonero JE, Alcalde AI. Melatonin inhibits serotonin transporter activity in intestinal epithelial cells. J Pineal Res 2010; 48:332-9. [PMID: 20210852 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-079x.2010.00757.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Gastrointestinal serotonin (5-HT) and melatonin are two closely related neuromodulators which are synthesised in the enterochromaffin cells of the intestinal epithelium and which have been shown to be involved in the physiopathology of the gastrointestinal tract. The effects of 5-HT depend on 5-HT availability which is, in part, modulated by the serotonin transporter (SERT). This transporter provides an efficient 5-HT uptake after release and is expressed in the membrane of the enterocytes. Although the origin and effects of 5-HT and melatonin are similar, the interrelationship between them in the gastrointestinal tract is unknown. The main aim of this study was to determine whether melatonin affects SERT activity and expression, and, if so, to elucidate the mechanisms involved. Caco-2 cell line was used to carry out the study as these cells have been shown to endogenously express SERT. The results showed that melatonin inhibits SERT activity by affecting both V(max) and kt kinetic constants although SERT synthesis or intracellular trafficking did not appear to be affected. The melatonin effect seemed to be independent of melatonin receptors MT(1) and MT(2) and protein kinase C and cAMP intracellular pathways. Our results suggest that the inhibition of SERT might be due to a catalytic effect of melatonin on the allosteric citalopram-sensitive site in SERT. This study shows, for the first time, that melatonin modulates SERT activity, thus demonstrating the feedback system between melatonin and the serotoninergic system in the gastrointestinal tract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nyurky Matheus
- Departamento de Farmacología y Fisiología, Universidad de Zaragoza, Spain
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Zhang L, Rasenick MM. Chronic treatment with escitalopram but not R-citalopram translocates Galpha(s) from lipid raft domains and potentiates adenylyl cyclase: a 5-hydroxytryptamine transporter-independent action of this antidepressant compound. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2009; 332:977-84. [PMID: 19996298 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.109.162644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic antidepressant treatment has been shown to increase adenylyl cyclase activity, in part, due to translocation of Galpha(s) from lipid rafts to a nonraft fraction of the plasma membrane where they engage in a more facile stimulation of adenylyl cyclase. This effect holds for multiple classes of antidepressants, and for serotonin uptake inhibitors, it occurs in the absence of the serotonin transporter. In the present study, we examined the change in the amount of Galpha(s) in lipid raft and whole cell lysate after exposing C6 cells to escitalopram. The results showed that chronic (but not acute) escitalopram decreased the content of Galpha(s) in lipid rafts, whereas there was no change in overall Galpha(s) content. These effects were drug dose- and exposure time-dependent. Although R-citalopram has been reported to antagonize some effects of escitalopram, this compound was without effect on Galpha(s) localization in lipid rafts, and R-citalopram did not inhibit these actions of escitalopram. Escitalopram treatment increased cAMP accumulation, and this seemed due to increased coupling between Galpha(s) and adenylyl cyclase. Thus, escitalopram is potent, rapid and efficacious in translocating Galpha(s) from lipid rafts, and this effect seems to occur independently of 5-hydroxytryptamine transporters. Our results suggest that, although antidepressants display distinct affinities for well identified targets (e.g., monoamine transporters), several presynaptic and postsynaptic molecules are probably modified during chronic antidepressant treatment, and these additional targets may be required for clinical efficacy of these drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lanqiu Zhang
- Department of Physiology, University of Illinois Chicago, 835 S Wolcott Ave., M/C 901 Rm. E202, Chicago, IL 60612-7342, USA
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Zhong H, Hansen KB, Boyle NJ, Han K, Muske G, Huang X, Egebjerg J, Sánchez C. An allosteric binding site at the human serotonin transporter mediates the inhibition of escitalopram by R-citalopram: Kinetic binding studies with the ALI/VFL–SI/TT mutant. Neurosci Lett 2009; 462:207-12. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2009.07.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2009] [Revised: 06/29/2009] [Accepted: 07/11/2009] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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