Co-expression of mu and delta opioid receptors as receptor-G protein fusions enhances both mu and delta signalling via distinct mechanisms

Revealing G-protein-coupled receptor oligomerization at the single-molecule level through a nanoscopic lens: methods, dynamics and biological function

The introduction of super-resolution fluorescence microscopy has allowed the visualization of single proteins in their biological environment. Recently, these techniques have been applied to determine the organization of class A G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), and to determine whether they exist as monomers, dimers and/or higher-order oligomers. On this subject, this review highlights recent evidence from photoactivated localization microscopy (PALM), which allows the visualization of single molecules in dense samples, and single-molecule tracking (SMT), which determines how GPCRs move and interact in living cells in the presence of different ligands. PALM has demonstrated that GPCR oligomerization depends on the receptor subtype, the cell type, the actin cytoskeleton, and other proteins. Conversely, SMT has revealed the transient dynamics of dimer formation, whereby receptors show a monomer-dimer equilibrium characterized by rapid association and dissociation. At steady state, depending on the subtype, approximately 30-50% of receptors are part of dimeric complexes. Notably, the existence of many GPCR dimers/oligomers is also supported by well-known techniques, such as resonance energy transfer methodologies, and by approaches that exploit fluorescence fluctuations, such as fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS). Future research using single-molecule methods will deepen our knowledge related to the function and druggability of homo-oligomers and hetero-oligomers.

In vivo opioid receptor heteromerization: where do we stand?

Opioid receptors are highly homologous GPCRs that modulate brain function at all levels of neural integration, including autonomous, sensory, emotional and cognitive processing. Opioid receptors functionally interact in vivo, but the underlying mechanisms involving direct receptor-receptor interactions, affecting signalling pathways or engaging different neuronal circuits, remain unsolved. Heteromer formation through direct physical interaction between two opioid receptors or between an opioid receptor and a non-opioid one has been postulated and can be characterized by specific ligand binding, receptor signalling and trafficking properties. However, despite numerous studies in heterologous systems, evidence for physical proximity in vivo is only available for a limited number of opioid heteromers, and their physiopathological implication remains largely unknown mostly due to the lack of appropriate tools. Nonetheless, data collected so far using endogenous receptors point to a crucial role for opioid heteromers as a molecular entity that could underlie human pathologies such as alcoholism, acute or chronic pain as well as psychiatric disorders. Opioid heteromers therefore stand as new therapeutic targets for the drug discovery field.

LINKED ARTICLES

This article is part of a themed section on Opioids: New Pathways to Functional Selectivity. To view the other articles in this section visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2015.172.issue-2.

Interaction of the muscarinic acetylcholine receptor M₂ subtype with G protein Gα(i/o) isotypes and Gβγ subunits as studied with the maltose-binding protein-M₂-Gα(i/o) fusion proteins expressed in Escherichia coli

We expressed the fusion proteins of the muscarinic acetylcholine receptor M2 subtype (M2 receptor) with a maltose-binding protein (MBP) and various G protein α subunits (Gα(i1-i3/o)) at its N- and C-terminals, respectively (MBP-M2-Gα(i/o)), in Escherichia coli, and examined the effect of G protein βγ subunits (Gβγ) on the receptor-Gα interaction as assessed by agonist- and GDP-dependent [(35)S]GTPγS binding of the fusion proteins. We found that (i) Gβγ promoted both the agonist-dependent and -independent [(35)S]GTPγS binding with little effect on the guanine nucleotide-sensitive high-affinity agonist binding, (ii) the specific [(35)S]GTPγS binding activity was much greater for MBP-M2-Gα(oA) than for MBP-M2-Gα(i1-i3) in the absence of Gβγ, whereas Gβγ preferentially promoted the agonist-dependent decrease in the affinity for GDP of MBP-M2-Gα(i1-i3) rather than of MBP-M2-Gα(oA), and (iii) the proportion of agonist-dependent [(35)S]GTPγS binding was roughly 50% irrespective of species of Gα and the presence or absence of Gβγ. These results demonstrate that receptor-Gα fusion proteins expressed in E. coli could be useful for studies of receptor-G interaction.

A review on renal toxicity profile of common abusive drugs

Drug abuse has become a major social problem of the modern world and majority of these abusive drugs or their metabolites are excreted through the kidneys and, thus, the renal complications of these drugs are very common. Morphine, heroin, cocaine, nicotine and alcohol are the most commonly abused drugs, and their use is associated with various types of renal toxicity. The renal complications include a wide range of glomerular, interstitial and vascular diseases leading to acute or chronic renal failure. The present review discusses the renal toxicity profile and possible mechanisms of commonly abused drugs including morphine, heroin, cocaine, nicotine, caffeine and alcohol.

Sensitivity to μ-opioid receptor-mediated anti-nociception is determined by cross-regulation between μ- and δ-opioid receptors at supraspinal level

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The perception of pain and its inhibition varies considerably between individuals, and this variability is still unexplained. The aim of the present study is to determine whether functional interactions between opioid receptors are involved in the inter-individual variability in the sensitivity to μ-opioid receptor agonists.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

Anti-nociceptive tests, radioligand binding, stimulation of [(35) S]GTP-γ-S binding, inhibition of cAMP production and co-immunoprecipitation experiments were performed in two strains of rat (Sprague-Dawley bred at our university - SDU - and Wistar) that differ in their sensitivity to opioids.

KEY RESULTS

The increased anti-nociceptive potency of µ-opioid receptor agonists in SDU rats was reversed by the δ-opioid receptor antagonist, naltrindole. Inhibition of the binding of [(3) H] naltrindole by µ-opioid receptor agonists was different in brain membranes from SDU and Wistar rats. Differences were also evident in the effect of δ-opioid receptor ligands on the binding of [(35) S]GTP-γ-S stimulated by µ-opioid receptors agonists. No strain-related differences were detected in spinal cord membranes. The potency of morphine to inhibit cAMP production in brain membranes varied between the strains, in the presence of deltorphin II and naltrindole. Co-immunoprecipitation experiments demonstrated that δ-opioid receptors were associated with μ-opioid receptors to a higher extent in brain synaptosomal fractions from SDU than in those from Wistar rats.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

There was increased supraspinal cross-talk between μ and δ-opioid receptors in SDU, as compared with Wistar rats. This was related to an enhanced sensitivity to anti-nociception induced by µ-opioid receptor agonists.

Cleavage-resistant fusion proteins of the M(2) muscarinic receptor and Gα(i1). Homotropic and heterotropic effects in the binding of ligands

BACKGROUND

G protein-coupled receptors fused to a Gα-subunit are functionally similar to their unfused counterparts. They offer an intriguing view into the nature of the receptor-G protein complex, but their usefulness depends upon the stability of the fusion.

METHODS

Fusion proteins of the M(2) muscarinic receptor and the α-subunit of G(i1) were expressed in CHO and Sf9 cells, extracted in digitonin-cholate, and examined for their binding properties and their electrophoretic mobility on western blots.

RESULTS

Receptor fused to native α(i1) underwent proteolysis near the point of fusion to release a fragment with the mobility of α(i1). The cleavage was prevented by truncation of the α-subunit at position 18. Binding of the agonist oxotremorine-M to the stable fusion protein from Sf9 cells was biphasic, and guanylylimidodiphosphate promoted an apparent interconversion of sites from higher to lower affinity. With receptor from CHO cells, the apparent capacity for N-[(3)H]methylscopolamine was 60% of that for [(3)H]quinuclidinylbenzilate; binding at saturating concentrations of the latter was inhibited in a noncompetitive manner at low concentrations of unlabeled N-methylscopolamine.

CONCLUSIONS

A stable fusion protein of the M(2) receptor and truncated α(i1) resembles the native receptor-G protein complex with respect to the guanyl nucleotide-sensitive binding of agonists and the noncompetitive binding of antagonists.

GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE

Release of the α-subunit is likely to occur with other such fusion proteins, rendering the data ambiguous or misleading. The properties of a chemically stable fusion protein support the notion that signaling proceeds via a stable multimeric complex of receptor and G protein.

Allostery at G protein-coupled receptor homo- and heteromers: uncharted pharmacological landscapes

For many years seven transmembrane domain G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) were thought to exist and function exclusively as monomeric units. However, evidence both from native cells and heterologous expression systems has demonstrated that GPCRs can both traffic and signal within higher-order complexes. As for other protein-protein interactions, conformational changes in one polypeptide, including those resulting from binding of pharmacological ligands, have the capacity to alter the conformation and therefore the response of the interacting protein(s), a process known as allosterism. For GPCRs, allosterism across homo- or heteromers, whether dimers or higher-order oligomers, represents an additional topographical landscape that must now be considered pharmacologically. Such effects may offer the opportunity for novel therapeutic approaches. Allosterism at GPCR heteromers is particularly exciting in that it offers additional scope to provide receptor subtype selectivity and tissue specificity as well as fine-tuning of receptor signal strength. Herein, we introduce the concept of allosterism at both GPCR homomers and heteromers and discuss the various questions that must be addressed before significant advances can be made in drug discovery at these GPCR complexes.

Investigating the role of endogenous opioids and KATP channels in glycerol-induced acute renal failure

The present study was designed to investigate the possible role of endogenous opioids and K(ATP) channels in glycerol-induced acute renal failure (ARF) in rats. The rats were subjected to rhabdomyolytic ARF by single intramuscular injection of hypertonic glycerol (50% v/v; 8 mL/kg), and the animals were sacrificed after 24 h of glycerol injection. The plasma creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine clearance, and histopathological studies were performed to assess the degree of renal injury. Naltrexone (2.5, 5.0 and 10.0 mg/kg s.c.), glibenclamide (5.0 and 10.0 mg/kg i.p.), and minoxidil (25 and 50 mg/kg) were employed to explore the role of endogenous opioids and K(ATP) channels in rhabdomyolysis-induced ARF. Pretreatment with naltrexone and glibenclamide attenuated hypertonic glycerol-induced renal dysfunction in a dose-dependent manner, suggesting the role of endogenous opioids and K(ATP) channels in the pathogenesis of myoglobuniric renal failure. However, the simultaneous pretreatment with naltrexone (10 mg/kg s.c.) and glibenclamide (10 mg/kg i.p.) did not enhance the reno-protective effects of individual drugs, suggesting that release of endogenous opioids and opening of K(ATP) channels constitute a single pathway in acute renal injury triggered by hypertonic glycerol-induced rhabdomyolysis. Furthermore, administration of minoxidil abolished the attenuating effects of naltrexone in glycerol-induced renal failure, suggesting that opening of K(ATP) channels is downstream to opioid receptor activation. It is concluded that hypertonic glycerol-induced rhabdomyolysis may involve release of endogenous opioids that in turn modulate K(ATP) channels to contribute in the pathogenesis of ARF.

Agonists at the δ-opioid receptor modify the binding of µ-receptor agonists to the µ-δ receptor hetero-oligomer

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

µ- and δ-opioid receptors form heteromeric complexes with unique ligand binding and G protein-coupling profiles linked to G protein α z-subunit (Gα(z) ) activation. However, the mechanism of action of agonists and their regulation of the µ-δ receptor heteromer are not well understood.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

Competition radioligand binding, cell surface receptor internalization in intact cells, confocal microscopy and receptor immunofluorescence techniques were employed to study the regulation of the µ-δ receptor heteromer in heterologous cells with and without agonist exposure.

KEY RESULTS

Gα(z) enhanced affinity of some agonists at µ-δ receptor heteromers, independent of agonist chemical structure. δ-Opioid agonists displaced µ-agonist binding with high affinity from µ-δ heteromers, but not µ receptor homomers, suggestive of δ-agonists occupying a novel µ-receptor ligand binding pocket within the heteromers. Also, δ-agonists induced internalization of µ-opioid receptors in cells co-expressing µ- and δ-receptors, but not those expressing µ-receptors alone, indicative of µ-δ heteromer internalization. This dose-dependent, Pertussis toxin-resistant and clathrin- and dynamin-dependent effect required agonist occupancy of both µ- and δ-opioid receptors. In contrast to µ-receptor homomers, agonist-induced internalization of µ-δ heteromers persisted following chronic morphine exposure.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

The µ-δ receptor heteromer may contain a novel δ-agonist-detected, high-affinity, µ-receptor ligand binding pocket and is regulated differently from the µ-receptor homomer following chronic morphine exposure. Occupancy of both µ- and δ-receptor binding pockets is required for δ-agonist-induced endocytosis of µ-δ receptor heteromers. δ-Opioid agonists target µ-δ receptor heteromers, and thus have a broader pharmacological specificity than previously identified.

Intracellular cAMP assay and Eu-GTP-γS binding studies of chimeric opioid peptide YFa

In our previous studies chimeric peptide of Met-enkephalin and FMRFa, YGGFMKKKFMRFamide (YFa), demonstrated concentration dependent κ- and μ-opioid receptor mediated antinociception without tolerance development. To gain further insight of the observed behavior of YFa, the present study was undertaken. The effect of chimeric peptide on forskolin-stimulated cAMP formation under acute and chronic treatment and stimulation of Eu-GTP-γS binding in CHO cells stably expressing κ- and μ-opioid receptors was assessed. YFa showed concentration dependent inhibition of forskolin-stimulated cAMP in both hKOR and hMOR-CHO cells; however, the inhibition at 1nM was significantly higher in hKOR cells and comparable to DynA (1-13) than that shown at 20nM in hMOR cells. Chronic treatment of YFa, similar to DynA (1-13), did not show significant change in forskolin-stimulated cAMP level in both hKOR and hMOR cells. However, chronic treatment of morphine and DAMGO showed an increase in forskolin-stimulated cAMP level in hMOR-CHO cells indicating superactivation of adenylyl cyclase. Eu-GTP-γS binding studies of YFa showed a concentration dependent adherent binding with κ- and μ-opioid receptors; however, the latter demonstrated significant binding at higher concentration. Thus the study indicates the chimeric opioid peptide YFa as a potent κ- receptor specific antinociceptive moiety, showing no tolerance and hence may serve as a lead in understanding the mechanism of tolerance development, antinociception and its modulation.

Ionic storm in hypoxic/ischemic stress: can opioid receptors subside it?

Neurons in the mammalian central nervous system are extremely vulnerable to oxygen deprivation and blood supply insufficiency. Indeed, hypoxic/ischemic stress triggers multiple pathophysiological changes in the brain, forming the basis of hypoxic/ischemic encephalopathy. One of the initial and crucial events induced by hypoxia/ischemia is the disruption of ionic homeostasis characterized by enhanced K(+) efflux and Na(+)-, Ca(2+)- and Cl(-)-influx, which causes neuronal injury or even death. Recent data from our laboratory and those of others have shown that activation of opioid receptors, particularly delta-opioid receptors (DOR), is neuroprotective against hypoxic/ischemic insult. This protective mechanism may be one of the key factors that determine neuronal survival under hypoxic/ischemic condition. An important aspect of the DOR-mediated neuroprotection is its action against hypoxic/ischemic disruption of ionic homeostasis. Specially, DOR signal inhibits Na(+) influx through the membrane and reduces the increase in intracellular Ca(2+), thus decreasing the excessive leakage of intracellular K(+). Such protection is dependent on a PKC-dependent and PKA-independent signaling pathway. Furthermore, our novel exploration shows that DOR attenuates hypoxic/ischemic disruption of ionic homeostasis through the inhibitory regulation of Na(+) channels. In this review, we will first update current information regarding the process and features of hypoxic/ischemic disruption of ionic homeostasis and then discuss the opioid-mediated regulation of ionic homeostasis, especially in hypoxic/ischemic condition, and the underlying mechanisms.

Endogenous opiates and behavior: 2008

This paper is the 31st consecutive installment of the annual review of research concerning the endogenous opioid system. It summarizes papers published during 2008 that studied the behavioral effects of molecular, pharmacological and genetic manipulation of opioid peptides, opioid receptors, opioid agonists and opioid antagonists. The particular topics that continue to be covered include the molecular-biochemical effects and neurochemical localization studies of endogenous opioids and their receptors related to behavior (Section 2), and the roles of these opioid peptides and receptors in pain and analgesia (Section 3); stress and social status (Section 4); tolerance and dependence (Section 5); learning and memory (Section 6); eating and drinking (Section 7); alcohol and drugs of abuse (Section 8); sexual activity and hormones, pregnancy, development and endocrinology (Section 9); mental illness and mood (Section 10); seizures and neurologic disorders (Section 11); electrical-related activity and neurophysiology (Section 12); general activity and locomotion (Section 13); gastrointestinal, renal and hepatic functions (Section 14); cardiovascular responses (Section 15); respiration and thermoregulation (Section 16); and immunological responses (Section 17).

Membrane functional organisation and dynamic of mu-opioid receptors

The activation and signalling activity of the membrane mu-opioid receptor (MOP-R) involve interactions among the receptor, G-proteins, effectors and many other membrane or cytosolic proteins. Decades of investigation have led to identification of the main biochemical processes, but the mechanisms governing the successive protein-protein interactions have yet to be established. We will need to unravel the dynamic membrane organisation of this complex and multifaceted molecular machinery if we are to understand these mechanisms. Here, we review and discuss advances in our understanding of the signalling mechanism of MOP-R resulting from biochemical or biophysical studies of the organisation of this receptor in the plasma membrane.

Further studies on lead compounds containing the opioid pharmacophore Dmt-Tic

Some reference opioids containing the Dmt-Tic pharmacophore, especially the delta agonists H-Dmt-Tic-Gly-NH-Ph (1) and H-Dmt-Tic-NH-(S)CH(CH2-COOH)-Bid (4) (UFP-512) were evaluated for the influence of the substitution of Gly with aspartic acid, its chirality, and the importance of the -NH-Ph and N(1)H-Bid hydrogens in the inductions of delta agonism. The results provide the following conclusions: (i) Asp increases delta selectivity by lowering the mu affinity; (ii) -NH-Ph and N(1)H-Bid nitrogens methylation transforms the delta agonists into delta antagonists; (iii) the substitution of Gly with L-Asp/D-Asp in the delta agonist H-Dmt-Tic-Gly-NH-Ph gave delta antagonists; the same substitution in the delta agonist H-Dmt-Tic-NH-CH2-Bid yielded more selective agonists, H-Dmt-Tic-NH-(S)CH(CH2-COOH)-Bid and H-Dmt-Tic-NH-(R)CH(CH2-COOH)-Bid; (iv) L-Asp seems important only in functional bioactivity, not in receptor affinity; (v) H-Dmt-Tic-NH-(S)CH(CH2-COOH)-Bid(N(1)-Me) (10) evidenced analgesia similar to 4, which was reversed by naltrindole only in the tail flick. 4 and 10 had opposite behaviours in mice; 4 caused agitation, 10 gave sedation and convulsions.