1
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Fessl T, Majellaro M, Bondar A. Microscopy and spectroscopy approaches to study GPCR structure and function. Br J Pharmacol 2023. [PMID: 38087925 DOI: 10.1111/bph.16297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
The GPCR signalling cascade is a key pathway responsible for the signal transduction of a multitude of physical and chemical stimuli, including light, odorants, neurotransmitters and hormones. Understanding the structural and functional properties of the GPCR cascade requires direct observation of signalling processes in high spatial and temporal resolution, with minimal perturbation to endogenous systems. Optical microscopy and spectroscopy techniques are uniquely suited to this purpose because they excel at multiple spatial and temporal scales and can be used in living objects. Here, we review recent developments in microscopy and spectroscopy technologies which enable new insights into GPCR signalling. We focus on advanced techniques with high spatial and temporal resolution, single-molecule methods, labelling strategies and approaches suitable for endogenous systems and large living objects. This review aims to assist researchers in choosing appropriate microscopy and spectroscopy approaches for a variety of applications in the study of cellular signalling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomáš Fessl
- Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | | | - Alexey Bondar
- Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
- Laboratory of Microscopy and Histology, Institute of Entomology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
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2
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The chronological evolution of fluorescent GPCR probes for bioimaging. Coord Chem Rev 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ccr.2023.215040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
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3
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Kok ZY, Stoddart LA, Mistry SJ, Mocking TAM, Vischer HF, Leurs R, Hill SJ, Mistry SN, Kellam B. Optimization of Peptide Linker-Based Fluorescent Ligands for the Histamine H 1 Receptor. J Med Chem 2022; 65:8258-8288. [PMID: 35734860 PMCID: PMC9234962 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c00125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The histamine H1 receptor (H1R) has recently been implicated in mediating cell proliferation and cancer progression; therefore, high-affinity H1R-selective fluorescent ligands are desirable tools for further investigation of this behavior in vitro and in vivo. We previously reported a H1R fluorescent ligand, bearing a peptide-linker, based on antagonist VUF13816 and sought to further explore structure-activity relationships (SARs) around the linker, orthostere, and fluorescent moieties. Here, we report a series of high-affinity H1R fluorescent ligands varying in peptide linker composition, orthosteric targeting moiety, and fluorophore. Incorporation of a boron-dipyrromethene (BODIPY) 630/650-based fluorophore conferred high binding affinity to our H1R fluorescent ligands, remarkably overriding the linker SAR observed in corresponding unlabeled congeners. Compound 31a, both potent and subtype-selective, enabled H1R visualization using confocal microscopy at a concentration of 10 nM. Molecular docking of 31a with the human H1R predicts that the optimized peptide linker makes interactions with key residues in the receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi Yuan Kok
- Division of Biomolecular Science and Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RD, U.K.,Centre of Membrane Proteins and Receptors, University of Birmingham and University of Nottingham, the Midlands, Nottingham NG7 2UH, U.K
| | - Leigh A Stoddart
- Division of Physiology, Pharmacology & Neuroscience, Medical School, School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2UH, U.K.,Centre of Membrane Proteins and Receptors, University of Birmingham and University of Nottingham, the Midlands, Nottingham NG7 2UH, U.K
| | - Sarah J Mistry
- Division of Biomolecular Science and Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RD, U.K.,Centre of Membrane Proteins and Receptors, University of Birmingham and University of Nottingham, the Midlands, Nottingham NG7 2UH, U.K
| | - Tamara A M Mocking
- Amsterdam Institute for Molecules, Medicines and Systems, Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelean 1083, 1083 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Henry F Vischer
- Amsterdam Institute for Molecules, Medicines and Systems, Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelean 1083, 1083 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Rob Leurs
- Amsterdam Institute for Molecules, Medicines and Systems, Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelean 1083, 1083 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Stephen J Hill
- Division of Physiology, Pharmacology & Neuroscience, Medical School, School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2UH, U.K.,Centre of Membrane Proteins and Receptors, University of Birmingham and University of Nottingham, the Midlands, Nottingham NG7 2UH, U.K
| | - Shailesh N Mistry
- Division of Biomolecular Science and Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RD, U.K
| | - Barrie Kellam
- Division of Biomolecular Science and Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RD, U.K.,Centre of Membrane Proteins and Receptors, University of Birmingham and University of Nottingham, the Midlands, Nottingham NG7 2UH, U.K
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4
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Badaoui M, Buigues PJ, Berta D, Mandana GM, Gu H, Földes T, Dickson CJ, Hornak V, Kato M, Molteni C, Parsons S, Rosta E. Combined Free-Energy Calculation and Machine Learning Methods for Understanding Ligand Unbinding Kinetics. J Chem Theory Comput 2022; 18:2543-2555. [PMID: 35195418 PMCID: PMC9097281 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jctc.1c00924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
![]()
The
determination of drug residence times, which define the time
an inhibitor is in complex with its target, is a fundamental part
of the drug discovery process. Synthesis and experimental measurements
of kinetic rate constants are, however, expensive and time consuming.
In this work, we aimed to obtain drug residence times computationally.
Furthermore, we propose a novel algorithm to identify molecular design
objectives based on ligand unbinding kinetics. We designed an enhanced
sampling technique to accurately predict the free-energy profiles
of the ligand unbinding process, focusing on the free-energy barrier
for unbinding. Our method first identifies unbinding paths determining
a corresponding set of internal coordinates (ICs) that form contacts
between the protein and the ligand; it then iteratively updates these
interactions during a series of biased molecular dynamics (MD) simulations
to reveal the ICs that are important for the whole of the unbinding
process. Subsequently, we performed finite-temperature string simulations
to obtain the free-energy barrier for unbinding using the set of ICs
as a complex reaction coordinate. Importantly, we also aimed to enable
the further design of drugs focusing on improved residence times.
To this end, we developed a supervised machine learning (ML) approach
with inputs from unbiased “downhill” trajectories initiated
near the transition state (TS) ensemble of the string unbinding path.
We demonstrate that our ML method can identify key ligand–protein
interactions driving the system through the TS. Some of the most important
drugs for cancer treatment are kinase inhibitors. One of these kinase
targets is cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (CDK2), an appealing target for
anticancer drug development. Here, we tested our method using two
different CDK2 inhibitors for the potential further development of
these compounds. We compared the free-energy barriers obtained from
our calculations with those observed in available experimental data.
We highlighted important interactions at the distal ends of the ligands
that can be targeted for improved residence times. Our method provides
a new tool to determine unbinding rates and to identify key structural
features of the inhibitors that can be used as starting points for
novel design strategies in drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magd Badaoui
- Department of Chemistry, King's College London, London SE1 1DB, United Kingdom.,Department of Physics and Astronomy, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
| | - Pedro J Buigues
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
| | - Dénes Berta
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
| | - Gaurav M Mandana
- Department of Chemistry, King's College London, London SE1 1DB, United Kingdom
| | - Hankang Gu
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
| | - Tamás Földes
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
| | - Callum J Dickson
- Computer-Aided Drug Discovery, Global Discovery Chemistry, Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, 181 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Viktor Hornak
- Computer-Aided Drug Discovery, Global Discovery Chemistry, Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, 181 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Mitsunori Kato
- Computer-Aided Drug Discovery, Global Discovery Chemistry, Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, 181 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Carla Molteni
- Department of Physics, King's College London, London WC2R 2LS, United Kingdom
| | - Simon Parsons
- School of Computer Science, University of Lincoln, Lincoln LN6 7TS, United Kingdom
| | - Edina Rosta
- Department of Chemistry, King's College London, London SE1 1DB, United Kingdom.,Department of Physics and Astronomy, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
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5
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Zheng Y, Wágner G, Hauwert N, Ma X, Vischer HF, Leurs R. New Chemical Biology Tools for the Histamine Receptor Family. Curr Top Behav Neurosci 2022; 59:3-28. [PMID: 35851442 DOI: 10.1007/7854_2022_360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The histamine research community has in the last decade been very active and generated a number of exciting new chemical biology tools for the study of histamine receptors, their ligands, and their pharmacology. In this paper we describe the development of histamine receptor structural biology, the use of receptor conformational biosensors, and the development of new ligands for covalent or fluorescent labeling or for photopharmacological approaches (photocaging and photoswitching). These new tools allow new approaches to study histamine receptors and hopefully will lead to better insights in the molecular aspects of histamine receptors and their ligands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Zheng
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Amsterdam Institute of Molecular Life Sciences (AIMMS), Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Gábor Wágner
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Amsterdam Institute of Molecular Life Sciences (AIMMS), Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Niels Hauwert
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Amsterdam Institute of Molecular Life Sciences (AIMMS), Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Xiaoyuan Ma
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Amsterdam Institute of Molecular Life Sciences (AIMMS), Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Henry F Vischer
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Amsterdam Institute of Molecular Life Sciences (AIMMS), Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Rob Leurs
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Amsterdam Institute of Molecular Life Sciences (AIMMS), Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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6
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Falkenstein M, Elek M, Stark H. Chemical Probes for Histamine Receptor Subtypes. Curr Top Behav Neurosci 2021; 59:29-76. [PMID: 34595743 DOI: 10.1007/7854_2021_254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Ligands with different properties and different selectivity are highly needed for in vitro and in vivo studies on the (patho)physiological influence of the chemical mediator histamine and its receptor subtypes. A selection of well-described ligands for the different receptor subtypes and different studies is shown with a particular focus on affinity and selectivity. In addition, compounds with radioactive or fluorescence elements will be presented with their beneficial use for other species or different investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markus Falkenstein
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Milica Elek
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Holger Stark
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Duesseldorf, Germany.
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7
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The use of fluorescence correlation spectroscopy to characterise the molecular mobility of G protein-coupled receptors in membrane microdomains: an update. Biochem Soc Trans 2021; 49:1547-1554. [PMID: 34436556 DOI: 10.1042/bst20201001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2021] [Revised: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
It has become increasingly apparent that some G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are not homogeneously expressed within the plasma membrane but may instead be organised within distinct signalling microdomains. These microdomains localise GPCRs in close proximity with other membrane proteins and intracellular signalling partners and could have profound implications for the spatial and temporal control of downstream signalling. In order to probe the molecular mechanisms that govern GPCR pharmacology within these domains, fluorescence techniques with effective single receptor sensitivity are required. Of these, fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS) is a technique that meets this sensitivity threshold. This short review will provide an update of the recent uses of FCS based techniques in conjunction with GPCR subtype selective fluorescent ligands to characterise dynamic ligand-receptor interactions in whole cells and using purified GPCRs.
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8
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Goulding J, Kondrashov A, Mistry SJ, Melarangi T, Vo NTN, Hoang DM, White CW, Denning C, Briddon SJ, Hill SJ. The use of fluorescence correlation spectroscopy to monitor cell surface β2-adrenoceptors at low expression levels in human embryonic stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes and fibroblasts. FASEB J 2021; 35:e21398. [PMID: 33710675 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202002268r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Revised: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The importance of cell phenotype in determining the molecular mechanisms underlying β2 -adrenoceptor (β2AR) function has been noted previously when comparing responses in primary cells and recombinant model cell lines. Here, we have generated haplotype-specific SNAP-tagged β2AR human embryonic stem (ES) cell lines and applied fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS) to study cell surface receptors in progenitor cells and in differentiated fibroblasts and cardiomyocytes. FCS was able to quantify SNAP-tagged β2AR number and diffusion in both ES-derived cardiomyocytes and CRISPR/Cas9 genome-edited HEK293T cells, where the expression level was too low to detect using standard confocal microscopy. These studies demonstrate the power of FCS in investigating cell surface β2ARs at the very low expression levels often seen in endogenously expressing cells. Furthermore, the use of ES cell technology in combination with FCS allowed us to demonstrate that cell surface β2ARs internalize in response to formoterol-stimulation in ES progenitor cells but not following their differentiation into ES-derived fibroblasts. This indicates that the process of agonist-induced receptor internalization is strongly influenced by cell phenotype and this may have important implications for drug treatment with long-acting β2AR agonists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joëlle Goulding
- Centre of Membrane Proteins and Receptors (COMPARE), University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK.,Division of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Alexander Kondrashov
- Centre of Membrane Proteins and Receptors (COMPARE), University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK.,Division of Cancer & Stem Cells, University of Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, University Park, Nottingham, UK
| | - Sarah J Mistry
- Centre of Membrane Proteins and Receptors (COMPARE), University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK.,School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Tony Melarangi
- Division of Cancer & Stem Cells, University of Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, University Park, Nottingham, UK
| | - Nguyen T N Vo
- Division of Cancer & Stem Cells, University of Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, University Park, Nottingham, UK
| | - Duc M Hoang
- Division of Cancer & Stem Cells, University of Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, University Park, Nottingham, UK.,Department of Cellular Manufacturing, Vinmec Research Institute of Stem Cell and Gene Technology, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Carl W White
- Centre of Membrane Proteins and Receptors (COMPARE), University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK.,Division of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK.,Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research and Centre for Medical Research, QEII Medical Centre, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia.,Australian Research Council Centre for Personalised Therapeutics Technologies, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Chris Denning
- Centre of Membrane Proteins and Receptors (COMPARE), University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK.,Division of Cancer & Stem Cells, University of Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, University Park, Nottingham, UK
| | - Stephen J Briddon
- Centre of Membrane Proteins and Receptors (COMPARE), University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK.,Division of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Stephen J Hill
- Centre of Membrane Proteins and Receptors (COMPARE), University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK.,Division of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
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9
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Borgarelli C, Klingl YE, Escamilla-Ayala A, Munck S, Van Den Bosch L, De Borggraeve WM, Ismalaj E. Lighting Up the Plasma Membrane: Development and Applications of Fluorescent Ligands for Transmembrane Proteins. Chemistry 2021; 27:8605-8641. [PMID: 33733502 DOI: 10.1002/chem.202100296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Despite the fact that transmembrane proteins represent the main therapeutic targets for decades, complete and in-depth knowledge about their biochemical and pharmacological profiling is not fully available. In this regard, target-tailored small-molecule fluorescent ligands are a viable approach to fill in the missing pieces of the puzzle. Such tools, coupled with the ability of high-precision optical techniques to image with an unprecedented resolution at a single-molecule level, helped unraveling many of the conundrums related to plasma proteins' life-cycle and druggability. Herein, we review the recent progress made during the last two decades in fluorescent ligand design and potential applications in fluorescence microscopy of voltage-gated ion channels, ligand-gated ion channels and G-coupled protein receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlotta Borgarelli
- Department of Chemistry, Molecular Design and Synthesis, KU Leuven Campus Arenberg Celestijnenlaan 200F -, box 2404, 3001, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Yvonne E Klingl
- Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology and Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), KU Leuven Campus Gasthuisberg O&N5 -, box 602 Herestraat 49, 3000, Leuven, Belgium.,Laboratory of Neurobiology, VIB, Center for Brain &, Disease Research, VIB-KU Leuven Campus Gasthuisberg O&N5 -, box 602 Herestraat 49, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Abril Escamilla-Ayala
- Center for Brain & Disease Research, & VIB BioImaging Core, VIB-KU Leuven Campus Gasthuisberg O&N5 -, box 602 Herestraat 49, 3000, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Neurosciences, Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven, Campus Gasthuisberg O&N5 - box 602 Herestraat 49, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Sebastian Munck
- Center for Brain & Disease Research, & VIB BioImaging Core, VIB-KU Leuven Campus Gasthuisberg O&N5 -, box 602 Herestraat 49, 3000, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Neurosciences, Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven, Campus Gasthuisberg O&N5 - box 602 Herestraat 49, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ludo Van Den Bosch
- Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology and Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), KU Leuven Campus Gasthuisberg O&N5 -, box 602 Herestraat 49, 3000, Leuven, Belgium.,Laboratory of Neurobiology, VIB, Center for Brain &, Disease Research, VIB-KU Leuven Campus Gasthuisberg O&N5 -, box 602 Herestraat 49, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Wim M De Borggraeve
- Department of Chemistry, Molecular Design and Synthesis, KU Leuven Campus Arenberg Celestijnenlaan 200F -, box 2404, 3001, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ermal Ismalaj
- Department of Chemistry, Molecular Design and Synthesis, KU Leuven Campus Arenberg Celestijnenlaan 200F -, box 2404, 3001, Leuven, Belgium
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10
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Soave M, Stoddart LA, White CW, Kilpatrick LE, Goulding J, Briddon SJ, Hill SJ. Detection of genome-edited and endogenously expressed G protein-coupled receptors. FEBS J 2021; 288:2585-2601. [PMID: 33506623 PMCID: PMC8647918 DOI: 10.1111/febs.15729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Revised: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are the largest family of membrane receptors and major targets for FDA-approved drugs. The ability to quantify GPCR expression and ligand binding characteristics in different cell types and tissues is therefore important for drug discovery. The advent of genome editing along with developments in fluorescent ligand design offers exciting new possibilities to probe GPCRs in their native environment. This review provides an overview of the recent technical advances employed to study the localisation and ligand binding characteristics of genome-edited and endogenously expressed GPCRs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Soave
- Division of Physiology, Pharmacology and NeuroscienceSchool of Life SciencesUniversity of NottinghamUK
- Centre of Membrane Proteins and Receptors (COMPARE)University of Birmingham and University of NottinghamThe MidlandsUK
| | - Leigh A. Stoddart
- Division of Physiology, Pharmacology and NeuroscienceSchool of Life SciencesUniversity of NottinghamUK
- Centre of Membrane Proteins and Receptors (COMPARE)University of Birmingham and University of NottinghamThe MidlandsUK
| | - Carl W. White
- Centre of Membrane Proteins and Receptors (COMPARE)University of Birmingham and University of NottinghamThe MidlandsUK
- Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research and Centre for Medical ResearchQEII Medical CentreThe University of Western AustraliaNedlandsAustralia
- Australian Research Council Centre for Personalised Therapeutics TechnologiesAustralia
| | - Laura E. Kilpatrick
- Centre of Membrane Proteins and Receptors (COMPARE)University of Birmingham and University of NottinghamThe MidlandsUK
- Division of Biomolecular Science and Medicinal ChemistrySchool of Pharmacy, Biodiscovery InstituteUniversity of NottinghamUK
| | - Joëlle Goulding
- Division of Physiology, Pharmacology and NeuroscienceSchool of Life SciencesUniversity of NottinghamUK
- Centre of Membrane Proteins and Receptors (COMPARE)University of Birmingham and University of NottinghamThe MidlandsUK
| | - Stephen J. Briddon
- Division of Physiology, Pharmacology and NeuroscienceSchool of Life SciencesUniversity of NottinghamUK
- Centre of Membrane Proteins and Receptors (COMPARE)University of Birmingham and University of NottinghamThe MidlandsUK
| | - Stephen J. Hill
- Division of Physiology, Pharmacology and NeuroscienceSchool of Life SciencesUniversity of NottinghamUK
- Centre of Membrane Proteins and Receptors (COMPARE)University of Birmingham and University of NottinghamThe MidlandsUK
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11
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Comeo E, Trinh P, Nguyen AT, Nowell CJ, Kindon ND, Soave M, Stoddart LA, White JM, Hill SJ, Kellam B, Halls ML, May LT, Scammells PJ. Development and Application of Subtype-Selective Fluorescent Antagonists for the Study of the Human Adenosine A 1 Receptor in Living Cells. J Med Chem 2021; 64:6670-6695. [PMID: 33724031 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c02067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The adenosine A1 receptor (A1AR) is a G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) that provides important therapeutic opportunities for a number of conditions including congestive heart failure, tachycardia, and neuropathic pain. The development of A1AR-selective fluorescent ligands will enhance our understanding of the subcellular mechanisms underlying A1AR pharmacology facilitating the development of more efficacious and selective therapies. Herein, we report the design, synthesis, and application of a novel series of A1AR-selective fluorescent probes based on 8-functionalized bicyclo[2.2.2]octylxanthine and 3-functionalized 8-(adamant-1-yl) xanthine scaffolds. These fluorescent conjugates allowed quantification of kinetic and equilibrium ligand binding parameters using NanoBRET and visualization of specific receptor distribution patterns in living cells by confocal imaging and total internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF) microscopy. As such, the novel A1AR-selective fluorescent antagonists described herein can be applied in conjunction with a series of fluorescence-based techniques to foster understanding of A1AR molecular pharmacology and signaling in living cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleonora Comeo
- Medicinal Chemistry, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia.,Division of Biomolecular Sciences and Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, United Kingdom.,Centre of Membrane Proteins and Receptors (COMPARE), University of Birmingham, B15 2TT and University of Nottingham, Birmingham NG7 2UH, United Kingdom
| | - Phuc Trinh
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Anh T Nguyen
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Cameron J Nowell
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Nicholas D Kindon
- Division of Biomolecular Sciences and Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, United Kingdom.,Centre of Membrane Proteins and Receptors (COMPARE), University of Birmingham, B15 2TT and University of Nottingham, Birmingham NG7 2UH, United Kingdom
| | - Mark Soave
- Division of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, Queens Medical Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2UH, United Kingdom.,Centre of Membrane Proteins and Receptors (COMPARE), University of Birmingham, B15 2TT and University of Nottingham, Birmingham NG7 2UH, United Kingdom
| | - Leigh A Stoddart
- Division of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, Queens Medical Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2UH, United Kingdom.,Centre of Membrane Proteins and Receptors (COMPARE), University of Birmingham, B15 2TT and University of Nottingham, Birmingham NG7 2UH, United Kingdom
| | - Jonathan M White
- School of Chemistry and the Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Stephen J Hill
- Division of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, Queens Medical Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2UH, United Kingdom.,Centre of Membrane Proteins and Receptors (COMPARE), University of Birmingham, B15 2TT and University of Nottingham, Birmingham NG7 2UH, United Kingdom
| | - Barrie Kellam
- Division of Biomolecular Sciences and Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, United Kingdom.,Centre of Membrane Proteins and Receptors (COMPARE), University of Birmingham, B15 2TT and University of Nottingham, Birmingham NG7 2UH, United Kingdom
| | - Michelle L Halls
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Lauren T May
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Peter J Scammells
- Medicinal Chemistry, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
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12
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Mai QN, Shenoy P, Quach T, Retamal JS, Gondin AB, Yeatman HR, Aurelio L, Conner JW, Poole DP, Canals M, Nowell CJ, Graham B, Davis TP, Briddon SJ, Hill SJ, Porter CJH, Bunnett NW, Halls ML, Veldhuis NA. A lipid-anchored neurokinin 1 receptor antagonist prolongs pain relief by a three-pronged mechanism of action targeting the receptor at the plasma membrane and in endosomes. J Biol Chem 2021; 296:100345. [PMID: 33515548 PMCID: PMC7949131 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2021.100345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2020] [Revised: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are traditionally known for signaling at the plasma membrane, but they can also signal from endosomes after internalization to control important pathophysiological processes. In spinal neurons, sustained endosomal signaling of the neurokinin 1 receptor (NK1R) mediates nociception, as demonstrated in models of acute and neuropathic pain. An NK1R antagonist, Spantide I (Span), conjugated to cholestanol (Span-Chol), accumulates in endosomes, inhibits endosomal NK1R signaling, and causes prolonged antinociception. However, the extent to which the Chol-anchor influences long-term location and activity is poorly understood. Herein, we used fluorescent correlation spectroscopy and targeted biosensors to characterize Span-Chol over time. The Chol-anchor increased local concentration of probe at the plasma membrane. Over time we observed an increase in NK1R-binding affinity and more potent inhibition of NK1R-mediated calcium signaling. Span-Chol, but not Span, caused a persistent decrease in NK1R recruitment of β-arrestin and receptor internalization to early endosomes. Using targeted biosensors, we mapped the relative inhibition of NK1R signaling as the receptor moved into the cell. Span selectively inhibited cell surface signaling, whereas Span-Chol partitioned into endosomal membranes and blocked endosomal signaling. In a preclinical model of pain, Span-Chol caused prolonged antinociception (>9 h), which is attributable to a three-pronged mechanism of action: increased local concentration at membranes, a prolonged decrease in NK1R endocytosis, and persistent inhibition of signaling from endosomes. Identifying the mechanisms that contribute to the increased preclinical efficacy of lipid-anchored NK1R antagonists is an important step toward understanding how we can effectively target intracellular GPCRs in disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quynh N Mai
- Drug Discovery Biology Theme, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; Drug Delivery, Disposition and Dynamics Theme, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio-Nano Science and Technology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; Medicinal Chemistry Theme, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Priyank Shenoy
- Drug Discovery Biology Theme, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio-Nano Science and Technology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Tim Quach
- Drug Delivery, Disposition and Dynamics Theme, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jeffri S Retamal
- Drug Delivery, Disposition and Dynamics Theme, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio-Nano Science and Technology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Arisbel B Gondin
- Drug Discovery Biology Theme, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio-Nano Science and Technology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Holly R Yeatman
- Drug Discovery Biology Theme, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Luigi Aurelio
- Drug Discovery Biology Theme, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; Medicinal Chemistry Theme, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Joshua W Conner
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio-Nano Science and Technology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; Medicinal Chemistry Theme, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Daniel P Poole
- Drug Discovery Biology Theme, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio-Nano Science and Technology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Meritxell Canals
- Division of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, The University of Nottingham Medical School, Nottingham, UK; Centre of Membrane Proteins and Receptors, Universities of Birmingham and Nottingham, the Midlands, UK
| | - Cameron J Nowell
- Drug Discovery Biology Theme, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Bim Graham
- Medicinal Chemistry Theme, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Thomas P Davis
- Drug Delivery, Disposition and Dynamics Theme, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio-Nano Science and Technology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Stephen J Briddon
- Division of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, The University of Nottingham Medical School, Nottingham, UK; Centre of Membrane Proteins and Receptors, Universities of Birmingham and Nottingham, the Midlands, UK
| | - Stephen J Hill
- Division of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, The University of Nottingham Medical School, Nottingham, UK; Centre of Membrane Proteins and Receptors, Universities of Birmingham and Nottingham, the Midlands, UK
| | - Christopher J H Porter
- Drug Delivery, Disposition and Dynamics Theme, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio-Nano Science and Technology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Nigel W Bunnett
- Drug Discovery Biology Theme, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio-Nano Science and Technology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; Department of Molecular Pathobiology, New York University College of Dentistry, New York, New York, USA.
| | - Michelle L Halls
- Drug Discovery Biology Theme, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Nicholas A Veldhuis
- Drug Discovery Biology Theme, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; Drug Delivery, Disposition and Dynamics Theme, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio-Nano Science and Technology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.
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13
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New small molecule fluorescent probes for G protein-coupled receptors: valuable tools for drug discovery. Future Med Chem 2020; 13:63-90. [PMID: 33319586 DOI: 10.4155/fmc-2019-0327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are essential signaling proteins and tractable therapeutic targets. To develop new drug candidates, GPCR drug discovery programs require versatile, sensitive pharmacological tools for ligand binding and compound screening. With the availability of new imaging modalities and proximity-based ligand binding technologies, fluorescent ligands offer many advantages and are increasingly being used, yet labeling small molecules remains considerably more challenging relative to peptides. Focusing on recent fluorescent small molecule studies for family A GPCRs, this review addresses some of the key challenges, synthesis approaches and structure-activity relationship considerations, and discusses advantages of using high-resolution GPCR structures to inform conjugation strategies. While no single approach guarantees successful labeling without loss of affinity or selectivity, the choice of fluorophore, linker type and site of attachment have proved to be critical factors that can significantly affect their utility in drug discovery programs, and as discussed, can sometimes lead to very unexpected results.
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14
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Stoddart LA, Kindon ND, Otun O, Harwood CR, Patera F, Veprintsev DB, Woolard J, Briddon SJ, Franks HA, Hill SJ, Kellam B. Ligand-directed covalent labelling of a GPCR with a fluorescent tag in live cells. Commun Biol 2020; 3:722. [PMID: 33247190 PMCID: PMC7695831 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-020-01451-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2020] [Accepted: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
To study the localisation of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCR) in their native cellular environment requires their visualisation through fluorescent labelling. To overcome the requirement for genetic modification of the receptor or the limitations of dissociable fluorescent ligands, here we describe rational design of a compound that covalently and selectively labels a GPCR in living cells with a fluorescent moiety. We designed a fluorescent antagonist, in which the linker incorporated between pharmacophore (ZM241385) and fluorophore (sulfo-cyanine5) is able to facilitate covalent linking of the fluorophore to the adenosine A2A receptor. We pharmacologically and biochemically demonstrate irreversible fluorescent labelling without impeding access to the orthosteric binding site and demonstrate its use in endogenously expressing systems. This offers a non-invasive and selective approach to study function and localisation of native GPCRs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leigh A Stoddart
- Cell Signalling and Pharmacology Research Group, Division of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
- Centre of Membrane Proteins and Receptors (COMPARE), University of Birmingham and University of Nottingham, Nottingham, Midlands, NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Nicholas D Kindon
- Centre of Membrane Proteins and Receptors (COMPARE), University of Birmingham and University of Nottingham, Nottingham, Midlands, NG7 2RD, UK
- School of Pharmacy, Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Omolade Otun
- Cell Signalling and Pharmacology Research Group, Division of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
- Centre of Membrane Proteins and Receptors (COMPARE), University of Birmingham and University of Nottingham, Nottingham, Midlands, NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Clare R Harwood
- Cell Signalling and Pharmacology Research Group, Division of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
- Centre of Membrane Proteins and Receptors (COMPARE), University of Birmingham and University of Nottingham, Nottingham, Midlands, NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Foteini Patera
- Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Dmitry B Veprintsev
- Cell Signalling and Pharmacology Research Group, Division of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
- Centre of Membrane Proteins and Receptors (COMPARE), University of Birmingham and University of Nottingham, Nottingham, Midlands, NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Jeanette Woolard
- Cell Signalling and Pharmacology Research Group, Division of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
- Centre of Membrane Proteins and Receptors (COMPARE), University of Birmingham and University of Nottingham, Nottingham, Midlands, NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Stephen J Briddon
- Cell Signalling and Pharmacology Research Group, Division of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
- Centre of Membrane Proteins and Receptors (COMPARE), University of Birmingham and University of Nottingham, Nottingham, Midlands, NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Hester A Franks
- Centre of Membrane Proteins and Receptors (COMPARE), University of Birmingham and University of Nottingham, Nottingham, Midlands, NG7 2RD, UK
- Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Stephen J Hill
- Cell Signalling and Pharmacology Research Group, Division of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK.
- Centre of Membrane Proteins and Receptors (COMPARE), University of Birmingham and University of Nottingham, Nottingham, Midlands, NG7 2RD, UK.
| | - Barrie Kellam
- Centre of Membrane Proteins and Receptors (COMPARE), University of Birmingham and University of Nottingham, Nottingham, Midlands, NG7 2RD, UK.
- School of Pharmacy, Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK.
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15
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Biselli S, Alencastre I, Tropmann K, Erdmann D, Chen M, Littmann T, Maia AF, Gomez-Lazaro M, Tanaka M, Ozawa T, Keller M, Lamghari M, Buschauer A, Bernhardt G. Fluorescent H 2 Receptor Squaramide-Type Antagonists: Synthesis, Characterization, and Applications. ACS Med Chem Lett 2020; 11:1521-1528. [PMID: 32832018 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.0c00033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Fluorescence labeled ligands have been gaining importance as molecular tools, enabling receptor-ligand-binding studies by various fluorescence-based techniques. Aiming at red-emitting fluorescent ligands for the hH2R, a series of squaramides labeled with pyridinium or cyanine fluorophores (19-27) was synthesized and characterized. The highest hH2R affinities in radioligand competition binding assays were obtained in the case of pyridinium labeled antagonists 19-21 (pK i: 7.71-7.76) and cyanine labeled antagonists 23 and 25 (pK i: 7.67, 7.11). These fluorescent ligands proved to be useful tools for binding studies (saturation and competition binding as well as kinetic experiments), using confocal microscopy, flow cytometry, and high content imaging. Saturation binding experiments revealed pK d values comparable to the pK i values. The fluorescent probes 21, 23, and 25 could be used to localize H2 receptors in HEK cells and to determine the binding affinities of unlabeled compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Biselli
- Institute of Pharmacy, Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Regensburg, Universitätsstrasse 31, D-93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Inês Alencastre
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde da Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- INEB - Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen, 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Katharina Tropmann
- Institute of Pharmacy, Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Regensburg, Universitätsstrasse 31, D-93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Daniela Erdmann
- Institute of Pharmacy, Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Regensburg, Universitätsstrasse 31, D-93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Mengya Chen
- Institute of Pharmacy, Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Regensburg, Universitätsstrasse 31, D-93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Timo Littmann
- Institute of Pharmacy, Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Regensburg, Universitätsstrasse 31, D-93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - André F. Maia
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde da Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- IBMC - Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Maria Gomez-Lazaro
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde da Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- INEB - Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen, 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Miho Tanaka
- Department of Chemistry, School of Science, University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Bunkyo-ku, Hongo, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Takeaki Ozawa
- Department of Chemistry, School of Science, University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Bunkyo-ku, Hongo, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Max Keller
- Institute of Pharmacy, Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Regensburg, Universitätsstrasse 31, D-93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Meriem Lamghari
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde da Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- INEB - Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen, 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Armin Buschauer
- Institute of Pharmacy, Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Regensburg, Universitätsstrasse 31, D-93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Günther Bernhardt
- Institute of Pharmacy, Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Regensburg, Universitätsstrasse 31, D-93053 Regensburg, Germany
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16
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White CW, Caspar B, Vanyai HK, Pfleger KDG, Hill SJ. CRISPR-Mediated Protein Tagging with Nanoluciferase to Investigate Native Chemokine Receptor Function and Conformational Changes. Cell Chem Biol 2020; 27:499-510.e7. [PMID: 32053779 PMCID: PMC7242902 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2020.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2019] [Revised: 01/02/2020] [Accepted: 01/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
G protein-coupled receptors are a major class of membrane receptors that mediate physiological and pathophysiological cellular signaling. Many aspects of receptor activation and signaling can be investigated using genetically encoded luminescent fusion proteins. However, the use of these biosensors in live cell systems requires the exogenous expression of the tagged protein of interest. To maintain the normal cellular context here we use CRISPR/Cas9-mediated homology-directed repair to insert luminescent tags into the endogenous genome. Using NanoLuc and bioluminescence resonance energy transfer we demonstrate fluorescent ligand binding at genome-edited chemokine receptors. We also demonstrate that split-NanoLuc complementation can be used to investigate conformational changes and internalization of CXCR4 and that recruitment of β-arrestin2 to CXCR4 can be monitored when both proteins are natively expressed. These results show that genetically encoded luminescent biosensors can be used to investigate numerous aspects of receptor function at native expression levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carl W White
- Cell Signalling and Pharmacology Research Group, Division of Physiology, Pharmacology & Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Queens Medical Centre, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK; Centre of Membrane Proteins and Receptors, University of Birmingham and University of Nottingham, The Midlands, UK; Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research and Centre for Medical Research, The University of Western Australia, QEII Medical Centre, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia; Australian Research Council Centre for Personalised Therapeutics Technologies, Australia.
| | - Birgit Caspar
- Cell Signalling and Pharmacology Research Group, Division of Physiology, Pharmacology & Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Queens Medical Centre, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK; Centre of Membrane Proteins and Receptors, University of Birmingham and University of Nottingham, The Midlands, UK
| | - Hannah K Vanyai
- Epithelial Biology Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Kevin D G Pfleger
- Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research and Centre for Medical Research, The University of Western Australia, QEII Medical Centre, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia; Australian Research Council Centre for Personalised Therapeutics Technologies, Australia; Dimerix Limited, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Stephen J Hill
- Cell Signalling and Pharmacology Research Group, Division of Physiology, Pharmacology & Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Queens Medical Centre, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK; Centre of Membrane Proteins and Receptors, University of Birmingham and University of Nottingham, The Midlands, UK; Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research and Centre for Medical Research, The University of Western Australia, QEII Medical Centre, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia.
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17
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Bartole E, Grätz L, Littmann T, Wifling D, Seibel U, Buschauer A, Bernhardt G. UR-DEBa242: A Py-5-Labeled Fluorescent Multipurpose Probe for Investigations on the Histamine H3 and H4 Receptors. J Med Chem 2020; 63:5297-5311. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c00160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Edith Bartole
- Institute of Pharmacy, Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Regensburg, Universitätsstrasse 31, D-93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Lukas Grätz
- Institute of Pharmacy, Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Regensburg, Universitätsstrasse 31, D-93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Timo Littmann
- Institute of Pharmacy, Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Regensburg, Universitätsstrasse 31, D-93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - David Wifling
- Institute of Pharmacy, Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Regensburg, Universitätsstrasse 31, D-93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Ulla Seibel
- Institute of Pharmacy, Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Regensburg, Universitätsstrasse 31, D-93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Armin Buschauer
- Institute of Pharmacy, Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Regensburg, Universitätsstrasse 31, D-93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Günther Bernhardt
- Institute of Pharmacy, Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Regensburg, Universitätsstrasse 31, D-93053 Regensburg, Germany
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18
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Robers MB, Friedman-Ohana R, Huber KVM, Kilpatrick L, Vasta JD, Berger BT, Chaudhry C, Hill S, Müller S, Knapp S, Wood KV. Quantifying Target Occupancy of Small Molecules Within Living Cells. Annu Rev Biochem 2020; 89:557-581. [PMID: 32208767 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-biochem-011420-092302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The binding affinity and kinetics of target engagement are fundamental to establishing structure-activity relationships (SARs) for prospective therapeutic agents. Enhancing these binding parameters for operative targets, while minimizing binding to off-target sites, can translate to improved drug efficacy and a widened therapeutic window. Compound activity is typically assessed through modulation of an observed phenotype in cultured cells. Quantifying the corresponding binding properties under common cellular conditions can provide more meaningful interpretation of the cellular SAR analysis. Consequently, methods for assessing drug binding in living cells have advanced and are now integral to medicinal chemistry workflows. In this review, we survey key technological advancements that support quantitative assessments of target occupancy in cultured cells, emphasizing generalizable methodologies able to deliver analytical precision that heretofore required reductionist biochemical approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- M B Robers
- Promega Corporation, Madison, Wisconsin 53711, USA; , ,
| | | | - K V M Huber
- Target Discovery Institute and Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7FZ, United Kingdom; .,Structural Genomics Consortium, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7DQ, United Kingdom
| | - L Kilpatrick
- Division of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2UH, United Kingdom; , .,Centre of Membrane Proteins and Receptors (COMPARE), University of Birmingham and University of Nottingham, Midlands NG7 2UH, United Kingdom
| | - J D Vasta
- Promega Corporation, Madison, Wisconsin 53711, USA; , ,
| | - B-T Berger
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, 60438 Frankfurt, Germany; ,
| | - C Chaudhry
- Lead Discovery and Optimization, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Princeton, New Jersey 08648, USA;
| | - S Hill
- Division of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2UH, United Kingdom; , .,Centre of Membrane Proteins and Receptors (COMPARE), University of Birmingham and University of Nottingham, Midlands NG7 2UH, United Kingdom
| | - S Müller
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, 60438 Frankfurt, Germany; , .,Structural Genomics Consortium, Buchmann Institute for Life Sciences, Goethe University Frankfurt, 60438 Frankfurt, Germany;
| | - S Knapp
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, 60438 Frankfurt, Germany; , .,Structural Genomics Consortium, Buchmann Institute for Life Sciences, Goethe University Frankfurt, 60438 Frankfurt, Germany; .,German Cancer Network (DKTK), Frankfurt/Mainz, 60438 Frankfurt, Germany.,Frankfurt Cancer Institute (FCI), Goethe University, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - K V Wood
- Promega Corporation, Madison, Wisconsin 53711, USA; , , .,Current affiliation: Light Bio, Inc., Mount Horeb, Wisconsin 53572, USA;
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19
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Soave M, Briddon SJ, Hill SJ, Stoddart LA. Fluorescent ligands: Bringing light to emerging GPCR paradigms. Br J Pharmacol 2020; 177:978-991. [PMID: 31877233 DOI: 10.1111/bph.14953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2019] [Revised: 11/19/2019] [Accepted: 12/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, several novel aspects of GPCR pharmacology have been described, which are thought to play a role in determining the in vivo efficacy of a compound. Fluorescent ligands have been used to study many of these, which have also required the development of new experimental approaches. Fluorescent ligands offer the potential to use the same fluorescent probe to perform a broad range of experiments, from single-molecule microscopy to in vivo BRET. This review provides an overview of the in vitro use of fluorescent ligands in further understanding emerging pharmacological paradigms within the GPCR field, including ligand-binding kinetics, allosterism and intracellular signalling, along with the use of fluorescent ligands to study physiologically relevant therapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Soave
- Cell Signalling and Pharmacology Research Group, Division of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK.,Centre of Membrane Proteins and Receptors (COMPARE), University of Birmingham and University of Nottingham, Midlands, UK
| | - Stephen J Briddon
- Cell Signalling and Pharmacology Research Group, Division of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK.,Centre of Membrane Proteins and Receptors (COMPARE), University of Birmingham and University of Nottingham, Midlands, UK
| | - Stephen J Hill
- Cell Signalling and Pharmacology Research Group, Division of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK.,Centre of Membrane Proteins and Receptors (COMPARE), University of Birmingham and University of Nottingham, Midlands, UK
| | - Leigh A Stoddart
- Cell Signalling and Pharmacology Research Group, Division of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK.,Centre of Membrane Proteins and Receptors (COMPARE), University of Birmingham and University of Nottingham, Midlands, UK
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20
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Iliopoulos-Tsoutsouvas C, Kulkarni RN, Makriyannis A, Nikas SP. Fluorescent probes for G-protein-coupled receptor drug discovery. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2018; 13:933-947. [DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2018.1518975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Rohit N. Kulkarni
- Section on Islet Cell and Regenerative Biology, Joslin Diabetes Center. Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Alexandros Makriyannis
- Center for Drug Discovery and Departments of Chemistry & Chemical Biology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Spyros P. Nikas
- Center for Drug Discovery and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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21
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Stoddart LA, Vernall AJ, Bouzo-Lorenzo M, Bosma R, Kooistra AJ, de Graaf C, Vischer HF, Leurs R, Briddon SJ, Kellam B, Hill SJ. Development of novel fluorescent histamine H 1-receptor antagonists to study ligand-binding kinetics in living cells. Sci Rep 2018; 8:1572. [PMID: 29371669 PMCID: PMC5785503 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-19714-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2017] [Accepted: 01/03/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The histamine H1-receptor (H1R) is an important mediator of allergy and inflammation. H1R antagonists have particular clinical utility in allergic rhinitis and urticaria. Here we have developed six novel fluorescent probes for this receptor that are very effective for high resolution confocal imaging, alongside bioluminescence resonance energy transfer approaches to monitor H1R ligand binding kinetics in living cells. The latter technology exploits the opportunities provided by the recently described bright bioluminescent protein NanoLuc when it is fused to the N-terminus of a receptor. Two different pharmacophores (mepyramine or the fragment VUF13816) were used to generate fluorescent H1R antagonists conjugated via peptide linkers to the fluorophore BODIPY630/650. Kinetic properties of the probes showed wide variation, with the VUF13816 analogues having much longer H1R residence times relative to their mepyramine-based counterparts. The kinetics of these fluorescent ligands could also be monitored in membrane preparations providing new opportunities for future drug discovery applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leigh A Stoddart
- Division of Pharmacology Physiology and Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2UH, UK
- Centre of Membrane Proteins and Receptors, University of Birmingham and University of Nottingham, Midlands, UK
| | - Andrea J Vernall
- School of Pharmacy, Division of Biomolecular Science and Medicinal Chemistry, Centre for Biomolecular Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Monica Bouzo-Lorenzo
- Division of Pharmacology Physiology and Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2UH, UK
- Centre of Membrane Proteins and Receptors, University of Birmingham and University of Nottingham, Midlands, UK
| | - Reggie Bosma
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Amsterdam Institute for Molecules, Medicines and Systems (AIMMS), Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, PO Box 7161, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Albert J Kooistra
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Amsterdam Institute for Molecules, Medicines and Systems (AIMMS), Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, PO Box 7161, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Chris de Graaf
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Amsterdam Institute for Molecules, Medicines and Systems (AIMMS), Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, PO Box 7161, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Henry F Vischer
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Amsterdam Institute for Molecules, Medicines and Systems (AIMMS), Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, PO Box 7161, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Rob Leurs
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Amsterdam Institute for Molecules, Medicines and Systems (AIMMS), Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, PO Box 7161, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Stephen J Briddon
- Division of Pharmacology Physiology and Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2UH, UK
- Centre of Membrane Proteins and Receptors, University of Birmingham and University of Nottingham, Midlands, UK
| | - Barrie Kellam
- School of Pharmacy, Division of Biomolecular Science and Medicinal Chemistry, Centre for Biomolecular Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK.
- Centre of Membrane Proteins and Receptors, University of Birmingham and University of Nottingham, Midlands, UK.
| | - Stephen J Hill
- Division of Pharmacology Physiology and Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2UH, UK.
- Centre of Membrane Proteins and Receptors, University of Birmingham and University of Nottingham, Midlands, UK.
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Briddon SJ, Kilpatrick LE, Hill SJ. Studying GPCR Pharmacology in Membrane Microdomains: Fluorescence Correlation Spectroscopy Comes of Age. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2017; 39:158-174. [PMID: 29277246 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2017.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2017] [Revised: 11/13/2017] [Accepted: 11/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are organised within the cell membrane into highly ordered macromolecular complexes along with other receptors and signalling proteins. Understanding how heterogeneity in these complexes affects the pharmacology and functional response of these receptors is crucial for developing new and more selective ligands. Fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS) and related techniques such as photon counting histogram (PCH) analysis and image-based FCS can be used to interrogate the properties of GPCRs in these membrane microdomains, as well as their interaction with fluorescent ligands. FCS analyses fluorescence fluctuations within a small-defined excitation volume to yield information about their movement, concentration and molecular brightness (aggregation). These techniques can be used on live cells with single-molecule sensitivity and high spatial resolution. Once the preserve of specialist equipment, FCS techniques can now be applied using standard confocal microscopes. This review describes how FCS and related techniques have revealed novel insights into GPCR biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen J Briddon
- Division of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2UH, UK; Centre for Membrane Proteins and Receptors (COMPARE), University of Birmingham and University of Nottingham, The Midlands, UK
| | - Laura E Kilpatrick
- Division of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2UH, UK; Centre for Membrane Proteins and Receptors (COMPARE), University of Birmingham and University of Nottingham, The Midlands, UK
| | - Stephen J Hill
- Division of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2UH, UK; Centre for Membrane Proteins and Receptors (COMPARE), University of Birmingham and University of Nottingham, The Midlands, UK.
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High-Affinity Functional Fluorescent Ligands for Human β-Adrenoceptors. Sci Rep 2017; 7:12319. [PMID: 28951558 PMCID: PMC5614969 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-12468-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2017] [Accepted: 09/08/2017] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Visualization of the G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) is of great importance for studying its function in a native cell. We have synthesized a series of red-emitting fluorescent probes targeting β-adrenergic receptor (βAR) that are compatible with confocal and Stimulated Emission Depletion (STED) microscopy as well as with Time-Resolved Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer (TR-FRET) binding assay in living cells. The probe based on the agonist BI-167107 and fluorescent dye KK114 demonstrates nanomolar binding affinity and up to nine-fold β2AR selectivity over β1AR. Carazolol-derived probes are fluorogenic and allow no-wash imaging experiments. STED microscopy of β2ARs stained at the native expression level on pancreatic CAPAN cells provides two-fold improvement in lateral optical resolution over confocal mode and reveals the formation of receptor microdomains. These probes retain their functional (agonist or antagonist) properties, allowing simultaneous modulation of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) levels and receptor internalization as well as imaging receptor localization.
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Bernetti M, Cavalli A, Mollica L. Protein-ligand (un)binding kinetics as a new paradigm for drug discovery at the crossroad between experiments and modelling. MEDCHEMCOMM 2017; 8:534-550. [PMID: 30108770 PMCID: PMC6072069 DOI: 10.1039/c6md00581k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2016] [Accepted: 01/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
In the last three decades, protein and nucleic acid structure determination and comprehension of the mechanisms, leading to their physiological and pathological functions, have become a cornerstone of biomedical sciences. A deep understanding of the principles governing the fates of cells and tissue at the molecular level has been gained over the years, offering a solid basis for the rational design of drugs aimed at the pharmacological treatment of numerous diseases. Historically, affinity indicators (i.e. Kd and IC50/EC50) have been assumed to be valid indicators of the in vivo efficacy of a drug. However, recent studies pointed out that the kinetics of the drug-receptor binding process could be as important or even more important than affinity in determining the drug efficacy. This eventually led to a growing interest in the characterisation and prediction of the rate constants of protein-ligand association and dissociation. For instance, a drug with a longer residence time can kinetically select a given receptor over another, even if the affinity for both receptors is comparable, thus increasing its therapeutic index. Therefore, understanding the molecular features underlying binding and unbinding processes is of central interest towards the rational control of drug binding kinetics. In this review, we report the theoretical framework behind protein-ligand association and highlight the latest advances in the experimental and computational approaches exploited to investigate the binding kinetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Bernetti
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology , University of Bologna , via Belmeloro 6 , 40126 Bologna , Italy
- CompuNet , Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia , via Morego 30 , 16163 Genova , Italy .
| | - A Cavalli
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology , University of Bologna , via Belmeloro 6 , 40126 Bologna , Italy
- CompuNet , Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia , via Morego 30 , 16163 Genova , Italy .
| | - L Mollica
- CompuNet , Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia , via Morego 30 , 16163 Genova , Italy .
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Hattori Y, Seifert R. Pharmacological Characterization of Human Histamine Receptors and Histamine Receptor Mutants in the Sf9 Cell Expression System. Handb Exp Pharmacol 2017; 241:63-118. [PMID: 28233175 PMCID: PMC7120522 DOI: 10.1007/164_2016_124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
A large problem of histamine receptor research is data heterogeneity. Various experimental approaches, the complex signaling pathways of mammalian cells, and the use of different species orthologues render it difficult to compare and interpret the published results. Thus, the four human histamine receptor subtypes were analyzed side-by-side in the Sf9 insect cell expression system, using radioligand binding assays as well as functional readouts proximal to the receptor activation event (steady-state GTPase assays and [35S]GTPγS assays). The human H1R was co-expressed with the regulators of G protein signaling RGS4 or GAIP, which unmasked a productive interaction between hH1R and insect cell Gαq. By contrast, functional expression of the hH2R required the generation of an hH2R-Gsα fusion protein to ensure close proximity of G protein and receptor. Fusion of hH2R to the long (GsαL) or short (GsαS) splice variant of Gαs resulted in comparable constitutive hH2R activity, although both G protein variants show different GDP affinities. Medicinal chemistry studies revealed profound species differences between hH1R/hH2R and their guinea pig orthologues gpH1R/gpH2R. The causes for these differences were analyzed by molecular modeling in combination with mutational studies. Co-expression of the hH3R with Gαi1, Gαi2, Gαi3, and Gαi/o in Sf9 cells revealed high constitutive activity and comparable interaction efficiency with all G protein isoforms. A comparison of various cations (Li+, Na+, K+) and anions (Cl-, Br-, I-) revealed that anions with large radii most efficiently stabilize the inactive hH3R state. Potential sodium binding sites in the hH3R protein were analyzed by expressing specific hH3R mutants in Sf9 cells. In contrast to the hH3R, the hH4R preferentially couples to co-expressed Gαi2 in Sf9 cells. Its high constitutive activity is resistant to NaCl or GTPγS. The hH4R shows structural instability and adopts a G protein-independent high-affinity state. A detailed characterization of affinity and activity of a series of hH4R antagonists/inverse agonists allowed first conclusions about structure/activity relationships for inverse agonists at hH4R. In summary, the Sf9 cell system permitted a successful side-by-side comparison of all four human histamine receptor subtypes. This chapter summarizes the results of pharmacological as well as medicinal chemistry/molecular modeling approaches and demonstrates that these data are not only important for a deeper understanding of HxR pharmacology, but also have significant implications for the molecular pharmacology of GPCRs in general.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuichi Hattori
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | - Roland Seifert
- Institute of Pharmacology, Medical School of Hannover, Hannover, Germany
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The use of fluorescence correlation spectroscopy to characterize the molecular mobility of fluorescently labelled G protein-coupled receptors. Biochem Soc Trans 2016; 44:624-9. [PMID: 27068980 PMCID: PMC5264494 DOI: 10.1042/bst20150285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2016] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
The membranes of living cells have been shown to be highly organized into distinct microdomains, which has spatial and temporal consequences for the interaction of membrane bound receptors and their signalling partners as complexes. Fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS) is a technique with single cell sensitivity that sheds light on the molecular dynamics of fluorescently labelled receptors, ligands or signalling complexes within small plasma membrane regions of living cells. This review provides an overview of the use of FCS to probe the real time quantification of the diffusion and concentration of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), primarily to gain insights into ligand–receptor interactions and the molecular composition of signalling complexes. In addition we document the use of photon counting histogram (PCH) analysis to investigate how changes in molecular brightness (ε) can be a sensitive indicator of changes in molecular mass of fluorescently labelled moieties.
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27
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Dynamics of ligand binding to GPCR: Residence time of melanocortins and its modulation. Pharmacol Res 2016; 113:747-753. [DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2016.05.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2016] [Revised: 05/22/2016] [Accepted: 05/27/2016] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
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28
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Soave M, Stoddart LA, Brown A, Woolard J, Hill SJ. Use of a new proximity assay (NanoBRET) to investigate the ligand-binding characteristics of three fluorescent ligands to the human β1-adrenoceptor expressed in HEK-293 cells. Pharmacol Res Perspect 2016; 4:e00250. [PMID: 27588207 PMCID: PMC4988514 DOI: 10.1002/prp2.250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2016] [Revised: 06/27/2016] [Accepted: 07/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous research has indicated that allosteric interactions across the dimer interface of β1‐adrenoceptors may be responsible for a secondary low affinity binding conformation. Here we have investigated the potential for probe dependence, in the determination of antagonist pKi values at the human β1‐adenoceptor, which may result from such allosterism interactions. Three fluorescent β1‐adrenoceptor ligands were used to investigate this using bioluminescence energy transfer (BRET) between the receptor‐bound fluorescent ligand and the N‐terminal NanoLuc tag of a human β1‐adrenoceptor expressed in HEK 293 cells (NanoBRET). This proximity assay showed high‐affinity‐specific binding to the NanoLuc‐ β1‐adrenoceptor with each of the three fluorescent ligands yielding KD values of 87.1 ± 10 nmol/L (n = 8), 38.1 ± 12 nmol/L (n = 7), 13.4 ± 2 nmol/L (n = 14) for propranolol‐Peg8‐BY630, propranolol‐ β(Ala‐Ala)‐BY630 and CGP‐12177‐TMR, respectively. Parallel radioligand‐binding studies with 3H‐CGP12177 and TIRF microscopy, to monitor NanoLuc bioluminescence, confirmed a high cell surface expression of the NanoLuc‐ β1‐adrenoceptor in HEK 293 cells (circa 1500 fmol.mg protein−1). Following a 1 h incubation with fluorescent ligands and β1‐adrenoceptor competing antagonists, there were significant differences (P < 0.001) in the pKi values obtained for CGP20712a and CGP 12177 with the different fluorescent ligands and 3H‐CGP 12177. However, increasing the incubation time to 2 h removed these significant differences. The data obtained show that the NanoBRET assay can be applied successfully to study ligand‐receptor interactions at the human β1‐adrenoceptor. However, the study also emphasizes the importance of ensuring that both the fluorescent and competing ligands are in true equilibrium before interpretations regarding probe dependence can be made.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Soave
- Cell Signalling and Pharmacology Research Group School of Life Sciences University of Nottingham Nottingham NG7 2UH United Kingdom
| | - Leigh A Stoddart
- Cell Signalling and Pharmacology Research Group School of Life Sciences University of Nottingham Nottingham NG7 2UH United Kingdom
| | - Alastair Brown
- Heptares Therapeutics Ltd. Bio Park Welwyn Garden City AL7 3AX United Kingdom
| | - Jeanette Woolard
- Cell Signalling and Pharmacology Research Group School of Life Sciences University of Nottingham Nottingham NG7 2UH United Kingdom
| | - Stephen J Hill
- Cell Signalling and Pharmacology Research Group School of Life Sciences University of Nottingham Nottingham NG7 2UH United Kingdom
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29
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Tian H, Fürstenberg A, Huber T. Labeling and Single-Molecule Methods To Monitor G Protein-Coupled Receptor Dynamics. Chem Rev 2016; 117:186-245. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.6b00084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- He Tian
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology
and Signal Transduction, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York
Avenue, New York, New York 10065, United States
| | - Alexandre Fürstenberg
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology
and Signal Transduction, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York
Avenue, New York, New York 10065, United States
| | - Thomas Huber
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology
and Signal Transduction, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York
Avenue, New York, New York 10065, United States
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30
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Homogeneous time-resolved G protein-coupled receptor–ligand binding assay based on fluorescence cross-correlation spectroscopy. Anal Biochem 2016; 502:24-35. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ab.2016.02.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2015] [Revised: 02/19/2016] [Accepted: 02/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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31
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Gherbi K, Briddon SJ, Hill SJ. Detection of the secondary, low-affinity β1 -adrenoceptor site in living cells using the fluorescent CGP 12177 derivative BODIPY-TMR-CGP. Br J Pharmacol 2015; 171:5431-45. [PMID: 25052258 PMCID: PMC4261997 DOI: 10.1111/bph.12858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2014] [Revised: 07/11/2014] [Accepted: 07/18/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and Purpose CGP 12177 not only inhibits agonist effects mediated through the catecholamine site of the β1-adrenoceptor with high affinity, but also exhibits agonist effects of its own at higher concentrations through a secondary, low-affinity β1-adrenoceptor site or conformation. β-blocker affinities for this ‘CGP 12177’ site of the human β1-adrenoceptor have thus far only been characterized in functional studies. Here, we used the fluorescent CGP 12177 analogue BODIPY-TMR-CGP to directly investigate receptor–ligand interactions at the secondary binding site of the β1-adrenoceptor. Experimental Approach The human β1-adrenoceptor was stably expressed in CHO cells containing a cAMP response element (CRE)-secreted placental alkaline phosphatase (SPAP) reporter gene construct. Functional responses of BODIPY-TMR-CGP were determined in the CRE-SPAP reporter gene assay, and manual and automated confocal microscopy platforms used to investigate the binding properties of BODIPY-TMR-CGP. Key Results BODIPY-TMR-CGP displayed a pharmacological profile similar to that of CGP 12177, retaining agonist activity at the secondary β1-adrenoceptor site. In confocal microscopy studies, specific BODIPY-TMR-CGP binding allowed clear visualization of β1-adrenoceptors in live cells. Using a wider concentration range of labelled ligand in a high-content fluorescence-based binding assay than is possible in radioligand binding assays, two-site inhibition binding curves of β-adrenoceptor antagonists were revealed in CHO cells expressing the human β1-adrenoceptor, but not the β2-adrenoceptor. Conclusions and Implications The fluorescent CGP 12177 analogue allowed the detection of the β1-adrenoceptor secondary site in both functional and binding studies. This suggests that BODIPY-TMR-CGP presents an important and novel fluorescent tool to investigate the nature of the secondary β1-adrenoceptor site.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Gherbi
- Cell Signalling Research Group, School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
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Stoddart LA, Kilpatrick LE, Briddon SJ, Hill SJ. Probing the pharmacology of G protein-coupled receptors with fluorescent ligands. Neuropharmacology 2015; 98:48-57. [PMID: 25979488 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2015.04.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2015] [Revised: 04/23/2015] [Accepted: 04/29/2015] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
G protein-coupled receptors control a wide range of physiological processes and are the target for many clinically used drugs. Understanding the way in which receptors bind agonists and antagonists, their organisation in the membrane and their regulation after agonist binding are important properties which are key to developing new drugs. One way to achieve this knowledge is through the use of fluorescent ligands, which have been used to study the expression and function of receptors in endogenously expressing systems. Fluorescent ligands with appropriate imaging properties can be used in conjunction with confocal microscopy to investigate the regulation of receptors after activation. Alternatively, through the use of single molecule microscopy, they can probe the spatial organisation of receptors within the membrane. This review focuses on the techniques in which fluorescent ligands have been used and the novel aspects of G protein-coupled receptor pharmacology which have been uncovered. This article is part of the Special Issue entitled 'Fluorescent Tools in Neuropharmacology'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leigh A Stoddart
- Cell Signalling Research Group, School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Laura E Kilpatrick
- Cell Signalling Research Group, School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Stephen J Briddon
- Cell Signalling Research Group, School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Stephen J Hill
- Cell Signalling Research Group, School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
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Stoddart LA, Vernall AJ, Briddon SJ, Kellam B, Hill SJ. Direct visualisation of internalization of the adenosine A3 receptor and localization with arrestin3 using a fluorescent agonist. Neuropharmacology 2015; 98:68-77. [PMID: 25937210 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2015.04.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2015] [Revised: 03/19/2015] [Accepted: 04/14/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Fluorescence based probes provide a novel way to study the dynamic internalization process of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). Recent advances in the rational design of fluorescent ligands for GPCRs have been used here to generate new fluorescent agonists containing tripeptide linkers for the adenosine A3 receptor. The fluorescent agonist BY630-X-(D)-A-(D)-A-G-ABEA was found to be a highly potent agonist at the adenosine A3 receptor in both reporter gene (pEC50 = 8.48 ± 0.09) and internalization assays (pEC50 = 7.47 ± 0.11). Confocal imaging studies showed that BY630-X-(D)-A-(D)-A-G-ABEA was internalized with A3 linked to yellow fluorescent protein, which was blocked by the competitive antagonist MRS1220. Internalization of untagged adenosine A3 could also be visualized with BY630-X-(D)-A-(D)-A-G-ABEA treatment. Further, BY630-X-(D)-A-(D)-A-G-ABEA stimulated the formation of receptor-arrestin3 complexes and was found to localize with these intracellular complexes. This highly potent agonist with excellent imaging properties should be a valuable tool to study receptor internalization. This article is part of the Special Issue entitled 'Fluorescent Tools in Neuropharmacology'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leigh A Stoddart
- Cell Signalling Research Group, School of Life Sciences, Queen's Medical Centre, University of Nottingham, NG7 2UH, UK
| | - Andrea J Vernall
- School of Pharmacy, Centre for Biomolecular Sciences, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Stephen J Briddon
- Cell Signalling Research Group, School of Life Sciences, Queen's Medical Centre, University of Nottingham, NG7 2UH, UK
| | - Barrie Kellam
- School of Pharmacy, Centre for Biomolecular Sciences, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Stephen J Hill
- Cell Signalling Research Group, School of Life Sciences, Queen's Medical Centre, University of Nottingham, NG7 2UH, UK.
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Vernall AJ, Hill SJ, Kellam B. The evolving small-molecule fluorescent-conjugate toolbox for Class A GPCRs. Br J Pharmacol 2014; 171:1073-84. [PMID: 23734587 DOI: 10.1111/bph.12265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2013] [Revised: 05/09/2013] [Accepted: 05/17/2013] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The past decade has witnessed fluorescently tagged drug molecules gaining significant attraction in their use as pharmacological tools with which to visualize and interrogate receptor targets at the single-cell level. Additionally, one can generate detailed pharmacological information, such as affinity measurements, down to almost single-molecule detection limits. The now accepted utilization of fluorescence-based readouts in high-throughput/high-content screening provides further evidence that fluorescent molecules offer a safer and more adaptable substitute to radioligands in molecular pharmacology and drug discovery. One such drug-target family that has received considerable attention are the GPCRs; this review therefore summarizes the most recent developments in the area of fluorescent ligand design for this important drug target. We assess recently reported fluorescent conjugates by adopting a receptor-family-based approach, highlighting some of the strengths and weaknesses of the individual molecules and their subsequent use. This review adds further strength to the arguments that fluorescent ligand design and synthesis requires careful planning and execution; providing examples illustrating that selection of the correct fluorescent dye, linker length/composition and geographic attachment point to the drug scaffold can all influence the ultimate selectivity and potency of the final conjugate when compared with its unlabelled precursor. When optimized appropriately, the resultant fluorescent conjugates have been successfully employed in an array of assay formats, including flow cytometry, fluorescence microscopy, FRET and scanning confocal microscopy. It is clear that fluorescently labelled GPCR ligands remain a developing and dynamic research arena.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea J Vernall
- School of Pharmacy, Centre for Biomolecular Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
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35
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Ma Z, Du L, Li M. Toward fluorescent probes for G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). J Med Chem 2014; 57:8187-203. [PMID: 24983484 DOI: 10.1021/jm401823z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), a superfamily of cell-surface receptors that are the targets of about 40% of prescription drugs on the market, can sense numerous critical extracellular signals. Recent breakthroughs in structural biology, especially in holo-form X-ray crystal structures, have contributed to our understanding of GPCR signaling. However, actions of GPCRs at the cellular and molecular level, interactions between GPCRs, and the role of protein dynamics in receptor activities still remain controversial. To overcome these dilemmas, fluorescent probes of GPCRs have been employed, which have advantages of in vivo safety and real-time monitoring. Various probes that depend on specific mechanisms and/or technologies have been used to study GPCRs. The present review focuses on surveying the design and applications of fluorescent probes for GPCRs that are derived from small molecules or using protein-labeling techniques, as well as discussing some design strategies for new probes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhao Ma
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (MOE), School of Pharmacy, Shandong University , Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
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Recent applications of fluorescence correlation spectroscopy in live systems. FEBS Lett 2014; 588:3571-84. [PMID: 24726724 DOI: 10.1016/j.febslet.2014.03.056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2014] [Revised: 03/29/2014] [Accepted: 03/31/2014] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS) is a widely used technique in biophysics and has helped address many questions in the life sciences. It provides important advantages compared to other fluorescence and biophysical methods. Its single molecule sensitivity allows measuring proteins within biological samples at physiological concentrations without the need of overexpression. It provides quantitative data on concentrations, diffusion coefficients, molecular transport and interactions even in live organisms. And its reliance on simple fluorescence intensity and its fluctuations makes it widely applicable. In this review we focus on applications of FCS in live samples, with an emphasis on work in the last 5 years, in the hope to provide an overview of the present capabilities of FCS to address biologically relevant questions.
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Hink MA. Quantifying intracellular dynamics using fluorescence fluctuation spectroscopy. PROTOPLASMA 2014; 251:307-316. [PMID: 24420265 DOI: 10.1007/s00709-013-0602-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2013] [Accepted: 12/12/2013] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Originally developed for the field of physical chemistry, fluorescence fluctuation spectroscopy (FFS) has evolved to a family of methods to quantify concentrations, diffusion rates and interactions of fluorescently labelled molecules. The possibility to measure at the nanomolar concentration level and to combine these techniques with microscopy allow to study biological processes with high sensitivity in the living cell. In this review, the basic principles, challenges and recent developments of the most common FFS methods are being discussed and illustrated by intracellular applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark A Hink
- Section of Molecular Cytology, van Leeuwenhoek Centre for Advanced Microscopy (LCAM), Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences (SILS), University of Amsterdam, Sciencepark 904, 1098 XH, Amsterdam, The Netherlands,
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Sridharan R, Zuber J, Connelly SM, Mathew E, Dumont ME. Fluorescent approaches for understanding interactions of ligands with G protein coupled receptors. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA 2014; 1838:15-33. [PMID: 24055822 PMCID: PMC3926105 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2013.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2013] [Revised: 09/03/2013] [Accepted: 09/08/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
G protein coupled receptors are responsible for a wide variety of signaling responses in diverse cell types. Despite major advances in the determination of structures of this class of receptors, the underlying mechanisms by which binding of different types of ligands specifically elicits particular signaling responses remain unclear. The use of fluorescence spectroscopy can provide important information about the process of ligand binding and ligand dependent conformational changes in receptors, especially kinetic aspects of these processes that can be difficult to extract from X-ray structures. We present an overview of the extensive array of fluorescent ligands that have been used in studies of G protein coupled receptors and describe spectroscopic approaches for assaying binding and probing the environment of receptor-bound ligands with particular attention to examples involving yeast pheromone receptors. In addition, we discuss the use of fluorescence spectroscopy for detecting and characterizing conformational changes in receptors induced by the binding of ligands. Such studies have provided strong evidence for diversity of receptor conformations elicited by different ligands, consistent with the idea that GPCRs are not simple on and off switches. This diversity of states constitutes an underlying mechanistic basis for biased agonism, the observation that different stimuli can produce different responses from a single receptor. It is likely that continued technical advances will allow fluorescence spectroscopy to play an important role in continued probing of structural transitions in G protein coupled receptors. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Structural and biophysical characterisation of membrane protein-ligand binding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajashri Sridharan
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, P.O. Box 712, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642
| | - Jeffrey Zuber
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, P.O. Box 712, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642
| | - Sara M. Connelly
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, P.O. Box 712, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642
| | - Elizabeth Mathew
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, P.O. Box 712, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642
| | - Mark E. Dumont
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, P.O. Box 712, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642
- Department of Pediatrics, P.O. Box 777, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642
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Tomasch M, Schwed JS, Paulke A, Stark H. Bodilisant-a novel fluorescent, highly affine histamine h3 receptor ligand. ACS Med Chem Lett 2013; 4:269-73. [PMID: 24900647 DOI: 10.1021/ml300383n] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2012] [Accepted: 12/12/2012] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
A piperidine-based lead structure for the human histamine H3 receptor (hH3R) was coupled with the BODIPY fluorophore and resulted in a strong green fluorescent (quantum yield, 0.92) hH3R ligand with affinity in the nanomolar concentration range (K i hH3R = 6.51 ± 3.31 nM), named Bodilisant. Screening for affinities at histamine and dopamine receptor subtypes showed high hH3R preference. Bodilisant was used for visualization of hH3R in hH3R overexpressing HEK-293 cells with fluorescence confocal laser scanning microscopy. In addition, in native human brain tissues, Bodilisant showed clear and displaceable images of labeled hH3R.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Tomasch
- Goethe University, Max-von-Laue-Strasse 9, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - J. Stephan Schwed
- Goethe University, Max-von-Laue-Strasse 9, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Alexander Paulke
- Goethe University, Kennedyallee 104, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Holger Stark
- Goethe University, Max-von-Laue-Strasse 9, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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Kozma E, Jayasekara PS, Squarcialupi L, Paoletta S, Moro S, Federico S, Spalluto G, Jacobson KA. Fluorescent ligands for adenosine receptors. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2013; 23:26-36. [PMID: 23200243 PMCID: PMC3557833 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2012.10.112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2012] [Revised: 10/05/2012] [Accepted: 10/28/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Interest is increasing in developing fluorescent ligands for characterization of adenosine receptors (ARs), which hold a promise of usefulness in the drug discovery process. The size of a strategically labeled AR ligand can be greatly increased after the attachment of a fluorophore. The choice of dye moiety (e.g. Alexa Fluor 488), attachment point and linker length can alter the selectivity and potency of the parent molecule. Fluorescent derivatives of adenosine agonists and antagonists (e.g. XAC and other heterocyclic antagonist scaffolds) have been synthesized and characterized pharmacologically. Some are useful AR probes for flow cytometry, fluorescence correlation spectroscopy, fluorescence microscopy, fluorescence polarization, fluorescence resonance energy transfer, and scanning confocal microscopy. Thus, the approach of fluorescent labeled GPCR ligands, including those for ARs, is a growing dynamic research field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eszter Kozma
- Molecular Recognition Section, Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892-0810 USA
| | - P Suresh Jayasekara
- Molecular Recognition Section, Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892-0810 USA
| | - Lucia Squarcialupi
- Molecular Recognition Section, Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892-0810 USA
| | - Silvia Paoletta
- Molecular Recognition Section, Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892-0810 USA
| | - Stefano Moro
- Molecular Modeling Section (MMS), Dipartimento di Scienze del Farmaco, Università di Padova, via Marzolo 5, I-35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Stephanie Federico
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche e Farmaceutiche, Università di Trieste, Piazzale Europa 1, I-34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Giampiero Spalluto
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche e Farmaceutiche, Università di Trieste, Piazzale Europa 1, I-34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Kenneth A. Jacobson
- Molecular Recognition Section, Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892-0810 USA
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Kilpatrick LE, Briddon SJ, Holliday ND. Fluorescence correlation spectroscopy, combined with bimolecular fluorescence complementation, reveals the effects of β-arrestin complexes and endocytic targeting on the membrane mobility of neuropeptide Y receptors. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2012; 1823:1068-81. [PMID: 22487268 PMCID: PMC3793875 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2012.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2011] [Revised: 02/29/2012] [Accepted: 03/01/2012] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS) and photon counting histogram (PCH) analysis are powerful ways to study mobility and stoichiometry of G protein coupled receptor complexes, within microdomains of single living cells. However, relating these properties to molecular mechanisms can be challenging. We investigated the influence of β-arrestin adaptors and endocytosis mechanisms on plasma membrane diffusion and particle brightness of GFP-tagged neuropeptide Y (NPY) receptors. A novel GFP-based bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC) system also identified Y1 receptor-β-arrestin complexes. Diffusion co-efficients (D) for Y1 and Y2-GFP receptors in HEK293 cell plasma membranes were 2.22 and 2.15 × 10− 9 cm2 s− 1 respectively. At a concentration which promoted only Y1 receptor endocytosis, NPY treatment reduced Y1-GFP motility (D 1.48 × 10− 9 cm2 s− 1), but did not alter diffusion characteristics of the Y2-GFP receptor. Agonist induced changes in Y1 receptor motility were inhibited by mutations (6A) which prevented β-arrestin recruitment and internalisation; conversely they became apparent in a Y2 receptor mutant with increased β-arrestin affinity. NPY treatment also increased Y1 receptor-GFP particle brightness, changes which indicated receptor clustering, and which were abolished by the 6A mutation. The importance of β-arrestin recruitment for these effects was illustrated by reduced lateral mobility (D 1.20–1.33 × 10− 9 cm2 s− 1) of Y1 receptor-β-arrestin BiFC complexes. Thus NPY-induced changes in Y receptor motility and brightness reflect early events surrounding arrestin dependent endocytosis at the plasma membrane, results supported by a novel combined BiFC/FCS approach to detect the underlying receptor-β-arrestin signalling complex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura E Kilpatrick
- Cell Signaling Research Group, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Nottingham, the Medical School, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham, UK
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