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He Y, Su Q, Zhao L, Zhang L, Yu L, Shi J. Historical perspectives and recent advances in small molecule ligands of selective/biased/multi-targeted μ/δ/κ opioid receptor (2019-2022). Bioorg Chem 2023; 141:106869. [PMID: 37797454 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2023.106869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
The opioids have been used for more than a thousand years and are not only the most widely prescribed drugs for moderate to severe pain and acute pain, but also the preferred drugs. However, their non-analgesic effects, especially respiratory depression and potential addiction, are important factors that plague the safety of clinical use and are an urgent problem for pharmacological researchers to address. Current research on analgesic drugs has evolved into different directions: de-opioidization; application of pharmacogenomics to individualize the use of opioids; development of new opioids with less adverse effects. The development of new opioid drugs remains a hot research topic, and with the in-depth study of opioid receptors and intracellular signal transduction mechanisms, new research ideas have been provided for the development of new opioid analgesics with less side effects and stronger analgesic effects. The development of novel opioid drugs in turn includes selective opioid receptor ligands, biased opioid receptor ligands, and multi-target opioid receptor ligands and positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) or antagonists and the single compound as multi-targeted agnoists/antagonists for different receptors. PAMs strategies are also getting newer and are the current research hotspots, including the BMS series of compounds and others, which are extensive and beyond the scope of this review. This review mainly focuses on the selective/biased/multi-targeted MOR/DOR/KOR (mu opioid receptor/delta opioid receptor/kappa opioid receptor) small molecule ligands and involves some cryo-electron microscopy (cryoEM) and structure-based approaches as well as the single compound as multi-targeted agnoists/antagonists for different receptors from 2019 to 2022, including discovery history, activities in vitro and vivo, and clinical studies, in an attempt to provide ideas for the development of novel opioid analgesics with fewer side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye He
- Department of Pharmacy, Personalized Drug Therapy Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Academy of Medical Science & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610072, China
| | - Qian Su
- Department of Health Management & Institute of Health Management, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610072, China
| | - Liyun Zhao
- Department of Pharmacy, Personalized Drug Therapy Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Academy of Medical Science & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610072, China
| | - Lijuan Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, Personalized Drug Therapy Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Academy of Medical Science & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610072, China.
| | - Lu Yu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences and Sichuan provincial People's Hospital, Chengdu, 610072, China.
| | - Jianyou Shi
- Department of Pharmacy, Personalized Drug Therapy Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Academy of Medical Science & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610072, China; State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, Sichuan, China.
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2
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Karoussiotis C, Sotiriou A, Polissidis A, Symeonof A, Papavranoussi-Daponte D, Nikoletopoulou V, Georgoussi Z. The κ-opioid receptor-induced autophagy is implicated in stress-driven synaptic alterations. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:1039135. [PMID: 36466809 PMCID: PMC9709411 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.1039135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent evidence has shown that G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are direct sensors of the autophagic machinery and opioid receptors regulate neuronal plasticity and neurotransmission with an as yet unclarified mechanism. Using in vitro and in vivo experimental approaches, this study aims to clarify the potential role of autophagy and κ-opioid receptor (κ-OR) signaling in synaptic alterations. We hereby demonstrate that the selective κ-OR agonist U50,488H, induces autophagy in a time-and dose-dependent manner in Neuro-2A cells stably expressing the human κ-OR by upregulating microtubule-associated protein Light Chain 3-II (LC3-II), Beclin 1 and Autophagy Related Gene 5 (ATG5). Pretreatment of neuronal cells with pertussis toxin blocked the above κ-OR-mediated cellular responses. Our molecular analysis also revealed a κ-OR-driven upregulation of becn1 gene through ERK1,2-dependent activation of the transcription factor CREB in Neuro-2A cells. Moreover, our studies demonstrated that sub-chronic U50,488H administration in mice causes profound increases of specific autophagic markers in the hippocampus with a concomitant decrease of several pre-and post-synaptic proteins, such as spinophilin, postsynaptic density protein 95 (PSD-95) and synaptosomal associated protein 25 (SNAP25). Finally, using acute stress, a stimulus known to increase the levels of the endogenous κ-OR ligand dynorphin, we are demonstrating that administration of the κ-ΟR selective antagonist, nor-binaltorphimine (norBNI), blocks the induction of autophagy and the stress-evoked reduction of synaptic proteins in the hippocampus. These findings provide novel insights about the essential role of autophagic machinery into the mechanisms through which κ-OR signaling regulates brain plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christos Karoussiotis
- Laboratory of Cellular Signaling and Molecular Pharmacology, Institute of Biosciences and Applications, National Centre for Scientific Research “Demokritos”, Athens, Greece
| | - Aggeliki Sotiriou
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Alexia Polissidis
- Center for Clinical Research, Experimental Surgery, and Translational Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Alexandra Symeonof
- Laboratory of Cellular Signaling and Molecular Pharmacology, Institute of Biosciences and Applications, National Centre for Scientific Research “Demokritos”, Athens, Greece
| | - Danae Papavranoussi-Daponte
- Laboratory of Cellular Signaling and Molecular Pharmacology, Institute of Biosciences and Applications, National Centre for Scientific Research “Demokritos”, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Zafiroula Georgoussi
- Laboratory of Cellular Signaling and Molecular Pharmacology, Institute of Biosciences and Applications, National Centre for Scientific Research “Demokritos”, Athens, Greece
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3
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Pasquinucci L, Parenti C, Ruiz-Cantero MC, Georgoussi Z, Pallaki P, Cobos EJ, Amata E, Marrazzo A, Prezzavento O, Arena E, Dichiara M, Salerno L, Turnaturi R. Novel N-Substituted Benzomorphan-Based Compounds: From MOR-Agonist/DOR-Antagonist to Biased/Unbiased MOR Agonists. ACS Med Chem Lett 2020; 11:678-685. [PMID: 32435370 PMCID: PMC7236032 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.9b00549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2019] [Accepted: 01/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Modifications at the basic nitrogen of the benzomorphan scaffold allowed the development of compounds able to segregate physiological responses downstream of the receptor signaling, opening new possibilities in opioid drug development. Alkylation of the phenyl ring in the N-substituent of the MOR-agonist/DOR-antagonist LP1 resulted in retention of MOR affinity. Moreover, derivatives 7a, 7c, and 7d were biased MOR agonists toward ERK1,2 activity stimulation, whereas derivative 7e was a low potency MOR agonist on adenylate cyclase inhibition. They were further screened in the mouse tail flick test and PGE2-induced hyperalgesia and drug-induced gastrointestinal transit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorella Pasquinucci
- Department
of Drug Sciences, Medicinal Chemistry Section, University of Catania, Viale A. Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Carmela Parenti
- Department
of Drug Sciences, Pharmacology and Toxicology Section, University of Catania, Viale A. Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - M. Carmen Ruiz-Cantero
- Department
of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine and Institute of Neuroscience,
Biomedical Research Center, University of
Granada, Parque Tecnológico de Ciencias de la Salud, 18100 Armilla, Granada, Spain
- Teófilo Hernando
Institute for Drug Discovery, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Zafiroula Georgoussi
- Laboratory
of Cellular Signaling and Molecular Pharmacology, Institute of Biosciences
and Applications, National Center for Scientific
Research “Demokritos″, Ag. Paraskevi 15310, Athens, Greece
| | - Paschalina Pallaki
- Laboratory
of Cellular Signaling and Molecular Pharmacology, Institute of Biosciences
and Applications, National Center for Scientific
Research “Demokritos″, Ag. Paraskevi 15310, Athens, Greece
| | - Enrique J. Cobos
- Department
of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine and Institute of Neuroscience,
Biomedical Research Center, University of
Granada, Parque Tecnológico de Ciencias de la Salud, 18100 Armilla, Granada, Spain
- Teófilo Hernando
Institute for Drug Discovery, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Emanuele Amata
- Department
of Drug Sciences, Medicinal Chemistry Section, University of Catania, Viale A. Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Agostino Marrazzo
- Department
of Drug Sciences, Medicinal Chemistry Section, University of Catania, Viale A. Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Orazio Prezzavento
- Department
of Drug Sciences, Medicinal Chemistry Section, University of Catania, Viale A. Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Emanuela Arena
- Department
of Drug Sciences, Medicinal Chemistry Section, University of Catania, Viale A. Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Maria Dichiara
- Department
of Drug Sciences, Medicinal Chemistry Section, University of Catania, Viale A. Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Loredana Salerno
- Department
of Drug Sciences, Medicinal Chemistry Section, University of Catania, Viale A. Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Rita Turnaturi
- Department
of Drug Sciences, Medicinal Chemistry Section, University of Catania, Viale A. Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy
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4
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Karoussiotis C, Marti-Solano M, Stepniewski TM, Symeonof A, Selent J, Georgoussi Z. A highly conserved δ-opioid receptor region determines RGS4 interaction. FEBS J 2019; 287:736-748. [PMID: 31386272 DOI: 10.1111/febs.15033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2018] [Revised: 05/21/2019] [Accepted: 08/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
The δ-opioid receptor (δ-OR) couples to Gi/Go proteins to modulate a variety of responses in the nervous system. Τhe regulator of G protein signalling 4 (RGS4) was previously shown to directly interact within the C-terminal region of δ-OR using its N-terminal domain to negatively modulate opioid receptor signalling. Herein, using molecular dynamics simulations and in vitro pull-down experiments we delimit this interaction to 12 helix 8 residues of δ-ΟR and to the first 17 N-terminal residues (NT) of RGS4. Monitoring the complex arrangement and stabilization between RGS4 and δ-OR by molecular dynamics simulations combined with mutagenesis studies, we defined that two critical interactions are formed: one between Phe329 of helix8 of δ-ΟR and Pro9 of the NT of RGS4 and the other a salt bridge between Glu323 of δ-ΟR and Lys17 of RGS4. Our observations allow drafting for the first time a structural model of a ternary complex including the δ-opioid receptor, a G protein and a RGS protein. Furthermore, the high degree of conservation among opioid receptors of the RGS4-binding region, points to a conserved interaction mode between opioid receptors and this important regulatory protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christos Karoussiotis
- Laboratory of Cellular Signalling and Molecular Pharmacology, Institute of Biosciences and Applications, National Centre for Scientific Research "Demokritos", Athens, Greece
| | - Maria Marti-Solano
- Research Programme on Biomedical Informatics (GRIB) - Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute, Pompeu Fabra University, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Tomasz Maciej Stepniewski
- Research Programme on Biomedical Informatics (GRIB) - Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute, Pompeu Fabra University, Barcelona, Spain.,Faculty of Chemistry, Biological and Chemical Research Centre, University of Warsaw, Poland
| | - Alexandra Symeonof
- Laboratory of Cellular Signalling and Molecular Pharmacology, Institute of Biosciences and Applications, National Centre for Scientific Research "Demokritos", Athens, Greece
| | - Jana Selent
- Research Programme on Biomedical Informatics (GRIB) - Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute, Pompeu Fabra University, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Zafiroula Georgoussi
- Laboratory of Cellular Signalling and Molecular Pharmacology, Institute of Biosciences and Applications, National Centre for Scientific Research "Demokritos", Athens, Greece
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5
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Synthesis and Structure-Activity Relationships of (-)- cis- N-Normetazocine-Based LP1 Derivatives. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2018; 11:ph11020040. [PMID: 29734749 PMCID: PMC6027146 DOI: 10.3390/ph11020040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2018] [Revised: 05/02/2018] [Accepted: 05/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
(−)-cis-N-Normetazocine represents a rigid scaffold able to mimic the tyramine moiety of endogenous opioid peptides, and the introduction of different N-substituents influences affinity and efficacy of respective ligands at MOR (mu opioid receptor), DOR (delta opioid receptor), and KOR (kappa opioid receptor). We have previously identified LP1, a MOR/DOR multitarget opioid ligand, with an N-phenylpropanamido substituent linked to (−)-cis-N-Normetazocine scaffold. Herein, we report the synthesis, competition binding and calcium mobilization assays of new compounds 10⁻16 that differ from LP1 by the nature of the N-substituent. In radioligand binding experiments, the compounds 10⁻13, featured by an electron-withdrawing or electron-donating group in the para position of phenyl ring, displayed improved affinity for KOR (Ki = 0.85⁻4.80 μM) in comparison to LP1 (7.5 μM). On the contrary, their MOR and DOR affinities were worse (Ki = 0.18⁻0.28 μM and Ki = 0.38⁻1.10 μM, respectively) with respect to LP1 values (Ki = 0.049 and 0.033 μM). Analogous trends was recorded for the compounds 14⁻16, featured by indoline, tetrahydroquinoline, and diphenylamine functionalities in the N-substituent. In calcium mobilization assays, the compound 10 with a p-fluorophenyl in the N-substituent shared the functional profile of LP1 (pEC50MOR = 7.01), although it was less active. Moreover, the p-methyl- (11) and p-cyano- (12) substituted compounds resulted in MOR partial agonists and DOR/KOR antagonists. By contrast, the derivatives 13⁻15 resulted as MOR antagonists, and the derivative 16 as a MOR/KOR antagonist (pKBMOR = 6.12 and pKBKOR = 6.11). Collectively, these data corroborated the critical role of the N-substituent in (−)-cis-N-Normetazocine scaffold. Thus, the new synthesized compounds could represent a template to achieve a specific agonist, antagonist, or mixed agonist/antagonist functional profile.
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6
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Synthesis and Structure-Activity Relationships of LP1 Derivatives: N-Methyl-N-phenylethylamino Analogues as Novel MOR Agonists. Molecules 2018; 23:molecules23030677. [PMID: 29547588 PMCID: PMC6017588 DOI: 10.3390/molecules23030677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2018] [Revised: 03/14/2018] [Accepted: 03/15/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The opioid pharmacological profile of cis-(−)-N-normetazocine derivatives is deeply affected by the nature of their N-substituents. Here, our efforts were focused on the synthesis and pharmacological evaluation of novel derivatives of the lead LP1, a multitarget opioid analgesic compound featuring an N-phenylpropanamido substituent. LP1 derivatives 5a–d and 6a–d were characterized by flexible groups at the N-substituent that allow them to reposition themselves relative to cis-(−)-N-normetazocine nucleus, thus producing different pharmacological profiles at the mu, delta and kappa opioid receptors (MOR, DOR and KOR) in in vitro and in vivo assays. Among the series, compound 5c, with the best in vitro and in vivo profile, resulted a MOR agonist which displays a KiMOR of 6.1 nM in a competitive binding assay, and an IC50 value of 11.5 nM and an Imax of 72% in measurement of cAMP accumulation in HEK293 cells stably expressing MOR, with a slight lower efficacy than LP1. Moreover, in a mouse model of acute thermal nociception, compound 5c, intraperitoneally administered, exhibits naloxone-reversed antinociceptive properties with an ED50 of 4.33 mg/kg. These results expand our understanding of the importance of N-substituent structural variations in the opioid receptor profile of cis-(−)-N-normetazocine derivatives and identify a new MOR agonist useful for the development of novel opioid analgesics for pain treatment.
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7
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Zhou P, Jiang J, Yan H, Li Y, Zhao J, Wang X, Su R, Gong Z. ABIN-1 Negatively Regulates μ-Opioid Receptor Function. Mol Pharmacol 2017; 93:36-48. [PMID: 29237725 DOI: 10.1124/mol.117.109009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2017] [Accepted: 12/01/2017] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The μ-opioid receptor (MOR) is a Gi/o protein-coupled receptor that mediates analgesic, euphoric, and reward effects. Using a bacterial two-hybrid screen, we reported that the carboxyl tail of the rat MOR associates with A20-binding inhibitor of nuclear factor κB (ABIN-1). This interaction was confirmed by direct protein-protein binding and coimmunoprecipitation of MOR and ABIN-1 proteins in cell lysates. Saturation binding studies showed that ABIN-1 had no effect on MOR binding. However, the interaction of ABIN-1 and MOR inhibited the activation of G proteins induced by DAMGO ([d-Ala2,N-Me-Phe4,Gly5-ol]-Enkephalin). MOR phosphorylation, ubiquitination, and internalization induced by DAMGO were decreased in Chinese hamster ovary cells that coexpressed MOR and ABIN-1. The suppression of forskolin-stimulated adenylyl cyclase by DAMGO was also inhibited by the interaction of ABIN-1 with MOR. In addition, extracellular signal-regulated kinase activation was also negatively regulated by overexpression of ABIN-1. These data suggest that ABIN-1 is a negative coregulator of MOR activation, phosphorylation, and internalization in vitro. ABIN-1 also inhibited morphine-induced hyperlocomotion in zebrafish larvae (AB strain). By utilization of an antisense morpholino oligonucleotide (MO) gene knockdown technology, the ABIN-1 MO-injected zebrafish larvae showed a significant increase (approximately 60%) in distance moved compared with control MO-injected larvae after acute morphine treatment (P < 0.01). Taken together, ABIN-1 negatively regulates MOR function in vitro and in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peilan Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Key Laboratory of Neuropsychopharmacology, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, China
| | - Jiebing Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Key Laboratory of Neuropsychopharmacology, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, China
| | - Hui Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Key Laboratory of Neuropsychopharmacology, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, China
| | - Yulei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Key Laboratory of Neuropsychopharmacology, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, China
| | - Junru Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Key Laboratory of Neuropsychopharmacology, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, China
| | - Xiao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Key Laboratory of Neuropsychopharmacology, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, China
| | - Ruibin Su
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Key Laboratory of Neuropsychopharmacology, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, China
| | - Zehui Gong
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Key Laboratory of Neuropsychopharmacology, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, China
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8
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Pallaki P, Georganta EM, Serafimidis I, Papakonstantinou MP, Papanikolaou V, Koutloglou S, Papadimitriou E, Agalou A, Tserga A, Simeonof A, Thomaidou D, Gaitanou M, Georgoussi Z. A novel regulatory role of RGS4 in STAT5B activation, neurite outgrowth and neuronal differentiation. Neuropharmacology 2017; 117:408-421. [PMID: 28219718 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2017.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2016] [Revised: 02/01/2017] [Accepted: 02/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The Regulator of G protein Signalling 4 (RGS4) is a multitask protein that interacts with and negatively modulates opioid receptor signalling. Previously, we showed that the δ-opioid receptor (δ-OR) forms a multiprotein signalling complex consisting of Gi/Go proteins and the Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 5B (STAT5B) that leads to neuronal differentiation and neurite outgrowth upon δ-ΟR activation. Here, we investigated whether RGS4 could participate in signalling pathways to regulate neurotropic events. We demonstrate that RGS4 interacts directly with STAT5B independently of δ-ΟR presence both in vitro and in living cells. This interaction involves the N-terminal portion of RGS4 and the DNA-binding SH3 domain of STAT5B. Expression of RGS4 in HEK293 cells expressing δ-OR and/or erythropoietin receptor results in inhibition of [D-Ser2, Leu5, Thr6]-enkephalin (DSLET)-and erythropoietin-dependent STAT5B phosphorylation and subsequent transcriptional activation. DSLET-dependent neurite outgrowth of neuroblastoma cells is also blocked by RGS4 expression, whereas primary cortical cultures of RGS4 knockout mice (RGS4-/-) exhibit enhanced neuronal sprouting after δ-OR activation. Additional studies in adult brain extracts from RGS4-/- mice revealed increased levels of p-STAT5B. Finally, neuronal progenitor cultures from RGS4-/- mice exhibit enhanced proliferation with concomitant increases in the mRNA levels of the anti-apoptotic STAT5B target genes bcl2 and bcl-xl. These observations suggest that RGS4 is implicated in opioid dependent neuronal differentiation and neurite outgrowth via a "non-canonical" signaling pathway regulating STAT5B-directed responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paschalina Pallaki
- Laboratory of Cellular Signalling and Molecular Pharmacology, Institute of Biosciences and Applications, National Centre for Scientific Research «Demokritos», 15310 Athens, Greece
| | - Eirini-Maria Georganta
- Laboratory of Cellular Signalling and Molecular Pharmacology, Institute of Biosciences and Applications, National Centre for Scientific Research «Demokritos», 15310 Athens, Greece
| | - Ioannis Serafimidis
- Laboratory of Developmental Biology, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Maria-Pagona Papakonstantinou
- Laboratory of Cellular Signalling and Molecular Pharmacology, Institute of Biosciences and Applications, National Centre for Scientific Research «Demokritos», 15310 Athens, Greece
| | - Vassilis Papanikolaou
- Laboratory of Cellular Signalling and Molecular Pharmacology, Institute of Biosciences and Applications, National Centre for Scientific Research «Demokritos», 15310 Athens, Greece
| | - Sofia Koutloglou
- Laboratory of Cellular Signalling and Molecular Pharmacology, Institute of Biosciences and Applications, National Centre for Scientific Research «Demokritos», 15310 Athens, Greece
| | - Elsa Papadimitriou
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, 11521 Athens, Greece
| | - Adamantia Agalou
- Laboratory of Cellular Signalling and Molecular Pharmacology, Institute of Biosciences and Applications, National Centre for Scientific Research «Demokritos», 15310 Athens, Greece
| | - Aggeliki Tserga
- Laboratory of Cellular Signalling and Molecular Pharmacology, Institute of Biosciences and Applications, National Centre for Scientific Research «Demokritos», 15310 Athens, Greece
| | - Alexandra Simeonof
- Laboratory of Cellular Signalling and Molecular Pharmacology, Institute of Biosciences and Applications, National Centre for Scientific Research «Demokritos», 15310 Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitra Thomaidou
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, 11521 Athens, Greece
| | - Maria Gaitanou
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, 11521 Athens, Greece
| | - Zafiroula Georgoussi
- Laboratory of Cellular Signalling and Molecular Pharmacology, Institute of Biosciences and Applications, National Centre for Scientific Research «Demokritos», 15310 Athens, Greece.
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9
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Pasquinucci L, Turnaturi R, Aricò G, Parenti C, Pallaki P, Georgoussi Z, Ronsisvalle S. Evaluation of N-substituent structural variations in opioid receptor profile of LP1. Bioorg Med Chem 2016; 24:2832-42. [PMID: 27234885 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2016.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2016] [Revised: 05/02/2016] [Accepted: 05/04/2016] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The benzomorphan scaffold has great potential as lead structure and the nature of the N-substituent is able to influence affinity, potency, and efficacy at all three opioid receptors. Building upon these considerations, we synthesized a new series of LP1 analogues by introducing naphthyl or heteroaromatic rings in propanamide side chain of its N-substituent (9-15). In vitro competition-binding assays in HEK293 cells stably expressing MOR, DOR or KOR showed that in compound 9 the 1-naphthyl ring led to the retention of MOR affinity (Ki(MOR)=38±4nM) displaying good selectivity versus DOR and KOR. In the electrically stimulated GPI, compound 9 was inactive as agonist but produced an antagonist potency value (pA2) of 8.6 in presence of MOR agonist DAMGO. Moreover, subcutaneously administered it antagonized the antinociceptive effects of morphine with an AD50=2.0mg/kg in mouse-tail flick test. Modeling studies on MOR revealed that compound 9 fit very well in the binding pocket but in a different way in respect to the agonist LP1. Probably the replacement of its N-substituent on the III, IV and V TM domains reflects an antagonist behavior. Therefore, compound 9 could represent a potential lead to further develop antagonists as valid therapeutic agents and useful pharmacological tools to study opioid receptor function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorella Pasquinucci
- Department of Drug Sciences, Medicinal Chemistry Section, University of Catania, Viale A. Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Rita Turnaturi
- Department of Drug Sciences, Medicinal Chemistry Section, University of Catania, Viale A. Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy.
| | - Giuseppina Aricò
- Department of Drug Sciences, Medicinal Chemistry Section, University of Catania, Viale A. Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Carmela Parenti
- Department of Drug Sciences, Pharmacology and Toxicology Section, University of Catania, Viale A. Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Paschalina Pallaki
- Laboratory of Cellular Signalling and Molecular Pharmacology, Institute of Biosciences and Applications, National Center for Scientific Research 'Demokritos', Ag. Paraskevi 15310, Athens, Greece
| | - Zafiroula Georgoussi
- Laboratory of Cellular Signalling and Molecular Pharmacology, Institute of Biosciences and Applications, National Center for Scientific Research 'Demokritos', Ag. Paraskevi 15310, Athens, Greece
| | - Simone Ronsisvalle
- Department of Drug Sciences, Medicinal Chemistry Section, University of Catania, Viale A. Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy
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10
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Zhou P, Jiang J, Dong Z, Yan H, You Z, Su R, Gong Z. The proteins interacting with C-terminal of μ receptor are identified by bacterial two-hybrid system from brain cDNA library in morphine-dependent rats. Life Sci 2015; 143:156-67. [DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2015.10.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2015] [Revised: 10/21/2015] [Accepted: 10/23/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Papakonstantinou MP, Karoussiotis C, Georgoussi Z. RGS2 and RGS4 proteins: New modulators of the κ-opioid receptor signaling. Cell Signal 2014; 27:104-14. [PMID: 25289860 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2014.09.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2014] [Revised: 09/10/2014] [Accepted: 09/23/2014] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Previous studies have shown that RGS4 associates with the C-termini of μ- and δ-opioid receptors in living cells and plays a key role in Gi/Go protein coupling selectivity and signalling of these receptors [12,20]. To deduce whether similar effects also occur for the κ-opioid receptor (κ-ΟR) and define the ability of members of the Regulators of G protein Signaling (RGS) of the B/R4 subfamily to interact with κ-ΟR subdomains we generated glutathione S-transferase fusion peptides encompassing the carboxyl-termini of κ-OR (κ-CT). Results from pull down experiments indicated that RGS2 and RGS4 directly interact within different domains of the κ-CT. Co-precipitation studies in living cells indicated that RGS2 and RGS4 associate with κ-ΟR constitutively and upon receptor activation and confer selectivity for coupling with a specific subset of G proteins. Expression of both members, RGS2 and/or RGS4, in 293F cells attenuated κ-agonist mediated-adenylyl cyclase inhibition and extracellular signal regulated kinase (ERK1,2) phosphorylation with a different amplitude in their modulatory effect in κ-ΟR signaling. Our findings demonstrate that RGS2 and RGS4 are new interacting partners that play key roles in G protein coupling to negatively regulate κ-ΟR signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria-Pagona Papakonstantinou
- Laboratory of Cellular Signalling and Molecular Pharmacology, Institute of Biosciences and Applications, National Centre for Scientific Research "Demokritos", Athens, Greece
| | - Christos Karoussiotis
- Laboratory of Cellular Signalling and Molecular Pharmacology, Institute of Biosciences and Applications, National Centre for Scientific Research "Demokritos", Athens, Greece
| | - Zafiroula Georgoussi
- Laboratory of Cellular Signalling and Molecular Pharmacology, Institute of Biosciences and Applications, National Centre for Scientific Research "Demokritos", Athens, Greece.
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12
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Georganta EM, Tsoutsi L, Gaitanou M, Georgoussi Z. δ-opioid receptor activation leads to neurite outgrowth and neuronal differentiation via a STAT5B-Gαi/o pathway. J Neurochem 2013; 127:329-41. [DOI: 10.1111/jnc.12386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2013] [Revised: 06/27/2013] [Accepted: 07/29/2013] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Eirini-Maria Georganta
- Laboratory of Cellular Signalling and Molecular Pharmacology; Institute of Biosciences and Applications; National Centre for Scientific Research “Demokritos”; Athens Greece
| | - Lambrini Tsoutsi
- Laboratory of Cellular Signalling and Molecular Pharmacology; Institute of Biosciences and Applications; National Centre for Scientific Research “Demokritos”; Athens Greece
| | - Maria Gaitanou
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology; Hellenic Pasteur Institute; Athens Greece
| | - Zafiroula Georgoussi
- Laboratory of Cellular Signalling and Molecular Pharmacology; Institute of Biosciences and Applications; National Centre for Scientific Research “Demokritos”; Athens Greece
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13
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Liu X, Wang Y, Xing Y, Yu J, Ji H, Kai M, Wang Z, Wang D, Zhang Y, Zhao D, Wang R. Design, synthesis, and pharmacological characterization of novel endomorphin-1 analogues as extremely potent μ-opioid agonists. J Med Chem 2013; 56:3102-14. [PMID: 23477419 DOI: 10.1021/jm400195y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Recently we reported the synthesis and structure-activity study of endomorphin-1 (EM-1) analogues containing novel, unnatural α-methylene-β-aminopropanoic acids (Map). In the present study, we describe new EM-1 analogues containing Dmt(1), (R/S)-βPro(2), and (ph)Map(4)/(2-furyl)Map(4). All of the analogues showed a high affinity for the μ-opioid receptor (MOR) and increased stability in mouse brain homogenates. Of the new compounds, Dmt(1)-(R)-βPro(2)-Trp(3)-(2-furyl)Map(4) (analogue 12) displayed the highest affinity toward MOR, in the picomolar range (Ki(μ) = 3.72 pM). Forskolin-induced cAMP accumulation assays indicated that this analogue displayed an extremely high agonistic potency, in the subpicomolar range (EC50 = 0.0421 pM, Emax = 99.5%). This compound also displayed stronger in vivo antinociceptive activity after iv administration when compared to morphine in the tail-flick test, which indicates that this analogue was able to cross the blood-brain barrier.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Liu
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, and Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, PR China
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14
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Fourla DD, Papakonstantinou MP, Vrana SM, Georgoussi Z. Selective interactions of spinophilin with the C-terminal domains of the δ- and μ-opioid receptors and G proteins differentially modulate opioid receptor signaling. Cell Signal 2012; 24:2315-28. [PMID: 22922354 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2012.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2012] [Revised: 07/31/2012] [Accepted: 08/08/2012] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Previous studies have shown that the intracellular domains of opioid receptors serve as platforms for the formation of a multi-component signaling complex consisting of various interacting partners (Leontiadis et al., 2009, Cell Signal. 21, 1218-1228; Georganta et al., 2010, Neuropharmacology, 59(3), 139-148). In the present study we demonstrate that spinophilin a dendritic-spine enriched scaffold protein associates with δ- and μ-opioid receptors (δ-ΟR, μ-OR) constitutively in HEK293 an interaction that is altered upon agonist administration and enhanced upon forskolin treatment for both μ-OR and δ-ΟR. Spinophilin association with the opioid receptors is mediated via the third intracellular loop and a conserved region of the C-terminal tails. The portion of spinophilin responsible for interaction with the δ-OR and μ-OR is narrowed to a region encompassing amino acids 151-444. Spinophilin, RGS4, Gα and Gβγ subunits of G proteins form a multi-protein complex using specific regions of spinophilin and a conserved amino acid stretch of the C-terminal tails of both δ-μ-ORs. Expression of spinophilin in HEK293 cells potentiated DPDPE-mediated adenylyl-cyclase inhibition of δ-OR leaving unaffected the levels of cAMP accumulation mediated by the μ-OR. Moreover, measurements of extracellular signal regulated kinase (ERK1,2) phosphorylation indicated that the presence of spinophilin attenuated agonist-driven ERK1,2 phosphorylation mediated upon activation of the δ-OR but not the μ-OR. Collectively, these findings suggest that spinophilin associates with both δ- and μ-ΟR and G protein subunits in HEK293 cells participating in a multimeric signaling complex that displays a differential regulatory role in opioid receptor signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danai-Dionysia Fourla
- Laboratory of Cellular Signalling and Molecular Pharmacology, Institute of Biosciences and Applications, National Centre for Scientific Research Demokritos, Athens, Greece
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15
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Wang Y, Xing Y, Liu X, Ji H, Kai M, Chen Z, Yu J, Zhao D, Ren H, Wang R. A new class of highly potent and selective endomorphin-1 analogues containing α-methylene-β-aminopropanoic acids (map). J Med Chem 2012; 55:6224-36. [PMID: 22724433 DOI: 10.1021/jm300664y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
A new class of endomorphin-1 (EM-1) analogues were synthesized by introduction of novel unnatural α-methylene-β-amino acids (Map) at position 3 or/and position 4. Their binding and functional activity, metabolic stability, and antinociceptive activity were determined and compared. Most of these analogues showed high affinities for the μ-opioid receptor and an increased stability in mouse brain homogenates compared with EM-1. Examination of cAMP accumulation and ERK1/2 phosphorylation in HEK293 cells confirmed the agonist properties of these analogues. Among these new analogues, H-Tyr-Pro-Trp-(2-furyl)Map-NH(2) (analogue 12) exhibited the highest binding potency (K(i)(μ) = 0.221 nM) and efficacy (EC(50) = 0.0334 nM, E(max) = 97.14%). This analogue also displayed enhanced antinociceptive activity in vivo in comparison to EM-1. Molecular modeling approaches were then carried out to demonstrate the interaction pattern of these analogues with the opioid receptors. We found that, compared to EM-1, the incorporation of our synthesized Map at position 4 would bring the analogue to a closer binding mode with the μ-opioid receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, P. R. China.
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16
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Sallum CO, Wilson JL, Rupasinghe C, Berg E, Yu J, Green DS, Taylor L, Mierke D, Polgar P. Enhancing and limiting endothelin-1 signaling with a cell-penetrating peptide mimicking the third intracellular loop of the ETB receptor. Chem Biol Drug Des 2012; 80:374-81. [PMID: 22553998 DOI: 10.1111/j.1747-0285.2012.01405.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
TAT (a 13-mer derived from the HIV-1 Tat protein)-linked cell-permeable peptides deliver plasma membrane impermeable cargos into the cell. We investigated the effect of a TAT-linked intracellular third loop of the endothelin-1 type B receptor on endothelin-1 activation of ERK. The effect of this peptide on ERK activation was determined in ETB receptor cDNA-transfected Chinese hamster ovary cells and in ETA- and ETB-expressing human pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells obtained from a normal and a bone morphogenetic protein-2 receptor, exon 1-8 deletion subject, with pulmonary hypertension. In the Chinese hamster ovary cells the peptide, at optimum 10 μm concentration, suppressed endothelin-1 activation. In the normal human pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells, the peptide marginally enhanced endothelin-1 activation of ERK. However, it markedly enhanced the endothelin-1 activation of ERK in the bone morphogenetic protein-2 receptor human pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells. While the effective concentration for endothelin-1 activation of ERK remained unchanged in the bone morphogenetic protein-2 receptor human pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells, the number of ETB receptors declined by 2/3. These data point to the intracellular third loop peptide as having variable receptor interactive effects with both signal repressive and enhancing capabilities. Peptides that can alter endothelin-1 signal capabilities are potentially important in the study and treatment of pulmonary hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine O Sallum
- Department of Biochemistry, Boston University School of Medicine, MA 02118, USA
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17
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Pasquinucci L, Parenti C, Turnaturi R, Aricò G, Marrazzo A, Prezzavento O, Ronsisvalle S, Georgoussi Z, Fourla DD, Scoto GM, Ronsisvalle G. The benzomorphan-based LP1 ligand is a suitable MOR/DOR agonist for chronic pain treatment. Life Sci 2011; 90:66-70. [PMID: 22100511 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2011.10.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2011] [Revised: 09/05/2011] [Accepted: 10/08/2011] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Powerful analgesics relieve pain primarily through activating mu opioid receptor (MOR), but the long-term use of MOR agonists, such as morphine, is limited by the rapid development of tolerance. Recently, it has been observed that simultaneous stimulation of the delta opioid receptor (DOR) and MOR limits the incidence of tolerance induced by MOR agonists. 3-[(2R,6R,11R)-8-hydroxy-6,11-dimethyl-1,4,5,6-tetrahydro-2,6-methano-3-benzazocin-3(2H)-yl]-N-phenylpropanamide (LP1) is a centrally acting agent with antinociceptive activity comparable to morphine and is able to bind and activate MOR and DOR. The aim of this work was to evaluate and compare the induction of tolerance to antinociceptive effects from treatment with LP1 and morphine. MAIN METHODS Here, we evaluated the pharmacological effects of LP1 administered at a dose of 4 mg/kg subcutaneously (s.c.) twice per day for 9 days to male Sprague-Dawley rats. In addition, the LP1 mechanism of action was assessed by measurement of LP1-induced [(35)S]GTPγS binding to the MOR and DOR. KEY FINDINGS Data obtained from the radiant heat tail flick test showed that LP1 maintained its antinociceptive profile until the ninth day, while tolerance to morphine (10mg/kg s.c. twice per day) was observed on day 3. Moreover, LP1 significantly enhanced [(35)S]GTPγS binding in the membranes of HEK293 cells expressing either the MOR or the DOR. SIGNIFICANCE LP1 is a novel analgesic agent for chronic pain treatment, and its low tolerance-inducing capability may be correlated with its ability to bind both the MOR and DOR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorella Pasquinucci
- Department of Drug Sciences, Medicinal Chemistry Section, University of Catania, Viale A. Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy.
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18
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Vandormael B, Fourla DD, Gramowski-Voss A, Kosson P, Weiss DG, Schröder OHU, Lipkowski A, Georgoussi Z, Tourwé D. Superpotent [Dmt¹] dermorphin tetrapeptides containing the 4-aminotetrahydro-2-benzazepin-3-one scaffold with mixed μ/δ opioid receptor agonistic properties. J Med Chem 2011; 54:7848-59. [PMID: 21978284 DOI: 10.1021/jm200894e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Novel dermorphin tetrapeptides are described in which Tyr(1) is replaced by Dmt(1), where d-Ala(2) and Gly(4) are N-methylated, and where Phe(3)-Gly(4) residue is substituted by the constrained Aba(3)-Gly(4) peptidomimetic. Most of these peptidic ligands displayed binding affinities in the nanomolar range for both μ- and δ-opioid receptors but no detectable affinity for the κ-opioid receptor. Measurements of cAMP accumulation, phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK1/2) in HEK293 cells stably expressing each of these receptors individually, and functional screening in primary neuronal cultures confirmed the potent agonistic properties of these peptides. The most potent ligand H-Dmt-NMe-d-Ala-Aba-Gly-NH(2) (BVD03) displayed mixed μ/δ opioid agonist properties with picomolar functional potencies. Functional electrophysiological in vitro assays using primary cortical and spinal cord networks showed that this analogue possessed electrophysiological similarity toward gabapentin and sufentanil, which makes it an interesting candidate for further study as an analgesic for neuropathic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bart Vandormael
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, B-1050 Brussels, Belgium
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19
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Shpakov AO. Signal protein-derived peptides as functional probes and regulators of intracellular signaling. JOURNAL OF AMINO ACIDS 2011; 2011:656051. [PMID: 22312467 PMCID: PMC3268021 DOI: 10.4061/2011/656051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2010] [Accepted: 06/01/2011] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The functionally important regions of signal proteins participating in their specific interaction and responsible for transduction of hormonal signal into cell are rather short in length, having, as a rule, 8 to 20 amino acid residues. Synthetic peptides corresponding to these regions are able to mimic the activated form of full-size signal protein and to trigger signaling cascades in the absence of hormonal stimulus. They modulate protein-protein interaction and influence the activity of signal proteins followed by changes in their regulatory and catalytic sites. The present review is devoted to the achievements and perspectives of the study of signal protein-derived peptides and to their application as selective and effective regulators of hormonal signaling systems in vitro and in vivo. Attention is focused on the structure, biological activity, and molecular mechanisms of action of peptides, derivatives of the receptors, G protein α subunits, and the enzymes generating second messengers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander O Shpakov
- I.M. Sechenov Institute of Evolutionary Physiology and Biochemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Thorez avenue 44, 194223 St. Petersburg, Russia
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20
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Borroto-Escuela DO, Correia PA, Romero-Fernandez W, Narvaez M, Fuxe K, Ciruela F, Garriga P. Muscarinic receptor family interacting proteins: Role in receptor function. J Neurosci Methods 2011; 195:161-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2010.11.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2010] [Revised: 11/23/2010] [Accepted: 11/24/2010] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
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21
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Tsitoura P, Andronopoulou E, Tsikou D, Agalou A, Papakonstantinou MP, Kotzia GA, Labropoulou V, Swevers L, Georgoussi Z, Iatrou K. Expression and membrane topology of Anopheles gambiae odorant receptors in lepidopteran insect cells. PLoS One 2010; 5:e15428. [PMID: 21082026 PMCID: PMC2972716 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0015428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2010] [Accepted: 09/21/2010] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
A lepidopteran insect cell-based expression system has been employed to express three Anopheles gambiae odorant receptors (ORs), OR1 and OR2, which respond to components of human sweat, and OR7, the ortholog of Drosophila's OR83b, the heteromerization partner of all functional ORs in that system. With the aid of epitope tagging and specific antibodies, efficient expression of all ORs was demonstrated and intrinsic properties of the proteins were revealed. Moreover, analysis of the orientation of OR1 and OR2 on the cellular plasma membrane through the use of a novel ‘topology screen’ assay and FACS analysis demonstrates that, as was recently reported for the ORs in Drosophila melanogaster, mosquito ORs also have a topology different than their mammalian counterparts with their N-terminal ends located in the cytoplasm and their C-terminal ends facing outside the cell. These results set the stage for the production of mosquito ORs in quantities that should permit their detailed biochemical and structural characterization and the exploration of their functional properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panagiota Tsitoura
- Insect Molecular Genetics and Biotechnology Group, Institute of Biology, National Centre for Scientific Research “Demokritos”, Athens, Greece
| | - Evi Andronopoulou
- Insect Molecular Genetics and Biotechnology Group, Institute of Biology, National Centre for Scientific Research “Demokritos”, Athens, Greece
| | - Daniela Tsikou
- Insect Molecular Genetics and Biotechnology Group, Institute of Biology, National Centre for Scientific Research “Demokritos”, Athens, Greece
| | - Adamantia Agalou
- Laboratory of Cellular Signaling and Molecular Pharmacology, Institute of Biology, National Centre for Scientific Research “Demokritos”, Athens, Greece
| | - Maria P. Papakonstantinou
- Laboratory of Cellular Signaling and Molecular Pharmacology, Institute of Biology, National Centre for Scientific Research “Demokritos”, Athens, Greece
| | - Georgia A. Kotzia
- Insect Molecular Genetics and Biotechnology Group, Institute of Biology, National Centre for Scientific Research “Demokritos”, Athens, Greece
| | - Vassiliki Labropoulou
- Insect Molecular Genetics and Biotechnology Group, Institute of Biology, National Centre for Scientific Research “Demokritos”, Athens, Greece
| | - Luc Swevers
- Insect Molecular Genetics and Biotechnology Group, Institute of Biology, National Centre for Scientific Research “Demokritos”, Athens, Greece
| | - Zafiroula Georgoussi
- Laboratory of Cellular Signaling and Molecular Pharmacology, Institute of Biology, National Centre for Scientific Research “Demokritos”, Athens, Greece
| | - Kostas Iatrou
- Insect Molecular Genetics and Biotechnology Group, Institute of Biology, National Centre for Scientific Research “Demokritos”, Athens, Greece
- * E-mail:
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22
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Evaluation of N-substitution in 6,7-benzomorphan compounds. Bioorg Med Chem 2010; 18:4975-82. [PMID: 20599386 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2010.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2010] [Revised: 05/27/2010] [Accepted: 06/04/2010] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
6,7-benzomorphan derivatives, exhibiting different mu, delta, and kappa receptor selectivity profiles depending on the N-substituent, represent a useful skeleton for the synthesis of new and better analgesic agents. In this work, an aromatic ring and/or alkyl residues have been used with an N-propanamide or N-acetamide spacer for the synthesis of a new series of 5,9-dimethyl-2'-hydroxy-6,7-benzomorphan derivatives (12-22). Data obtained by competition binding assays showed that the mu opioid receptor seems to prefer an interaction with the 6,7-benzomorphan ligands having an N-substituent with a propanamide spacer and less hindered amide. Highly stringent features are required for delta receptor interaction, while an N-acetamide spacer and/or bulkier amide could preferentially lead to kappa receptor selectivity. In the propanamide series, compound 12 (named LP1) displayed high mu affinity (Ki=0.83 nM), good delta affinity (Ki=29 nM) and low affinity for the kappa receptor (Ki=110 nM), with a selectivity ratio delta/mu and kappa/mu of 35.1 and 132.5, respectively. Further, in the adenylyl cyclase assay, LP1 displayed a mu/delta agonist profile, with IC50 values of 4.8 and 12 nM at the mu and delta receptors, respectively. The antinociceptive potency of LP1 in the tail-flick test after sc administration in rat was comparable with the potency of morphine (ED50=2.03 and 2.7 mg/kg, respectively), and was totally reversed by naloxone. LP1, possessing a mu/delta agonist profile, could represent a lead in further developing benzomorphan-based ligands with potent in vivo analgesic activity and a reduced tendency to induce side effects.
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23
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Georganta EM, Agalou A, Georgoussi Z. Multi-component signaling complexes of the delta-opioid receptor with STAT5B and G proteins. Neuropharmacology 2010; 59:139-48. [PMID: 20433855 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2010.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2009] [Revised: 02/25/2010] [Accepted: 04/09/2010] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Besides mediating opioid responses in the nervous system and the peripheral tissues, opioid receptors are implicated in signaling mechanisms shared by cytokine receptors. Recent observations have shown that the Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 5A (STAT5A) interacts with the mu-opioid receptor (mu-OR) and is phosphorylated upon mu-OR stimulation (Mazarakou and Georgoussi, 2005). In the present study we demonstrate that another member of the STAT family, STAT5B, associates constitutively with the C-terminal tail of the delta-opioid receptor (delta-CT). [D-Ser(2), Leu(5), Thr(6)]-enkephalin-exposure of HEK293 cells, expressing stably the delta-opioid receptor (delta-OR), leads to receptor-dependent STAT5B tyrosine phosphorylation and transcriptional activation. This phosphorylation occurs in a G protein-dependent manner and is carried out by a c-Src kinase. Co-immunoprecipitation studies indicate that STAT5B forms pairs with selective Galpha and Gbetagamma subunits of G proteins and activated c-Src kinase in HEK293 cells. These interactions are formed either constitutively, or upon receptor stimulation. We also demonstrate that the delta-CT serves as a platform for the formation of a multi-component signaling complex (signalosome), consisting of STAT5B, c-Src and selective G protein members. We can thus conclude that STAT5B signaling can be modulated by its coupling with a specific subset of G protein subunits, revealing a novel signaling mechanism for the transcriptional regulation of STAT5B-dependent genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eirini-Maria Georganta
- Laboratory of Cellular Signaling and Molecular Pharmacology, Institute of Biology, National Centre for Scientific Research Demokritos, 15310 Ag. Paraskevi-Attikis, Athens, Greece
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24
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Shpakov AO. Polycationic peptides as nonhormonal regulators of chemosignal systems. J EVOL BIOCHEM PHYS+ 2009. [DOI: 10.1134/s002209300904001x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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25
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Leontiadis LJ, Papakonstantinou MP, Georgoussi Z. Regulator of G protein signaling 4 confers selectivity to specific G proteins to modulate mu- and delta-opioid receptor signaling. Cell Signal 2009; 21:1218-28. [PMID: 19324084 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2009.03.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2009] [Revised: 03/12/2009] [Accepted: 03/15/2009] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
In vitro studies have shown that the Regulator of G protein Signaling 4 (RGS4) interacts with the C-termini of mu- and delta-opioid receptors (mu-OR, delta-OR) (Georgoussi et al., 2006, Cell. Signal.18, 771-782). Herein we demonstrate that RGS4 associates with these receptors in living cells and forms selective complexes with Gi/Go proteins in a receptor dependent manner. This interaction occurs within the predicted fourth intracellular loop of mu, delta-ORs as part of a signaling complex consisting of the opioid receptor, activated Galpha and RGS4. RGS4 is recruited to the plasma membrane upon opioid receptor stimulation. Expression of RGS4 in HEK293 cells attenuated agonist-mediated extracellular signal regulated kinase (ERK1,2) phosphorylation for both receptors and accelerated agonist-induced internalization of the delta-OR. RGS4 lacking its N-terminal domain failed to interact with both opioid receptors and to modulate opioid receptor signaling. Our findings demonstrate that RGS4 plays a key role in G protein coupling selectivity and signaling of the mu- and delta-OmicronRs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonidas J Leontiadis
- Laboratory of Cellular Signaling and Molecular Pharmacology, Institute of Biology, National Center for Scientific Research Demokritos, Ag. Paraskevi-Attikis, Athens, Greece
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26
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Abstract
This paper is the 28th consecutive installment of the annual review of research concerning the endogenous opioid system, now spanning over a quarter-century of research. It summarizes papers published during 2005 that studied the behavioral effects of molecular, pharmacological and genetic manipulation of opioid peptides, opioid receptors, opioid agonists and opioid antagonists. The particular topics that continue to be covered include the molecular-biochemical effects and neurochemical localization studies of endogenous opioids and their receptors related to behavior (Section 2), and the roles of these opioid peptides and receptors in pain and analgesia (Section 3); stress and social status (Section 4); tolerance and dependence (Section 5); learning and memory (Section 6); eating and drinking (Section 7); alcohol and drugs of abuse (Section 8); sexual activity and hormones, pregnancy, development and endocrinology (Section 9); mental illness and mood (Section 10); seizures and neurologic disorders (Section 11); electrical-related activity, neurophysiology and transmitter release (Section 12); general activity and locomotion (Section 13); gastrointestinal, renal and hepatic functions (Section 14); cardiovascular responses (Section 15); respiration and thermoregulation (Section 16); immunological responses (Section 17).
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard J Bodnar
- Department of Psychology and Neuropsychology Doctoral Sub-Program, Queens College, City University of New York, 65-30 Kissena Blvd., Flushing, NY 11367, USA.
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