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Iyer V, Saberi SA, Pacheco R, Sizemore EF, Stockman S, Kulkarni A, Cantwell L, Thakur GA, Hohmann AG. Negative allosteric modulation of CB 1 cannabinoid receptor signaling suppresses opioid-mediated tolerance and withdrawal without blocking opioid antinociception. Neuropharmacology 2024; 257:110052. [PMID: 38936657 PMCID: PMC11261750 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2024.110052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2024] [Revised: 06/02/2024] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
The direct blockade of CB1 cannabinoid receptors produces therapeutic effects as well as adverse side-effects that limit their clinical potential. CB1 negative allosteric modulators (NAMs) represent an indirect approach to decrease the affinity and/or efficacy of orthosteric cannabinoid ligands or endocannabinoids at CB1. We recently reported that GAT358, a CB1-NAM, blocked opioid-induced mesocorticolimbic dopamine release and reward via a CB1-allosteric mechanism of action. Whether a CB1-NAM dampens opioid-mediated therapeutic effects such as analgesia or alters other unwanted opioid side-effects remain unknown. Here, we characterized the effects of GAT358 on nociceptive behaviors in the presence and absence of morphine in male rats. We examined the impact of GAT358 on formalin-evoked pain behavior and Fos protein expression, a marker of neuronal activation, in the lumbar spinal cord. We also assessed the impact of GAT358 on morphine-induced slowing of colonic transit, tolerance, and withdrawal behaviors in male mice. GAT358 attenuated morphine antinociceptive tolerance without blocking acute antinociception and reduced morphine-induced slowing of colonic motility without impacting fecal boli production. GAT358 also produced antinociception in the presence and absence of morphine in the formalin model of inflammatory nociception and reduced the number of formalin-evoked Fos protein-like immunoreactive cells in the lumbar spinal cord. Finally, GAT358 mitigated the somatic signs of naloxone-precipitated, but not spontaneous, opioid withdrawal following chronic morphine dosing. Our results support the therapeutic potential of CB1-NAMs as novel drug candidates aimed at preserving opioid-mediated analgesia while preventing their unwanted side-effects. Our studies also uncover previously unrecognized antinociceptive properties associated with an arrestin-biased CB1-NAM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vishakh Iyer
- Program in Neuroscience, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA; Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Shahin A Saberi
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Romario Pacheco
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Emily Fender Sizemore
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Sarah Stockman
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Abhijit Kulkarni
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Lucas Cantwell
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ganesh A Thakur
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Andrea G Hohmann
- Program in Neuroscience, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA; Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA; Gill Center for Biomolecular Science, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA.
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2
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Scicluna RL, Everett NA, Badolato CJ, Wilson BB, Bowen MT. Effects of CB1 receptor negative allosteric modulator Org27569 on oxycodone withdrawal symptoms in mice. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2024; 241:1705-1717. [PMID: 38676755 PMCID: PMC11269377 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-024-06591-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024]
Abstract
RATIONALE/OBJECTIVES Targeting cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1R) has shown promise for treating opioid withdrawal symptoms. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of a specific CB1R negative allosteric modulator (NAM), Org27569, in reducing both naloxone-precipitated and protracted withdrawal symptoms in oxycodone-dependent mice. METHODS Mice received escalating doses of oxycodone (9-33 mg/kg IP) or saline twice daily for 9 days, followed by a final dose of oxycodone (33 mg/kg) or saline in the morning of day 9. In one cohort, the impact of Org27569 (3, 10, and 30 mg/kg) on naloxone (10 mg/kg IP) precipitated withdrawal symptoms was assessed. In another cohort, Org27569 (3 mg/kg) effects on the acquisition of conditioned place aversion to naloxone (0.6 mg/kg) precipitated opioid withdrawal, on behaviour following a 7-9-day abstinence period, and on naloxone (0.6 mg/kg) precipitated withdrawal-induced escape behaviour in a novel assay were assessed. RESULTS Although Org27569 decreased opioid withdrawal-induced jumping at doses of 10 and 30 mg/kg, these effects were confounded by reduced locomotion. At all doses tested, Org27569 had a modest inhibitory effect on gastrointestinal motility. At the lower dose of 3 mg/kg, which was not confounded by locomotor effects, Org27569 did not impact naloxone-precipitated withdrawal-induced jumping, acquisition of oxycodone withdrawal-induced conditioned place aversion, or naloxone-precipitated withdrawal-induced escape behaviour in a novel assay. A clear protracted opioid withdrawal phenotype was not observed in assays of anxiety-like or social behaviour. CONCLUSIONS Org27569 effects on negative affective-like symptoms were confounded by locomotor effects and effects on gastrointestinal motility were not opioid withdrawal specific. Further studies are needed in a model that produces a more pronounced protracted withdrawal syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rhianne L Scicluna
- Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, 94 Mallet Street, Camperdown, Sydney, NSW, 2050, Australia
- Faculty of Science, School of Psychology, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Nicholas A Everett
- Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, 94 Mallet Street, Camperdown, Sydney, NSW, 2050, Australia
- Faculty of Science, School of Psychology, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Connie J Badolato
- Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, 94 Mallet Street, Camperdown, Sydney, NSW, 2050, Australia
- Faculty of Science, School of Psychology, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Bianca B Wilson
- Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, 94 Mallet Street, Camperdown, Sydney, NSW, 2050, Australia
- Faculty of Science, School of Psychology, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Michael T Bowen
- Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, 94 Mallet Street, Camperdown, Sydney, NSW, 2050, Australia.
- Faculty of Science, School of Psychology, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia.
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3
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Saito A, Alvi S, Valant C, Christopoulos A, Carbone SE, Poole DP. Therapeutic potential of allosteric modulators for the treatment of gastrointestinal motility disorders. Br J Pharmacol 2024; 181:2232-2246. [PMID: 36565295 DOI: 10.1111/bph.16023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Revised: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Gastrointestinal motility is tightly regulated by the enteric nervous system (ENS). Disruption of coordinated enteric nervous system activity can result in dysmotility. Pharmacological treatment options for dysmotility include targeting of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) expressed by neurons of the enteric nervous system. Current GPCR-targeting drugs for motility disorders bind to the highly conserved endogenous ligand-binding site and promote indiscriminate activation or inhibition of the target receptor throughout the body. This can be associated with significant side-effect liability and a loss of physiological tone. Allosteric modulators of GPCRs bind to a distinct site from the endogenous ligand, which is typically less conserved across multiple receptor subtypes and can modulate endogenous ligand signalling. Allosteric modulation of GPCRs that are important for enteric nervous system function may provide effective relief from motility disorders while limiting side-effects. This review will focus on how allosteric modulators of GPCRs may influence gastrointestinal motility, using 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), acetylcholine (ACh) and opioid receptors as examples. LINKED ARTICLES: This article is part of a themed issue Therapeutic Targeting of G Protein-Coupled Receptors: hot topics from the Australasian Society of Clinical and Experimental Pharmacologists and Toxicologists 2021 Virtual Annual Scientific Meeting. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v181.14/issuetoc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayame Saito
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sadia Alvi
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Celine Valant
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Arthur Christopoulos
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Simona E Carbone
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Daniel P Poole
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
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4
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Green HM, Yang L, Zhu X, Finlay DB, Duffull SB, Glass M. Insight into the mechanism of action of ORG27569 at the cannabinoid type one receptor utilising a unified mathematical model. NAUNYN-SCHMIEDEBERG'S ARCHIVES OF PHARMACOLOGY 2024; 397:5105-5118. [PMID: 38227196 PMCID: PMC11166842 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-023-02923-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2024]
Abstract
Allosteric modulation of CB1 is therapeutically advantageous compared to orthosteric activation as it potentially offers reduced on-target adverse effects. ORG27569 is an allosteric modulator that increases orthosteric agonist binding to CB1 but decreases functional signalling. ORG27569 is characterised by a delay in disinhibition of agonist-induced cAMP inhibition (lag); however, the mechanism behind this kinetic lag is yet to be identified. We aimed to utilise a mathematical model to predict data and design in vitro experiments to elucidate mechanisms behind the unique signalling profile of ORG27569. The established kinetic ternary complex model includes the existence of a transitional state of CB1 bound to ORG27569 and CP55940 and was used to simulate kinetic cAMP data using NONMEM 7.4 and Matlab R2020b. These data were compared with empirical cAMP BRET data in HEK293 cells stably expressing hCB1. The pharmacometric model suggested that the kinetic lag in cAMP disinhibition by ORG27569 is caused by signal amplification in the cAMP assay and can be reduced by decreasing receptor number. This was confirmed experimentally, as reducing receptor number through agonist-induced internalisation resulted in a decreased kinetic lag by ORG27569. ORG27569 was found to have a similar interaction with CP55940 and the high efficacy agonist WIN55,212-2, and was suggested to have lower affinity for CB1 bound by the partial agonist THC compared to CP55940. Allosteric modulators have unique signalling profiles that are often difficult to interrogate exclusively in vitro. We have used a combined mathematical and in vitro approach to prove that ORG27569 causes a delay in disinhibition of agonist-induced cAMP inhibition due to large receptor reserve in this pathway. We also used the pharmacometric model to investigate the common phenomenon of probe dependence, to propose that ORG27569 binds with higher affinity to CB1 bound by high efficacy orthosteric agonists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hayley M Green
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, PO Box 56, Dunedin, 9054, New Zealand
| | - Liang Yang
- Otago Pharmacometrics Group, School of Pharmacy, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Xiao Zhu
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Administration, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - David B Finlay
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, PO Box 56, Dunedin, 9054, New Zealand
| | - Stephen B Duffull
- Otago Pharmacometrics Group, School of Pharmacy, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
- , Certara, Princeton, NJ, USA
| | - Michelle Glass
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, PO Box 56, Dunedin, 9054, New Zealand.
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5
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Buechler HM, Sumi M, Madhuranthakam IM, Donegan C, DiGiorgio F, Acosta AA, Uribe S, Rahman MA, Sorbello A, Fischer BD, Keck TM. The CB1 negative allosteric modulator PSNCBAM-1 reduces ethanol self-administration via a nonspecific hypophagic effect. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2024; 240:173776. [PMID: 38679080 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2024.173776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) affects >15 million people in the United States. Current pharmacotherapeutic treatments for AUD are only modestly effective, necessitating the identification of new targets for medications development. The cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1) has been a target of interest for the development of medications for substance use disorders and other compulsive disorders. However, CB1 antagonists/inverse agonists (e.g., rimonabant) have severe side effects that limit their clinical utility, including anxiety, depression, and suicide. Recent development of CB1 negative allosteric modulators (NAMs), including PSNCBAM-1, may provide an alternative mechanism of attenuating CB1 signaling with reduced side effects. PSNCBAM-1 has not yet been evaluated for effects in models of AUD. In this study, we investigated the effects of the CB1 NAM, PSNCBAM-1, in rodent models of AUD using adult male mice. PSNCBAM-1 dose-dependently attenuated oral ethanol self-administration (8 % w/v ethanol in water), significantly reducing ethanol rewards at a dose of 30 mg/kg, but not at 10 or 18 mg/kg. PSNCBAM-1 also dose-dependently attenuated palatable food self-administration (diluted vanilla Ensure), significantly reducing food rewards at 18 and 30 mg/kg PSNCBAM-1. PSNCBAM-1 did not affect conditioned place preference for 2 g/kg ethanol. These results suggest PSNCBAM-1 reduces ethanol-taking behavior via a nonspecific hypophagic effect and does not reduce the rewarding effects of ethanol.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mousumi Sumi
- Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ 08028, United States
| | | | | | | | | | - Sarah Uribe
- Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ 08028, United States
| | | | | | - Bradford D Fischer
- Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, Camden, NJ 08103, United States
| | - Thomas M Keck
- Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ 08028, United States.
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Yadav-Samudrala BJ, Dodson H, Ramineni S, Kim E, Poklis JL, Lu D, Ignatowska-Jankowska BM, Lichtman AH, Fitting S. Cannabinoid receptor 1 positive allosteric modulator ZCZ011 shows differential effects on behavior and the endocannabinoid system in HIV-1 Tat transgenic female and male mice. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0305868. [PMID: 38913661 PMCID: PMC11195999 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0305868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/26/2024] Open
Abstract
The cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1R) is a promising therapeutic target for various neurodegenerative diseases, including HIV-1-associated neurocognitive disorder (HAND). However, the therapeutic potential of CB1R by direct activation is limited due to its psychoactive side effects. Therefore, research has focused on indirectly activating the CB1R by utilizing positive allosteric modulators (PAMs). Studies have shown that CB1R PAMs (ZCZ011 and GAT211) are effective in mouse models of Huntington's disease and neuropathic pain, and hence, we assess the therapeutic potential of ZCZ011 in a well-established mouse model of neuroHIV. The current study investigates the effect of chronic ZCZ011 treatment (14 days) on various behavioral paradigms and the endocannabinoid system in HIV-1 Tat transgenic female and male mice. Chronic ZCZ011 treatment (10 mg/kg) did not alter body mass, locomotor activity, or anxiety-like behavior regardless of sex or genotype. However, differential effects were noted in hot plate latency, motor coordination, and recognition memory in female mice only, with ZCZ011 treatment increasing hot plate latency and improving motor coordination and recognition memory. Only minor effects or no alterations were seen in the endocannabinoid system and related lipids except in the cerebellum, where the effect of ZCZ011 was more pronounced in female mice. Moreover, AEA and PEA levels in the cerebellum were positively correlated with improved motor coordination in female mice. In summary, these findings indicate that chronic ZCZ011 treatment has differential effects on antinociception, motor coordination, and memory, based on sex and HIV-1 Tat expression, making CB1R PAMs potential treatment options for HAND without the psychoactive side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barkha J. Yadav-Samudrala
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Hailey Dodson
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Shreya Ramineni
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Elizabeth Kim
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Justin L. Poklis
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Dai Lu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Texas A&M, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | | | - Aron H. Lichtman
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Sylvia Fitting
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
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7
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Abaffy T, Fu O, Harume-Nagai M, Goldenberg JM, Kenyon V, Kenakin T. Intracellular Allosteric Antagonist of the Olfactory Receptor OR51E2. Mol Pharmacol 2024; 106:21-32. [PMID: 38719475 PMCID: PMC11187688 DOI: 10.1124/molpharm.123.000843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Olfactory receptors are members of class A (rhodopsin-like) family of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). Their expression and function have been increasingly studied in nonolfactory tissues, and many have been identified as potential therapeutic targets. In this manuscript, we focus on the discovery of novel ligands for the olfactory receptor family 51 subfamily E2 (OR51E2). We performed an artificial intelligence-based virtual drug screen of a ∼2.2 million small molecule library. Cell-based functional assay identified compound 80 (C80) as an antagonist and inverse agonist, and detailed pharmacological analysis revealed C80 acts as a negative allosteric modulator by significantly decreasing the agonist efficacy, while having a minimal effect on receptor affinity for agonist. C80 binds to an allosteric binding site formed by a network of nine residues localized in the intracellular parts of transmembrane domains 3, 5, 6, 7, and H8, which also partially overlaps with a G protein binding site. Mutational experiments of residues involved in C80 binding uncovered the significance of the C2406.37 position in blocking the activation-related conformational change and keeping the receptor in the inactive form. Our study provides a mechanistic understanding of the negative allosteric action of C80 on agonist-ctivated OR51E2. We believe the identification of the antagonist of OR51E2 will enable a multitude of studies aiming to determine the functional role of this receptor in specific biologic processes. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: OR51E2 has been implicated in various biological processes, and its antagonists that can effectively modulate its activity have therapeutic potential. Here we report the discovery of a negative allosteric modulator of OR51E2 and provide a mechanistic understanding of its action. We demonstrate that this modulator has an inhibitory effect on the efficacy of the agonist for the receptor and reveal a network of nine residues that constitute its binding pocket, which also partially overlaps with the G protein binding site.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatjana Abaffy
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, School of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina (T.A., O.F.); Columbia Center for Human Development/Columbia Center for Stem Cell Therapies Department, Columbia University, New York (M.H.-N.); Chemistry Department, School of Math and Science at the United States Naval Academy, Annapolis, Maryland (J.M.G.); Atomwise Inc., San Francisco, California (J.M.G., V.K.); and Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina (T.K.)
| | - Olivia Fu
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, School of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina (T.A., O.F.); Columbia Center for Human Development/Columbia Center for Stem Cell Therapies Department, Columbia University, New York (M.H.-N.); Chemistry Department, School of Math and Science at the United States Naval Academy, Annapolis, Maryland (J.M.G.); Atomwise Inc., San Francisco, California (J.M.G., V.K.); and Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina (T.K.)
| | - Maira Harume-Nagai
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, School of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina (T.A., O.F.); Columbia Center for Human Development/Columbia Center for Stem Cell Therapies Department, Columbia University, New York (M.H.-N.); Chemistry Department, School of Math and Science at the United States Naval Academy, Annapolis, Maryland (J.M.G.); Atomwise Inc., San Francisco, California (J.M.G., V.K.); and Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina (T.K.)
| | - Josh M Goldenberg
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, School of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina (T.A., O.F.); Columbia Center for Human Development/Columbia Center for Stem Cell Therapies Department, Columbia University, New York (M.H.-N.); Chemistry Department, School of Math and Science at the United States Naval Academy, Annapolis, Maryland (J.M.G.); Atomwise Inc., San Francisco, California (J.M.G., V.K.); and Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina (T.K.)
| | - Victor Kenyon
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, School of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina (T.A., O.F.); Columbia Center for Human Development/Columbia Center for Stem Cell Therapies Department, Columbia University, New York (M.H.-N.); Chemistry Department, School of Math and Science at the United States Naval Academy, Annapolis, Maryland (J.M.G.); Atomwise Inc., San Francisco, California (J.M.G., V.K.); and Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina (T.K.)
| | - Terry Kenakin
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, School of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina (T.A., O.F.); Columbia Center for Human Development/Columbia Center for Stem Cell Therapies Department, Columbia University, New York (M.H.-N.); Chemistry Department, School of Math and Science at the United States Naval Academy, Annapolis, Maryland (J.M.G.); Atomwise Inc., San Francisco, California (J.M.G., V.K.); and Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina (T.K.)
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8
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Kenakin T. Know your molecule: pharmacological characterization of drug candidates to enhance efficacy and reduce late-stage attrition. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2024:10.1038/s41573-024-00958-9. [PMID: 38890494 DOI: 10.1038/s41573-024-00958-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
Despite advances in chemical, computational and biological sciences, the rate of attrition of drug candidates in clinical development is still high. A key point in the small-molecule discovery process that could provide opportunities to help address this challenge is the pharmacological characterization of hit and lead compounds, culminating in the selection of a drug candidate. Deeper characterization is increasingly important, because the 'quality' of drug efficacy, at least for G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), is now understood to be much more than activation of commonly evaluated pathways such as cAMP signalling, with many more 'efficacies' of ligands that could be harnessed therapeutically. Such characterization is being enabled by novel assays to characterize the complex behaviour of GPCRs, such as biased signalling and allosteric modulation, as well as advances in structural biology, such as cryo-electron microscopy. This article discusses key factors in the assessments of the pharmacology of hit and lead compounds in the context of GPCRs as a target class, highlighting opportunities to identify drug candidates with the potential to address limitations of current therapies and to improve the probability of them succeeding in clinical development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Terry Kenakin
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
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9
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Shivshankar S, Nimely J, Puhl H, Iyer MR. Pharmacological Evaluation of Cannabinoid Receptor Modulators Using GRAB eCB2.0 Sensor. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5012. [PMID: 38732230 PMCID: PMC11084632 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25095012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2024] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Cannabinoid receptors CB1R and CB2R are G-protein coupled receptors acted upon by endocannabinoids (eCBs), namely 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) and N-arachidonoyl ethanolamine (AEA), with unique pharmacology and modulate disparate physiological processes. A genetically encoded GPCR activation-based sensor that was developed recently-GRABeCB2.0-has been shown to be capable of monitoring real-time changes in eCB levels in cultured cells and preclinical models. However, its responsiveness to exogenous synthetic cannabinoid agents, particularly antagonists and allosteric modulators, has not been extensively characterized. This current study expands upon the pharmacological characteristics of GRABeCB2.0 to enhance the understanding of fluorescent signal alterations in response to various functionally indiscriminate cannabinoid ligands. The results from this study could enhance the utility of the GRABeCB2.0 sensor for in vitro as well as in vivo studies of cannabinoid action and may aid in the development of novel ligands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samay Shivshankar
- Section on Medicinal Chemistry, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, 5625 Fishers Lane, Rockville, MD 20852, USA
| | - Josephine Nimely
- Section on Medicinal Chemistry, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, 5625 Fishers Lane, Rockville, MD 20852, USA
| | - Henry Puhl
- Laboratory of Biophotonics and Quantum Biology, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, 5625 Fishers Lane, Rockville, MD 20852, USA;
| | - Malliga R. Iyer
- Section on Medicinal Chemistry, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, 5625 Fishers Lane, Rockville, MD 20852, USA
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10
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Bo Y, Zhao X, Li L. Cardiotoxic effects of common and emerging drugs: role of cannabinoid receptors. Clin Sci (Lond) 2024; 138:413-434. [PMID: 38505994 DOI: 10.1042/cs20231156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
Drug-induced cardiotoxicity has become one of the most common and detrimental health concerns, which causes significant loss to public health and drug resources. Cannabinoid receptors (CBRs) have recently achieved great attention for their vital roles in the regulation of heart health and disease, with mounting evidence linking CBRs with the pathogenesis and progression of drug-induced cardiotoxicity. This review aims to summarize fundamental characteristics of two well-documented CBRs (CB1R and CB2R) from aspects of molecular structure, signaling and their functions in cardiovascular physiology and pathophysiology. Moreover, we describe the roles of CB1R and CB2R in the occurrence of cardiotoxicity induced by common drugs such as antipsychotics, anti-cancer drugs, marijuana, and some emerging synthetic cannabinoids. We highlight the 'yin-yang' relationship between CB1R and CB2R in drug-induced cardiotoxicity and propose future perspectives for CBR-based translational medicine toward cardiotoxicity curation and clinical monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiming Bo
- Department of Forensic Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Xin Zhao
- Department of Cardiology, Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Liliang Li
- Department of Forensic Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
- Department of Cardiology, Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
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11
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Iyer V, Saberi SA, Pacheco R, Sizemore EF, Stockman S, Kulkarni A, Cantwell L, Thakur GA, Hohmann AG. Negative allosteric modulation of cannabinoid CB 1 receptor signaling suppresses opioid-mediated tolerance and withdrawal without blocking opioid antinociception. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.01.06.574477. [PMID: 38260598 PMCID: PMC10802405 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.06.574477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
The direct blockade of CB 1 cannabinoid receptors produces therapeutic effects as well as adverse side-effects that limit their clinical potential. CB 1 negative allosteric modulators (NAMs) represent an indirect approach to decrease the affinity and/or efficacy of orthosteric cannabinoid ligands or endocannabinoids at CB 1 . We recently reported that GAT358, a CB 1 -NAM, blocked opioid-induced mesocorticolimbic dopamine release and reward via a CB 1 -allosteric mechanism of action. Whether a CB 1 -NAM dampens opioid-mediated therapeutic effects such as analgesia or alters other unwanted side-effects of opioids remain unknown. Here, we characterized the effects of GAT358 on nociceptive behaviors in the presence and absence of morphine. We examined the impact of GAT358 on formalin-evoked pain behavior and Fos protein expression, a marker of neuronal activation, in the lumbar dorsal horn. We also assessed the impact of GAT358 on morphine-induced slowing of colonic transit, tolerance, and withdrawal behaviors. GAT358 attenuated morphine antinociceptive tolerance without blocking acute antinociception. GAT358 also reduced morphine-induced slowing of colonic motility without impacting fecal boli production. GAT358 produced antinociception in the presence and absence of morphine in the formalin model of inflammatory nociception and reduced the number of formalin-evoked Fos protein-like immunoreactive cells in the lumbar spinal dorsal horn. Finally, GAT358 mitigated the somatic signs of naloxone-precipitated, but not spontaneous, opioid withdrawal following chronic morphine dosing in mice. Our results support the therapeutic potential of CB 1 -NAMs as novel drug candidates aimed at preserving opioid-mediated analgesia while preventing their unwanted side-effects. Our studies also uncover previously unrecognized antinociceptive properties associated with an arrestin-biased CB 1 -NAMs. Highlights CB 1 negative allosteric modulator (NAM) GAT358 attenuated morphine tolerance GAT358 reduced morphine-induced slowing of colonic motility but not fecal productionGAT358 was antinociceptive for formalin pain alone and when combined with morphineGAT358 reduced formalin-evoked Fos protein expression in the lumbar spinal cordGAT358 mitigated naloxone precipitated withdrawal after chronic morphine dosing.
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12
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Kenakin T. Allostery: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2024; 388:110-120. [PMID: 37918859 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.123.001838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023] Open
Abstract
With the advent of functional screening, more allosteric molecules are being discovered and developed as possible therapeutic entities. Allosteric proteins are unique because of two specific properties: 1) separate binding sites for allosteric modulators and guests and 2) mandatory alteration of receptor conformation upon binding of allosteric modulators. For G protein-coupled receptors, these properties produce many beneficial effects on pharmacologic systems that are described here. Allosteric discovery campaigns also bring with them added considerations that must be addressed for the endeavor to be successful, and these are described herein as well. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Recent years have seen the increasing presence of allosteric molecules as possible therapeutic drug candidates. The scientific procedures to characterize these are unique and require special techniques, so it is imperative that scientists understand the new concepts involved in allosteric function. This review examines the reasons why allosteric molecules should be considered as new drug entities and the techniques required to optimize the discovery process for allosteric molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Terry Kenakin
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
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13
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Yang L, Zhu X, Finlay DB, Green H, Glass M, Duffull SB. A kinetic model for positive allosteric modulator (PAM)-antagonists for the type 1 cannabinoid (CB 1 ) receptor. Br J Pharmacol 2023; 180:2661-2676. [PMID: 37277184 DOI: 10.1111/bph.16158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The cannabinoid (CB1 ) receptor is among the most abundant G protein-coupled receptors in brain. Allosteric ligands bind to a different site on receptors than the orthosteric ligand can have effects that are unique to the allosteric ligand and modulate orthosteric ligand activity. We propose a unified mathematical model describing the interaction effects of the allosteric ligand Org27569 and the orthosteric agonist CP55940 on CB1 receptor. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH A ternary complex model was constructed, which incorporated kinetic properties to describe the time course of effects of Org27569 and CP55940 reported in the literature: (i) enhanced receptor binding of CP55940, (ii) reduced internalisation and (iii), time-dependent modulation of cAMP. Underlying mechanisms of time-dependent modulation by Org27569 were evaluated by simulation. KEY RESULTS A hypothetical transitional state of CP55940-CB1 -Org27569, which can internalise but cannot inhibit cAMP, was shown to be necessary and was sufficient to describe the allosteric modulation by Org27569, prior to receptors adopting an inactive conformation. The model indicated that the formation of this transitional CP55940-CB1 -Org27569 state and final inactive CP55940-CB1 -Org27569 state contributes to the enhanced CP55940 binding. The inactive CP55940-CB1 -Org27569 cannot internalise or inhibit cAMP, leading to reduced internalisation and cessation of cAMP inhibition. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS In conclusion, a kinetic mathematical model for CB1 receptor allosteric modulation was developed. However, a standard ternary complex model was not sufficient to capture the data and a hypothetical transitional state was required to describe the allosteric modulation properties of Org27569.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Yang
- Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Otago Pharmacometrics Group, School of Pharmacy, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Xiao Zhu
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Administration, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - David B Finlay
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Hayley Green
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Michelle Glass
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Stephen B Duffull
- Otago Pharmacometrics Group, School of Pharmacy, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
- Certara, Princeton, New Jersey, USA
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14
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Leo LM, Al-Zoubi R, Hurst DP, Stephan AP, Zhao P, Tilley DG, Miess E, Schulz S, Abood ME, Reggio PH. The NPXXY Motif Regulates β-Arrestin Recruitment by the CB1 Cannabinoid Receptor. Cannabis Cannabinoid Res 2023; 8:731-748. [PMID: 35792570 PMCID: PMC10589503 DOI: 10.1089/can.2021.0223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Activation of signaling effectors by G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) depends on different molecular mechanisms triggered by conserved amino acid residues. Although studies have focused on the G-protein signaling state, the mechanism for β-arrestin signaling by CB1 is not yet well defined. Studies have indicated that transmembrane helix 7 (TMH7) and the highly conserved NPXXY motif can be subject to different conformational changes in response to biased ligands and could therefore participate in a molecular mechanism to trigger β-arrestin recruitment. Objective: To investigate the effect of mutations in the NPXXY motif on different signaling pathways activated by the CB1 receptor. Materials and Methods: Point mutations of the NPXXY motif and associated residues were generated in the CB1 receptor using site-directed mutagenesis and transfection into HEK-293 cells. Signaling by wild-type and mutant receptors was analyzed by quantifying inhibition of cAMP, and by β-arrestin recruitment assays. Results: We found that N7.49 and Y7.53 are essential for β-arrestin recruitment by CB1. N7.49A and Y7.53F impair β-arrestin signaling, with no effect on G-protein signaling. We found a regulatory role for residue I2.43; I2.43 interacts with Y7.53, affecting its positioning. Reducing steric bulk at I2.43 (I2.43A) enhances β-arrestin1 recruitment, while introducing a polar residue (I2.43T) reduces β-arrestin recruitment. Conclusions: These findings point to a novel mechanism for β-arrestin recruitment, implicating amino acids in the NPXXY motif as critical for the putative β-arrestin biased conformational state of Class A GPCRs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luciana M. Leo
- Center for Substance Abuse Research, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Rufaida Al-Zoubi
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science & Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Dow P. Hurst
- Chemistry and Biochemistry Department, UNC Greensboro, Greensboro, North Carolina, USA
| | - Anna P. Stephan
- Center for Substance Abuse Research, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Pingwei Zhao
- Center for Substance Abuse Research, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Douglas G. Tilley
- Center for Translational Medicine, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Elke Miess
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Jena University Hospital-Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Stefan Schulz
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Jena University Hospital-Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Mary E. Abood
- Center for Substance Abuse Research, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Patricia H. Reggio
- Chemistry and Biochemistry Department, UNC Greensboro, Greensboro, North Carolina, USA
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15
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Yuan J, Yang B, Hou G, Xie XQ, Feng Z. Targeting the endocannabinoid system: Structural determinants and molecular mechanism of allosteric modulation. Drug Discov Today 2023; 28:103615. [PMID: 37172889 PMCID: PMC10330941 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2023.103615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Although drugs targeting the orthosteric binding site of cannabinoid receptors (CBRs) have several therapeutic effects on human physiological and pathological conditions, they can also cause serious adverse effects. Only a few orthosteric ligands have successfully passed clinical trials. Recently, allosteric modulation has become a novel option for drug discovery, with fewer adverse effects and the potential to avoid drug overdose. In this review, we highlight novel findings related to the drug discovery of allosteric modulators (AMs) targeting CBRs. We summarize newly synthesized AMs and the reported/predicted allosteric binding sites. We also discuss the structural determinants of the AMs binding as well as the molecular mechanism of CBR allostery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiayi Yuan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Computational Chemical Genomics Screening Center, and Pharmacometrics & System Pharmacology PharmacoAnalytics, School of Pharmacy; National Center of Excellence for Computational Drug Abuse Research; Drug Discovery Institute; Departments of Computational Biology and Structural Biology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15261, United States
| | - Bo Yang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Computational Chemical Genomics Screening Center, and Pharmacometrics & System Pharmacology PharmacoAnalytics, School of Pharmacy; National Center of Excellence for Computational Drug Abuse Research; Drug Discovery Institute; Departments of Computational Biology and Structural Biology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15261, United States
| | - Guanyu Hou
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Computational Chemical Genomics Screening Center, and Pharmacometrics & System Pharmacology PharmacoAnalytics, School of Pharmacy; National Center of Excellence for Computational Drug Abuse Research; Drug Discovery Institute; Departments of Computational Biology and Structural Biology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15261, United States
| | - Xiang-Qun Xie
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Computational Chemical Genomics Screening Center, and Pharmacometrics & System Pharmacology PharmacoAnalytics, School of Pharmacy; National Center of Excellence for Computational Drug Abuse Research; Drug Discovery Institute; Departments of Computational Biology and Structural Biology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15261, United States
| | - Zhiwei Feng
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Computational Chemical Genomics Screening Center, and Pharmacometrics & System Pharmacology PharmacoAnalytics, School of Pharmacy; National Center of Excellence for Computational Drug Abuse Research; Drug Discovery Institute; Departments of Computational Biology and Structural Biology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15261, United States.
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16
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Krumm BE, DiBerto JF, Olsen RHJ, Kang HJ, Slocum ST, Zhang S, Strachan RT, Huang XP, Slosky LM, Pinkerton AB, Barak LS, Caron MG, Kenakin T, Fay JF, Roth BL. Neurotensin Receptor Allosterism Revealed in Complex with a Biased Allosteric Modulator. Biochemistry 2023; 62:1233-1248. [PMID: 36917754 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.3c00029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/16/2023]
Abstract
The NTSR1 neurotensin receptor (NTSR1) is a G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) found in the brain and peripheral tissues with neurotensin (NTS) being its endogenous peptide ligand. In the brain, NTS modulates dopamine neuronal activity, induces opioid-independent analgesia, and regulates food intake. Recent studies indicate that biasing NTSR1 toward β-arrestin signaling can attenuate the actions of psychostimulants and other drugs of abuse. Here, we provide the cryoEM structures of NTSR1 ternary complexes with heterotrimeric Gq and GoA with and without the brain-penetrant small-molecule SBI-553. In functional studies, we discovered that SBI-553 displays complex allosteric actions exemplified by negative allosteric modulation for G proteins that are Gα subunit selective and positive allosteric modulation and agonism for β-arrestin translocation at NTSR1. Detailed structural analysis of the allosteric binding site illuminated the structural determinants for biased allosteric modulation of SBI-553 on NTSR1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian E Krumm
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599-7365, United States
| | - Jeffrey F DiBerto
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599-7365, United States
| | - Reid H J Olsen
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599-7365, United States
| | - Hye Jin Kang
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599-7365, United States
- National Institute of Mental Health Psychoactive Drug Screening Program (NIMH PDSP), School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599-7365, United States
| | - Samuel T Slocum
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599-7365, United States
- National Institute of Mental Health Psychoactive Drug Screening Program (NIMH PDSP), School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599-7365, United States
| | - Shicheng Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599-7365, United States
| | - Ryan T Strachan
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599-7365, United States
| | - Xi-Ping Huang
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599-7365, United States
- National Institute of Mental Health Psychoactive Drug Screening Program (NIMH PDSP), School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599-7365, United States
| | - Lauren M Slosky
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Anthony B Pinkerton
- Conrad Prebys Center for Chemical Genomics at Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
| | - Lawrence S Barak
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27710, United States
| | - Marc G Caron
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27710, United States
- Departments of Medicine and Neurobiology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27710, United States
| | - Terry Kenakin
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599-7365, United States
| | - Jonathan F Fay
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
| | - Bryan L Roth
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599-7365, United States
- National Institute of Mental Health Psychoactive Drug Screening Program (NIMH PDSP), School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599-7365, United States
- Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599-7360, United States
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17
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Martinez Ramirez CE, Ruiz-Pérez G, Stollenwerk TM, Behlke C, Doherty A, Hillard CJ. Endocannabinoid signaling in the central nervous system. Glia 2023; 71:5-35. [PMID: 36308424 PMCID: PMC10167744 DOI: 10.1002/glia.24280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Revised: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
It is hard to overestimate the influence of the endocannabinoid signaling (ECS) system on central nervous system (CNS) function. In the 40 years since cannabinoids were found to trigger specific cell signaling cascades, studies of the ECS system continue to cause amazement, surprise, and confusion! CB1 cannabinoid receptors are expressed widely in the CNS and regulate cell-cell communication via effects on the release of both neurotransmitters and gliotransmitters. CB2 cannabinoid receptors are difficult to detect in the CNS but seem to "punch above their weight" as compounds targeting these receptors have significant effects on inflammatory state and behavior. Positive and negative allosteric modulators for both receptors have been identified and examined in preclinical studies. Concentrations of the endocannabinoid ligands, N-arachidonoylethanolamine and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), are regulated by a combination of enzymatic synthesis and degradation and inhibitors of these processes are available and making their way into clinical trials. Importantly, ECS regulates many essential brain functions, including regulation of reward, anxiety, inflammation, motor control, and cellular development. While the field is on the cusp of preclinical discoveries providing impactful clinical and therapeutic insights into many CNS disorders, there is still much to be learned about this remarkable and versatile modulatory system.
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Affiliation(s)
- César E Martinez Ramirez
- Neuroscience Research Center and Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Gonzalo Ruiz-Pérez
- Neuroscience Research Center and Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Todd M Stollenwerk
- Neuroscience Research Center and Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Christina Behlke
- Neuroscience Research Center and Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Ashley Doherty
- Neuroscience Research Center and Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Cecilia J Hillard
- Neuroscience Research Center and Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
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18
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Iyer V, Rangel-Barajas C, Woodward TJ, Kulkarni A, Cantwell L, Crystal JD, Mackie K, Rebec GV, Thakur GA, Hohmann AG. Negative allosteric modulation of CB 1 cannabinoid receptor signaling suppresses opioid-mediated reward. Pharmacol Res 2022; 185:106474. [PMID: 36179954 PMCID: PMC9948526 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2022.106474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Revised: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Blockade of cannabinoid type 1 (CB1)-receptor signaling decreases the rewarding properties of many drugs of abuse and has been proposed as an anti-addiction strategy. However, psychiatric side-effects limit the clinical potential of orthosteric CB1 antagonists. Negative allosteric modulators (NAMs) represent a novel and indirect approach to attenuate CB1 signaling by decreasing affinity and/or efficacy of CB1 ligands. We hypothesized that a CB1-NAM would block opioid reward while avoiding the unwanted effects of orthosteric CB1 antagonists. GAT358, a CB1-NAM, failed to elicit cardinal signs of direct CB1 activation or inactivation when administered by itself. GAT358 decreased catalepsy and hypothermia but not antinociception produced by the orthosteric CB1 agonist CP55,940, suggesting that a CB1-NAM blocked cardinal signs of CB1 activation. Next, GAT358 was evaluated using in vivo assays of opioid-induced dopamine release and reward in male rodents. In the nucleus accumbens shell, a key component of the mesocorticolimbic reward pathway, morphine increased electrically-evoked dopamine efflux and this effect was blocked by a dose of GAT358 that lacked intrinsic effects on evoked dopamine efflux. Moreover, GAT358 blocked morphine-induced reward in a conditioned place preference (CPP) assay without producing reward or aversion alone. GAT358-induced blockade of morphine CPP was also occluded by GAT229, a CB1 positive allosteric modulator (CB1-PAM), and absent in CB1-knockout mice. Finally, GAT358 also reduced oral oxycodone (but not water) consumption in a two-bottle choice paradigm. Our results support the therapeutic potential of CB1-NAMs as novel drug candidates aimed at preventing opioid reward and treating opioid abuse while avoiding unwanted side-effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vishakh Iyer
- Program in Neuroscience, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA,Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | | | - Taylor J. Woodward
- Program in Neuroscience, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA,Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Abhijit Kulkarni
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Lucas Cantwell
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jonathon D. Crystal
- Program in Neuroscience, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA,Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Ken Mackie
- Program in Neuroscience, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA,Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA,Gill Center for Biomolecular Science, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - George V. Rebec
- Program in Neuroscience, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA,Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Ganesh A. Thakur
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Andrea G. Hohmann
- Program in Neuroscience, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA,Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA,Gill Center for Biomolecular Science, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA,Corresponding Author: Andrea G. Hohmann, Psychological and Brain Sciences, Gill Center for Biomolecular Science, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405-7007,
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19
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Díaz O, Renault P, Giraldo J. Evaluating Allosteric Perturbations in Cannabinoid Receptor 1 by In Silico Single-Point Mutation. ACS OMEGA 2022; 7:37873-37884. [PMID: 36312415 PMCID: PMC9608382 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.2c04980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) is a promising drug target involved in many physiological processes. Using atomistic molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, we examined the structural effect of F237L mutation on CB1, a mutation that has qualitatively similar effects to allosteric ligand ORG27569 binding. This mutation showed a global effect on CB1 conformations. Among the observed effects, TM6 outward movement and the conformational change of the NPxxY motif upon receptor activation by CB1 agonist CP55940 were hindered compared to wt CB1. Within the orthosteric binding site, CP55940 interactions with CB1 were altered. Our results revealed that allosteric perturbations introduced by the mutation had a global impact on receptor conformations, suggesting that the mutation site is a key region for allosteric modulation in CB1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oscar Díaz
- Laboratory
of Molecular Neuropharmacology and Bioinformatics, Unitat de Bioestadística
and Institut de Neurociències, Universitat
Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra 08193, Spain
- Instituto
de Salud Carlos III, Centro de Investigación
Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Madrid 28029, Spain
- Unitat
de Neurociència Traslacional, Parc Taulí Hospital Universitari,
Institut d’Investigació i Innovació Parc Taulí
(I3PT), Institut de Neurociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra 08193, Spain
| | - Pedro Renault
- Laboratory
of Molecular Neuropharmacology and Bioinformatics, Unitat de Bioestadística
and Institut de Neurociències, Universitat
Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra 08193, Spain
- Instituto
de Salud Carlos III, Centro de Investigación
Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Madrid 28029, Spain
- Unitat
de Neurociència Traslacional, Parc Taulí Hospital Universitari,
Institut d’Investigació i Innovació Parc Taulí
(I3PT), Institut de Neurociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra 08193, Spain
| | - Jesús Giraldo
- Laboratory
of Molecular Neuropharmacology and Bioinformatics, Unitat de Bioestadística
and Institut de Neurociències, Universitat
Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra 08193, Spain
- Instituto
de Salud Carlos III, Centro de Investigación
Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Madrid 28029, Spain
- Unitat
de Neurociència Traslacional, Parc Taulí Hospital Universitari,
Institut d’Investigació i Innovació Parc Taulí
(I3PT), Institut de Neurociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra 08193, Spain
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20
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Brandt AL, Garai S, Zagzoog A, Hurst DP, Stevenson LA, Pertwee RG, Imler GH, Reggio PH, Thakur GA, Laprairie RB. Pharmacological evaluation of enantiomerically separated positive allosteric modulators of cannabinoid 1 receptor, GAT591 and GAT593. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:919605. [PMID: 36386195 PMCID: PMC9640980 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.919605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Positive allosteric modulation of the type 1 cannabinoid receptor (CB1R) has substantial potential to treat both neurological and immune disorders. To date, a few studies have evaluated the structure-activity relationship (SAR) for CB1R positive allosteric modulators (PAMs). In this study, we separated the enantiomers of the previously characterized two potent CB1R ago-PAMs GAT591 and GAT593 to determine their biochemical activity at CB1R. Separating the enantiomers showed that the R-enantiomers (GAT1665 and GAT1667) displayed mixed allosteric agonist-PAM activity at CB1R while the S-enantiomers (GAT1664 and GAT1666) showed moderate activity. Furthermore, we observed that the R and S-enantiomers had distinct binding sites on CB1R, which led to their distinct behavior both in vitro and in vivo. The R-enantiomers (GAT1665 and GAT1667) produced ago-PAM effects in vitro, and PAM effects in the in vivo behavioral triad, indicating that the in vivo activity of these ligands may occur via PAM rather than agonist-based mechanisms. Overall, this study provides mechanistic insight into enantiospecific interaction of 2-phenylindole class of CB1R allosteric modulators, which have shown therapeutic potential in the treatment of pain, epilepsy, glaucoma, and Huntington's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asher L. Brandt
- College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Sumanta Garai
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Bouvé College of Health Sciences, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Ayat Zagzoog
- College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Dow P. Hurst
- Center for Drug Discovery, University of North Carolina Greensboro, Greensboro, NC, United States
| | - Lesley A. Stevenson
- School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Roger G. Pertwee
- School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Gregory H. Imler
- Centre for Biomolecular Science and Engineering, Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Patricia H. Reggio
- Center for Drug Discovery, University of North Carolina Greensboro, Greensboro, NC, United States
| | - Ganesh A. Thakur
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Bouvé College of Health Sciences, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Robert B. Laprairie
- College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
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21
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Obi P, Natesan S. Membrane Lipids Are an Integral Part of Transmembrane Allosteric Sites in GPCRs: A Case Study of Cannabinoid CB1 Receptor Bound to a Negative Allosteric Modulator, ORG27569, and Analogs. J Med Chem 2022; 65:12240-12255. [PMID: 36066412 PMCID: PMC9512009 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c00946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
A growing number of G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) structures reveal novel transmembrane lipid-exposed allosteric sites. Ligands must first partition into the surrounding membrane and take lipid paths to these sites. Remarkably, a significant part of the bound ligands appears exposed to the membrane lipids. The experimental structures do not usually account for the surrounding lipids, and their apparent contribution to ligand access and binding is often overlooked and poorly understood. Using classical and enhanced molecular dynamics simulations, we show that membrane lipids are critical in the access and binding of ORG27569 and its analogs at the transmembrane site of cannabinoid CB1 receptor. The observed differences in the binding affinity and cooperativity arise from the functional groups that interact primarily with lipids. Our results demonstrate the significance of incorporating membrane lipids as an integral component of transmembrane sites for accurate characterization, binding-affinity calculations, and lead optimization in drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Obi
- College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical
Sciences, Washington State University, Spokane, Washington 99202, United States
| | - Senthil Natesan
- College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical
Sciences, Washington State University, Spokane, Washington 99202, United States
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22
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Singh I, Srivastava R, Shukla VK, Pathak SK, Burman T, Al-Mutairi AA, El-Emam AA, Prasad O, Sinha L. Spectroscopic, electronic structure, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics simulation study of 7-Trifluoromethyl-1H-indole-2-carboxylic acid as an aromatase inhibitor. SPECTROCHIMICA ACTA PART A-MOLECULAR AND BIOMOLECULAR SPECTROSCOPY 2022; 280:121530. [PMID: 35752037 DOI: 10.1016/j.saa.2022.121530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Revised: 06/12/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
The present work encompasses a combined experimental and theoretical investigation of the molecular structure, vibrational wavenumbers, electronic structure at the ground and electronic excited states, molecular electrostatic potential surface of 7-(Trifluoromethyl)-1H-indole-2-carboxylic acid (TICA) and possibility of the title molecule as an aromatase inhibitor using molecular docking and molecular dynamic simulations. A stable conformer has been obtained using potential energy scans by varying appropriate dihedral angles. The obtained minimum energy conformer was further optimized at the 6-311++G (d, p) basis set by applying the most accepted B3LYP functional. A good agreement between experimental and calculated normal modes of vibration has been observed. The hydrogen-bonded interaction between two monomeric units of TICA has been investigated using NBO,QTAIM, and NCI (noncovalent interactions) analysis. Molecular docking of TICA with human placental aromatase (PDB ID: 3S79) reveals the formation of polar hydrogen bonds as well as hydrophobic interactions between the ligand and the protein, right in the binding cavity. TICA satisfies all pharmacokinetic filters (Lipinski rule of five, the Veber rule, Ghose rule, Egan rule, as well as the Muegge rule) and has a high bioavailability score of 0.85. Dynamic stability of the ligand within the binding pocket of the target protein has been confirmed by 100 ns molecular dynamics simulation results. The present study provides an excellent starting point for additional in vivo research, and TICA may eventually serve as a significant therapeutic candidate for the treatment of breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isha Singh
- Department of Physics, University of Lucknow, 226007 Lucknow, India
| | - Ruchi Srivastava
- Department of Physics, University of Lucknow, 226007 Lucknow, India
| | - Vikas K Shukla
- Department of Physics, Maharishi University of Information Technology Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Shilendra K Pathak
- Department of Physics, M. M. M. P. G. College, Bhatpar Rani, Deoria, India
| | | | - Aamal A Al-Mutairi
- Department of Chemistry, College of Sciences, Imam Mohammad lbn Saud Islamic University (IMSIU), Riyadh 11623, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ali A El-Emam
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt
| | - Onkar Prasad
- Department of Physics, University of Lucknow, 226007 Lucknow, India
| | - Leena Sinha
- Department of Physics, University of Lucknow, 226007 Lucknow, India.
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23
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Liddle I, Glass M, Tyndall JDA, Vernall AJ. Covalent cannabinoid receptor ligands - structural insight and selectivity challenges. RSC Med Chem 2022; 13:497-510. [PMID: 35694688 PMCID: PMC9132230 DOI: 10.1039/d2md00006g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
X-ray crystallography and cryogenic electronic microscopy have provided significant advancement in the knowledge of GPCR structure and have allowed the rational design of GPCR ligands. The class A GPCRs cannabinoid receptor type 1 and type 2 are implicated in many pathophysiological processes and thus rational design of drug and tool compounds is of great interest. Recent structural insight into cannabinoid receptors has already led to a greater understanding of ligand binding sites and receptor residues that likely contribute to ligand selectivity. Herein, classes of heterocyclic covalent cannabinoid receptor ligands are reviewed in light of the recent advances in structural knowledge of cannabinoid receptors, with particular discussion regarding covalent ligand selectivity and rationale design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian Liddle
- Department of Chemistry, University of Otago Dunedin New Zealand +64 3 479 5214
| | - Michelle Glass
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Otago Dunedin New Zealand
| | | | - Andrea J Vernall
- Department of Chemistry, University of Otago Dunedin New Zealand +64 3 479 5214
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24
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Wu Y, Li X, Hua T, Liu ZJ, Liu H, Zhao S. MD Simulations Revealing Special Activation Mechanism of Cannabinoid Receptor 1. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 9:860035. [PMID: 35425811 PMCID: PMC9004671 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.860035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) is a G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) that is gaining much interest for its regulating role in the central nervous system and its value as a drug target. Structures of CB1 in inactive and active states have revealed conformational change details that are not common in other GPCRs. Here, we performed molecular dynamics simulations of CB1 in different ligand binding states and with mutations to reveal its activation mechanism. The conformational change of the “twin toggle switch” residues F2003.36 and W3566.48 that correlates with ligand efficacy is identified as a key barrier step in CB1 activation. Similar conformational change of residues 3.36/6.48 is also observed in melanocortin receptor 4, showing this “twin toggle switch” residue pair is crucial for the activation of multiple GPCR members.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiran Wu
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xuanxuan Li
- Complex Systems Division, Beijing Computational Science Research Center, Beijing, China
| | - Tian Hua
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhi-Jie Liu
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Haiguang Liu
- Complex Systems Division, Beijing Computational Science Research Center, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Haiguang Liu, ; Suwen Zhao,
| | - Suwen Zhao
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Haiguang Liu, ; Suwen Zhao,
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25
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Lovelock DF, Nguyen T, Van Voorhies K, Zhang Y, Besheer J. RTICBM-74 Is a Brain-Penetrant Cannabinoid Receptor Subtype 1 Allosteric Modulator that Reduces Alcohol Intake in Rats. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2022; 380:153-161. [PMID: 34930820 PMCID: PMC11047052 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.121.000919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system is implicated in the neuronal mechanisms of alcohol use disorder (AUD), with the cannabinoid receptor subtype 1 (CB1) representing a promising target for AUD therapeutic interventions. We have previously shown negative allosteric modulators (NAMs) of the CB1 receptor attenuated the reinstatement of other drugs of abuse including cocaine and methamphetamine in rats; however, their effects on alcohol-related behaviors have not been investigated. Here, we tested the pharmacokinetic properties of one such CB1 NAM, RTICBM-74, and its effects on alcohol self-administration in rats. RTICBM-74 showed low aqueous solubility and high protein binding but had excellent half-life and low clearance against rat liver microsomes and hepatocytes, and excellent brain penetrance in rats. RTICBM-74 pretreatment specifically reduced alcohol intake across a range of doses in male or female Wistar or Long-Evans rats that were trained to self-administer alcohol. These effects were similar to the CB1 antagonist/inverse agonist rimonabant, which was tested as a positive control. Importantly, RTICBM-74 was effective at reducing alcohol intake at doses that did not affect locomotion or sucrose self-administration. Our findings suggest that CB1 NAMs such as RTICBM-74 have promising therapeutic potential in treatment of AUD. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: The present work shows that a metabolically stable and brain-penetrant cannabinoid receptor subtype 1 negative allosteric modulator reduces alcohol self-administration in rats without affecting locomotion or sucrose self-administration, suggesting potential therapeutic relevance for the treatment of alcohol use disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dennis F Lovelock
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies (D.F.L., K.V.V., J.B.) and Department of Psychiatry (J.B.), University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina; and Research Triangle Institute, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina (T.N., Y.Z.)
| | - Thuy Nguyen
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies (D.F.L., K.V.V., J.B.) and Department of Psychiatry (J.B.), University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina; and Research Triangle Institute, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina (T.N., Y.Z.)
| | - Kalynn Van Voorhies
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies (D.F.L., K.V.V., J.B.) and Department of Psychiatry (J.B.), University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina; and Research Triangle Institute, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina (T.N., Y.Z.)
| | - Yanan Zhang
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies (D.F.L., K.V.V., J.B.) and Department of Psychiatry (J.B.), University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina; and Research Triangle Institute, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina (T.N., Y.Z.)
| | - Joyce Besheer
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies (D.F.L., K.V.V., J.B.) and Department of Psychiatry (J.B.), University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina; and Research Triangle Institute, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina (T.N., Y.Z.)
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26
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Wang X, Liu D, Shen L, Li F, Li Y, Yang L, Xu T, Tao H, Yao D, Wu L, Hirata K, Bohn LM, Makriyannis A, Liu X, Hua T, Liu ZJ, Wang J. A Genetically Encoded F-19 NMR Probe Reveals the Allosteric Modulation Mechanism of Cannabinoid Receptor 1. J Am Chem Soc 2021; 143:16320-16325. [PMID: 34596399 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.1c06847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Due to the lack of genetically encoded probes for fluorine-19 nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (19F NMR), its utility for probing eukaryotic membrane protein dynamics is limited. Here we report an efficient method for the genetic incorporation of an unnatural amino acid (UAA), 3'-trifluoromenthyl-phenylalanine (mtfF), into cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) in the Baculovirus Expression System. The probe can be inserted at any environmentally sensitive site, while causing minimal structural perturbation to the target protein. Using 19F NMR and X-ray crystallography methods, we discovered that the allosteric modulator Org27569 and agonists synergistically stabilize a previously unrecognized pre-active state. An allosteric modulation model is proposed to explain Org27569's distinct behavior. We demonstrate that our site-specific 19F NMR labeling method is a powerful tool in decoding the mechanism of GPCR allosteric modulation. This new method should be broadly applicable for uncovering conformational states for many important eukaryotic membrane proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyan Wang
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
- Laboratory of RNA Biology, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Dongsheng Liu
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Ling Shen
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
- Institute of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, China
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Fahui Li
- Laboratory of RNA Biology, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Yongze Li
- Laboratory of RNA Biology, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Lingyun Yang
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Tiandan Xu
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Houchao Tao
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Deqiang Yao
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Lijie Wu
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | | | - Laura M Bohn
- Departments of Molecular Medicine and Neuroscience, Scripps Research, Jupiter, Florida 33458, United States
| | - Alexandros Makriyannis
- Center for Drug Discovery, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Xiaohong Liu
- Laboratory of RNA Biology, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Tian Hua
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Zhi-Jie Liu
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
- Institute of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, China
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Jiangyun Wang
- Laboratory of RNA Biology, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing 100101, China
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27
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Leo LM, Abood ME. CB1 Cannabinoid Receptor Signaling and Biased Signaling. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26175413. [PMID: 34500853 PMCID: PMC8433814 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26175413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Revised: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The CB1 cannabinoid receptor is a G-protein coupled receptor highly expressed throughout the central nervous system that is a promising target for the treatment of various disorders, including anxiety, pain, and neurodegeneration. Despite the wide therapeutic potential of CB1, the development of drug candidates is hindered by adverse effects, rapid tolerance development, and abuse potential. Ligands that produce biased signaling—the preferential activation of a signaling transducer in detriment of another—have been proposed as a strategy to dissociate therapeutic and adverse effects for a variety of G-protein coupled receptors. However, biased signaling at the CB1 receptor is poorly understood due to a lack of strongly biased agonists. Here, we review studies that have investigated the biased signaling profile of classical cannabinoid agonists and allosteric ligands, searching for a potential therapeutic advantage of CB1 biased signaling in different pathological states. Agonist and antagonist bound structures of CB1 and proposed mechanisms of action of biased allosteric modulators are used to discuss a putative molecular mechanism for CB1 receptor activation and biased signaling. Current studies suggest that allosteric binding sites on CB1 can be explored to yield biased ligands that favor or hinder conformational changes important for biased signaling.
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28
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Ramesh K, Rosenbaum DM. Molecular basis for ligand modulation of the cannabinoid CB 1 receptor. Br J Pharmacol 2021; 179:3487-3495. [PMID: 34265078 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2021] [Revised: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The cannabinoid CB1 receptor is the most abundant G protein coupled receptor (GPCR) in the central nervous system, which mediates the functional response to endocannabinoids and Cannabis compounds. A variety of ligands for CB1 receptors have been developed as promising drug candidates for the treatment of neurological disorders. New high-resolution structures of CB1 receptor in different functional states have significantly improved our molecular understanding of CB1 ligand interactions, selectivity, receptor activation and allosteric modulation. These advances have paved the way for development of novel ligands for different therapeutic applications. In this review, we describe the structural determinants for modulation of CB1 receptors by different types of ligands, as well as the differences between CB1 and its homologous, the CB2 receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karthik Ramesh
- Department of Biophysics, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Daniel M Rosenbaum
- Department of Biophysics, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
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29
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Abstract
In this review, the state of the art for compounds affecting the endocannabinoid (eCB) system is described with a focus on the treatment of pain. Amongst directly acting CB receptor ligands, clinical experience with ∆9 -tetrahydracannabinol and medical cannabis in chronic non-cancer pain indicates that there are differences between the benefits perceived by patients and the at best modest effect seen in meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials. The reason for this difference is not known but may involve differences in the type of patients that are recruited, the study conditions that are chosen and the degree to which biases such as reporting bias are operative. Other directly acting CB receptor ligands such as biased agonists and allosteric receptor modulators have not yet reached the clinic. Amongst indirectly acting compounds targeting the enzymes responsible for the synthesis and catabolism of the eCBs anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol, fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) inhibitors have been investigated clinically but were per se not useful for the treatment of pain, although they may be useful for the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder and cannabis use disorder. Dual-acting compounds targeting this enzyme and other targets such as cyclooxygenase-2 or transient potential vanilloid receptor 1 may be a way forward for the treatment of pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- C J Fowler
- From the, Department of Integrative Medical Biology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
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30
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Garai S, Leo LM, Szczesniak AM, Hurst DP, Schaffer PC, Zagzoog A, Black T, Deschamps JR, Miess E, Schulz S, Janero DR, Straiker A, Pertwee RG, Abood ME, Kelly MEM, Reggio PH, Laprairie RB, Thakur GA. Discovery of a Biased Allosteric Modulator for Cannabinoid 1 Receptor: Preclinical Anti-Glaucoma Efficacy. J Med Chem 2021; 64:8104-8126. [PMID: 33826336 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c00040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
We apply the magic methyl effect to improve the potency/efficacy of GAT211, the prototypic 2-phenylindole-based cannabinoid type-1 receptor (CB1R) agonist-positive allosteric modulator (ago-PAM). Introducing a methyl group at the α-position of nitro group generated two diastereomers, the greater potency and efficacy of erythro, (±)-9 vs threo, (±)-10 constitutes the first demonstration of diastereoselective CB1R-allosteric modulator interaction. Of the (±)-9 enantiomers, (-)-(S,R)-13 evidenced improved potency over GAT211 as a CB1R ago-PAM, whereas (+)-(R,S)-14 was a CB1R allosteric agonist biased toward G protein- vs β-arrestin1/2-dependent signaling. (-)-(S,R)-13 and (+)-(R,S)-14 were devoid of undesirable side effects (triad test), and (+)-(R,S)-14 reduced intraocular pressure with an unprecedentedly long duration of action in a murine glaucoma model. (-)-(S,R)-13 docked into both a CB1R extracellular PAM and intracellular allosteric-agonist site(s), whereas (+)-(R,S)-14 preferentially engaged only the latter. Exploiting G-protein biased CB1R-allosteric modulation can offer safer therapeutic candidates for glaucoma and, potentially, other diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumanta Garai
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Bouvé College of Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Luciana M Leo
- Center for Substance Abuse Research, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19140, United States
| | - Anna-Maria Szczesniak
- Department of Pharmacology and Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H 4R2, Canada
| | - Dow P Hurst
- Center for Drug Discovery, University of North Carolina Greensboro, Greensboro, North Carolina 27402, United States
| | - Peter C Schaffer
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Bouvé College of Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Ayat Zagzoog
- College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Saskatchewan, 104 Clinic Pl, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N2Z4, Canada
| | - Tallan Black
- College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Saskatchewan, 104 Clinic Pl, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N2Z4, Canada
| | - Jeffrey R Deschamps
- Naval Research Laboratory, Code 6930, 4555 Overlook Avenue, Washington, District of Columbia 20375, United States
| | - Elke Miess
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Jena University Hospital-Friedrich Schiller University Jena, D-07747 Jena, Germany
| | - Stefan Schulz
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Jena University Hospital-Friedrich Schiller University Jena, D-07747 Jena, Germany
| | - David R Janero
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Bouvé College of Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Alex Straiker
- The Gill Center and the Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, Indiana University, 1101 E. 10th St, Bloomington, Indiana 47405, United States
| | - Roger G Pertwee
- School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, Scotland, U.K
| | - Mary E Abood
- Center for Substance Abuse Research, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19140, United States
| | - Melanie E M Kelly
- Department of Pharmacology and Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H 4R2, Canada
| | - Patricia H Reggio
- Center for Drug Discovery, University of North Carolina Greensboro, Greensboro, North Carolina 27402, United States
| | - Robert B Laprairie
- College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Saskatchewan, 104 Clinic Pl, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N2Z4, Canada
- Department of Pharmacology and Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H 4R2, Canada
| | - Ganesh A Thakur
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Bouvé College of Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
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31
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Wu JY, Li Y, Li BL, Wang YG, Cui WG, Zhou WH, Zhao X. Evidence for 5-HT 1A receptor-mediated antiallodynic and antihyperalgesic effects of apigenin in mice suffering from mononeuropathy. Br J Pharmacol 2021; 178:4005-4025. [PMID: 34030210 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2020] [Revised: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Neuropathic pain places a devastating health burden, with very few effective therapies. We investigated the potential antiallodynic and antihyperalgesic effects of apigenin, a natural flavonoid with momoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitory activity, against neuropathic pain and investigated the mechanism(s). EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH The neuropathic pain model was produced by chronic constriction injury of sciatic nerves in male C57BL/6J mice, with pain-related behaviours being assayed by von Frey test and Hargreaves test. In this model the role of 5-HT and 5-HT1A receptor-related mechanisms were investigated in vivo/in vitro. KEY RESULTS Apigenin repeated treatment (p.o., once per day for 2 weeks), in a dose-related manner (3, 10 and 30 mg·kg-1 ), ameliorated the allodynia and hyperalgesia in chronic nerve constriction injury in mice. These effects seem dependent on neuronal 5-hydroxytryptamine, because (i) the antihyperalgesia and antiallodynia were attenuated by depletion of 5-HT with p-chlorophenylalanine and potentiated by 5-hydroxytryptophan and (ii), apigenin-treated chronic constriction injury mice caused an increased level of spinal 5-HT, associated with diminished MAO activity. In vivo administration, spinally or systematically, of the 5-HT1A antagonist WAY-100635 inhibited the apigenin-induced antiallodynia and antihyperalgesia. In vitro, apigenin acted as a positive allosteric modulator to increase the efficacy (stimulation of [35 S]GTPγS binding) of the 5-HT1A agonist 8-OH-DPAT. Apigenin attenuated neuronal changes caused by chronic constriction of the sciatic nerve in mice, without causing a hypertensive crisis. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS Apigenin antiallodynic and antihyperalgesic actions against neuropathic pain crucially involve spinal 5-HT1A receptors and indicate it could be used to treat neuropathic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Yi Wu
- Department of Pharmacology, Ningbo University, School of Medical Science, Ningbo, China
| | - Ye Li
- School of Marine Science, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Ben-Ling Li
- School of Mathematics and Statistics, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Yan-Gui Wang
- Department of Geriatrics, Hunan Provincial People's Hospital, Changsha, China
| | - Wu-Geng Cui
- Department of Pharmacology, Ningbo University, School of Medical Science, Ningbo, China
| | - Wen-Hua Zhou
- Department of Pharmacology, Ningbo University, School of Medical Science, Ningbo, China
| | - Xin Zhao
- Department of Pharmacology, Ningbo University, School of Medical Science, Ningbo, China
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32
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Manning JJ, Green HM, Glass M, Finlay DB. Pharmacological selection of cannabinoid receptor effectors: Signalling, allosteric modulation and bias. Neuropharmacology 2021; 193:108611. [PMID: 34000272 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2021.108611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Revised: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The type-1 cannabinoid receptor (CB1) is a promising drug target for a wide range of diseases. However, many existing and novel candidate ligands for CB1 have shown only limited therapeutic potential. Indeed, no ligands are currently approved for the clinic except formulations of the phytocannabinoids Δ9-THC and CBD and a small number of analogues. A key limitation of many promising CB1 ligands are their on-target adverse effects, notably including psychoactivity (agonists) and depression/suicidal ideation (inverse agonists). Recent drug development attempts have therefore focussed on altering CB1 signalling profiles in two ways. Firstly, with compounds that enhance or reduce the signalling of endogenous (endo-) cannabinoids, namely allosteric modulators. Secondly, with compounds that probe the capability of selectively targeting specific cellular signalling pathways that may mediate therapeutic effects using biased ligands. This review will summarise the current paradigm of CB1 signalling in terms of the intracellular transduction pathways acted on by the receptor. The development of compounds that selectively activate CB1 signalling pathways, whether allosterically or via orthosteric agonist bias, will also be addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamie J Manning
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand, PO Box 56, Dunedin, 9054, New Zealand
| | - Hayley M Green
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand, PO Box 56, Dunedin, 9054, New Zealand
| | - Michelle Glass
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand, PO Box 56, Dunedin, 9054, New Zealand
| | - David B Finlay
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand, PO Box 56, Dunedin, 9054, New Zealand.
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33
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Nguyen T, Gamage TF, Decker AM, Finlay DB, Langston TL, Barrus D, Glass M, Harris DL, Zhang Y. Rational design of cannabinoid type-1 receptor allosteric modulators: Org27569 and PSNCBAM-1 hybrids. Bioorg Med Chem 2021; 41:116215. [PMID: 34015703 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2021.116215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Revised: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Allosteric modulation offers an alternate approach to target the cannabinoid type-1 receptor (CB1) for therapeutic benefits. Examination of the two widely studied prototypic CB1 negative allosteric modulators (NAMs) Org27569 and PSNCBAM-1 revealed structural resemblance and similar structure-activity relationships (SARs). In silico docking and dynamics simulation studies using the crystal structure of CB1 co-bound with CP55,940 and Org27569 suggested that Org27569 and PSNCBAM-1 occupied the same binding pocket and several common interactions were present in both series with the CB1 receptor. A new scaffold was therefore designed by merging the key structural features from the two series and the hybrids retained these binding features in the in silico docking studies. In addition, one such hybrid displayed similar functions to Org27569 in dynamic simulations by preserving a key R2143.50-D3386.30 salt bridge and maintaining an antagonist-like Helix3-Helix6 interhelical distance. Based on these results, a series of hybrids were synthesized and assessed in calcium mobilization, [35S]GTPγS binding and cAMP assays. Several compounds displayed comparable potencies to Org27569 and PSNCBAM-1 in these assays. This work offers new insight of the SAR requirement at the allosteric site of the CB1 receptor and provides a new scaffold that can be optimized for the development of future CB1 allosteric modulators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thuy Nguyen
- Research Triangle Institute, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - Thomas F Gamage
- Research Triangle Institute, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - Ann M Decker
- Research Triangle Institute, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - David B Finlay
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Otago, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand
| | | | - Daniel Barrus
- Research Triangle Institute, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - Michelle Glass
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Otago, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand
| | - Danni L Harris
- Research Triangle Institute, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA.
| | - Yanan Zhang
- Research Triangle Institute, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA.
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34
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Allosteric Modulation of the CB1 Cannabinoid Receptor by Cannabidiol-A Molecular Modeling Study of the N-Terminal Domain and the Allosteric-Orthosteric Coupling. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26092456. [PMID: 33922473 PMCID: PMC8122825 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26092456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2021] [Revised: 04/18/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The CB1 cannabinoid receptor (CB1R) contains one of the longest N termini among class A G protein-coupled receptors. Mutagenesis studies suggest that the allosteric binding site of cannabidiol (CBD) involves residues from the N terminal domain. In order to study the allosteric binding of CBD to CB1R we modeled the whole N-terminus of this receptor using the replica exchange molecular dynamics with solute tempering (REST2) approach. Then, the obtained structures of CB1R with the N terminus were used for ligand docking. A natural cannabinoid receptor agonist, Δ9-THC, was docked to the orthosteric site and a negative allosteric modulator, CBD, to the allosteric site positioned between extracellular ends of helices TM1 and TM2. The molecular dynamics simulations were then performed for CB1R with ligands: (i) CBD together with THC, and (ii) THC-only. Analyses of the differences in the residue-residue interaction patterns between those two cases allowed us to elucidate the allosteric network responsible for the modulation of the CB1R by CBD. In addition, we identified the changes in the orthosteric binding mode of Δ9-THC, as well as the changes in its binding energy, caused by the CBD allosteric binding. We have also found that the presence of a complete N-terminal domain is essential for a stable binding of CBD in the allosteric site of CB1R as well as for the allosteric-orthosteric coupling mechanism.
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35
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Mielnik CA, Lam VM, Ross RA. CB 1 allosteric modulators and their therapeutic potential in CNS disorders. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2021; 106:110163. [PMID: 33152384 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2020.110163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2020] [Revised: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
CB1 is the most abundant GPCR found in the mammalian brain. It has garnered considerable attention as a potential therapeutic drug target. CB1 is involved in a wide range of physiological and psychiatric processes and has the potential to be targeted in a wide range of disease states. However, most of the selective and non-selective synthetic CB1 agonists and antagonists/inverse agonists developed to date are primarily used as research tools. No novel synthetic cannabinoids are currently in the clinic for use in psychiatric illness; synthetic analogues of the phytocannabinoid THC are on the market to treat nausea and vomiting caused by cancer chemotherapy, along with off-label use for pain. Novel strategies are being explored to target CB1, but with emphasis on the elimination or mitigation of the potential psychiatric adverse effects that are observed by central agonism/antagonism of CB1. New pharmacological options are being pursued that may avoid these adverse effects while preserving the potential therapeutic benefits of CB1 modulation. Allosteric modulation of CB1 is one such approach. In this review, we will summarize and critically analyze both the in vitro characterization and in vivo validation of CB1 allosteric modulators developed to date, with a focus on CNS therapeutic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catharine A Mielnik
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, University of Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Vincent M Lam
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, University of Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Ruth A Ross
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, University of Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada.
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36
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Jorgačević B, Vučević D, Samardžić J, Mladenović D, Vesković M, Vukićević D, Ješić R, Radosavljević T. The Effect of CB1 Antagonism on Hepatic Oxidative/Nitrosative Stress and Inflammation in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. Curr Med Chem 2021; 28:169-180. [PMID: 32124686 DOI: 10.2174/0929867327666200303122734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2019] [Revised: 10/17/2019] [Accepted: 01/25/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Dysfunction of the endocannabinoid system (ES) has been identified in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and associated metabolic disorders. Cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1) expression is largely dependent on nutritional status. Thus, individuals suffering from NAFLD and metabolic syndrome (MS) have a significant increase in ES activity. Furthermore, oxidative/ nitrosative stress and inflammatory process modulation in the liver are highly influenced by the ES. Numerous experimental studies indicate that oxidative and nitrosative stress in the liver is associated with steatosis and portal inflammation during NAFLD. On the other hand, inflammation itself may also contribute to reactive oxygen species (ROS) production due to Kupffer cell activation and increased nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase activity. The pathways by which endocannabinoids and their lipid-related mediators modulate oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation represent a significant area of research that could yield novel pharmaceutical strategies for the treatment of NAFLD. Cumulative evidence suggested that the ES, particularly CB1 receptors, may also play a role in inflammation and disease progression toward steatohepatitis. Pharmacological inactivation of CB1 receptors in NAFLD exerts multiple beneficial effects, particularly due to the attenuation of hepatic oxidative/nitrosative stress parameters and significant reduction of proinflammatory cytokine production. However, further investigations regarding precise mechanisms by which CB1 blockade influences the reduction of hepatic oxidative/nitrosative stress and inflammation are required before moving toward the clinical phase of the investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bojan Jorgačević
- Institute of Pathophysiology ''Ljubodrag Buba Mihailović'', Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Danijela Vučević
- Institute of Pathophysiology ''Ljubodrag Buba Mihailović'', Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Janko Samardžić
- Institute of Pharmacology, Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Dušan Mladenović
- Institute of Pathophysiology ''Ljubodrag Buba Mihailović'', Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Milena Vesković
- Institute of Pathophysiology ''Ljubodrag Buba Mihailović'', Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Dušan Vukićević
- Institute of Pathophysiology ''Ljubodrag Buba Mihailović'', Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Rada Ješić
- Institute of Digestive Diseases, Clinical Centre of Serbia, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Tatjana Radosavljević
- Institute of Pathophysiology ''Ljubodrag Buba Mihailović'', Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
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37
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Breijyeh Z, Jubeh B, Bufo SA, Karaman R, Scrano L. Cannabis: A Toxin-Producing Plant with Potential Therapeutic Uses. Toxins (Basel) 2021; 13:117. [PMID: 33562446 PMCID: PMC7915118 DOI: 10.3390/toxins13020117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Revised: 01/31/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
For thousands of years, Cannabis sativa has been utilized as a medicine and for recreational and spiritual purposes. Phytocannabinoids are a family of compounds that are found in the cannabis plant, which is known for its psychotogenic and euphoric effects; the main psychotropic constituent of cannabis is Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC). The pharmacological effects of cannabinoids are a result of interactions between those compounds and cannabinoid receptors, CB1 and CB2, located in many parts of the human body. Cannabis is used as a therapeutic agent for treating pain and emesis. Some cannabinoids are clinically applied for treating chronic pain, particularly cancer and multiple sclerosis-associated pain, for appetite stimulation and anti-emesis in HIV/AIDS and cancer patients, and for spasticity treatment in multiple sclerosis and epilepsy patients. Medical cannabis varies from recreational cannabis in the chemical content of THC and cannabidiol (CBD), modes of administration, and safety. Despite the therapeutic effects of cannabis, exposure to high concentrations of THC, the main compound that is responsible for most of the intoxicating effects experienced by users, could lead to psychological events and adverse effects that affect almost all body systems, such as neurological (dizziness, drowsiness, seizures, coma, and others), ophthalmological (mydriasis and conjunctival hyperemia), cardiovascular (tachycardia and arterial hypertension), and gastrointestinal (nausea, vomiting, and thirst), mainly associated with recreational use. Cannabis toxicity in children is more concerning and can cause serious adverse effects such as acute neurological symptoms (stupor), lethargy, seizures, and even coma. More countries are legalizing the commercial production and sale of cannabis for medicinal use, and some for recreational use as well. Liberalization of cannabis laws has led to increased incidence of toxicity, hyperemesis syndrome, lung disease cardiovascular disease, reduced fertility, tolerance, and dependence with chronic prolonged use. This review focuses on the potential therapeutic effects of cannabis and cannabinoids, as well as the acute and chronic toxic effects of cannabis use on various body systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeinab Breijyeh
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Quds University, Jerusalem Abu Dis P144, Palestine; (Z.B.); (B.J.)
| | - Buthaina Jubeh
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Quds University, Jerusalem Abu Dis P144, Palestine; (Z.B.); (B.J.)
| | - Sabino A. Bufo
- Department of Sciences, University of Basilicata, 85100 Potenza, Italy
- Department of Geography, Environmental Management & Energy Studies, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg 2092, South Africa
| | - Rafik Karaman
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Quds University, Jerusalem Abu Dis P144, Palestine; (Z.B.); (B.J.)
- Department of Sciences, University of Basilicata, 85100 Potenza, Italy
| | - Laura Scrano
- Department of European Cultures (DICEM), University of Basilicata, 75100 Matera, Italy;
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38
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van der Westhuizen ET, Choy KHC, Valant C, McKenzie-Nickson S, Bradley SJ, Tobin AB, Sexton PM, Christopoulos A. Fine Tuning Muscarinic Acetylcholine Receptor Signaling Through Allostery and Bias. Front Pharmacol 2021; 11:606656. [PMID: 33584282 PMCID: PMC7878563 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.606656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The M1 and M4 muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (mAChRs) are highly pursued drug targets for neurological diseases, in particular for Alzheimer's disease and schizophrenia. Due to high sequence homology, selective targeting of any of the M1-M5 mAChRs through the endogenous ligand binding site has been notoriously difficult to achieve. With the discovery of highly subtype selective mAChR positive allosteric modulators in the new millennium, selectivity through targeting an allosteric binding site has opened new avenues for drug discovery programs. However, some hurdles remain to be overcome for these promising new drug candidates to progress into the clinic. One challenge is the potential for on-target side effects, such as for the M1 mAChR where over-activation of the receptor by orthosteric or allosteric ligands can be detrimental. Therefore, in addition to receptor subtype selectivity, a drug candidate may need to exhibit a biased signaling profile to avoid such on-target adverse effects. Indeed, recent studies in mice suggest that allosteric modulators for the M1 mAChR that bias signaling toward specific pathways may be therapeutically important. This review brings together details on the signaling pathways activated by the M1 and M4 mAChRs, evidence of biased agonism at these receptors, and highlights pathways that may be important for developing new subtype selective allosteric ligands to achieve therapeutic benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma T. van der Westhuizen
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute for Pharmaceutical Research, Monash University, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - K. H. Christopher Choy
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute for Pharmaceutical Research, Monash University, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Celine Valant
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute for Pharmaceutical Research, Monash University, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Simon McKenzie-Nickson
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute for Pharmaceutical Research, Monash University, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Sophie J. Bradley
- Centre for Translational Pharmacology, Institute of Molecular Cell and Systems Biology, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew B. Tobin
- Centre for Translational Pharmacology, Institute of Molecular Cell and Systems Biology, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Patrick M. Sexton
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute for Pharmaceutical Research, Monash University, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Arthur Christopoulos
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute for Pharmaceutical Research, Monash University, Parkville, VIC, Australia
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Saldaña-Shumaker SL, Grenning AJ, Cunningham CW. Modern approaches to the development of synthetic cannabinoid receptor probes. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2021; 203:173119. [PMID: 33508249 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2021.173119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2020] [Revised: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system, which spans the central and peripheral nervous systems and regulates many biologic processes, is an important target for probe discovery and medications development. Whereas the earliest endocannabinoid receptor probes were derivatives of the non-selective phytocannabinoids isolated from Cannabis species, modern drug discovery techniques have expanded the definitions of what constitutes a CB1R or CB2R cannabinoid receptor ligand. This review highlights recent advances in synthetic cannabinoid receptor chemistry and pharmacology. We provide examples of new CB1R- and CB2R-selective probes, and discuss rational approaches to the design of peripherally-restricted agents. We also describe structural classes of positive- and negative allosteric modulators (PAMs and NAMs) of CB1R and CB2R. Finally, we introduce new opportunities for cannabinoid receptor probe development that have emerged in recent years, including biased agonists that may lead to medications lacking adverse effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Savanah L Saldaña-Shumaker
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Concordia University Wisconsin, 12800 N. Lake Shore Drive, Mequon, WI 53097, USA
| | - Alexander J Grenning
- Department of Chemistry, University of Florida, PO Box 117200, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Christopher W Cunningham
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Concordia University Wisconsin, 12800 N. Lake Shore Drive, Mequon, WI 53097, USA.
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40
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Aderibigbe AO, Pandey P, Doerksen RJ. Negative allosteric modulators of cannabinoid receptor 1: Ternary complexes including CB1, orthosteric CP55940 and allosteric ORG27569. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2021; 40:5729-5747. [PMID: 33480332 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2021.1873187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
In October 2019, the first X-ray crystal structure of a ternary cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) complex (PDB ID: 6KQI) was published, including the well-known orthosteric agonist, CP55940, and the well-studied negative allosteric modulator, ORG27569. Prior to the release of 6KQI, we applied binding pocket analysis and molecular docking to carefully prepared computational models of the ternary CB1 complex, in order to predict the binding site for ORG27569 with the CP55940-bound CB1 receptor. We carefully studied the binding pose of agonist ligands in the CB1 orthosteric pocket, including CP55940. Our computational studies identified the most favorable binding site for ORG27569, in the CP55940-CB1 complex, to be at the intracellular end of the receptor. However, in the 6KQI structure, ORG27569 was found at an extrahelical, intramembrane site on the complex, a site that partially overlaps with the site predicted in our calculations to be second-best. We performed molecular dynamics simulations of the CP55940-bound CB1 complex with ORG27569 at different binding sites. Our analysis of the simulations indicated that ORG27569 bound favorably and stably in each simulation, but, as in the earlier calculations, bound best at the intracellular site, which is different than that found in the crystal structure. These results suggest that the intracellular site might serve as an alternative binding site in CB1. Our studies show that the computational techniques we used are valuable in identifying ligand-binding pockets in proteins, and could be useful for the study of the interaction mode of other allosteric modulators.
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Affiliation(s)
- AyoOluwa O Aderibigbe
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences, Division of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, University of Mississippi, University, MS, USA
| | - Pankaj Pandey
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences, Division of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, University of Mississippi, University, MS, USA.,National Center for Natural Products Research, University of Mississippi, University, Mississippi, USA
| | - Robert J Doerksen
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences, Division of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, University of Mississippi, University, MS, USA.,Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Mississippi, University, MS, USA
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41
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Yang D, Zhou Q, Labroska V, Qin S, Darbalaei S, Wu Y, Yuliantie E, Xie L, Tao H, Cheng J, Liu Q, Zhao S, Shui W, Jiang Y, Wang MW. G protein-coupled receptors: structure- and function-based drug discovery. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2021; 6:7. [PMID: 33414387 PMCID: PMC7790836 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-020-00435-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 208] [Impact Index Per Article: 69.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Revised: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/05/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
As one of the most successful therapeutic target families, G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) have experienced a transformation from random ligand screening to knowledge-driven drug design. We are eye-witnessing tremendous progresses made recently in the understanding of their structure-function relationships that facilitated drug development at an unprecedented pace. This article intends to provide a comprehensive overview of this important field to a broader readership that shares some common interests in drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dehua Yang
- The National Center for Drug Screening, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 201203, Shanghai, China.,The CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 201203, Shanghai, China
| | - Qingtong Zhou
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, 200032, Shanghai, China
| | - Viktorija Labroska
- The National Center for Drug Screening, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 201203, Shanghai, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100049, Beijing, China
| | - Shanshan Qin
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, 201210, Shanghai, China
| | - Sanaz Darbalaei
- The National Center for Drug Screening, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 201203, Shanghai, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100049, Beijing, China
| | - Yiran Wu
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, 201210, Shanghai, China
| | - Elita Yuliantie
- The National Center for Drug Screening, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 201203, Shanghai, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100049, Beijing, China
| | - Linshan Xie
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, 201210, Shanghai, China.,School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, 201210, Shanghai, China
| | - Houchao Tao
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, 201210, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianjun Cheng
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, 201210, Shanghai, China
| | - Qing Liu
- The National Center for Drug Screening, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 201203, Shanghai, China.,The CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 201203, Shanghai, China
| | - Suwen Zhao
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, 201210, Shanghai, China.,School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, 201210, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenqing Shui
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, 201210, Shanghai, China. .,School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, 201210, Shanghai, China.
| | - Yi Jiang
- The CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 201203, Shanghai, China.
| | - Ming-Wei Wang
- The National Center for Drug Screening, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 201203, Shanghai, China. .,The CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 201203, Shanghai, China. .,School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, 200032, Shanghai, China. .,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100049, Beijing, China. .,School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, 201210, Shanghai, China. .,School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, 201203, Shanghai, China.
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Hamilton AJ, Payne AD, Mocerino M, Gunosewoyo H. Imaging Cannabinoid Receptors: A Brief Collection of Covalent and Fluorescent Probes for CB1 and CB2 Receptors. Aust J Chem 2021. [DOI: 10.1071/ch21007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
There has been an expanding public interest towards the notion that modulation of the sophisticated endocannabinoid system can lead to various therapeutic benefits that are yet to be fully explored. In recent years, the drug discovery paradigm in this field has been largely based on the development of selective CB2 receptor agonists, avoiding the unwanted CB1 receptor-mediated psychoactive side effects. Mechanistically, target engagement studies are crucial for confirming the ligand–receptor interaction and the subsequent biological cascades that lead to the observed therapeutic effects. Concurrently, imaging techniques for visualisation of cannabinoid receptors are increasingly reported in the literature. Small molecule imaging tools ranging from phytocannabinoids such as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) to the endocannabinoids as well as the purely synthetic cannabimimetics, have been explored to date with varying degrees of success. This Review will cover currently known photoactivatable, electrophilic, and fluorescent ligands for both the CB1 and CB2 receptors. Structural insights from techniques such as ligand-assisted protein structure (LAPS) and the discovery of novel allosteric modulators are significant additions for better understanding of the endocannabinoid system. There has also been a plethora of fluorescent conjugates that have been assessed for their binding to cannabinoid receptors as well as their potential for cellular imaging. More recently, bifunctional probes containing either fluorophores or electrophilic tags are becoming more prevalent in the literature. Collectively, these molecular tools are invaluable in demonstrating target engagement within the human endocannabinoid system.
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A novel allosteric modulator of the cannabinoid CB 1 receptor ameliorates hyperdopaminergia endophenotypes in rodent models. Neuropsychopharmacology 2021; 46:413-422. [PMID: 33036015 PMCID: PMC7852560 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-020-00876-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Revised: 08/24/2020] [Accepted: 09/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system (eCBs) encompasses the endocannabinoids, their synthetic and degradative enzymes, and cannabinoid (CB) receptors. The eCBs mediates inhibition of neurotransmitter release and acts as a major homeostatic system. Many aspects of the eCBs are altered in a number of psychiatric disorders including schizophrenia, which is characterized by dysregulation of dopaminergic signaling. The GluN1-Knockdown (GluN1KD) and Dopamine Transporter Knockout (DATKO) mice are models of hyperdopaminergia, which display abnormal psychosis-related behaviors, including hyperlocomotion and changes in pre-pulse inhibition (PPI). Here, we investigate the ability of a novel CB1 receptor (CB1R) allosteric modulator, ABM300, to ameliorate these dysregulated behaviors. ABM300 was characterized in vitro (receptor binding, β-arrestin2 recruitment, ERK1/2 phosphorylation, cAMP inhibition) and in vivo (anxiety-like behaviors, cannabimimetic effects, novel environment exploratory behavior, pre-pulse inhibition, conditioned avoidance response) to assess the effects of the compound in dysregulated behaviors within the transgenic models. In vitro, ABM300 increased CB1R agonist binding but acted as an inhibitor of CB1R agonist induced signaling, including β-arrestin2 translocation, ERK phosphorylation and cAMP inhibition. In vivo, ABM300 did not elicit anxiogenic-like or cannabimimetic effects, but it decreased novelty-induced hyperactivity, exaggerated stereotypy, and vertical exploration in both transgenic models of hyperdopaminergia, as well as normalizing PPI in DATKO mice. The data demonstrate for the first time that a CB1R allosteric modulator ameliorates the behavioral deficits in two models of increased dopamine, warranting further investigation as a potential therapeutic target in psychiatry.
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Gado F, Mohamed KA, Meini S, Ferrisi R, Bertini S, Digiacomo M, D'Andrea F, Stevenson LA, Laprairie RB, Pertwee RG, Manera C. Variously substituted 2-oxopyridine derivatives: Extending the structure-activity relationships for allosteric modulation of the cannabinoid CB2 receptor. Eur J Med Chem 2020; 211:113116. [PMID: 33360803 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2020.113116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Revised: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
We previously reported the 2-oxopyridine-3-carboxamide derivative EC21a as the first small synthetic CB2R positive allosteric modulator which displayed antinociceptive activity in vivo in an experimental mouse model of neuropathic pain. Herein, we extended the structure-activity relationships of EC21a through structural modifications regarding the p-fluoro benzyl moiety at position 1 and the amide group in position 3 of the central core. The characterization in vitro was assessed through radioligand binding experiments and functional assays (GTPγS, cAMP, βarrestin2). Among the new compounds, the derivatives A1 (SV-10a) and A5 (SB-13a) characterized respectively by fluorine atom or by chlorine atom in ortho position of the benzylic group at position 1 and by a cycloheptane-carboxamide at position 3 of the central core, showed positive allosteric behavior on CB2R. They enhanced the efficacy of CP55,940 in [35S]GTPγS assay, and modulated CP55,940-dependent βarrestin2 recruitment and cAMP inhibition. The obtained results extend our knowledge of the structural requirements for interaction with the allosteric site of CB2R.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Gado
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56126, Pisa, Italy
| | - Kawthar A Mohamed
- College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Serena Meini
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56126, Pisa, Italy
| | - Rebecca Ferrisi
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56126, Pisa, Italy
| | - Simone Bertini
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56126, Pisa, Italy
| | - Maria Digiacomo
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56126, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Lesley A Stevenson
- School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, AB25 2ZD, Aberdeen, Scotland, UK
| | - Robert B Laprairie
- College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Roger G Pertwee
- School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, AB25 2ZD, Aberdeen, Scotland, UK
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45
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Kenakin T. Biased signaling as allosteric probe dependence. Cell Signal 2020; 79:109844. [PMID: 33242565 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2020.109844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2020] [Revised: 11/07/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Signaling 'bias' is a phenomenon whereby the natural allosteric probe dependence of seven transmembrane receptors allows different receptor conformations (stabilized by different agonists) to activate some signaling pathways (coupled to pleiotropically coupled receptors) more than others at the expense of those other pathways. There are a number of relevant scenarios where such an activity could be therapeutically beneficial therefore there are practical reasons why this property of receptors should be exploited. This paper discusses recent ideas around attempts to harness this potentially useful idea and also the limitations around the current methods available to do so. Specifically, the determination of a quantitative value for the receptor bias of a given agonist that may translate to useful in vivo has been particularly elusive and studies need to be directed to solving this problem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Terry Kenakin
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
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Feng Z, Liang T, Wang S, Chen M, Hou T, Zhao J, Chen H, Zhou Y, Xie XQ. Binding Characterization of GPCRs-Modulator by Molecular Complex Characterizing System (MCCS). ACS Chem Neurosci 2020; 11:3333-3345. [PMID: 32941011 PMCID: PMC10063373 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.0c00457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Increasing attention has been devoted to allosteric modulators as the preferred therapeutic agents for their colossal advantages such as higher selectivity, fewer side effects, and lower toxicity since they bind at allosteric sites that are topographically distinct from the classic orthosteric sites. However, the allosteric binding pockets are not conserved and there are no cogent methods to comprehensively characterize the features of allosteric sites with the binding of modulators. To overcome this limitation, our lab has developed a novel algorithm that can quantitatively characterize the receptor-ligand binding feature named Molecular Complex Characterizing System (MCCS). To illustrate the methodology and application of MCCS, we take G protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) as an example. First, we summarized and analyzed the reported allosteric binding pockets of class A GPCRs using MCCS. Sequentially, a systematic study was conducted between cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1) and its allosteric modulators, where we used MCCS to analyze the residue energy contribution and the interaction pattern. Finally, we validated the predicted allosteric binding site in CB2 via MCCS in combination with molecular dynamics (MD) simulation. Our results demonstrate that the MCCS program is advantageous in recapitulating the allosteric regulation pattern of class A GPCRs of the reported pockets as well as in predicting potential allosteric binding pockets. This MCCS program can serve as a valuable tool for the discovery of small-molecule allosteric modulators for class A GPCRs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiwei Feng
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Computational Chemical Genomics Screening Center, School of Pharmacy; National Center of Excellence for Computational Drug Abuse Research, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15261, United States
| | - Tianjian Liang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Computational Chemical Genomics Screening Center, School of Pharmacy; National Center of Excellence for Computational Drug Abuse Research, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15261, United States
| | - Siyi Wang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Computational Chemical Genomics Screening Center, School of Pharmacy; National Center of Excellence for Computational Drug Abuse Research, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15261, United States
| | - Maozi Chen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Computational Chemical Genomics Screening Center, School of Pharmacy; National Center of Excellence for Computational Drug Abuse Research, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15261, United States
| | - Tianling Hou
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Computational Chemical Genomics Screening Center, School of Pharmacy; National Center of Excellence for Computational Drug Abuse Research, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15261, United States
| | - Jack Zhao
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Computational Chemical Genomics Screening Center, School of Pharmacy; National Center of Excellence for Computational Drug Abuse Research, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15261, United States
| | - Hui Chen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Computational Chemical Genomics Screening Center, School of Pharmacy; National Center of Excellence for Computational Drug Abuse Research, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15261, United States
| | - Yuehan Zhou
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Computational Chemical Genomics Screening Center, School of Pharmacy; National Center of Excellence for Computational Drug Abuse Research, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15261, United States
| | - Xiang-Qun Xie
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Computational Chemical Genomics Screening Center, School of Pharmacy; National Center of Excellence for Computational Drug Abuse Research; Drug Discovery Institute; Departments of Computational Biology and Structural Biology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15261, United States
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47
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Huang XP, Kenakin TP, Gu S, Shoichet BK, Roth BL. Differential Roles of Extracellular Histidine Residues of GPR68 for Proton-Sensing and Allosteric Modulation by Divalent Metal Ions. Biochemistry 2020; 59:3594-3614. [PMID: 32865988 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.0c00576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
GPR68, an orphan G-protein coupled receptor, senses protons, couples to multiple G-proteins, and is also activated or inhibited by divalent metal ions. It has seven extracellular histidine residues, although it is not clear how these histidine residues play a role in both proton-sensing and metal ion modulation. Here we demonstrate that divalent metal ions are allosteric modulators that can activate or inhibit proton activity in a concentration- and pH-dependent manner. We then show that single histidine mutants have differential and varying degrees of effects on proton-sensing and metal ion modulation. Some histidine residues play dual roles in proton-sensing and metal ion modulation, while others are important in one or the other but not both. Two extracellular disulfide bonds are predicted to constrain histidine residues to be spatially close to each other. Combining histidine mutations leads to reduced proton activity and resistance to metal ion modulation, while breaking the less conserved disulfide bond results in a more severe reduction in proton-sensing over metal modulation. The small-molecule positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) ogerin and lorazepam are not affected by these mutations and remain active at mutants with severely reduced proton activity or are resistant to metal ion modulation. These results suggest GPR68 possesses two independent allosteric modulation systems, one through interaction with divalent metal ions at the extracellular surface and another through small-molecule PAMs in the transmembrane domains. A new GPR68 model is developed to accommodate the findings which could serve as a template for further studies and ligand discovery by virtual ligand docking.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Shuo Gu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science, University of California, San Francisco, California 94158, United States
| | - Brian K Shoichet
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science, University of California, San Francisco, California 94158, United States
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Li X, Shen L, Hua T, Liu ZJ. Structural and Functional Insights into Cannabinoid Receptors. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2020; 41:665-677. [PMID: 32739033 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2020.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2020] [Revised: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Cannabinoid receptors type 1 (CB1) and 2 (CB2) are widely expressed in the human body, and are attractive drug targets in the prevention and management of central nervous system (CNS) and immune system dysfunction, respectively. Recent breakthroughs in the structural elucidation of cannabinoid receptors and their signaling complexes with G proteins, provide the important molecular basis of ligand-receptor interactions, activation and signaling mechanism, which will facilitate the next-generation drug design and the precise modulation of the endocannabinoid system. Here, we provide an overview on the structural features of cannabinoid receptors in different functional states and the diverse ligand binding modes. The major challenges and new strategies for future therapeutic applications targeting the endocannabinoid system (ECS) are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoting Li
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Ling Shen
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China; School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Tian Hua
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China.
| | - Zhi-Jie Liu
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China; School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China.
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49
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An D, Peigneur S, Hendrickx LA, Tytgat J. Targeting Cannabinoid Receptors: Current Status and Prospects of Natural Products. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E5064. [PMID: 32709050 PMCID: PMC7404216 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21145064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2020] [Revised: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2), as part of the endocannabinoid system, play a critical role in numerous human physiological and pathological conditions. Thus, considerable efforts have been made to develop ligands for CB1 and CB2, resulting in hundreds of phyto- and synthetic cannabinoids which have shown varying affinities relevant for the treatment of various diseases. However, only a few of these ligands are clinically used. Recently, more detailed structural information for cannabinoid receptors was revealed thanks to the powerfulness of cryo-electron microscopy, which now can accelerate structure-based drug discovery. At the same time, novel peptide-type cannabinoids from animal sources have arrived at the scene, with their potential in vivo therapeutic effects in relation to cannabinoid receptors. From a natural products perspective, it is expected that more novel cannabinoids will be discovered and forecasted as promising drug leads from diverse natural sources and species, such as animal venoms which constitute a true pharmacopeia of toxins modulating diverse targets, including voltage- and ligand-gated ion channels, G protein-coupled receptors such as CB1 and CB2, with astonishing affinity and selectivity. Therefore, it is believed that discovering novel cannabinoids starting from studying the biodiversity of the species living on planet earth is an uncharted territory.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Jan Tytgat
- Toxicology and Pharmacology, KU Leuven, Campus Gasthuisberg, O&N 2, Herestraat 49, P.O. Box 922, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (D.A.); (S.P.); (L.A.H.)
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50
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Meini S, Gado F, Stevenson LA, Digiacomo M, Saba A, Codini S, Macchia M, Pertwee RG, Bertini S, Manera C. PSNCBAM-1 analogs: Structural evolutions and allosteric properties at cannabinoid CB1 receptor. Eur J Med Chem 2020; 203:112606. [PMID: 32682199 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2020.112606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Revised: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 06/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Allosteric modulation of the CB1Rs could represent an alternative strategy for the treatment of diseases in which these receptors are involved, without the undesirable effects associated with their orthosteric stimulation. PSNCBAM-1 is a reference diaryl urea derivative that positively affects the binding affinity of orthosteric ligands (PAM) and negatively affects the functional activity of orthosteric ligands (NAM) at CB1Rs. In this work we reported the design, synthesis and biological evaluation of three different series of compounds, derived from structural modifications of PSNCBAM-1 and its analogs reported in the recent literature. Almost all the new compounds increased the percentage of binding affinity of CP55940 at CB1Rs, showing a PAM profile. When tested alone in the [35S]GTPγS functional assay, only a few derivatives lacked detectable activity, so were tested in the same functional assay in the presence of CP55940. Among these, compounds 11 and 18 proved to be functional NAMs at CB1Rs, dampening the orthosteric agonist-induced receptor functionality by approximately 30%. The structural features presented in this work provide new CB1R-allosteric modulators (with a profile similar to the reference compound PSNCBAM-1) and an extension of the structure-activity relationships for this type of molecule at CB1Rs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serena Meini
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126, Pisa, Italy
| | - Francesca Gado
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126, Pisa, Italy
| | - Lesley A Stevenson
- School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, AB25 2ZD Aberdeen, Scotland, UK
| | - Maria Digiacomo
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126, Pisa, Italy
| | - Alessandro Saba
- Department of Surgical Pathology, Molecular Medicine and of the Critical Area, University of Pisa, Via Savi 10, 56126, Pisa, Italy
| | - Simone Codini
- Department of Surgical Pathology, Molecular Medicine and of the Critical Area, University of Pisa, Via Savi 10, 56126, Pisa, Italy
| | - Marco Macchia
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126, Pisa, Italy
| | - Roger G Pertwee
- School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, AB25 2ZD Aberdeen, Scotland, UK
| | - Simone Bertini
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126, Pisa, Italy.
| | - Clementina Manera
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126, Pisa, Italy
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