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Belkacemi K, Rondard P, Pin JP, Prézeau L. Heterodimers Revolutionize the Field of Metabotropic Glutamate Receptors. Neuroscience 2024:S0306-4522(24)00270-7. [PMID: 38936459 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2024.06.013] [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: 03/06/2024] [Revised: 06/13/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
Identified 40 years ago, the metabotropic glutamate (mGlu) receptors play key roles in modulating many synapses in the brain, and are still considered as important drug targets to treat various brain diseases. Eight genes encoding mGlu subunits have been identified. They code for complex receptors composed of a large extracellular domain where glutamate binds, connected to a G protein activating membrane domain. They are covalently linked dimers, a quaternary structure needed for their activation by glutamate. For many years they have only been considered as homodimers, then limiting the number of mGlu receptors to 8 subtypes composed of twice the same subunit. Twelve years ago, mGlu subunits were shown to also form heterodimers with specific subunits combinations, increasing the family up to 19 different potential dimeric receptors. Since then, a number of studies brought evidence for the existence of such heterodimers in the brain, through various approaches. Structural and molecular dynamic studies helped understand their peculiar activation process. The present review summarizes the approaches used to study their activation process and their pharmacological properties and to demonstrate their existence in vivo. We will highlight how the existence of mGlu heterodimers revolutionizes the mGlu receptor field, opening new possibilities for therapeutic intervention for brain diseases. As illustrated by the number of possible mGlu heterodimers, this study will highlight the need for further research to fully understand their role in physiological and pathological conditions, and to develop more specific therapeutic tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kawthar Belkacemi
- Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, Inserm, Montpellier, France
| | - Philippe Rondard
- Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, Inserm, Montpellier, France
| | - Jean-Philippe Pin
- Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, Inserm, Montpellier, France.
| | - Laurent Prézeau
- Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, Inserm, Montpellier, France.
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Parent HH, Niswender CM. Therapeutic Potential for Metabotropic Glutamate Receptor 7 Modulators in Cognitive Disorders. Mol Pharmacol 2024; 105:348-358. [PMID: 38423750 PMCID: PMC11026152 DOI: 10.1124/molpharm.124.000874] [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: 01/11/2024] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Metabotropic glutamate receptor 7 (mGlu7) is the most highly conserved and abundantly expressed mGlu receptor in the human brain. The presynaptic localization of mGlu7, coupled with its low affinity for its endogenous agonist, glutamate, are features that contribute to the receptor's role in modulating neuronal excitation and inhibition patterns, including long-term potentiation, in various brain regions. These characteristics suggest that mGlu7 modulation may serve as a novel therapeutic strategy in disorders of cognitive dysfunction, including neurodevelopmental disorders that cause impairments in learning, memory, and attention. Primary mutations in the GRM7 gene have recently been identified as novel causes of neurodevelopmental disorders, and these patients exhibit profound intellectual and cognitive disability. Pharmacological tools, such as agonists, antagonists, and allosteric modulators, have been the mainstay for targeting mGlu7 in its endogenous homodimeric form to probe effects of its function and modulation in disease models. However, recent research has identified diversity in dimerization, as well as trans-synaptic interacting proteins, that also play a role in mGlu7 signaling and pharmacological properties. These novel findings represent exciting opportunities in the field of mGlu receptor drug discovery and highlight the importance of further understanding the functions of mGlu7 in complex neurologic conditions at both the molecular and physiologic levels. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Proper expression and function of mGlu7 is essential for learning, attention, and memory formation at the molecular level within neural circuits. The pharmacological targeting of mGlu7 is undergoing a paradigm shift by incorporating an understanding of receptor interaction with other cis- and trans- acting synaptic proteins, as well as various intracellular signaling pathways. Based upon these new findings, mGlu7's potential as a drug target in the treatment of cognitive disorders and learning impairments is primed for exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harrison H Parent
- Department of Pharmacology (H.H.P., C.M.N.), Warren Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery (H.H.P., C.M.N.), Vanderbilt Brain Institute (C.M.N.), and Vanderbilt Institute for Chemical Biology (C.M.N.), Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee; and Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee (C.M.N.)
| | - Colleen M Niswender
- Department of Pharmacology (H.H.P., C.M.N.), Warren Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery (H.H.P., C.M.N.), Vanderbilt Brain Institute (C.M.N.), and Vanderbilt Institute for Chemical Biology (C.M.N.), Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee; and Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee (C.M.N.)
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Lee J, Gonzalez-Hernandez AJ, Kristt M, Abreu N, Roßmann K, Arefin A, Marx DC, Broichhagen J, Levitz J. Distinct beta-arrestin coupling and intracellular trafficking of metabotropic glutamate receptor homo- and heterodimers. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eadi8076. [PMID: 38055809 PMCID: PMC10699790 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adi8076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
The metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) are family C, dimeric G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), which play critical roles in synaptic transmission. Despite an increasing appreciation of the molecular diversity of this family, how distinct mGluR subtypes are regulated remains poorly understood. We reveal that different group II/III mGluR subtypes show markedly different beta-arrestin (β-arr) coupling and endocytic trafficking. While mGluR2 is resistant to internalization and mGluR3 shows transient β-arr coupling, which enables endocytosis and recycling, mGluR8 and β-arr form stable complexes, which leads to efficient lysosomal targeting and degradation. Using chimeras and mutagenesis, we pinpoint carboxyl-terminal domain regions that control β-arr coupling and trafficking, including the identification of an mGluR8 splice variant with impaired internalization. We then use a battery of high-resolution fluorescence assays to find that heterodimerization further expands the diversity of mGluR regulation. Together, this work provides insight into the relationship between GPCR/β-arr complex formation and trafficking while revealing diversity and intricacy in the regulation of mGluRs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joon Lee
- Department of Biochemistry, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | | | - Melanie Kristt
- Department of Biochemistry, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Nohely Abreu
- Department of Biochemistry, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Kilian Roßmann
- Leibniz-Forschungsinstitut für Molekulare Pharmakologie, 13125 Berlin, Germany
| | - Anisul Arefin
- Department of Biochemistry, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Dagan C. Marx
- Department of Biochemistry, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | | | - Joshua Levitz
- Department of Biochemistry, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065, USA
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Ball L, Bauer J, Krautwurst D. Heterodimerization of Chemoreceptors TAS1R3 and mGlu 2 in Human Blood Leukocytes. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12942. [PMID: 37629122 PMCID: PMC10454557 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241612942] [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: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The expression of canonical chemosensory receptors of the tongue, such as the heteromeric sweet taste (TAS1R2/TAS1R3) and umami taste (TAS1R1/TAS1R3) receptors, has been demonstrated in many extra-oral cells and tissues. Gene expression studies have revealed transcripts for all TAS1 and metabotropic glutamate (mGlu) receptors in different types of immune cells, where they are involved, for example, in the chemotaxis of human neutrophils and the protection of T cells from activation-induced cell death. Like other class-C G protein-coupling receptors (GPCRs), TAS1Rs and mGlu receptors form heteromers within their families. Since mGlu receptors and TAS1R1/TAS1R3 share the same ligand, monosodium glutamate (MSG), we hypothesized their hitherto unknown heteromerization across receptor families in leukocytes. Here we show, by means of immunocytochemistry and co-IP/Western analysis, that across class-C GPCR families, mGlu2 and TAS1R3 co-localize and heterodimerize in blood leukocytes. Expressing the recombinant receptors in HEK-293 cells, we validated their heterodimerization by bioluminescence resonance energy transfer. We demonstrate MSG-induced, mGlu2/TAS1R3 heteromer-dependent gain-of-function and pertussis toxin-sensitive signaling in luminescence assays. Notably, we show that mGlu2/TAS1R3 is necessary and sufficient for MSG-induced facilitation of N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine-stimulated IL-8 secretion in neutrophils, using receptor-specific antagonists. In summary, our results demonstrate mGlu2/TAS1R3 heterodimerization in leukocytes, suggesting cellular function-tailored chemoreceptor combinations to modulate cellular immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lena Ball
- TUM School of Life Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Alte Akademie 8a, 85354 Freising, Germany;
- Leibniz-Institute for Food Systems Biology at the Technical University of Munich, Lise-Meitner-Str. 34, 85354 Freising, Germany;
| | - Julia Bauer
- Leibniz-Institute for Food Systems Biology at the Technical University of Munich, Lise-Meitner-Str. 34, 85354 Freising, Germany;
| | - Dietmar Krautwurst
- Leibniz-Institute for Food Systems Biology at the Technical University of Munich, Lise-Meitner-Str. 34, 85354 Freising, Germany;
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Shpakov AO. Allosteric Regulation of G-Protein-Coupled Receptors: From Diversity of Molecular Mechanisms to Multiple Allosteric Sites and Their Ligands. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:6187. [PMID: 37047169 PMCID: PMC10094638 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24076187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Allosteric regulation is critical for the functioning of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) and their signaling pathways. Endogenous allosteric regulators of GPCRs are simple ions, various biomolecules, and protein components of GPCR signaling (G proteins and β-arrestins). The stability and functional activity of GPCR complexes is also due to multicenter allosteric interactions between protomers. The complexity of allosteric effects caused by numerous regulators differing in structure, availability, and mechanisms of action predetermines the multiplicity and different topology of allosteric sites in GPCRs. These sites can be localized in extracellular loops; inside the transmembrane tunnel and in its upper and lower vestibules; in cytoplasmic loops; and on the outer, membrane-contacting surface of the transmembrane domain. They are involved in the regulation of basal and orthosteric agonist-stimulated receptor activity, biased agonism, GPCR-complex formation, and endocytosis. They are targets for a large number of synthetic allosteric regulators and modulators, including those constructed using molecular docking. The review is devoted to the principles and mechanisms of GPCRs allosteric regulation, the multiplicity of allosteric sites and their topology, and the endogenous and synthetic allosteric regulators, including autoantibodies and pepducins. The allosteric regulation of chemokine receptors, proteinase-activated receptors, thyroid-stimulating and luteinizing hormone receptors, and beta-adrenergic receptors are described in more detail.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander O Shpakov
- Sechenov Institute of Evolutionary Physiology and Biochemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 194223 St. Petersburg, Russia
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Koda S, Hu J, Ju X, Sun G, Shao S, Tang RX, Zheng KY, Yan J. The role of glutamate receptors in the regulation of the tumor microenvironment. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1123841. [PMID: 36817470 PMCID: PMC9929049 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1123841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Glutamate, as one of the most important carbon sources in the TCA cycle, is central in metabolic processes that will subsequently influence tumor progression. Several factors can affect the expression of glutamate receptors, playing either a tumor-promoting or tumor-suppressor role in cancer. Thus, the activation of glutamate receptors by the ligand could play a role in tumor development as ample studies have demonstrated the expression of glutamate receptors in a broad range of tumor cells. Glutamate and its receptors are involved in the regulation of different immune cells' development and function, as suggested by the receptor expression in immune cells. The activation of glutamate receptors can enhance the effectiveness of the effector's T cells, or decrease the cytokine production in immunosuppressive myeloid-derived suppressor cells, increasing the antitumor immune response. These receptors are essential for the interaction between tumor and immune cells within the tumor microenvironment (TME) and the regulation of antitumor immune responses. Although the role of glutamate in the TCA cycle has been well studied, few studies have deeply investigated the role of glutamate receptors in the regulation of cancer and immune cells within the TME. Here, by a systematic review of the available data, we will critically assess the physiopathological relevance of glutamate receptors in the regulation of cancer and immune cells in the TME and provide some unifying hypotheses for futures research on the role of glutamate receptors in the immune modulation of the tumor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephane Koda
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, National Experimental Demonstration Center for Basic Medicine Education, Xuzhou Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jing Hu
- Department of Bioinformatics, School of Life Science, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China,Department of Genetics, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiaoman Ju
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, National Experimental Demonstration Center for Basic Medicine Education, Xuzhou Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Guowei Sun
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, National Experimental Demonstration Center for Basic Medicine Education, Xuzhou Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Simin Shao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, National Experimental Demonstration Center for Basic Medicine Education, Xuzhou Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ren-Xian Tang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, National Experimental Demonstration Center for Basic Medicine Education, Xuzhou Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Kui-Yang Zheng
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, National Experimental Demonstration Center for Basic Medicine Education, Xuzhou Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China,*Correspondence: Juming Yan, ; Kui-Yang Zheng,
| | - Juming Yan
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, National Experimental Demonstration Center for Basic Medicine Education, Xuzhou Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China,*Correspondence: Juming Yan, ; Kui-Yang Zheng,
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Wei X, Zhao C, Jia X, Zhao B, Liu Y. Expression of group II metabotropic glutamate receptors in rat superior cervical ganglion. Auton Neurosci 2023; 244:103053. [PMID: 36463578 DOI: 10.1016/j.autneu.2022.103053] [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: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The superior cervical ganglion (SCG) plays critical roles in the regulation of blood pressure and cardiac output. Metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) in the SCG are not clearly elucidated yet. Most studies on the expression and functions of mGluRs in the SCG focused on the cultured SCG neurons, and yet little information has been reported in the SCG tissue. Chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH), one of the major clinical features of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients, is a critical pathological cause of secondary hypertension in OSA patients, but its impact on the level of mGluRs in the SCG is unknown. OBJECTIVE To explore the expression and localization of mGluR2/3 and the effect of CIH on mGluR2/3 level in rat SCG tissue. METHODS RT-PCR and immunostaining were conducted to examine the mRNA and protein expression of mGluR2/3 in rat SCG. Immunofluorescence staining was conducted to examine the distribution of mGluR2/3. Rats were divided into control and CIH group which the rats were exposed to CIH for 6 weeks. Western blots were performed to examine the level of mGluR2/3 in rat SCG. RESULTS mRNAs of mGluR2/3 expressed in rat SCG. mGluR2 distributed in principal neurons and small intensely fluorescent cells but not in satellite glial cells, nerve fibers, and vascular endothelial cells; mGluR3 was detected in nerve fibers rather than in the cells mentioned above. CIH exposure reduced the protein level of mGluR2/3 in rat SCG. CONCLUSION mGluR2/3 exists in rat SCG with diverse distribution patterns, and may be involved in CIH-induced hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xixi Wei
- Henan Key Laboratory of Neurorestoratology, Life Science Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, 88 Jiankang Road, Weihui 453100, Henan, China
| | - Chenlu Zhao
- Henan Key Laboratory of Neurorestoratology, Life Science Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, 88 Jiankang Road, Weihui 453100, Henan, China
| | - Xinyun Jia
- Henan Key Laboratory of Neurorestoratology, Life Science Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, 88 Jiankang Road, Weihui 453100, Henan, China
| | - Baosheng Zhao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, 88 Jiankang Road, Weihui 453100, Henan, China
| | - Yuzhen Liu
- Henan Key Laboratory of Neurorestoratology, Life Science Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, 88 Jiankang Road, Weihui 453100, Henan, China; Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, 88 Jiankang Road, Weihui 453100, Henan, China.
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Caniceiro AB, Bueschbell B, Schiedel AC, Moreira IS. Class A and C GPCR Dimers in Neurodegenerative Diseases. Curr Neuropharmacol 2022; 20:2081-2141. [PMID: 35339177 PMCID: PMC9886835 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x20666220327221830] [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: 09/14/2021] [Revised: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases affect over 30 million people worldwide with an ascending trend. Most individuals suffering from these irreversible brain damages belong to the elderly population, with onset between 50 and 60 years. Although the pathophysiology of such diseases is partially known, it remains unclear upon which point a disease turns degenerative. Moreover, current therapeutics can treat some of the symptoms but often have severe side effects and become less effective in long-term treatment. For many neurodegenerative diseases, the involvement of G proteincoupled receptors (GPCRs), which are key players of neuronal transmission and plasticity, has become clearer and holds great promise in elucidating their biological mechanism. With this review, we introduce and summarize class A and class C GPCRs, known to form heterodimers or oligomers to increase their signalling repertoire. Additionally, the examples discussed here were shown to display relevant alterations in brain signalling and had already been associated with the pathophysiology of certain neurodegenerative diseases. Lastly, we classified the heterodimers into two categories of crosstalk, positive or negative, for which there is known evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana B. Caniceiro
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; ,These authors contributed equally to this work.
| | - Beatriz Bueschbell
- PhD Programme in Experimental Biology and Biomedicine, Institute for Interdisciplinary Research (IIIUC), University of Coimbra, Casa Costa Alemão, 3030-789 Coimbra, Portugal; ,These authors contributed equally to this work.
| | - Anke C. Schiedel
- Department of Pharmaceutical & Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Institute, University of Bonn, D-53121 Bonn, Germany;
| | - Irina S. Moreira
- University of Coimbra, Department of Life Sciences, Calçada Martim de Freitas, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal; ,Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal,Address correspondence to this author at the Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; E-mail:
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Lin X, Fisher NM, Dogra S, Senter RK, Reed CW, Kalbfleisch JJ, Lindsley CW, Asher WB, Xiang Z, Niswender CM, Javitch JA. Differential activity of mGlu 7 allosteric modulators provides evidence for mGlu 7/8 heterodimers at hippocampal Schaffer collateral-CA1 synapses. J Biol Chem 2022; 298:102458. [PMID: 36063995 PMCID: PMC9531177 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2022.102458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Revised: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Glutamate acts at eight metabotropic glutamate (mGlu) receptor subtypes expressed in a partially overlapping fashion in distinct brain circuits. Recent evidence indicates that specific mGlu receptor protomers can heterodimerize and that these heterodimers can exhibit different pharmacology when compared to their homodimeric counterparts. Group III mGlu agonist-induced suppression of evoked excitatory potentials and induction of long-term potentiation at Schaffer collateral-CA1 (SC-CA1) synapses in the rodent hippocampus can be blocked by the selective mGlu7 negative allosteric modulator (NAM), ADX71743. Curiously, a different mGlu7 NAM, 6-(4-methoxyphenyl)-5-methyl-3-pyridin-4-ylisoxazonolo[4,5-c]pyridin-4(5H)-one, failed to block these responses in brain slices despite its robust activity at mGlu7 homodimers in vitro. We hypothesized that this might result from heterodimerization of mGlu7 with another mGlu receptor protomer and focused on mGlu8 as a candidate given the reported effects of mGlu8-targeted compounds in the hippocampus. Here, we used complemented donor acceptor-resonance energy transfer to study mGlu7/8 heterodimer activation in vitro and observed that ADX71743 blocked responses of both mGlu7/7 homodimers and mGlu7/8 heterodimers, whereas 6-(4-methoxyphenyl)-5-methyl-3-pyridin-4-ylisoxazonolo[4,5-c]pyridin-4(5H)-one only antagonized responses of mGlu7/7 homodimers. Taken together with our electrophysiology observations, these results suggest that a receptor with pharmacology consistent with an mGlu7/8 heterodimer modulates the activity of SC-CA1 synapses. Building on this hypothesis, we identified two additional structurally related mGlu7 NAMs that also differ in their activity at mGlu7/8 heterodimers, in a manner consistent with their ability to inhibit synaptic transmission and plasticity at SC-CA1. Thus, we propose that mGlu7/8 heterodimers are a key molecular target for modulating the activity of hippocampal SC-CA1 synapses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Lin
- Department of Psychiatry, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA; Division of Molecular Therapeutics, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, New York, USA
| | - Nicole M Fisher
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Warren Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Shalini Dogra
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Warren Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Rebecca K Senter
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Warren Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Carson W Reed
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Warren Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Jacob J Kalbfleisch
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Warren Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Craig W Lindsley
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Warren Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Vanderbilt Institute of Chemical Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Department of Chemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Wesley B Asher
- Department of Psychiatry, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA; Division of Molecular Therapeutics, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, New York, USA
| | - Zixiu Xiang
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Warren Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Colleen M Niswender
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Warren Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Vanderbilt Institute of Chemical Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Department of Chemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA.
| | - Jonathan A Javitch
- Department of Psychiatry, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA; Division of Molecular Therapeutics, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, New York, USA; Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA.
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10
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Membrane trafficking and positioning of mGluRs at presynaptic and postsynaptic sites of excitatory synapses. Neuropharmacology 2021; 200:108799. [PMID: 34592242 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2021.108799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2021] [Revised: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
The plethora of functions of glutamate in the brain are mediated by the complementary actions of ionotropic and metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs). The ionotropic glutamate receptors carry most of the fast excitatory transmission, while mGluRs modulate transmission on longer timescales by triggering multiple intracellular signaling pathways. As such, mGluRs mediate critical aspects of synaptic transmission and plasticity. Interestingly, at synapses, mGluRs operate at both sides of the cleft, and thus bidirectionally exert the effects of glutamate. At postsynaptic sites, group I mGluRs act to modulate excitability and plasticity. At presynaptic sites, group II and III mGluRs act as auto-receptors, modulating release properties in an activity-dependent manner. Thus, synaptic mGluRs are essential signal integrators that functionally couple presynaptic and postsynaptic mechanisms of transmission and plasticity. Understanding how these receptors reach the membrane and are positioned relative to the presynaptic glutamate release site are therefore important aspects of synapse biology. In this review, we will discuss the currently known mechanisms underlying the trafficking and positioning of mGluRs at and around synapses, and how these mechanisms contribute to synaptic functioning. We will highlight outstanding questions and present an outlook on how recent technological developments will move this exciting research field forward.
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11
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Parmar S, Tadavarty R, Sastry BR. G-protein coupled receptors and synaptic plasticity in sleep deprivation. World J Psychiatry 2021; 11:954-980. [PMID: 34888167 PMCID: PMC8613756 DOI: 10.5498/wjp.v11.i11.954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Revised: 06/05/2021] [Accepted: 09/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Insufficient sleep has been correlated to many physiological and psychoneurological disorders. Over the years, our understanding of the state of sleep has transcended from an inactive period of rest to a more active state involving important cellular and molecular processes. In addition, during sleep, electrophysiological changes also occur in pathways in specific regions of the mammalian central nervous system (CNS). Activity mediated synaptic plasticity in the CNS can lead to long-term and sometimes permanent strengthening and/or weakening synaptic strength affecting neuronal network behaviour. Memory consolidation and learning that take place during sleep cycles, can be affected by changes in synaptic plasticity during sleep disturbances. G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs), with their versatile structural and functional attributes, can regulate synaptic plasticity in CNS and hence, may be potentially affected in sleep deprived conditions. In this review, we aim to discuss important functional changes that can take place in the CNS during sleep and sleep deprivation and how changes in GPCRs can lead to potential problems with therapeutics with pharmacological interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shweta Parmar
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology and Therapeutics, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver V6T 1Z3, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Ramakrishna Tadavarty
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology and Therapeutics, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver V6T 1Z3, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Bhagavatula R Sastry
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology and Therapeutics, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver V6T 1Z3, British Columbia, Canada
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12
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McCullock TW, Kammermeier PJ. The evidence for and consequences of metabotropic glutamate receptor heterodimerization. Neuropharmacology 2021; 199:108801. [PMID: 34547332 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2021.108801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Revised: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) are an essential component of the mammalian central nervous system. These receptors modulate neuronal excitability in response to extracellular glutamate through the activation of intracellular heterotrimeric G proteins. Like most other class C G protein-coupled receptors, mGluRs function as obligate dimer proteins, meaning they need to form dimer complexes before becoming functional receptors. All mGluRs possess the ability to homodimerize, but studies over the past ten years have demonstrated these receptors are also capable of forming heterodimers in specific patterns. These mGluR heterodimers appear to have their own unique biophysical behavior and pharmacology with both native and synthetic compounds with few rules having been identified that allow for prediction of the consequences of any particular mGluR pair forming heterodimers. Here, we review the relevant literature demonstrating the existence and consequences of mGluR heterodimerization. By collecting biophysical and pharmacological data of several mGluR heterodimers we demonstrate the lack of generalizable behavior of these complexes indicating that each individual dimeric pair needs to be investigated independently. Additionally, by combining sequence alignment and structural analysis, we propose that interactions between the β4-A Helix Loop and the D Helix in the extracellular domain of these receptors are the structural components that dictate heterodimerization compatibility. Finally, we discuss the potential implications of mGluR heterodimerization from the viewpoints of further developing our understanding of neuronal physiology and leveraging mGluRs as a therapeutic target for the treatment of pathophysiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tyler W McCullock
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, University of Rochester Medical Center, 601 Elmwood Ave, Box 711, Rochester, NY, 14642, USA.
| | - Paul J Kammermeier
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, University of Rochester Medical Center, 601 Elmwood Ave, Box 711, Rochester, NY, 14642, USA.
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13
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Hofmann CS, Carrington S, Keller AN, Gregory KJ, Niswender CM. Regulation and functional consequences of mGlu 4 RNA editing. RNA (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2021; 27:1220-1240. [PMID: 34244459 PMCID: PMC8457003 DOI: 10.1261/rna.078729.121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Metabotropic glutamate receptor 4 (mGlu4) is one of eight mGlu receptors within the Class C G protein-coupled receptor superfamily. mGlu4 is primarily localized to the presynaptic membrane of neurons where it functions as an auto and heteroreceptor controlling synaptic release of neurotransmitter. mGlu4 is implicated in numerous disorders and is a promising drug target; however, more remains to be understood about its regulation and pharmacology. Using high-throughput sequencing, we have validated and quantified an adenosine-to-inosine (A-to-I) RNA editing event that converts glutamine 124 to arginine in mGlu4; additionally, we have identified a rare but novel K129R site. Using an in vitro editing assay, we then validated the pre-mRNA duplex that allows for editing by ADAR enzymes and predicted its conservation across the mammalian species. Structural modeling of the mGlu4 protein predicts the Q124R substitution to occur in the B helix of the receptor that is critical for receptor dimerization and activation. Interestingly, editing of a receptor homodimer does not disrupt G protein activation in response to the endogenous agonist, glutamate. Using an assay designed to specifically measure heterodimer populations at the surface, however, we found that Q124R substitution decreased the propensity of mGlu4 to heterodimerize with mGlu2 and mGlu7 Our study is the first to extensively describe the extent and regulatory factors of RNA editing of mGlu4 mRNA transcripts. In addition, we have proposed a novel functional consequence of this editing event that provides insights regarding its effects in vivo and expands the regulatory capacity for mGlu receptors.
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MESH Headings
- Adenosine Deaminase/genetics
- Adenosine Deaminase/metabolism
- Amino Acid Sequence
- Animals
- Base Pairing
- Base Sequence
- Birds
- Cerebral Cortex/cytology
- Cerebral Cortex/metabolism
- Corpus Striatum/cytology
- Corpus Striatum/metabolism
- HEK293 Cells
- Hippocampus/cytology
- Hippocampus/metabolism
- Humans
- Models, Molecular
- Neurons/cytology
- Neurons/metabolism
- Nucleic Acid Conformation
- Point Mutation
- Protein Conformation, alpha-Helical
- Protein Conformation, beta-Strand
- RNA Editing
- RNA, Messenger/chemistry
- RNA, Messenger/genetics
- RNA, Messenger/metabolism
- RNA-Binding Proteins/genetics
- RNA-Binding Proteins/metabolism
- Rats
- Rats, Sprague-Dawley
- Receptors, Metabotropic Glutamate/chemistry
- Receptors, Metabotropic Glutamate/genetics
- Receptors, Metabotropic Glutamate/metabolism
- Reptiles
- Sequence Homology, Amino Acid
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher S Hofmann
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, USA
- Warren Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, USA
| | - Sheridan Carrington
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, USA
- Warren Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, USA
| | - Andrew N Keller
- Department of Pharmacology and Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Karen J Gregory
- Department of Pharmacology and Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Colleen M Niswender
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, USA
- Warren Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, USA
- Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37203, USA
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14
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Olivero G, Vergassola M, Cisani F, Roggeri A, Pittaluga A. Presynaptic Release-regulating Metabotropic Glutamate Receptors: An Update. Curr Neuropharmacol 2021; 18:655-672. [PMID: 31775600 PMCID: PMC7457419 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x17666191127112339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2019] [Revised: 11/15/2019] [Accepted: 11/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Metabotropic glutamate (mGlu) receptors represent the largest family of glutamate receptors in mammals and act as fine tuners of the chemical transmission in central nervous system (CNS). In the last decade, results concerning the expression and the subcellular localization of mGlu receptors further clarified their role in physio-pathological conditions. Concomitantly, their pharmacological characterization largely improved thanks to the identification of new compounds (chemical ligands and antibodies recognizing epitopic sequences of the receptor proteins) that allowed to decipher the protein compositions of the naive receptors. mGlu receptors are expressed at the presynaptic site of chemical synapses. Here, they modulate intraterminal enzymatic pathways controlling the migration and the fusion of vesicles to synaptic membranes as well as the phosphorylation of colocalized receptors. Both the control of transmitter exocytosis and the phosphorylation of colocalized receptors elicited by mGlu receptors are relevant events that dictate the plasticity of nerve terminals, and account for the main role of presynaptic mGlu receptors as modulators of neuronal signalling. The role of the presynaptic mGlu receptors in the CNS has been the matter of several studies and this review aims at briefly summarizing the recent observations obtained with isolated nerve endings (we refer to as synaptosomes). We focus on the pharmacological characterization of these receptors and on their receptor-receptor interaction / oligo-dimerization in nerve endings that could be relevant to the development of new therapeutic approaches for the cure of central pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Anna Pittaluga
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.,Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
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15
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Xiang Z, Lv X, Lin X, O'Brien DE, Altman MK, Lindsley CW, Javitch JA, Niswender CM, Conn PJ. Input-specific regulation of glutamatergic synaptic transmission in the medial prefrontal cortex by mGlu 2/mGlu 4 receptor heterodimers. Sci Signal 2021; 14:14/677/eabd2319. [PMID: 33824180 DOI: 10.1126/scisignal.abd2319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) are G protein-coupled receptors that regulate various aspects of central nervous system processing in normal physiology and in disease. They are thought to function as disulfide-linked homodimers, but studies have suggested that mGluRs can form functional heterodimers in cell lines. Using selective allosteric ligands, ex vivo brain slice electrophysiology, and optogenetic approaches, we found that two mGluR subtypes-mGluR2 and mGluR4 (or mGlu2 and mGlu4)-exist as functional heterodimers that regulate excitatory transmission in a synapse-specific manner within the rodent medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). Activation of mGlu2/mGlu4 heterodimers inhibited glutamatergic signaling at thalamo-mPFC synapses but not at hippocampus-mPFC or amygdala-mPFC synapses. These findings raise the possibility that selectively targeting these heterodimers could be a therapeutic strategy for some neurologic and neuropsychiatric disorders involving specific brain circuits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zixiu Xiang
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA.,Warren Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Xiaohui Lv
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA.,Warren Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Xin Lin
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA.,Division of Molecular Therapeutics, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Daniel E O'Brien
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA.,Warren Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Molly K Altman
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA.,Warren Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Craig W Lindsley
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA.,Warren Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA.,Department of Chemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Jonathan A Javitch
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA.,Division of Molecular Therapeutics, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY 10032, USA.,Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Colleen M Niswender
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA.,Warren Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA.,Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - P Jeffrey Conn
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA. .,Warren Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA.,Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
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16
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Orgován Z, Ferenczy GG, Keserű GM. Allosteric Molecular Switches in Metabotropic Glutamate Receptors. ChemMedChem 2021; 16:81-93. [PMID: 32686363 PMCID: PMC7818470 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202000444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGlu) are class C G protein-coupled receptors of eight subtypes that are omnipresently expressed in the central nervous system. mGlus have relevance in several psychiatric and neurological disorders, therefore they raise considerable interest as drug targets. Allosteric modulators of mGlus offer advantages over orthosteric ligands owing to their increased potential to achieve subtype selectivity, and this has prompted discovery programs that have produced a large number of reported allosteric mGlu ligands. However, the optimization of allosteric ligands into drug candidates has proved to be challenging owing to induced-fit effects, flat or steep structure-activity relationships and unexpected changes in theirpharmacology. Subtle structural changes identified as molecular switches might modulate the functional activity of allosteric ligands. Here we review these switches discovered in the metabotropic glutamate receptor family..
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoltán Orgován
- Medicinal Chemistry Research GroupResearch Centre for Natural SciencesMagyar tudósok krt. 2Budapest1117Hungary
| | - György G. Ferenczy
- Medicinal Chemistry Research GroupResearch Centre for Natural SciencesMagyar tudósok krt. 2Budapest1117Hungary
| | - György M. Keserű
- Medicinal Chemistry Research GroupResearch Centre for Natural SciencesMagyar tudósok krt. 2Budapest1117Hungary
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17
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Gregory KJ, Goudet C. International Union of Basic and Clinical Pharmacology. CXI. Pharmacology, Signaling, and Physiology of Metabotropic Glutamate Receptors. Pharmacol Rev 2020; 73:521-569. [PMID: 33361406 DOI: 10.1124/pr.119.019133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Metabotropic glutamate (mGlu) receptors respond to glutamate, the major excitatory neurotransmitter in the mammalian brain, mediating a modulatory role that is critical for higher-order brain functions such as learning and memory. Since the first mGlu receptor was cloned in 1992, eight subtypes have been identified along with many isoforms and splice variants. The mGlu receptors are transmembrane-spanning proteins belonging to the class C G protein-coupled receptor family and represent attractive targets for a multitude of central nervous system disorders. Concerted drug discovery efforts over the past three decades have yielded a wealth of pharmacological tools including subtype-selective agents that competitively block or mimic the actions of glutamate or act allosterically via distinct sites to enhance or inhibit receptor activity. Herein, we review the physiologic and pathophysiological roles for individual mGlu receptor subtypes including the pleiotropic nature of intracellular signal transduction arising from each. We provide a comprehensive analysis of the in vitro and in vivo pharmacological properties of prototypical and commercially available orthosteric agonists and antagonists as well as allosteric modulators, including ligands that have entered clinical trials. Finally, we highlight emerging areas of research that hold promise to facilitate rational design of highly selective mGlu receptor-targeting therapeutics in the future. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: The metabotropic glutamate receptors are attractive therapeutic targets for a range of psychiatric and neurological disorders. Over the past three decades, intense discovery efforts have yielded diverse pharmacological tools acting either competitively or allosterically, which have enabled dissection of fundamental biological process modulated by metabotropic glutamate receptors and established proof of concept for many therapeutic indications. We review metabotropic glutamate receptor molecular pharmacology and highlight emerging areas that are offering new avenues to selectively modulate neurotransmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen J Gregory
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Department of Pharmacology, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria, Australia (K.J.G.) and Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle (IGF), University of Montpellier, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Institut National de la Sante et de la Recherche Medicale (INSERM), Montpellier, France (C.G.)
| | - Cyril Goudet
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Department of Pharmacology, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria, Australia (K.J.G.) and Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle (IGF), University of Montpellier, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Institut National de la Sante et de la Recherche Medicale (INSERM), Montpellier, France (C.G.)
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18
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Werthmann RC, Tzouros M, Lamerz J, Augustin A, Fritzius T, Trovò L, Stawarski M, Raveh A, Diener C, Fischer C, Gassmann M, Lindemann L, Bettler B. Symmetric signal transduction and negative allosteric modulation of heterodimeric mGlu1/5 receptors. Neuropharmacology 2020; 190:108426. [PMID: 33279506 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2020.108426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2020] [Revised: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
For a long time metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) were thought to regulate neuronal functions as obligatory homodimers. Recent reports, however, indicate the existence of heterodimers between group-II and -III mGluRs in the brain, which differ from the homodimers in their signal transduction and sensitivity to negative allosteric modulators (NAMs). Whether the group-I mGluRs, mGlu1 and mGlu5, form functional heterodimers in the brain is still a matter of debate. We now show that mGlu1 and mGlu5 co-purify from brain membranes and hippocampal tissue and co-localize in cultured hippocampal neurons. Complementation assays with mutants deficient in agonist-binding or G protein-coupling reveal that mGlu1/5 heterodimers are functional in heterologous cells and transfected cultured hippocampal neurons. In contrast to heterodimers between group-II and -III mGluRs, mGlu1/5 receptors exhibit a symmetric signal transduction, with both protomers activating G proteins to a similar extent. NAMs of either protomer in mGlu1/5 receptors partially inhibit signaling, showing that both protomers need to be able to reach an active conformation for full receptor activity. Complete heterodimer inhibition is observed when both protomers are locked in their inactive state by a NAM. In summary, our data show that mGlu1/5 heterodimers exhibit a symmetric signal transduction and thus intermediate signaling efficacy and kinetic properties. Our data support the existence of mGlu1/5 heterodimers in neurons and highlight differences in the signaling transduction of heterodimeric mGluRs that influence allosteric modulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth C Werthmann
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Klingelbergstrasse 50, 4056, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Manuel Tzouros
- Roche Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development, Discovery Neuroscience, Neuroscience and Rare Diseases (NRD) (LL, CD, CF), Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biomarkers, Bioinformatics and Omics & Pathology (MT, JL, AA), Roche Innovation Center Basel, Grenzacherstrasse 124, 4070, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jens Lamerz
- Roche Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development, Discovery Neuroscience, Neuroscience and Rare Diseases (NRD) (LL, CD, CF), Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biomarkers, Bioinformatics and Omics & Pathology (MT, JL, AA), Roche Innovation Center Basel, Grenzacherstrasse 124, 4070, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Angélique Augustin
- Roche Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development, Discovery Neuroscience, Neuroscience and Rare Diseases (NRD) (LL, CD, CF), Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biomarkers, Bioinformatics and Omics & Pathology (MT, JL, AA), Roche Innovation Center Basel, Grenzacherstrasse 124, 4070, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Thorsten Fritzius
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Klingelbergstrasse 50, 4056, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Luca Trovò
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Klingelbergstrasse 50, 4056, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Michal Stawarski
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Klingelbergstrasse 50, 4056, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Adi Raveh
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Klingelbergstrasse 50, 4056, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Catherine Diener
- Roche Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development, Discovery Neuroscience, Neuroscience and Rare Diseases (NRD) (LL, CD, CF), Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biomarkers, Bioinformatics and Omics & Pathology (MT, JL, AA), Roche Innovation Center Basel, Grenzacherstrasse 124, 4070, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Christophe Fischer
- Roche Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development, Discovery Neuroscience, Neuroscience and Rare Diseases (NRD) (LL, CD, CF), Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biomarkers, Bioinformatics and Omics & Pathology (MT, JL, AA), Roche Innovation Center Basel, Grenzacherstrasse 124, 4070, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Martin Gassmann
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Klingelbergstrasse 50, 4056, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Lothar Lindemann
- Roche Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development, Discovery Neuroscience, Neuroscience and Rare Diseases (NRD) (LL, CD, CF), Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biomarkers, Bioinformatics and Omics & Pathology (MT, JL, AA), Roche Innovation Center Basel, Grenzacherstrasse 124, 4070, Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Bernhard Bettler
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Klingelbergstrasse 50, 4056, Basel, Switzerland.
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19
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Stoichiometric analysis of protein complexes by cell fusion and single molecule imaging. Sci Rep 2020; 10:14866. [PMID: 32913201 PMCID: PMC7483473 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-71630-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The composition, stoichiometry and interactions of supramolecular protein complexes are a critical determinant of biological function. Several techniques have been developed to study molecular interactions and quantify subunit stoichiometry at the single molecule level. However, these typically require artificially low expression levels or detergent isolation to achieve the low fluorophore concentrations required for single molecule imaging, both of which may bias native subunit interactions. Here we present an alternative approach where protein complexes are assembled at physiological concentrations and subsequently diluted in situ for single-molecule level observations while preserving them in a near-native cellular environment. We show that coupling this dilution strategy with fluorescence correlation spectroscopy permits quantitative assessment of cytoplasmic oligomerization, while stepwise photobleaching and single molecule colocalization may be used to study the subunit stoichiometry of membrane receptors. Single protein recovery after dilution (SPReAD) is a simple and versatile means of extending the concentration range of single molecule measurements into the cellular regime while minimizing potential artifacts and perturbations of protein complex stoichiometry.
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20
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Poulie CBM, Liu N, Jensen AA, Bunch L. Design, Synthesis, and Pharmacological Characterization of Heterobivalent Ligands for the Putative 5-HT 2A/mGlu 2 Receptor Complex. J Med Chem 2020; 63:9928-9949. [PMID: 32815361 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c01058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
We report the synthesis of the first series of heterobivalent ligands targeting the putative heteromeric 5-HT2A/mGlu2 receptor complex, based on the 5-HT2A antagonist MDL-100,907 and the mGlu2 ago-PAM JNJ-42491293. The functional properties of monovalent and heterobivalent ligands were characterized in 5-HT2A-, mGlu2/Gqo5-, 5-HT2A/mGlu2-, and 5-HT2A/mGlu2/Gqo5-expressing HEK293 cells using a Ca2+ imaging assay and a [3H]ketanserin binding assay. Pronounced functional crosstalk was observed between the two receptors in 5-HT2A/mGlu2 and 5-HT2A/mGlu2/Gqo5 cells. While the synthesized monovalent ligands retained the 5-HT2A antagonist and mGlu2 ago-PAM functionalities, the seven bivalent ligands inhibited 5-HT-induced responses in 5-HT2A/mGlu2 cells and both 5-HT- and Glu-induced responses in 5-HT2A/mGlu2/Gqo5 cells. However, no definitive correlation between the functional potency and spacer length of the ligands was observed, an observation substantiated by the binding affinities exhibited by the compounds in 5-HT2A, 5-HT2A/mGlu2, and 5-HT2A/mGlu2/Gqo5 cells. In conclusion, while functional crosstalk between 5-HT2A and mGlu2 was demonstrated, it remains unclear how these heterobivalent ligands interact with the putative receptor complex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian B M Poulie
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen OE, Denmark
| | - Na Liu
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen OE, Denmark
| | - Anders A Jensen
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen OE, Denmark
| | - Lennart Bunch
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen OE, Denmark
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21
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Fulton MG, Loch MT, Rodriguez AL, Lin X, Javitch JA, Conn PJ, Niswender CM, Lindsley CW. Synthesis and pharmacological evaluation of bivalent tethered ligands to target the mGlu 2/4 heterodimeric receptor results in a compound with mGlu 2/2 homodimer selectivity. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2020; 30:127212. [PMID: 32371100 PMCID: PMC9746010 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2020.127212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2020] [Revised: 04/22/2020] [Accepted: 04/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
This Letter details our ongoing efforts to develop selective positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) of the mGlu2/4 heterodimeric receptor that exists in the CNS and may represent a novel drug target to modulate the glutamatergic system. As multiple hit-to-lead campaigns from HTS hits failed to produce selective small molecule mGlu2/4 heterodimer PAMs, we were inspired by the work of Portoghese to synthesize and evaluate a set of nine bivalent tethered ligands (possessing an mGlu2 PAM at one terminus and an mGlu4 PAM at the other). Utilizing G protein-Inwardly Rectifying Potassium (GIRK) channel functional assays, we found that the tethered ligands displayed PAM activity in a cell line co-expressing both mGlu2 and mGlu4 but also in cells expressing mGlu2 or mGlu4 alone. In a CODA-RET assay, one of the tethered ligands potentiated mGlu2/4 heterodimers; however, another compound displayed 75-fold preference for the mGlu2/2 homodimer over heterodimeric mGlu2/4 or homomeric mGlu4/4. This work highlights the development of mGlu receptor PAMs with homodimer/heterodimer preference and expands the potential for PAMs as tethered ligands beyond the more classical antagonists and NAMs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark G. Fulton
- Vanderbilt Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA,Department of Chemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Matthew T. Loch
- Vanderbilt Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA,Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Alice L. Rodriguez
- Vanderbilt Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA,Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Xin Lin
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY 10032, USA,Division of Molecular Therapeutics, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Jonathan A. Javitch
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY 10032, USA,Division of Molecular Therapeutics, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY 10032, USA,Department of Pharmacology, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - P. Jeffrey Conn
- Vanderbilt Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA,Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA,Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA,Vanderbilt Institute of Chemical Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Colleen M. Niswender
- Vanderbilt Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA,Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA,Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA,Vanderbilt Institute of Chemical Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Craig W. Lindsley
- Vanderbilt Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA,Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA,Department of Chemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA,Vanderbilt Institute of Chemical Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
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22
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Berizzi AE, Goudet C. Strategies and considerations of G-protein-coupled receptor photopharmacology. ADVANCES IN PHARMACOLOGY (SAN DIEGO, CALIF.) 2020; 88:143-172. [PMID: 32416866 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apha.2019.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) pharmacology tends to be complex and at times poorly understood. This has led to the development of GPCR-targeting agents that often demonstrate poor pharmacokinetic properties and poor selectivity for their target receptors. One approach that is emerging as a means of addressing these limitations is the use of molecules whose activity can be controlled by light. Photopharmacology involves the incorporation of a photoswitch into the structure of a given compound, cage or linker and following irradiation with light, undergoes a structural rearrangement, which changes its biological activity. The use of light-regulated ligands offers the opportunity to modulate and understand GPCR signaling in a more spatiotemporal manner than classical pharmacological approaches. In this chapter we will discuss some of the advancements that have been made in photopharmacology, particularly in developing photoswitchable ligands that target class A GPCRs, e.g., muscarinic acetylcholine receptors, class B GPCRs, e.g., glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor, and class C GPCRs, e.g., metabotrobic glutamate receptors. Given the intricacy of GPCR pharmacology, this chapter will also discuss some of the challenges the field faces when designing photopharmacological tools. Furthermore, it will propose that it is with a full appreciation of the spectrum of pharmacological and pharmacokinetic properties of photoswitchable ligands that research will be better placed to develop ligands with a reduced risk of failure during preclinical progression. This will likely enable photopharmacological approaches to continue to find novel applications and offer new perspectives in understanding (patho)physiology to ultimately inform future GPCR drug discovery efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice E Berizzi
- IGF, CNRS, INSERM, Univ. de Montpellier, Montpellier, France.
| | - Cyril Goudet
- IGF, CNRS, INSERM, Univ. de Montpellier, Montpellier, France.
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23
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Fulton MG, Loch MT, Cuoco CA, Rodriguez AL, Days E, Vinson PN, Kozek KA, Weaver CD, Blobaum AL, Conn PJ, Niswender CM, Lindsley CW. Challenges in the Discovery and Optimization of mGlu 2/4 Heterodimer Positive Allosteric Modulators. LETT DRUG DES DISCOV 2019; 16:1387-1394. [PMID: 32201485 PMCID: PMC7059629 DOI: 10.2174/1570180815666181017131349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2018] [Revised: 10/05/2018] [Accepted: 10/10/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Background: This article describes the challenges in the discovery and optimization of mGlu2/4 heterodimer Positive Allosteric Modulators (PAMs). Methods: Initial forays based on VU0155041, a PAM of both the mGlu4 homodimer and the mGlu2/4 heterodimer, led to flat, intractable SAR that precluded advancement. Screening of a collection of 1,152 FDA approved drugs led to the discovery that febuxostat, an approved xanthine oxidase inhibitor, was a moderately potent PAM of the mGlu2/4 heterodimer (EC50 = 3.4 μM), but was peripherally restricted (rat Kp = 0.03). Optimization of this hit led to PAMs with improved potency (EC50s <800 nM) and improved CNS penetration (rat Kp >2, an ~100-fold increase). Results: However, these new amide analogs of febuxostat proved to be either GIRK1/2 and GIRK1/4 activators (primary carboxamide congeners) or mGlu2 PAMs (secondary and tertiary amides) and not selective mGlu2/4 heterodimer PAMs. Conclusion: These results required the team to develop a new screening cascade paradigm, and exemplified the challenges in developing allosteric ligands for heterodimeric receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Gallant Fulton
- Vanderbilt Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA.,Vanderbilt Institute of Chemical Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Matthew Thomas Loch
- Vanderbilt Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA.,Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Caroline Anne Cuoco
- Vanderbilt Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Alice Lambert Rodriguez
- Vanderbilt Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA.,Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Emily Days
- Vanderbilt Institute of Chemical Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Paige Newton Vinson
- Vanderbilt Institute of Chemical Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Krystian Andrezej Kozek
- Vanderbilt Institute of Chemical Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA.,Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Charles David Weaver
- Vanderbilt Institute of Chemical Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA.,Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Anna Louise Blobaum
- Vanderbilt Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA.,Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Peter Jeffrey Conn
- Vanderbilt Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA.,Vanderbilt Institute of Chemical Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA.,Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA.,Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Colleen Marie Niswender
- Vanderbilt Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA.,Vanderbilt Institute of Chemical Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA.,Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA.,Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Craig William Lindsley
- Vanderbilt Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA.,Vanderbilt Institute of Chemical Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA.,Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA.,Department of Biochemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
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24
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Dal Prà I, Armato U, Chiarini A. Family C G-Protein-Coupled Receptors in Alzheimer's Disease and Therapeutic Implications. Front Pharmacol 2019; 10:1282. [PMID: 31719824 PMCID: PMC6826475 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2019.01282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2019] [Accepted: 10/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD), particularly its sporadic or late-onset form (SAD/LOAD), is the most prevalent (96–98% of cases) neurodegenerative dementia in aged people. AD’s neuropathology hallmarks are intrabrain accumulation of amyloid-β peptides (Aβs) and of hyperphosphorylated Tau (p-Tau) proteins, diffuse neuroinflammation, and progressive death of neurons and oligodendrocytes. Mounting evidences suggest that family C G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), which include γ-aminobutyric acid B receptors (GABABRs), metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluR1-8), and the calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR), are involved in many neurotransmitter systems that dysfunction in AD. This review updates the available knowledge about the roles of GPCRs, particularly but not exclusively those expressed by brain astrocytes, in SAD/LOAD onset and progression, taking stock of their respective mechanisms of action and of their potential as anti-AD therapeutic targets. In particular, GABABRs prevent Aβs synthesis and neuronal hyperexcitability and group I mGluRs play important pathogenetic roles in transgenic AD-model animals. Moreover, the specific binding of Aβs to the CaSRs of human cortical astrocytes and neurons cultured in vitro engenders a pathological signaling that crucially promotes the surplus synthesis and release of Aβs and hyperphosphorylated Tau proteins, and also of nitric oxide, vascular endothelial growth factor-A, and proinflammatory agents. Concurrently, Aβs•CaSR signaling hinders the release of soluble (s)APP-α peptide, a neurotrophic agent and GABABR1a agonist. Altogether these effects progressively kill human cortical neurons in vitro and likely also in vivo. Several CaSR’s negative allosteric modulators suppress all the noxious effects elicited by Aβs•CaSR signaling in human cortical astrocytes and neurons thus safeguarding neurons’ viability in vitro and raising hopes about their potential therapeutic benefits in AD patients. Further basic and clinical investigations on these hot topics are needed taking always heed that activation of the several brain family C GPCRs may elicit divergent upshots according to the models studied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Dal Prà
- Human Histology and Embryology Unit, University of Verona Medical School, Verona, Italy
| | - Ubaldo Armato
- Human Histology and Embryology Unit, University of Verona Medical School, Verona, Italy
| | - Anna Chiarini
- Human Histology and Embryology Unit, University of Verona Medical School, Verona, Italy
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25
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Borroto-Escuela DO, Fuxe K. Oligomeric Receptor Complexes and Their Allosteric Receptor-Receptor Interactions in the Plasma Membrane Represent a New Biological Principle for Integration of Signals in the CNS. Front Mol Neurosci 2019; 12:230. [PMID: 31607863 PMCID: PMC6773811 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2019.00230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2018] [Accepted: 09/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) not only exist as monomers but also as homomers and heteromers in which allosteric receptor-receptor interactions take place, modulating the functions of the participating GPCR protomers. GPCRs can also form heteroreceptor complexes with ionotropic receptors and receptor tyrosine kinases modulating their function. Furthermore, adaptor proteins interact with receptor protomers and modulate their interactions. The state of the art is that the allosteric receptor-receptor interactions are reciprocal, highly dynamic and substantially alter the signaling, trafficking, recognition and pharmacology of the participating protomers. The pattern of changes appears to be unique for each heteromer and can favor antagonistic or facilitatory interactions or switch the G protein coupling from e.g., Gi/o to Gq or to beta-arrestin signaling. It lends a new dimension to molecular integration in the nervous system. Future direction should be aimed at determining the receptor interface involving building models of selected heterodimers. This will make design of interface-interfering peptides that specifically disrupt the heterodimer possible. This will help to determine the functional role of the allosteric receptor-receptor interactions as well as the integration of signals at the plasma membrane by the heteroreceptor complexes, vs. integration of the intracellular signaling pathways. Integration of signals also at the plasma membrane seems crucial in view of the hypothesis that learning and memory at a molecular level takes place by reorganization of homo and heteroreceptor complexes in the postsynaptic membrane. Homo and heteroreceptor complexes are in balance with each other, and their disbalance is linked to disease. Targeting heteroreceptor complexes represents a novel strategy for the treatment of brain disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dasiel O. Borroto-Escuela
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Biomolecular Science, Section of Physiology, University of Urbino, Campus Scientifico Enrico Mattei, Urbino, Italy
- Grupo Bohío-Estudio, Observatorio Cubano de Neurociencias, Yaguajay, Cuba
| | - Kjell Fuxe
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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26
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McCullock TW, Kammermeier PJ. Target validation: Weak selectivity of LY341495 for mGluR2 over mGluR4 makes glutamate a less selective agonist. Pharmacol Res Perspect 2019; 7:e00471. [PMID: 31065376 PMCID: PMC6498410 DOI: 10.1002/prp2.471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2018] [Accepted: 02/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) are class C G protein coupled receptors with widespread expression in the central nervous system. There are eight mGluRs in the mammalian genome. Research on mGluRs relies on the availability of selective compounds. While many selective allosteric compounds have been described, selectivity of orthosteric agonists and antagonists has been more difficult due to the similarity of the glutamate binding pocket across the mGluR family. LY341495 has been used for decades as a potent and selective group II mGluR antagonist. The selectivity of LY341495 was investigated here between mGluR2, a group II mGluR, and mGluR4, a group III receptor, heterologously expressed in adult rat sympathetic neurons from the superior cervical ganglion (SCG), which provides a null-mGluR background upon which mGluRs were examined in isolation. The compound does in fact selectively inhibit mGluR2 over mGluR4, but in such a way that it makes signaling of the two receptors more difficult to distinguish. The glutamate potency of mGluR2 is about 10-fold higher than mGluR4. 50 nmol L-1 LY341495 did not alter mGluR4 signaling but shifted the mGluR2 glutamate dose-response about 10-fold, such that it overlapped more closely with that of mGluR4. Increasing the LY341494 dose to 500 nmol L-1 further shifted the glutamate dose-response of mGluR2 by another ~10-fold, but also shifted that of mGluR4 similarly. Thus, while glutamate is a moderately selective agonist of mGluR2 over mGluR4 when applied alone, in the presence of increasing concentrations of LY341495, this selectivity of glutamate is lost.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tyler W. McCullock
- Department of Pharmacology and PhysiologyUniversity of Rochester Medical CenterRochesterNew York
| | - Paul J. Kammermeier
- Department of Pharmacology and PhysiologyUniversity of Rochester Medical CenterRochesterNew York
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27
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Sleno R, Hébert TE. Shaky ground - The nature of metastable GPCR signalling complexes. Neuropharmacology 2019; 152:4-14. [PMID: 30659839 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2019.01.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2018] [Revised: 12/20/2018] [Accepted: 01/16/2019] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
How G protein-coupled receptors (GPCR) interact with one another remains an area of active investigation. Obligate dimers of class C GPCRs such as metabotropic GABA and glutamate receptors are well accepted, although whether this is a general feature of other GPCRs is still strongly debated. In this review, we focus on the idea that GPCR dimers and oligomers are better imagined as parts of larger metastable signalling complexes. We discuss the nature of functional oligomeric entities, their stabilities and kinetic features and how structural and functional asymmetries of such metastable entities might have implications for drug discovery. This article is part of the Special Issue entitled 'Receptor heteromers and their allosteric receptor-receptor interactions'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rory Sleno
- Marketed Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Bureau, Marketed Health Products Directorate, Health Products and Food Branch, Health Canada, Canada
| | - Terence E Hébert
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Canada.
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28
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Bossi S, Helleringer R, Galante M, Monlleó E, Trapero A, Rovira X, Daniel H, Llebaria A, McLean H. A Light-Controlled Allosteric Modulator Unveils a Role for mGlu 4 Receptors During Early Stages of Ischemia in the Rodent Cerebellar Cortex. Front Cell Neurosci 2018; 12:449. [PMID: 30542267 PMCID: PMC6277836 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2018.00449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2018] [Accepted: 11/07/2018] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGlus) are G Protein coupled-receptors that modulate synaptic transmission and plasticity in the central nervous system. Some act as autoreceptors to control neurotransmitter release at excitatory synapses and have become attractive targets for drug therapy to treat certain neurological disorders. However, the high degree of sequence conservation around the glutamate binding site makes the development of subtype-specific orthosteric ligands difficult to achieve. This problem can be circumvented by designing molecules that target specific less well conserved allosteric sites. One such allosteric drug, the photo-switchable compound OptoGluNAM4.1, has been recently employed to reversibly inhibit the activity of metabotropic glutamate 4 (mGlu4) receptors in cell cultures and in vivo. We studied OptoGluNAM4.1 as a negative modulator of neurotransmission in rodent cerebellar slices at the parallel fiber – Purkinje cell synapse. Our data show that OptoGluNAM4.1 antagonizes pharmacological activation of mGlu4 receptors in a fully reversible and photo-controllable manner. In addition, for the first time, this new allosteric modulator allowed us to demonstrate that, in brain slices from the rodent cerebellar cortex, mGlu4 receptors are endogenously activated in excitotoxic conditions, such as the early phases of simulated cerebellar ischemia, which is associated with elevated levels of extracellular glutamate. These findings support OptoGluNAM4.1 as a promising new tool for unraveling the role of mGlu4 receptors in the central nervous system in physio-pathological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Bossi
- Pharmacologie et Biochimie de la Synapse, Institut des Neurosciences Paris-Saclay, Université Paris-Saclay, Université Paris-Sud - CNRS, UMR 9197, Orsay, France
| | - Romain Helleringer
- Pharmacologie et Biochimie de la Synapse, Institut des Neurosciences Paris-Saclay, Université Paris-Saclay, Université Paris-Sud - CNRS, UMR 9197, Orsay, France
| | - Micaela Galante
- Pharmacologie et Biochimie de la Synapse, Institut des Neurosciences Paris-Saclay, Université Paris-Saclay, Université Paris-Sud - CNRS, UMR 9197, Orsay, France
| | - Ester Monlleó
- MCS, Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry, Institute for Advanced Chemistry of Catalonia (IQAC-CSIC), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ana Trapero
- MCS, Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry, Institute for Advanced Chemistry of Catalonia (IQAC-CSIC), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Xavier Rovira
- Molecular Photopharmacology Research Group, The Tissue Repair and Regeneration Laboratory, University of Vic - Central University of Catalonia, Vic, Spain
| | - Hervé Daniel
- Pharmacologie et Biochimie de la Synapse, Institut des Neurosciences Paris-Saclay, Université Paris-Saclay, Université Paris-Sud - CNRS, UMR 9197, Orsay, France
| | - Amadeu Llebaria
- MCS, Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry, Institute for Advanced Chemistry of Catalonia (IQAC-CSIC), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Heather McLean
- Pharmacologie et Biochimie de la Synapse, Institut des Neurosciences Paris-Saclay, Université Paris-Saclay, Université Paris-Sud - CNRS, UMR 9197, Orsay, France
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29
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Spampinato SF, Copani A, Nicoletti F, Sortino MA, Caraci F. Metabotropic Glutamate Receptors in Glial Cells: A New Potential Target for Neuroprotection? Front Mol Neurosci 2018; 11:414. [PMID: 30483053 PMCID: PMC6243036 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2018.00414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2018] [Accepted: 10/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative disorders are characterized by excitotoxicity and neuroinflammation that finally lead to slow neuronal degeneration and death. Although neurons are the principal target, glial cells are important players as they contribute by either exacerbating or dampening the events that lead to neuroinflammation and neuronal damage. A dysfunction of the glutamatergic system is a common event in the pathophysiology of these diseases. Metabotropic glutamate (mGlu) receptors belong to a large family of G protein-coupled receptors largely expressed in neurons as well as in glial cells. They often appear overexpressed in areas involved in neurodegeneration, where they can modulate glutamatergic transmission. Of note, mGlu receptor upregulation may involve microglia or, even more frequently, astrocytes, where their activation causes release of factors potentially able to influence neuronal death. The expression of mGlu receptors has been also reported on oligodendrocytes, a glial cell type specifically involved in the development of multiple sclerosis. Here we will provide a general overview on the possible involvement of mGlu receptors expressed on glial cells in the pathogenesis of different neurodegenerative disorders and the potential use of subtype-selective mGlu receptor ligands as candidate drugs for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders. Negative allosteric modulators (NAM) of mGlu5 receptors might represent a relevant pharmacological tool to develop new neuroprotective strategies in these diseases. Recent evidence suggests that targeting astrocytes and microglia with positive allosteric modulators (PAM) of mGlu3 receptor or oligodendrocytes with mGlu4 PAMS might represent novel pharmacological approaches for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Agata Copani
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.,Institute of Biostructure and Bioimaging, National Research Council, Catania, Italy
| | - Ferdinando Nicoletti
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.,Neuromed, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Pozzilli, Italy
| | - Maria Angela Sortino
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Filippo Caraci
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.,Oasi Research Institute, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Troina, Italy
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30
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Biased agonism and allosteric modulation of metabotropic glutamate receptor 5. Clin Sci (Lond) 2018; 132:2323-2338. [PMID: 30389826 DOI: 10.1042/cs20180374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2018] [Revised: 10/03/2018] [Accepted: 10/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Metabotropic glutamate receptors belong to class C G-protein-coupled receptors and consist of eight subtypes that are ubiquitously expressed throughout the central nervous system. In recent years, the metabotropic glutamate receptor subtype 5 (mGlu5) has emerged as a promising target for a broad range of psychiatric and neurological disorders. Drug discovery programs targetting mGlu5 are primarily focused on development of allosteric modulators that interact with sites distinct from the endogenous agonist glutamate. Significant efforts have seen mGlu5 allosteric modulators progress into clinical trials; however, recent failures due to lack of efficacy or adverse effects indicate a need for a better understanding of the functional consequences of mGlu5 allosteric modulation. Biased agonism is an interrelated phenomenon to allosterism, describing how different ligands acting through the same receptor can differentially influence signaling to distinct transducers and pathways. Emerging evidence demonstrates that allosteric modulators can induce biased pharmacology at the level of intrinsic agonism as well as through differential modulation of orthosteric agonist-signaling pathways. Here, we present key considerations in the discovery and development of mGlu5 allosteric modulators and the opportunities and pitfalls offered by biased agonism and modulation.
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31
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Borroto-Escuela DO, Tarakanov AO, Brito I, Fuxe K. Glutamate heteroreceptor complexes in the brain. Pharmacol Rep 2018; 70:936-950. [PMID: 32002960 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharep.2018.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2018] [Revised: 03/26/2018] [Accepted: 04/09/2018] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
The existence of mGluR, NMDAR, AMPAR and putative KAR heteroreceptor complexes in synaptic and extrasynaptic regions of brain glutamate synapses represents a major integrative mechanism. Our aim in the current article is to analyze if the formation of the different types glutamate hetereceptor complexes involves the contribution of triplet amino acid homologies (protriplets) in a postulated receptor interface based on the triplet puzzle theory. Seven main sets (lists) of receptor pairs in databases were used containing various sets (lists) of human receptor heteromers and nonheteromers obtained from the available scientific publications including the publically available GPCR-hetnet database. Brain mGluR1-mGluR5 and mGluR2-mGluR4 isoreceptor complexes were demonstrated with a predominant extrasynaptic localization at a post- and prejunctional localization. The existence of putative mGluR4-mGluR7 heteroreceptor complexes in the basal ganglia is proposed. Metabotropic glutamate receptor subtypes also participated in the formation of a large number of heteroreceptor complexes like mGluR1-A1R, mGluR5-A2AR, mGluR5-D2R and D2R-A2AR-mGluR5, located in relation to glutamate synapses, especially in the basal ganglia. A putative mGluR1-GABAB1/2 heterocomplex may also exist. NMDAR heteroreceptor complexes were also demonstrated as a fundamental integrative mechanism in the glutamate synapse and its extrasynaptic membranes. It represented fundamental work on inter alia NMDAR-mGluR5, NMDAR-D1R and NMDAR-D2R heteroreceptor complexes involving both antagonistic and facilitatory allosteric receptor-receptor interactions. As to AMPA receptors, a heterocomplex was found for the interaction between IFNgR1 and the AMPAR mediated via the subunit GluA1 which may be of relevance for neuroinflammation. AMPAR-D2R heteroreceptor complexes were also demonstrated. Besides glutamate heteroreceptor complexes and their allosteric receptor-receptor interactions, a significant mechanism for the functional crosstalk can also be phosphorylation and/or reorganization of adapter proteins with dynamic binding to the two receptors modulating the allosteric receptor mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dasiel O Borroto-Escuela
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Biomolecular Science, Section of Physiology, University of Urbino, Campus Scientifico Enrico Mattei, Urbino, Italy.,Grupo Bohío-Estudio, Observatorio Cubano de Neurociencias, Yaguajay, Cuba
| | - Alexander O Tarakanov
- St. Petersburg Institute for Informatics and Automation, Russian Academy of Sciences, Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Ismel Brito
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Grupo Bohío-Estudio, Observatorio Cubano de Neurociencias, Yaguajay, Cuba
| | - Kjell Fuxe
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
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32
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Sleno R, Hébert TE. The Dynamics of GPCR Oligomerization and Their Functional Consequences. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2018; 338:141-171. [PMID: 29699691 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ircmb.2018.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The functional importance of G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) oligomerization remains controversial. Although obligate dimers of class C GPCRs are well accepted, the generalizability of this phenomenon is still strongly debated with respect to other classes of GPCRs. In this review, we focus on understanding the organization and dynamics between receptor equivalents and their signaling partners in oligomeric receptor complexes, with a view toward integrating disparate viewpoints into a unified understanding. We discuss the nature of functional oligomeric entities, and how asymmetries in receptor structure and function created by oligomers might have implications for receptor function as allosteric machines and for future drug discovery.
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33
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Olivero G, Grilli M, Vergassola M, Bonfiglio T, Padolecchia C, Garrone B, Di Giorgio FP, Tongiani S, Usai C, Marchi M, Pittaluga A. 5-HT 2A-mGlu2/3 receptor complex in rat spinal cord glutamatergic nerve endings: A 5-HT 2A to mGlu2/3 signalling to amplify presynaptic mechanism of auto-control of glutamate exocytosis. Neuropharmacology 2018; 133:429-439. [PMID: 29499271 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2018.02.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2017] [Revised: 02/23/2018] [Accepted: 02/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Presynaptic mGlu2/3 autoreceptors exist in rat spinal cord nerve terminals as suggested by the finding that LY379268 inhibited the 15 mM KCl-evoked release of [3H]D-aspartate ([3H]D-Asp) in a LY341495-sensitive manner. Spinal cord glutamatergic nerve terminals also possess presynaptic release-regulating 5-HT2A heteroreceptors. Actually, the 15 mM KCl-evoked [3H]D-Asp exocytosis from spinal cord synaptosomes was reduced by the 5-HT2A agonist (±)DOI, an effect reversed by the 5-HT2A antagonists MDL11,939, MDL100907, ketanserin and trazodone (TZD). We investigated whether mGlu2/3 and 5-HT2A receptors colocalize and cross-talk in these terminals and if 5-HT2A ligands modulate the mGlu2/3-mediated control of glutamate exocytosis. Western blot analysis and confocal microscopy highlighted the presence of mGlu2/3 and 5-HT2A receptor proteins in spinal cord VGLUT1 positive synaptosomes, where mGlu2/3 and 5-HT2A receptor immunoreactivities largely colocalize. Furthermore, mGlu2/3 immunoprecipitates from spinal cord synaptosomes were also 5-HT2A immunopositive. Interestingly, the 100 pM LY379268-induced reduction of the 15 mM KCl-evoked [3H]D-Asp overflow as well as its inhibition by 100 nM (±)DOI became undetectable when the two agonists were concomitantly added. Conversely, 5-HT2A antagonists (MDL11,939, MDL100907, ketanserin and TZD) reinforced the release-regulating activity of mGlu2/3 autoreceptors. Increased expression of mGlu2/3 receptor proteins in synaptosomal plasmamembranes paralleled the gain of function of the mGlu2/3 autoreceptors elicited by 5-HT2A antagonists. Based on these results, we propose that in spinal cord glutamatergic terminals i) mGlu2/3 and 5-HT2A receptors colocalize and interact one each other in an antagonist-like manner, ii) 5-HT2A antagonists are indirect positive allosteric modulator of mGlu2/3 autoreceptors controlling glutamate exocytosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guendalina Olivero
- Department of Pharmacy, DiFAR, Pharmacology and Toxicology Section, Viale Cembrano 4, 16148, Genoa, Italy
| | - Massimo Grilli
- Department of Pharmacy, DiFAR, Pharmacology and Toxicology Section, Viale Cembrano 4, 16148, Genoa, Italy; Center of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV, 16132, Genoa, Italy
| | - Matteo Vergassola
- Department of Pharmacy, DiFAR, Pharmacology and Toxicology Section, Viale Cembrano 4, 16148, Genoa, Italy
| | - Tommaso Bonfiglio
- Department of Pharmacy, DiFAR, Pharmacology and Toxicology Section, Viale Cembrano 4, 16148, Genoa, Italy
| | - Cristina Padolecchia
- Department of Pharmacy, DiFAR, Pharmacology and Toxicology Section, Viale Cembrano 4, 16148, Genoa, Italy
| | - Beatrice Garrone
- Angelini RR&D (Research, Regulatory & Development) - Angelini S.p.A., Piazzale della Stazione Snc, 00071, S. Palomba-Pomezia (Rome), Italy
| | - Francesco Paolo Di Giorgio
- Angelini RR&D (Research, Regulatory & Development) - Angelini S.p.A., Piazzale della Stazione Snc, 00071, S. Palomba-Pomezia (Rome), Italy
| | - Serena Tongiani
- Angelini RR&D (Research, Regulatory & Development) - Angelini S.p.A., Piazzale della Stazione Snc, 00071, S. Palomba-Pomezia (Rome), Italy
| | - Cesare Usai
- Institute of Biophysics, National Research Council, Via De Marini 6, 16149, Genoa, Italy
| | - Mario Marchi
- Department of Pharmacy, DiFAR, Pharmacology and Toxicology Section, Viale Cembrano 4, 16148, Genoa, Italy; Center of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV, 16132, Genoa, Italy
| | - Anna Pittaluga
- Department of Pharmacy, DiFAR, Pharmacology and Toxicology Section, Viale Cembrano 4, 16148, Genoa, Italy; Center of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV, 16132, Genoa, Italy.
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34
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Di Menna L, Joffe ME, Iacovelli L, Orlando R, Lindsley CW, Mairesse J, Gressèns P, Cannella M, Caraci F, Copani A, Bruno V, Battaglia G, Conn PJ, Nicoletti F. Functional partnership between mGlu3 and mGlu5 metabotropic glutamate receptors in the central nervous system. Neuropharmacology 2017; 128:301-313. [PMID: 29079293 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2017.10.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2017] [Revised: 10/09/2017] [Accepted: 10/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
mGlu5 receptors are involved in mechanisms of activity-dependent synaptic plasticity, and are targeted by drugs developed for the treatment of CNS disorders. We report that mGlu3 receptors, which are traditionally linked to the control of neurotransmitter release, support mGlu5 receptor signaling in neurons and largely contribute to the robust mGlu5 receptor-mediated polyphosphoinositide hydrolysis in the early postnatal life. In cortical pyramidal neurons, mGlu3 receptor activation potentiated mGlu5 receptor-mediated somatic Ca2+ mobilization, and mGlu3 receptor-mediated long-term depression in the prefrontal cortex required the endogenous activation of mGlu5 receptors. The interaction between mGlu3 and mGlu5 receptors was also relevant to mechanisms of neuronal toxicity, with mGlu3 receptors shaping the influence of mGlu5 receptors on excitotoxic neuronal death. These findings shed new light into the complex role played by mGlu receptors in physiology and pathology, and suggest reconsideration of some of the current dogmas in the mGlu receptor field.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Max E Joffe
- Vanderbilt Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232-0697, USA
| | - Luisa Iacovelli
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University Sapienza of Roma, 00185 Roma, Italy
| | - Rosamaria Orlando
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University Sapienza of Roma, 00185 Roma, Italy
| | - Craig W Lindsley
- Vanderbilt Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232-0697, USA
| | - Jèrome Mairesse
- PROTECT, INSERM, Université Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, 1141 Paris, France
| | - Pierre Gressèns
- PROTECT, INSERM, Université Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, 1141 Paris, France; Centre for the Developing Brain, Department of Perinatal Health and Imaging, Division of Imaging Sciences and Biomedical Engineering, King's College London, King's Health Partners, St. Thomas' Hospital, London SE1 7EH, United Kingdom
| | | | - Filippo Caraci
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy; I.R.C.C.S. Oasi Maria SS, 94018 Troina, Italy
| | - Agata Copani
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy; Institute of Biostructure and Bioimaging, National Research Council, 95126 Catania, Italy
| | - Valeria Bruno
- I.R.C.C.S. Neuromed, 86077 Pozzilli, Italy; Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University Sapienza of Roma, 00185 Roma, Italy
| | | | - P Jeffrey Conn
- Vanderbilt Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232-0697, USA
| | - Ferdinando Nicoletti
- I.R.C.C.S. Neuromed, 86077 Pozzilli, Italy; Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University Sapienza of Roma, 00185 Roma, Italy.
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35
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Liu J, Zhang Z, Moreno-Delgado D, Dalton JA, Rovira X, Trapero A, Goudet C, Llebaria A, Giraldo J, Yuan Q, Rondard P, Huang S, Liu J, Pin JP. Allosteric control of an asymmetric transduction in a G protein-coupled receptor heterodimer. eLife 2017; 6:26985. [PMID: 28829739 PMCID: PMC5582870 DOI: 10.7554/elife.26985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2017] [Accepted: 08/03/2017] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
GPCRs play critical roles in cell communication. Although GPCRs can form heteromers, their role in signaling remains elusive. Here we used rat metabotropic glutamate (mGlu) receptors as prototypical dimers to study the functional interaction between each subunit. mGluRs can form both constitutive homo- and heterodimers. Whereas both mGlu2 and mGlu4 couple to G proteins, G protein activation is mediated by mGlu4 heptahelical domain (HD) exclusively in mGlu2-4 heterodimers. Such asymmetric transduction results from the action of both the dimeric extracellular domain, and an allosteric activation by the partially-activated non-functional mGlu2 HD. G proteins activation by mGlu2 HD occurs if either the mGlu2 HD is occupied by a positive allosteric modulator or if mGlu4 HD is inhibited by a negative modulator. These data revealed an oriented asymmetry in mGlu heterodimers that can be controlled with allosteric modulators. They provide new insight on the allosteric interaction between subunits in a GPCR dimer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junke Liu
- College of Life Science and Technology, Collaborative Innovation Center for Genetics and Development, and Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of Ministry of Education, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Zongyong Zhang
- College of Life Science and Technology, Collaborative Innovation Center for Genetics and Development, and Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of Ministry of Education, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - David Moreno-Delgado
- Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle, CNRS, INSERM, Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - James Ar Dalton
- Institut de Neurociències and Unitat de Bioestadística, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Network Biomedical Research Center on Mental Health, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Xavier Rovira
- Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle, CNRS, INSERM, Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Ana Trapero
- MCS, Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry and Synthesis, Institute for Advanced Chemistry of Catalonia (IQAC-CSIC), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Cyril Goudet
- Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle, CNRS, INSERM, Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Amadeu Llebaria
- MCS, Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry and Synthesis, Institute for Advanced Chemistry of Catalonia (IQAC-CSIC), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jesús Giraldo
- Institut de Neurociències and Unitat de Bioestadística, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Network Biomedical Research Center on Mental Health, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Qilin Yuan
- College of Life Science and Technology, Collaborative Innovation Center for Genetics and Development, and Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of Ministry of Education, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Philippe Rondard
- Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle, CNRS, INSERM, Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Siluo Huang
- College of Life Science and Technology, Collaborative Innovation Center for Genetics and Development, and Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of Ministry of Education, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jianfeng Liu
- College of Life Science and Technology, Collaborative Innovation Center for Genetics and Development, and Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of Ministry of Education, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jean-Philippe Pin
- Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle, CNRS, INSERM, Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
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36
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Moreno Delgado D, Møller TC, Ster J, Giraldo J, Maurel D, Rovira X, Scholler P, Zwier JM, Perroy J, Durroux T, Trinquet E, Prezeau L, Rondard P, Pin JP. Pharmacological evidence for a metabotropic glutamate receptor heterodimer in neuronal cells. eLife 2017; 6. [PMID: 28661401 PMCID: PMC5540479 DOI: 10.7554/elife.25233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2017] [Accepted: 06/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) are mandatory dimers playing important roles in regulating CNS function. Although assumed to form exclusive homodimers, 16 possible heterodimeric mGluRs have been proposed but their existence in native cells remains elusive. Here, we set up two assays to specifically identify the pharmacological properties of rat mGlu heterodimers composed of mGlu2 and 4 subunits. We used either a heterodimer-specific conformational LRET-based biosensor or a system that guarantees the cell surface targeting of the heterodimer only. We identified mGlu2-4 specific pharmacological fingerprints that were also observed in a neuronal cell line and in lateral perforant path terminals naturally expressing mGlu2 and mGlu4. These results bring strong evidence for the existence of mGlu2-4 heterodimers in native cells. In addition to reporting a general approach to characterize heterodimeric mGluRs, our study opens new avenues to understanding the pathophysiological roles of mGlu heterodimers. DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.25233.001
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Affiliation(s)
- David Moreno Delgado
- Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle (IGF), CNRS, INSERM, Univ. Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Thor C Møller
- Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle (IGF), CNRS, INSERM, Univ. Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Jeanne Ster
- Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle (IGF), CNRS, INSERM, Univ. Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Jesús Giraldo
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuropharmacology and Bioinformatics, Institut de Neurociències and Unitat de Bioestadística, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain.,Network Biomedical Research Center on Mental Health, Madrid, Spain
| | - Damien Maurel
- Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle (IGF), CNRS, INSERM, Univ. Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Xavier Rovira
- Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle (IGF), CNRS, INSERM, Univ. Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Pauline Scholler
- Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle (IGF), CNRS, INSERM, Univ. Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | | | - Julie Perroy
- Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle (IGF), CNRS, INSERM, Univ. Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Thierry Durroux
- Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle (IGF), CNRS, INSERM, Univ. Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | | | - Laurent Prezeau
- Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle (IGF), CNRS, INSERM, Univ. Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Philippe Rondard
- Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle (IGF), CNRS, INSERM, Univ. Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Jean-Philippe Pin
- Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle (IGF), CNRS, INSERM, Univ. Montpellier, Montpellier, France
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37
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Foster DJ, Conn PJ. Allosteric Modulation of GPCRs: New Insights and Potential Utility for Treatment of Schizophrenia and Other CNS Disorders. Neuron 2017; 94:431-446. [PMID: 28472649 PMCID: PMC5482176 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2017.03.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 163] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2016] [Revised: 03/02/2017] [Accepted: 03/09/2017] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) play critical roles in regulating brain function. Recent advances have greatly expanded our understanding of these receptors as complex signaling machines that can adopt numerous conformations and modulate multiple downstream signaling pathways. While agonists and antagonists have traditionally been pursued to target GPCRs, allosteric modulators provide several mechanistic advantages, including the ability to distinguish between closely related receptor subtypes. Recently, the discovery of allosteric ligands that confer bias and modulate some, but not all, of a given receptor's downstream signaling pathways can provide pharmacological modulation of brain circuitry with remarkable precision. In addition, allosteric modulators with unprecedented specificity have been developed that can differentiate between subpopulations of a given receptor subtype based on the receptor's dimerization state. These advances are not only providing insight into the biological roles of specific receptor populations, but hold great promise for treating numerous CNS disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J Foster
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; Vanderbilt Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - P Jeffrey Conn
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; Vanderbilt Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA.
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38
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Maksymetz J, Moran SP, Conn PJ. Targeting metabotropic glutamate receptors for novel treatments of schizophrenia. Mol Brain 2017; 10:15. [PMID: 28446243 PMCID: PMC5405554 DOI: 10.1186/s13041-017-0293-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2016] [Accepted: 04/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Support for the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) hypofunction hypothesis of schizophrenia has led to increasing focus on restoring proper glutamatergic signaling as an approach for treatment of this devastating disease. The ability of metabotropic glutamate (mGlu) receptors to modulate glutamatergic neurotransmission has thus attracted considerable attention for the development of novel antipsychotics. Consisting of eight subtypes classified into three groups based on sequence homology, signal transduction, and pharmacology, the mGlu receptors provide a wide range of targets to modulate NMDAR function as well as glutamate release. Recently, allosteric modulators of mGlu receptors have been developed that allow unprecedented selectivity among subtypes, not just groups, facilitating the investigation of the effects of subtype-specific modulation. In preclinical animal models, positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) of the group I mGlu receptor mGlu5 have efficacy across all three symptom domains of schizophrenia (positive, negative, and cognitive). The discovery and development of mGlu5 PAMs that display unique signal bias suggests that efficacy can be retained while avoiding the neurotoxic effects of earlier compounds. Interestingly, mGlu1 negative allosteric modulators (NAMs) appear efficacious in positive symptom models of the disease but are still in early preclinical development. While selective group II mGlu receptor (mGlu2/3) agonists have reached clinical trials but were unsuccessful, specific mGlu2 or mGlu3 receptor targeting still hold great promise. Genetic studies implicated mGlu2 in the antipsychotic effects of group II agonists and mGlu2 PAMs have since entered into clinical trials. Additionally, mGlu3 appears to play an important role in cognition, may confer neuroprotective effects, and thus is a promising target to alleviate cognitive deficits in schizophrenia. Although group III mGlu receptors (mGlu4/6/7/8) have attracted less attention, mGlu4 agonists and PAMs appear to have efficacy across all three symptoms domains in preclinical models. The recent discovery of heterodimers comprising mGlu2 and mGlu4 may explain the efficacy of mGlu4 selective compounds but this remains to be determined. Taken together, compounds targeting mGlu receptors, specifically subtype-selective allosteric modulators, provide a compelling alternative approach to fill the unmet clinical needs for patients with schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Maksymetz
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232 USA
- Vanderbilt Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Nashville, TN 37232 USA
| | - Sean P. Moran
- Vanderbilt Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Nashville, TN 37232 USA
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232 USA
| | - P. Jeffrey Conn
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232 USA
- Vanderbilt Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Nashville, TN 37232 USA
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232 USA
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39
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Class C G protein-coupled receptors: reviving old couples with new partners. BIOPHYSICS REPORTS 2017; 3:57-63. [PMID: 29238742 PMCID: PMC5719802 DOI: 10.1007/s41048-017-0036-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2016] [Accepted: 01/11/2017] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are key players in cell communication and are encoded by the largest family in our genome. As such, GPCRs represent the main targets in drug development programs. Sequence analysis revealed several classes of GPCRs: the class A rhodopsin-like receptors represent the majority, the class B includes the secretin-like and adhesion GPCRs, the class F includes the frizzled receptors, and the class C includes receptors for the main neurotransmitters, glutamate and GABA, and those for sweet and umami taste and calcium receptors. Class C receptors are far more complex than other GPCRs, being mandatory dimers, with each subunit being composed of several domains. In this review, we summarize our actual knowledge regarding the activation mechanism and subunit organization of class C GPCRs, and how this brings information for many other GPCRs.
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40
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Hellyer S, Leach K, Gregory KJ. Neurobiological insights and novel therapeutic opportunities for CNS disorders from mGlu receptor allosteric and biased modulation. Curr Opin Pharmacol 2017; 32:49-55. [DOI: 10.1016/j.coph.2016.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2016] [Revised: 10/25/2016] [Accepted: 10/26/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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41
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Leach K, Gregory KJ. Molecular insights into allosteric modulation of Class C G protein-coupled receptors. Pharmacol Res 2017; 116:105-118. [DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2016.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2016] [Revised: 11/18/2016] [Accepted: 12/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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42
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Felder CC, Schober DA, Tu Y, Quets A, Xiao H, Watt M, Siuda E, Nisenbaum E, Xiang C, Heinz B, Prieto L, McKinzie DL, Monn JA. Translational Pharmacology of the Metabotropic Glutamate 2 Receptor–Preferring Agonist LY2812223 in the Animal and Human Brain. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2017; 361:190-197. [DOI: 10.1124/jpet.116.237859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2016] [Accepted: 01/12/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
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43
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Niswender CM, Jones CK, Lin X, Bubser M, Gray AT, Blobaum AL, Engers DW, Rodriguez AL, Loch MT, Daniels JS, Lindsley CW, Hopkins CR, Javitch JA, Conn PJ. Development and Antiparkinsonian Activity of VU0418506, a Selective Positive Allosteric Modulator of Metabotropic Glutamate Receptor 4 Homomers without Activity at mGlu2/4 Heteromers. ACS Chem Neurosci 2016; 7:1201-11. [PMID: 27441572 PMCID: PMC5073817 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.6b00036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Metabotropic glutamate receptor 4 (mGlu4) is emerging as a potential therapeutic target for numerous central nervous system indications, including Parkinson's disease (PD). As the glutamate binding sites among the eight mGlu receptors are highly conserved, modulation of receptor activity via allosteric sites within the receptor transmembrane domains using positive and negative allosteric modulators (PAMs and NAMs, respectively) has become a common strategy. We and others have used PAMs targeting mGlu4 to show that potentiation of receptor signaling induces antiparkinsonian activity in a variety of PD animal models, including haloperidol-induced catalepsy and 6-hydroxydopamine-induced lesion. Recently, mGlu4 has been reported to form heteromeric complexes with other mGlu receptor subtypes, such as mGlu2, and the resulting heteromer exhibits a distinct pharmacological profile in response to allosteric modulators. For example, some mGlu4 PAMs do not appear to potentiate glutamate activity when mGlu2 and mGlu4 are coexpressed, whereas other compounds potentiate mGlu4 responses regardless of mGlu2 coexpression. We report here the discovery and characterization of VU0418506, a novel mGlu4 PAM with activity in rodent PD models. Using pharmacological approaches and Complemented Donor-Acceptor resonance energy transfer (CODA-RET) technology, we find that VU0418506 does not potentiate agonist-induced activity when mGlu2 and mGlu4 are heterodimerized, suggesting that the antiparkinsonian action of mGlu4 PAMs can be induced by compounds without activity at mGlu2/4 heteromers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colleen M. Niswender
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
- Vanderbilt Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
- Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
| | - Carrie K. Jones
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
- Vanderbilt Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
- Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
| | - Xin Lin
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York 10032, United States
- Division of Molecular Therapeutics, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, New York 10032, United States
| | - Michael Bubser
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
- Vanderbilt Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
| | - Analisa Thompson Gray
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
- Vanderbilt Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
| | - Anna L. Blobaum
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
- Vanderbilt Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
| | - Darren W. Engers
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
- Vanderbilt Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
| | - Alice L. Rodriguez
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
- Vanderbilt Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
| | - Matthew T. Loch
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
- Vanderbilt Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
| | - J. Scott Daniels
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
- Vanderbilt Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
| | - Craig W. Lindsley
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
- Vanderbilt Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
- Department of Chemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
| | - Corey R. Hopkins
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
- Vanderbilt Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
- Department of Chemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
| | - Jonathan A Javitch
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York 10032, United States
- Department of Pharmacology, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York 10032, United States
- Division of Molecular Therapeutics, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, New York 10032, United States
| | - P. Jeffrey Conn
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
- Vanderbilt Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
- Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
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Lindsley CW, Emmitte KA, Hopkins CR, Bridges TM, Gregory KJ, Niswender CM, Conn PJ. Practical Strategies and Concepts in GPCR Allosteric Modulator Discovery: Recent Advances with Metabotropic Glutamate Receptors. Chem Rev 2016; 116:6707-41. [PMID: 26882314 PMCID: PMC4988345 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.5b00656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 135] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Allosteric modulation of GPCRs has initiated a new era of basic and translational discovery, filled with therapeutic promise yet fraught with caveats. Allosteric ligands stabilize unique conformations of the GPCR that afford fundamentally new receptors, capable of novel pharmacology, unprecedented subtype selectivity, and unique signal bias. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the basics of GPCR allosteric pharmacology, medicinal chemistry, drug metabolism, and validated approaches to address each of the major challenges and caveats. Then, the review narrows focus to highlight recent advances in the discovery of allosteric ligands for metabotropic glutamate receptor subtypes 1-5 and 7 (mGlu1-5,7) highlighting key concepts ("molecular switches", signal bias, heterodimers) and practical solutions to enable the development of tool compounds and clinical candidates. The review closes with a section on late-breaking new advances with allosteric ligands for other GPCRs and emerging data for endogenous allosteric modulators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Craig W. Lindsley
- Vanderbilt Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
- Department of Chemistry, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
| | - Kyle A. Emmitte
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, UNT System College of Pharmacy, University of North Texas Health Science Center, 3500 Camp Bowie Boulevard, Fort Worth, Texas 76107, United States
| | - Corey R. Hopkins
- Vanderbilt Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
| | - Thomas M. Bridges
- Vanderbilt Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
| | - Karen J. Gregory
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, 381 Royal Parade, Parkville VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Colleen M. Niswender
- Vanderbilt Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
- Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
| | - P. Jeffrey Conn
- Vanderbilt Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
- Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
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O'Brien DE, Conn PJ. Neurobiological Insights from mGlu Receptor Allosteric Modulation. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol 2016; 19:pyv133. [PMID: 26647381 PMCID: PMC4886670 DOI: 10.1093/ijnp/pyv133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2015] [Revised: 11/15/2015] [Accepted: 12/02/2015] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Allosteric modulation of metabotropic glutamate (mGlu) receptors offers a promising pharmacological approach to normalize neural circuit dysfunction associated with various psychiatric and neurological disorders. As mGlu receptor allosteric modulators progress through discovery and clinical development, both technical advances and novel tool compounds are providing opportunities to better understand mGlu receptor pharmacology and neurobiology. Recent advances in structural biology are elucidating the structural determinants of mGlu receptor-negative allosteric modulation and supplying the means to resolve active, allosteric modulator-bound mGlu receptors. The discovery and characterization of allosteric modulators with novel pharmacological profiles is uncovering the biological significance of their intrinsic agonist activity, biased mGlu receptor modulation, and novel mGlu receptor heterodimers. The development and exploitation of optogenetic and optopharmacological tools is permitting a refined spatial and temporal understanding of both mGlu receptor functions and their allosteric modulation in intact brain circuits. Together, these lines of research promise to provide a more refined understanding of mGlu receptors and their allosteric modulation that will inform the development of mGlu receptor allosteric modulators as neurotherapeutics in the years to come.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel E O'Brien
- Department of Pharmacology and Vanderbilt Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee (Drs O'Brien and Conn)
| | - P Jeffrey Conn
- Department of Pharmacology and Vanderbilt Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee (Drs O'Brien and Conn).
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Bruno V, Caraci F, Copani A, Matrisciano F, Nicoletti F, Battaglia G. The impact of metabotropic glutamate receptors into active neurodegenerative processes: A "dark side" in the development of new symptomatic treatments for neurologic and psychiatric disorders. Neuropharmacology 2016; 115:180-192. [PMID: 27140693 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2016.04.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2016] [Revised: 04/22/2016] [Accepted: 04/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Metabotropic glutamate (mGlu) receptor ligands are under clinical development for the treatment of CNS disorders with high social and economic burden, such as schizophrenia, major depressive disorder (MDD), and Parkinson's disease (PD), and are promising drug candidates for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD). So far, clinical studies have shown symptomatic effects of mGlu receptor ligands, but it is unknown whether these drugs act as disease modifiers or, at the opposite end, they accelerate disease progression by enhancing neurodegeneration. This is a fundamental issue in the treatment of PD and AD, and is also an emerging theme in the treatment of schizophrenia and MDD, in which neurodegeneration is also present and contribute to disease progression. Moving from in vitro data and preclinical studies, we discuss the potential impact of drugs targeting mGlu2, mGlu3, mGlu4 and mGlu5 receptor ligands on active neurodegeneration associated with AD, PD, schizophrenia, and MDD. We wish to highlight that our final comments on the best drug candidates are not influenced by commercial interests or by previous or ongoing collaborations with drug companies. This article is part of the Special Issue entitled 'Metabotropic Glutamate Receptors, 5 years on'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Bruno
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University Sapienza, 00185 Rome, Italy; I.R.C.C.S. Neuromed, 86077 Pozzilli, Italy.
| | - Filippo Caraci
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy; I.R.C.C.S. Associazione Oasi Maria S.S., Institute for Research on Mental Retardation and Brain Aging, 94018 Troina, Italy
| | - Agata Copani
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy; National Research Council, Institute of Biostructure and Bioimaging (IBB-CNR), 95126 Catania, Italy
| | - Francesco Matrisciano
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, USA
| | - Ferdinando Nicoletti
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University Sapienza, 00185 Rome, Italy; I.R.C.C.S. Neuromed, 86077 Pozzilli, Italy
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Litim N, Morissette M, Di Paolo T. Metabotropic glutamate receptors as therapeutic targets in Parkinson's disease: An update from the last 5 years of research. Neuropharmacology 2016; 115:166-179. [PMID: 27055772 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2016.03.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2015] [Revised: 03/21/2016] [Accepted: 03/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Disturbance of glutamate neurotransmission in Parkinson's disease (PD) and l-DOPA induced dyskinesia (LID) is well documented. This review focuses on advances during the past five years on pharmacological modulation of metabotropic glutamate (mGlu) receptors in relation to anti-parkinsonian activity, LID attenuation, and neuroprotection. Drug design and characterization have led to the development of orthosteric agonists binding the same site as glutamate and Positive and Negative Allosteric modulators (PAMs and NAMs) binding sites different from the orthosteric site and offering subtype selectivity. Inhibition of group I (mGlu1 and mGlu5) receptors with NAMs and activation of group II (mGlu2 and 3 receptors) and group III (mGlu 4, 7 and 8 receptors) with PAMs and orthosteric agonists have shown their potential to inhibit glutamate release and attenuate excitotoxicity. Earlier and recent studies have led to the development of mGlu5 receptors NAMs to reduce LID and for neuroprotection, mGlu3 receptor agonists for neuroprotection while mGlu4 receptor PAMs and agonists for antiparkinsonian effects and neuroprotection. Furthermore, homo- and heterodimers of mGlu receptors are documented and highlight the complexity of the functioning of these receptors. Research on partial allosteric modulators and biased mGlu receptor allosteric modulators offer new glutamatergic drugs with better therapeutic effects and less off target adverse activity. Thus these various mGlu receptor targets will enable the development of novel drugs with improved clinical effects for normalization of glutamate transmission, treat PD and LID relief. This article is part of the Special Issue entitled 'Metabotropic Glutamate Receptors, 5 years on'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadhir Litim
- Neuroscience Research Unit, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec, CHUL, Quebec City, Canada; Faculty of Pharmacy, Laval University, Quebec City, Canada
| | - Marc Morissette
- Neuroscience Research Unit, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec, CHUL, Quebec City, Canada
| | - Thérèse Di Paolo
- Neuroscience Research Unit, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec, CHUL, Quebec City, Canada; Faculty of Pharmacy, Laval University, Quebec City, Canada.
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Di Prisco S, Merega E, Bonfiglio T, Olivero G, Cervetto C, Grilli M, Usai C, Marchi M, Pittaluga A. Presynaptic, release-regulating mGlu2 -preferring and mGlu3 -preferring autoreceptors in CNS: pharmacological profiles and functional roles in demyelinating disease. Br J Pharmacol 2016; 173:1465-77. [PMID: 26791341 DOI: 10.1111/bph.13442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2015] [Revised: 01/08/2016] [Accepted: 01/17/2016] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Presynaptic, release-regulating metabotropic glutamate 2 and 3 (mGlu2/3) autoreceptors exist in the CNS. They represent suitable targets for therapeutic approaches to central diseases that are typified by hyperglutamatergicity. The availability of specific ligands able to differentiate between mGlu2 and mGlu3 subunits allows us to further characterize these autoreceptors. In this study we investigated the pharmacological profile of mGlu2/3 receptors in selected CNS regions and evaluated their functions in mice with experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH The comparative analysis of presynaptic mGlu2/3 autoreceptors was performed by determining the effect of selective mGlu2/3 receptor agonist(s) and antagonist(s) on the release of [(3)H]-D-aspartate from cortical and spinal cord synaptosomes in superfusion. In EAE mice, mGlu2/3 autoreceptor-mediated release functions were investigated and effects of in vivo LY379268 administration on impaired glutamate release examined ex vivo. KEY RESULTS Western blot analysis and confocal microscopy confirmed the presence of presynaptic mGlu2/3 receptor proteins. Cortical synaptosomes possessed LY541850-sensitive, NAAG-insensitive autoreceptors having low affinity for LY379268, while LY541850-insensitive, NAAG-sensitive autoreceptors with high affinity for LY379268 existed in spinal cord terminals. In EAE mice, mGlu2/3 autoreceptors completely lost their inhibitory activity in cortical, but not in spinal cord synaptosomes. In vivo LY379268 administration restored the glutamate exocytosis capability in spinal cord but not in cortical terminals in EAE mice. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS We propose the existence of mGlu2-preferring and mGlu3-preferring autoreceptors in mouse cortex and spinal cord respectively. The mGlu3 -preferring autoreceptors could represent a target for new pharmacological approaches for treating demyelinating diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Di Prisco
- Department of Pharmacy, DiFAR, Pharmacology and Toxicology Section, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Elisa Merega
- Department of Pharmacy, DiFAR, Pharmacology and Toxicology Section, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Tommaso Bonfiglio
- Department of Pharmacy, DiFAR, Pharmacology and Toxicology Section, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Guendalina Olivero
- Department of Pharmacy, DiFAR, Pharmacology and Toxicology Section, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Chiara Cervetto
- Department of Pharmacy, DiFAR, Pharmacology and Toxicology Section, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Massimo Grilli
- Department of Pharmacy, DiFAR, Pharmacology and Toxicology Section, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Cesare Usai
- Institute of Biophysics, National Research Council, Genoa, Italy
| | - Mario Marchi
- Department of Pharmacy, DiFAR, Pharmacology and Toxicology Section, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.,Center of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Anna Pittaluga
- Department of Pharmacy, DiFAR, Pharmacology and Toxicology Section, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.,Center of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
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Gregory KJ, Conn PJ. Molecular Insights into Metabotropic Glutamate Receptor Allosteric Modulation. Mol Pharmacol 2015; 88:188-202. [PMID: 25808929 DOI: 10.1124/mol.114.097220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2014] [Accepted: 03/24/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The metabotropic glutamate (mGlu) receptors are a group of eight family C G protein-coupled receptors that are expressed throughout the central nervous system (CNS) and periphery. Within the CNS the different subtypes are found in neurons, both pre- and/or postsynaptically, where they mediate modulatory roles and in glial cells. The mGlu receptor family provides attractive targets for numerous psychiatric and neurologic disorders, with the majority of discovery programs focused on targeting allosteric sites, with allosteric ligands now available for all mGlu receptor subtypes. However, the development of allosteric ligands remains challenging. Biased modulation, probe dependence, and molecular switches all contribute to the complex molecular pharmacology exhibited by mGlu receptor allosteric ligands. In recent years we have made significant progress in our understanding of this molecular complexity coupled with an increased understanding of the structural basis of mGlu allosteric modulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen J Gregory
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Department of Pharmacology, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria, Australia (K.J.G.); and Vanderbilt Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery & Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee (P.J.C)
| | - P Jeffrey Conn
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Department of Pharmacology, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria, Australia (K.J.G.); and Vanderbilt Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery & Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee (P.J.C)
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50
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Kang HJ, Wilkins AD, Lichtarge O, Wensel TG. Determinants of endogenous ligand specificity divergence among metabotropic glutamate receptors. J Biol Chem 2014; 290:2870-8. [PMID: 25519912 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m114.622233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
To determine the structural origins of diverse ligand response specificities among metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs), we combined computational approaches with mutagenesis and ligand response assays to identify specificity-determining residues in the group I receptor, mGluR1, and the group III receptors, mGluR4 and mGluR7. Among these, mGluR1 responds to L-glutamate effectively, whereas it binds weakly to another endogenous ligand, L-serine-O-phosphate (L-SOP), which antagonizes the effects of L-glutamate. In contrast, mGluR4 has in common with other group III mGluR that it is activated with higher potency and efficacy by L-SOP. mGluR7 differs from mGluR4 and other group III mGluR in that L-glutamate and L-SOP activate it with low potency and efficacy. Enhanced versions of the evolutionary trace (ET) algorithm were used to identify residues that when swapped between mGluR1 and mGluR4 increased the potency of L-SOP inhibition relative to the potency of L-glutamate activation in mGluR1 mutants and others that diminished the potency/efficacy of L-SOP for mGluR4 mutants. In addition, combining ET identified swaps from mGluR4 with one identified by computational docking produced mGluR7 mutants that respond with dramatically enhanced potency/efficacy to L-SOP. These results reveal that an early functional divergence between group I/II and group III involved variation at positions primarily at allosteric sites located outside of binding pockets, whereas a later divergence within group III occurred through sequence variation both at the ligand-binding pocket and at loops near the dimerization interface and interlobe hinge region. They also demonstrate the power of ET for identifying allosteric determinants of evolutionary importance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hye Jin Kang
- From the Graduate Program in Structural and Computational Biology and Molecular Biophysics
| | | | - Olivier Lichtarge
- From the Graduate Program in Structural and Computational Biology and Molecular Biophysics, the Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, and the Verna and Marrs McLean Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Theodore G Wensel
- From the Graduate Program in Structural and Computational Biology and Molecular Biophysics, the Verna and Marrs McLean Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030
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