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Nguyen ATN, Nguyen DTN, Koh HY, Toskov J, MacLean W, Xu A, Zhang D, Webb GI, May LT, Halls ML. The application of artificial intelligence to accelerate G protein-coupled receptor drug discovery. Br J Pharmacol 2024; 181:2371-2384. [PMID: 37161878 DOI: 10.1111/bph.16140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Revised: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The application of artificial intelligence (AI) approaches to drug discovery for G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) is a rapidly expanding area. Artificial intelligence can be used at multiple stages during the drug discovery process, from aiding our understanding of the fundamental actions of GPCRs to the discovery of new ligand-GPCR interactions or the prediction of clinical responses. Here, we provide an overview of the concepts behind artificial intelligence, including the subfields of machine learning and deep learning. We summarise the published applications of artificial intelligence to different stages of the GPCR drug discovery process. Finally, we reflect on the benefits and limitations of artificial intelligence and share our vision for the exciting potential for further development of applications to aid GPCR drug discovery. In addition to making the drug discovery process "faster, smarter and cheaper," we anticipate that the application of artificial intelligence will create exciting new opportunities for GPCR drug discovery. LINKED ARTICLES: This article is part of a themed issue Therapeutic Targeting of G Protein-Coupled Receptors: hot topics from the Australasian Society of Clinical and Experimental Pharmacologists and Toxicologists 2021 Virtual Annual Scientific Meeting. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v181.14/issuetoc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anh T N Nguyen
- Drug Discovery Biology Theme, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Diep T N Nguyen
- Department of Information Technology, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Vietnam National University, Cau Giay, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Huan Yee Koh
- Drug Discovery Biology Theme, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Monash Data Futures Institute and Department of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jason Toskov
- Monash DeepNeuron, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - William MacLean
- Monash DeepNeuron, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Andrew Xu
- Monash DeepNeuron, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Daokun Zhang
- Drug Discovery Biology Theme, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Monash Data Futures Institute and Department of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Geoffrey I Webb
- Monash Data Futures Institute and Department of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Lauren T May
- Drug Discovery Biology Theme, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Michelle L Halls
- Drug Discovery Biology Theme, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
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Ryalls B, Patel M, Sparkes E, Banister SD, Finlay DB, Glass M. Investigating selectivity and bias for G protein subtypes and β-arrestins by synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists at the cannabinoid CB 1 receptor. Biochem Pharmacol 2024; 222:116052. [PMID: 38354957 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2024.116052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
The cannabinoid CB1 receptor (CB1) is a G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) with widespread expression in the central nervous system. This canonically G⍺i/o-coupled receptor mediates the effects of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists (SCRAs). Recreational use of SCRAs is associated with serious adverse health effects, making pharmacological research into these compounds a priority. Several studies have hypothesised that signalling bias may explain the different toxicological profiles between SCRAs and THC. Previous studies have focused on bias between G protein activation measured by cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) inhibition and β-arrestin translocation. In contrast, the current study characterises bias between G⍺ subtypes of the G⍺i/o family and β-arrestins; this method facilitates a more accurate assessment of ligand bias by assessing signals that have not undergone major amplification. We have characterised G protein dissociation and translocation of β-arrestin 1 and 2 using real-time BRET reporters. The responses produced by each SCRA across the G protein subtypes tested were consistent with the responses produced by the reference ligand AMB-FUBINACA. Ligand bias was probed by applying the operational analysis to determine biases within the G⍺i/o family, and between G protein subtypes and β-arrestins. Overall, these results confirm SCRAs to be balanced, high-efficacy ligands compared to the low efficacy ligand THC, with only one SCRA, 4CN-MPP-BUT7IACA, demonstrating statistically significant bias in one pathway comparison (towards β-arrestin 1 when compared with G⍺oA/oB). This suggests that the adverse effects caused by SCRAs are due to high potency and efficacy at CB1, rather than biased agonism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beth Ryalls
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand. PO Box 56, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand
| | - Monica Patel
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand. PO Box 56, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand
| | - Eric Sparkes
- School of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Samuel D Banister
- School of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - David B Finlay
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand. PO Box 56, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand
| | - Michelle Glass
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand. PO Box 56, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand; Institute of Environmental Science and Research Limited (ESR) Kenepuru Science Centre: 34 Kenepuru Drive, Kenepuru, Porirua 5022, New Zealand.
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Jacobson KA, Pradhan B, Wen Z, Pramanik A. New paradigms in purinergic receptor ligand discovery. Neuropharmacology 2023; 230:109503. [PMID: 36921890 PMCID: PMC10233512 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2023.109503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023]
Abstract
The discovery and clinical implementation of modulators of adenosine, P2Y and P2X receptors (comprising nineteen subtypes) have progressed dramatically in ∼50 years since Burnstock's definition of purinergic signaling. Although most clinical trials of selective ligands (agonists and antagonists) of certain purinergic receptors failed, there is a renewed impetus to redirect efforts to new disease conditions and the discovery of more selective or targeted compounds with potentially reduced side effects, such as biased GPCR agonists. The elucidation of new receptor and enzyme structures is steering rational design of potent and selective agonists, antagonists, allosteric modulators and inhibitors. A2A adenosine receptor (AR) antagonists are being applied to neurodegenerative conditions and cancer immunotherapy. A3AR agonists have potential for treating chronic inflammation (e.g. psoriasis), stroke and pain, as well as cancer. P2YR modulators are being considered for treating inflammation, metabolic disorders, acute kidney injury, cancer, pain and other conditions, often with an immune mechanism. ADP-activated P2Y12R antagonists are widely used as antithrombotic drugs, while their repurposing toward neuroinflammation is considered. P2X3 antagonists have been in clinical trials for chronic cough. P2X7 antagonists have been in clinical trials for inflammatory diseases and depression (compounds that penetrate the blood-brain barrier). Thus, purinergic signaling is now recognized as an immense regulatory system in the body for rebalancing tissues and organs under stress, which can be adjusted by drug intervention for therapeutic purposes. The lack of success of many previous clinical trials can be overcome given more advanced pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic approaches, including structure-based drug design, prodrugs and biased signaling. This article is part of the Special Issue on "Purinergic Signaling: 50 years".
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth A Jacobson
- Molecular Recognition Section, Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, 9000 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA.
| | - Balaram Pradhan
- Molecular Recognition Section, Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, 9000 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA.
| | - Zhiwei Wen
- Molecular Recognition Section, Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, 9000 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA.
| | - Asmita Pramanik
- Molecular Recognition Section, Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, 9000 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA.
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Awalt JK, Nguyen ATN, Fyfe TJ, Thai BS, White PJ, Christopoulos A, Jörg M, May LT, Scammells PJ. Examining the Role of the Linker in Bitopic N6-Substituted Adenosine Derivatives Acting as Biased Adenosine A 1 Receptor Agonists. J Med Chem 2022; 65:9076-9095. [PMID: 35729775 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c00320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The adenosine A1 receptor is a therapeutic target based on its ability to provide cardioprotection during episodes of myocardial ischemia and reperfusion injury. However, the clinical translation of A1R agonists has been hindered by dose-limiting adverse effects (bradycardia and hypotension). Previously, we demonstrated that the bitopic agonist VCP746 (1), consisting of an adenosine pharmacophore linked to an allosteric moiety, can stimulate cardioprotective A1R signaling effects in the absence of unwanted bradycardia. This study maps the structure-activity relationships of 1 through modifications to the linker moiety. Derivatives differing in the flexibility, length, and nature of the linker were assessed, which revealed that the linker is tolerant of several modifications including added rigidity. Ligands featuring 1,4-disubstituted 1,2,3-triazoles were the most biased of the novel analogues but also displayed sub-nanomolar potency in a cAMP accumulation assay at the A2BR. To our knowledge, 10 is the most potent A2BR agonist published to date.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jon Kyle Awalt
- Medicinal Chemistry, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Anh T N Nguyen
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Tim J Fyfe
- Medicinal Chemistry, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Bui San Thai
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Paul J White
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Arthur Christopoulos
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Manuela Jörg
- Medicinal Chemistry, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Lauren T May
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Peter J Scammells
- Medicinal Chemistry, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
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IJzerman AP, Jacobson KA, Müller CE, Cronstein BN, Cunha RA. International Union of Basic and Clinical Pharmacology. CXII: Adenosine Receptors: A Further Update. Pharmacol Rev 2022; 74:340-372. [PMID: 35302044 PMCID: PMC8973513 DOI: 10.1124/pharmrev.121.000445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Our previous International Union of Basic and Clinical Pharmacology report on the nomenclature and classification of adenosine receptors (2011) contained a number of emerging developments with respect to this G protein-coupled receptor subfamily, including protein structure, protein oligomerization, protein diversity, and allosteric modulation by small molecules. Since then, a wealth of new data and results has been added, allowing us to explore novel concepts such as target binding kinetics and biased signaling of adenosine receptors, to examine a multitude of receptor structures and novel ligands, to gauge new pharmacology, and to evaluate clinical trials with adenosine receptor ligands. This review should therefore be considered a further update of our previous reports from 2001 and 2011. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Adenosine receptors (ARs) are of continuing interest for future treatment of chronic and acute disease conditions, including inflammatory diseases, neurodegenerative afflictions, and cancer. The design of AR agonists ("biased" or not) and antagonists is largely structure based now, thanks to the tremendous progress in AR structural biology. The A2A- and A2BAR appear to modulate the immune response in tumor biology. Many clinical trials for this indication are ongoing, whereas an A2AAR antagonist (istradefylline) has been approved as an anti-Parkinson agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriaan P IJzerman
- Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands (A.P.IJ.); National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, Molecular Recognition Section, Bethesda, Maryland (K.A.J.); Universität Bonn, Bonn, Germany (C.E.M.); New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York (B.N.C.); and Center for Neurosciences and Cell Biology and Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal (R.A.C.)
| | - Kenneth A Jacobson
- Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands (A.P.IJ.); National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, Molecular Recognition Section, Bethesda, Maryland (K.A.J.); Universität Bonn, Bonn, Germany (C.E.M.); New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York (B.N.C.); and Center for Neurosciences and Cell Biology and Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal (R.A.C.)
| | - Christa E Müller
- Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands (A.P.IJ.); National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, Molecular Recognition Section, Bethesda, Maryland (K.A.J.); Universität Bonn, Bonn, Germany (C.E.M.); New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York (B.N.C.); and Center for Neurosciences and Cell Biology and Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal (R.A.C.)
| | - Bruce N Cronstein
- Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands (A.P.IJ.); National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, Molecular Recognition Section, Bethesda, Maryland (K.A.J.); Universität Bonn, Bonn, Germany (C.E.M.); New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York (B.N.C.); and Center for Neurosciences and Cell Biology and Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal (R.A.C.)
| | - Rodrigo A Cunha
- Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands (A.P.IJ.); National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, Molecular Recognition Section, Bethesda, Maryland (K.A.J.); Universität Bonn, Bonn, Germany (C.E.M.); New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York (B.N.C.); and Center for Neurosciences and Cell Biology and Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal (R.A.C.)
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Wang J, Bhattarai A, Do HN, Akhter S, Miao Y. Molecular Simulations and Drug Discovery of Adenosine Receptors. Molecules 2022; 27:2054. [PMID: 35408454 PMCID: PMC9000248 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27072054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) represent the largest family of human membrane proteins. Four subtypes of adenosine receptors (ARs), the A1AR, A2AAR, A2BAR and A3AR, each with a unique pharmacological profile and distribution within the tissues in the human body, mediate many physiological functions and serve as critical drug targets for treating numerous human diseases including cancer, neuropathic pain, cardiac ischemia, stroke and diabetes. The A1AR and A3AR preferentially couple to the Gi/o proteins, while the A2AAR and A2BAR prefer coupling to the Gs proteins. Adenosine receptors were the first subclass of GPCRs that had experimental structures determined in complex with distinct G proteins. Here, we will review recent studies in molecular simulations and computer-aided drug discovery of the adenosine receptors and also highlight their future research opportunities.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Yinglong Miao
- Center for Computational Biology and Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66047, USA; (J.W.); (A.B.); (H.N.D.); (S.A.)
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Kotulova J, Lonova K, Kubickova A, Vrbkova J, Kourilova P, Hajduch M, Dzubak P. 2‑Cl‑IB‑MECA regulates the proliferative and drug resistance pathways, and facilitates chemosensitivity in pancreatic and liver cancer cell lines. Int J Mol Med 2022; 49:31. [PMID: 35039871 PMCID: PMC8788926 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2022.5086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Specific A3 adenosine receptor (A3AR) agonist, 2-chloro-N6-(3-iodobenzyl)-5′-N-methylcarboxamidoadenosine (2-Cl-IB-MECA), demonstrates anti-proliferative effects on various types of tumor. In the present study, the cytotoxicity of 2-Cl-IB-MECA was analyzed in a panel of tumor and non-tumor cell lines and its anticancer mechanisms in JoPaca-1 pancreatic and Hep-3B hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines were also investigated. Initially, decreased tumor cell proliferation, cell accumulation in the G1 phase and inhibition of DNA and RNA synthesis was found. Furthermore, western blot analysis showed decreased protein expression level of β-catenin, patched1 (Ptch1) and glioma-associated oncogene homolog zinc finger protein 1 (Gli1), which are components of the Wnt/β-catenin and Sonic hedgehog/Ptch/Gli transduction pathways. In concordance with these findings, the protein expression levels of cyclin D1 and c-Myc were reduced. Using a luciferase assay, it was revealed for the first time a decrease in β-catenin transcriptional activity, as an early event following 2-Cl-IB-MECA treatment. In addition, the protein expression levels of multidrug resistance-associated protein 1 and P-glycoprotein (P-gp) were reduced and the P-gp xenobiotic efflux function was also reduced. Next, the enhancing effects of 2-Cl-IB-MECA on the cytotoxicity of conventional chemotherapy was investigated. It was found that 2-Cl-IB-MECA enhanced carboplatin and doxorubicin cytotoxic effects in the JoPaca-1 and Hep-3B cell lines, and a greater synergy was found in the highly tumorigenic JoPaca-1 cell line. This provides a novel in vitro rationale for the utiliza- tion of 2-Cl-IB-MECA in combination with chemotherapeutic agents, not only for hepatocellular carcinoma, but also for pancreatic cancer. Other currently used conventional chemo- therapeutics, fluorouracil and gemcitabine, showed synergy only when combined with high doses of 2-Cl-IB-MECA. Notably, experiments with A3AR-specific antagonist, N-[9-Chloro-2-(2-furanyl)(1,2,4)-triazolo(1,5-c)quinazolin-5-yl] benzene acetamide, revealed that 2-Cl-IB-MECA had antitumor effects via both A3AR-dependent and -independent pathways. In conclusion, the present study identified novel antitumor mechanisms of 2-Cl-IB-MECA in pancreatic and hepatocellular carcinoma in vitro that further underscores the importance of A3AR agonists in cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jana Kotulova
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University Olomouc, 77900 Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Katerina Lonova
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University Olomouc, 77900 Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Agata Kubickova
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University Olomouc, 77900 Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Jana Vrbkova
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University Olomouc, 77900 Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Pavla Kourilova
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University Olomouc, 77900 Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Marian Hajduch
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University Olomouc, 77900 Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Dzubak
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University Olomouc, 77900 Olomouc, Czech Republic
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Oliveira NF, Silva CLM. Unveiling the Potential of Purinergic Signaling in Schistosomiasis Treatment. Curr Top Med Chem 2021; 21:193-204. [PMID: 32972342 DOI: 10.2174/1568026620666200924115113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Revised: 08/15/2020] [Accepted: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease. It is related to long-lasting granulomatous fibrosis and inflammation of target organs, and current sub-optimal pharmacological treatment creates global public health concerns. Intravascular worms and eggs release antigens and extracellular vesicles that target host endothelial cells, modulate the immune system, and stimulate the release of damageassociated molecular patterns (DAMPs). ATP, one of the most studied DAMPs, triggers a cascade of autocrine and paracrine actions through purinergic P2X and P2Y receptors, which are shaped by ectonucleotidases (CD39). Both P2 receptor families, and in particular P2Y1, P2Y2, P2Y12, and P2X7 receptors, have been attracting increasing interest in several inflammatory diseases and drug development. Current data obtained from the murine model unveiled a CD39-ADP-P2Y1/P2Y12 receptors signaling pathway linked to the liver and mesenteric exacerbations of schistosomal inflammation. Therefore, we proposed that members of this purinergic signaling could be putative pharmacological targets to reduce schistosomal morbidity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathália Ferreira Oliveira
- Laboratory of Molecular and Biochemical Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Claudia Lucia Martins Silva
- Laboratory of Molecular and Biochemical Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Man S, Lu Y, Yin L, Cheng X, Ma L. Potential and promising anticancer drugs from adenosine and its analogs. Drug Discov Today 2021; 26:1490-1500. [PMID: 33639248 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2021.02.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2020] [Revised: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, many studies have shown that adenosine has efficacy for treating cancer. More importantly, some adenosine analogs have been successfully marketed to fulfill anticancer purposes. In this review, we summarize the anticancer effects of adenosine and its analogs in clinical trials and preclinical studies, with focus on their anticancer mechanisms. In addition, we link the anticancer activities of adenosine analogs with their structures through structure-activity relationship (SAR) analysis, and highlight additional promising anticancer drug candidates. We hope that this review will be of help in understanding the importance of adenosine and its analogs with anticancer activities and directing future research and development of such compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuli Man
- State Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Safety, Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, Ministry of Education, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Industry Microbiology, National and Local United Engineering Lab of Metabolic Control Fermentation Technology, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Food Nutrition/Safety and Medicinal Chemistry, College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science & Technology, Tianjin 300457, China
| | - Yingying Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Safety, Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, Ministry of Education, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Industry Microbiology, National and Local United Engineering Lab of Metabolic Control Fermentation Technology, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Food Nutrition/Safety and Medicinal Chemistry, College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science & Technology, Tianjin 300457, China
| | - Lijuan Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Safety, Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, Ministry of Education, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Industry Microbiology, National and Local United Engineering Lab of Metabolic Control Fermentation Technology, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Food Nutrition/Safety and Medicinal Chemistry, College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science & Technology, Tianjin 300457, China
| | - Xinkuan Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Safety, Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, Ministry of Education, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Industry Microbiology, National and Local United Engineering Lab of Metabolic Control Fermentation Technology, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Food Nutrition/Safety and Medicinal Chemistry, College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science & Technology, Tianjin 300457, China
| | - Long Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Safety, Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, Ministry of Education, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Industry Microbiology, National and Local United Engineering Lab of Metabolic Control Fermentation Technology, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Food Nutrition/Safety and Medicinal Chemistry, College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science & Technology, Tianjin 300457, China.
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10
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McNeill SM, Baltos JA, White PJ, May LT. Biased agonism at adenosine receptors. Cell Signal 2021; 82:109954. [PMID: 33610717 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2021.109954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Revised: 02/11/2021] [Accepted: 02/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Adenosine modulates many aspects of human physiology and pathophysiology through binding to the adenosine family of G protein-coupled receptors, which are comprised of four subtypes, the A1R, A2AR, A2BR and A3R. Modulation of adenosine receptor function by exogenous agonists, antagonists and allosteric modulators can be beneficial for a number of conditions including cardiovascular disease, Parkinson's disease, and cancer. Unfortunately, many preclinical drug candidates targeting adenosine receptors have failed in clinical trials due to limited efficacy and/or severe on-target undesired effects. To overcome the key barriers typically encountered when transitioning adenosine receptor ligands into the clinic, research efforts have focussed on exploiting the phenomenon of biased agonism. Biased agonism provides the opportunity to develop ligands that favour therapeutic signalling pathways, whilst avoiding signalling associated with on-target undesired effects. Recent studies have begun to define the structure-function relationships that underpin adenosine receptor biased agonism and establish how this phenomenon can be harnessed therapeutically. In this review we describe the recent advancements made towards achieving therapeutically relevant biased agonism at adenosine receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha M McNeill
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Jo-Anne Baltos
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Department of Pharmacology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
| | - Paul J White
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Lauren T May
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Department of Pharmacology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
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11
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Salmaso V, Jacobson KA. Purinergic Signaling: Impact of GPCR Structures on Rational Drug Design. ChemMedChem 2020; 15:1958-1973. [PMID: 32803849 PMCID: PMC8276773 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202000465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The purinergic signaling system includes membrane-bound receptors for extracellular purines and pyrimidines, and enzymes/transporters that regulate receptor activation by endogenous agonists. Receptors include: adenosine (A1 , A2A , A2B, and A3 ) and P2Y (P2Y1 , P2Y2 , P2Y4 , P2Y6 , P2Y11 , P2Y12 , P2Y13 , and P2Y14 ) receptors (all GPCRs), as well as P2X receptors (ion channels). Receptor activation, especially accompanying physiological stress or damage, creates a temporal sequence of signaling to counteract this stress and either mobilize (P2Rs) or suppress (ARs) immune responses. Thus, modulation of this large signaling family has broad potential for treating chronic diseases. Experimentally determined structures represent each of the three receptor families. We focus on selective purinergic agonists (A1 , A3 ), antagonists (A3 , P2Y14 ), and allosteric modulators (P2Y1 , A3 ). Examples of applying structure-based design, including the rational modification of known ligands, are presented for antithrombotic P2Y1 R antagonists and anti-inflammatory P2Y14 R antagonists and A3 AR agonists. A3 AR agonists are a potential, nonaddictive treatment for chronic neuropathic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Salmaso
- Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry, National Institute of Diabetes & Digestive & Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Kenneth A Jacobson
- Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry, National Institute of Diabetes & Digestive & Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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12
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Jain AR, Robinson AS. Functional Expression of Adenosine A 3 Receptor in Yeast Utilizing a Chimera with the A 2AR C-Terminus. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E4547. [PMID: 32604732 PMCID: PMC7352405 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21124547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2020] [Revised: 06/21/2020] [Accepted: 06/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The adenosine A3 receptor (A3R) is the only adenosine receptor subtype to be overexpressed in inflammatory and cancer cells and therefore is considered a novel and promising therapeutic target for inflammatory diseases and cancer. Heterologous expression of A3R at levels to allow biophysical characterization is a major bottleneck in structure-guided drug discovery efforts. Here, we apply protein engineering using chimeric receptors to improve expression and activity in yeast. Previously we had reported improved expression and trafficking of the chimeric A1R variant using a similar approach. In this report, we constructed chimeric A3/A2AR comprising the N-terminus and transmembrane domains from A3R (residues 1-284) and the cytoplasmic C-terminus of the A2AR (residues 291-412). The chimeric receptor showed approximately 2-fold improved expression with a 2-fold decreased unfolded protein response when compared to wild type A3R. Moreover, by varying culture conditions such as initial cell density and induction temperature a further 1.7-fold increase in total receptor yields was obtained. We observed native-like coupling of the chimeric receptor to Gai-Gpa1 in engineered yeast strains, activating the downstream, modified MAPK pathway. This strategy of utilizing chimeric receptor variants in yeast thus provides an exciting opportunity to improve expression and activity of "difficult-to-express" receptors, expanding the opportunity for utilizing yeast in drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhinav R. Jain
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Tulane University, 6823 St Charles Ave, New Orleans, LA 70118, USA;
| | - Anne S. Robinson
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Tulane University, 6823 St Charles Ave, New Orleans, LA 70118, USA;
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, 5000 Forbes Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
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13
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Pottie E, Tosh DK, Gao ZG, Jacobson KA, Stove CP. Assessment of biased agonism at the A 3 adenosine receptor using β-arrestin and miniGα i recruitment assays. Biochem Pharmacol 2020; 177:113934. [PMID: 32224136 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2020.113934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2020] [Accepted: 03/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The A3 adenosine receptor (A3AR) is a G protein-coupled receptor that is involved in a wide variety of physiological and pathological processes, such as cancer. However, the use of compounds pharmacologically targeting this receptor remains limited in clinical practice, despite extensive efforts for compound synthesis. Moreover, the possible occurrence of biased agonism further complicates the interpretation of the functional characteristics of compounds. Hence the need for simple assays, which are comparable in terms of the used cell lines and read-out technique. We previously established a stable β-arrestin 2 (βarr2) bioassay, employing a simple, luminescent read-out via functional complementation of a split nanoluciferase enzyme. Here, we developed a complementary, new bioassay in which coupling of an engineered miniGαi protein to activated A3AR is monitored using a similar approach. Application of both bioassays for the concurrent determination of the potencies and efficacies of a set of 19 N6-substituted adenosine analogues not only allowed for the characterization of structure-activity relationships, but also for the quantification of biased agonism. Although a broad distribution in potency and efficacy values was obtained within the test panel, no significant bias was observed toward either the βarr2 or miniGαi pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eline Pottie
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Campus Heymans, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Dilip K Tosh
- Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry, National Institute of Diabetes & Digestive & Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20802, USA
| | - Zhan-Guo Gao
- Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry, National Institute of Diabetes & Digestive & Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20802, USA
| | - Kenneth A Jacobson
- Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry, National Institute of Diabetes & Digestive & Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20802, USA
| | - Christophe P Stove
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Campus Heymans, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium.
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14
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Patel M, Manning JJ, Finlay DB, Javitch JA, Banister SD, Grimsey NL, Glass M. Signalling profiles of a structurally diverse panel of synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists. Biochem Pharmacol 2020; 175:113871. [PMID: 32088263 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2020.113871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2019] [Accepted: 02/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists (SCRAs) represent the most rapidly proliferating class of "designer drugs" or "new psychoactive substances". SCRAs offer unregulated alternatives to cannabis that evade routine drug tests, but their use is increasingly associated with severe toxicity and death worldwide. Little is currently known about SCRA molecular pharmacology, or the mechanisms underpinning their toxicity, although the effects are believed to be primarily mediated by the type 1 cannabinoid receptor (CB1). In this study, we aimed to characterise the signalling profiles of a structurally diverse panel of novel SCRAs at CB1. We compare SCRAs to traditional reference cannabinoids CP55,940, WIN55,212-2, and THC. The activity of the SCRAs was assessed in key receptor signalling and regulatory pathways, including cAMP production, translocation of β-arrestin 1 and 2, and receptor internalisation. The activity profiles of the ligands were also evaluated using operational analysis to identify ligand bias. Results revealed that SCRAs activities were relatively balanced in the pathways evaluated (compared to WIN55,212-2), although 5F-CUMYL-P7AICA and XLR-11 possessed partial efficacy in cAMP stimulation and β-arrestin translocation. Notably, the SCRAs showed distinct potency and efficacy profiles compared to THC. In particular, while the majority of SCRAs demonstrated robust β-arrestin translocation, cAMP stimulation, and internalisation, THC failed to elicit high efficacy responses in any of these assays. Further study is required to delineate if these pathways could contribute to SCRA toxicity in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Patel
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand; Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Jamie J Manning
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - David B Finlay
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Jonathan A Javitch
- Department of Psychiatry and Pharmacology, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, United States; Division of Molecular Therapeutics, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, United States
| | - Samuel D Banister
- Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, NSW, Australia; School of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Natasha L Grimsey
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Michelle Glass
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.
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15
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Diez-Alarcia R, Yáñez-Pérez V, Muneta-Arrate I, Arrasate S, Lete E, Meana JJ, González-Díaz H. Big Data Challenges Targeting Proteins in GPCR Signaling Pathways; Combining PTML-ChEMBL Models and [ 35S]GTPγS Binding Assays. ACS Chem Neurosci 2019; 10:4476-4491. [PMID: 31618004 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.9b00302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), also known as 7-transmembrane receptors, are the single largest class of drug targets. Consequently, a large amount of preclinical assays having GPCRs as molecular targets has been released to public sources like the Chemical European Molecular Biology Laboratory (ChEMBL) database. These data are also very complex covering changes in drug chemical structure and assay conditions like c0 = activity parameter (Ki, IC50, etc.), c1 = target protein, c2 = cell line, c3 = assay organism, etc., making difficult the analysis of these databases that are placed in the borders of a Big Data challenge. One of the aims of this work is to develop a computational model able to predict new GPCRs targeting drugs taking into consideration multiple conditions of assay. Another objective is to perform new predictive and experimental studies of selective 5-HTA2 receptor agonist, antagonist, or inverse agonist in human comparing the results with those from the literature. In this work, we combined Perturbation Theory (PT) and Machine Learning (ML) to seek a general PTML model for this data set. We analyzed 343 738 unique compounds with 812 072 end points (assay outcomes), with 185 different experimental parameters, 592 protein targets, 51 cell lines, and/or 55 organisms (species). The best PTML linear model found has three input variables only and predicted 56 202/58 653 positive outcomes (sensitivity = 95.8%) and 470 230/550 401 control cases (specificity = 85.4%) in training series. The model also predicted correctly 18 732/19 549 (95.8%) of positive outcomes and 156 739/183 469 (85.4%) of cases in external validation series. To illustrate its practical use, we used the model to predict the outcomes of six different 5-HT2A receptor drugs, namely, TCB-2, DOI, DOB, altanserin, pimavanserin, and nelotanserin, in a very large number of different pharmacological assays. 5-HT2A receptors are altered in schizophrenia and represent drug target for antipsychotic therapeutic activity. The model correctly predicted 93.83% (76 of 86) experimental results for these compounds reported in ChEMBL. Moreover, [35S]GTPγS binding assays were performed experimentally with the same six drugs with the aim of determining their potency and efficacy in the modulation of G-proteins in human brain tissue. The antagonist ketanserin was included as inactive drug with demonstrated affinity for 5-HT2A/C receptors. Our results demonstrate that some of these drugs, previously described as serotonin 5-HT2A receptor agonists, antagonists, or inverse agonists, are not so specific and show different intrinsic activity to that previously reported. Overall, this work opens a new gate for the prediction of GPCRs targeting compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebeca Diez-Alarcia
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Salud Mental, 48940 Leioa, Spain
| | | | | | | | | | - J. Javier Meana
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Salud Mental, 48940 Leioa, Spain
| | - Humbert González-Díaz
- Biophysics Institute, CSIC-UPV/EHU, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Leioa, 48940, Spain
- IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, 48011 Bilbao, Spain
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16
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Stamatis D, Lagarias P, Barkan K, Vrontaki E, Ladds G, Kolocouris A. Structural Characterization of Agonist Binding to an A 3 Adenosine Receptor through Biomolecular Simulations and Mutagenesis Experiments. J Med Chem 2019; 62:8831-8846. [PMID: 31502843 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.9b01164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The adenosine A3 receptor (A3R) binds adenosine and is a drug target against cancer cell proliferation. Currently, there is no experimental structure of A3R. Here, we have generated a molecular model of A3R in complex with two agonists, the nonselective 1-(6-amino-9H-purin-9-yl)-1-deoxy-N-ethyl-β-d-ribofuranuronamide (NECA) and the selective 1-deoxy-1-[6-[[(3-iodophenyl)methyl]amino]-9H-purin-9-yl]-N-methyl-β-d-ribofuranuronamide (IB-MECA). Molecular dynamics simulations of the wild-type A3R in complex with both agonists, combined with in vitro mutagenic studies revealed important residues for binding. Further, molecular mechanics-generalized Born surface area calculations were able to distinguish mutations that reduce or negate agonistic activity from those that maintained or increased the activity. Our studies reveal that selectivity of IB-MECA toward A3R requires not only direct interactions with residues within the orthosteric binding area but also with remote residues. Although V1695.30 is considered to be a selectivity filter for A3R binders, when it was mutated to glutamic acid or alanine, the activity of IB-MECA increased by making new van der Waals contacts with TM5. This result may have implications in the design of new A3R agonists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitrios Stamatis
- Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Department of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences , National and Kapodistrian University of Athens , Panepistimiopolis-Zografou , 15771 Athens , Greece
| | - Panagiotis Lagarias
- Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Department of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences , National and Kapodistrian University of Athens , Panepistimiopolis-Zografou , 15771 Athens , Greece
| | - Kerry Barkan
- Department of Pharmacology , University of Cambridge , Tennis Court Road , CB2 1PD Cambridge U.K
| | - Eleni Vrontaki
- Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Department of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences , National and Kapodistrian University of Athens , Panepistimiopolis-Zografou , 15771 Athens , Greece
| | - Graham Ladds
- Department of Pharmacology , University of Cambridge , Tennis Court Road , CB2 1PD Cambridge U.K
| | - Antonios Kolocouris
- Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Department of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences , National and Kapodistrian University of Athens , Panepistimiopolis-Zografou , 15771 Athens , Greece
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17
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Mahmod Al-Qattan MN, Mordi MN. Molecular Basis of Modulating Adenosine Receptors Activities. Curr Pharm Des 2019; 25:817-831. [DOI: 10.2174/1381612825666190304122624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2019] [Accepted: 02/26/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Modulating cellular processes through extracellular chemical stimuli is medicinally an attractive approach to control disease conditions. GPCRs are the most important group of transmembranal receptors that produce different patterns of activations using intracellular mediators (such as G-proteins and Beta-arrestins). Adenosine receptors (ARs) belong to GPCR class and are divided into A1AR, A2AAR, A2BAR and A3AR. ARs control different physiological activities thus considered valuable target to control neural, heart, inflammatory and other metabolic disorders. Targeting ARs using small molecules essentially works by binding orthosteric and/or allosteric sites of the receptors. Although targeting orthosteric site is considered typical to modulate receptor activity, allosteric sites provide better subtype selectivity, saturable modulation of activity and variable activation patterns. Each receptor exists in dynamical equilibrium between conformational ensembles. The equilibrium is affected by receptor interaction with other molecules. Changing the population of conformational ensembles of the receptor is the method by which orthosteric, allosteric and other cellular components control receptor signaling. Herein, the interactions of ARs with orthosteric, allosteric ligands as well as intracellular mediators are described. A quinary interaction model for the receptor is proposed and energy wells for major conformational ensembles are retrieved.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mohd Nizam Mordi
- Centre For Drug Research, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 Gelugor, Penang, Malaysia
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18
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Seyedabadi M, Ghahremani MH, Albert PR. Biased signaling of G protein coupled receptors (GPCRs): Molecular determinants of GPCR/transducer selectivity and therapeutic potential. Pharmacol Ther 2019; 200:148-178. [PMID: 31075355 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2019.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2019] [Accepted: 04/26/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
G protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) convey signals across membranes via interaction with G proteins. Originally, an individual GPCR was thought to signal through one G protein family, comprising cognate G proteins that mediate canonical receptor signaling. However, several deviations from canonical signaling pathways for GPCRs have been described. It is now clear that GPCRs can engage with multiple G proteins and the line between cognate and non-cognate signaling is increasingly blurred. Furthermore, GPCRs couple to non-G protein transducers, including β-arrestins or other scaffold proteins, to initiate additional signaling cascades. Receptor/transducer selectivity is dictated by agonist-induced receptor conformations as well as by collateral factors. In particular, ligands stabilize distinct receptor conformations to preferentially activate certain pathways, designated 'biased signaling'. In this regard, receptor sequence alignment and mutagenesis have helped to identify key receptor domains for receptor/transducer specificity. Furthermore, molecular structures of GPCRs bound to different ligands or transducers have provided detailed insights into mechanisms of coupling selectivity. However, receptor dimerization, compartmentalization, and trafficking, receptor-transducer-effector stoichiometry, and ligand residence and exposure times can each affect GPCR coupling. Extrinsic factors including cell type or assay conditions can also influence receptor signaling. Understanding these factors may lead to the development of improved biased ligands with the potential to enhance therapeutic benefit, while minimizing adverse effects. In this review, evidence for ligand-specific GPCR signaling toward different transducers or pathways is elaborated. Furthermore, molecular determinants of biased signaling toward these pathways and relevant examples of the potential clinical benefits and pitfalls of biased ligands are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Seyedabadi
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Iran; Education Development Center, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Iran
| | | | - Paul R Albert
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Neuroscience, University of Ottawa, Canada.
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19
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20
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Wan TC, Tampo A, Kwok WM, Auchampach JA. Ability of CP-532,903 to protect mouse hearts from ischemia/reperfusion injury is dependent on expression of A 3 adenosine receptors in cardiomyoyctes. Biochem Pharmacol 2019; 163:21-31. [PMID: 30710517 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2019.01.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2018] [Accepted: 01/28/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
A3 adenosine receptor (A3AR) agonists are effective at limiting injury caused by ischemia/reperfusion injury of the heart in experimental animal models. However, understanding of their mechanism of action, which is likely multifactorial, remains incomplete. In prior studies, it has been demonstrated that A3AR-mediated ischemic protection is blocked by glibenclamide and is absent in Kir6.2 gene ablated mice that lack the pore-forming subunit of the ATP-sensitive potassium (KATP) channel, suggesting one contributing mechanism may involve accelerated activation of KATP channels. However, presence of A3ARs in the myocardium has yet to be established. Utilizing a whole-cell recording technique, in this study we confirm functional expression of the A3AR in adult mouse ventricular cardiomyocytes, coupled to activation of ATP-dependent potassium (KATP) channels via Gi inhibitory proteins. We further show that ischemic protection provided by the selective A3AR agonist CP-532,903 in an isolated, buffer-perfused heart model is lost completely in Adora3LoxP/LoxP;Myh6-Cre mice, which is a newly developed model developed and comprehensively described herein whereby the A3AR gene (Adora3) is deleted exclusively in cardiomyocytes. Our findings, taken together with previously published work, are consistent with the hypothesis that A3AR agonists provide ischemic tolerance, at least in part, by facilitating opening of myocardial KATP channels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tina C Wan
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, United States; Cardiovascular Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, United States
| | - Akihito Tampo
- Department of Anesthesiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, United States; Cardiovascular Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, United States
| | - Wai-Meng Kwok
- Department of Anesthesiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, United States; Cardiovascular Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, United States
| | - John A Auchampach
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, United States; Cardiovascular Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, United States.
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21
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Probing structure-activity relationship in β-arrestin2 recruitment of diversely substituted adenosine derivatives. Biochem Pharmacol 2018; 158:103-113. [PMID: 30292756 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2018.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2018] [Accepted: 10/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
In the adenosine receptor (AR) subfamily of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), biased agonism has been described for the human A1AR, A2BAR and A3AR. While diverse A3AR agonists have been evaluated for receptor binding and Gi-mediated cAMP signalling, the β-arrestin2 (βarr2) pathway has been left largely unexplored. We screened nineteen diverse adenosine derivatives for βarr2 recruitment using a stable hA3AR-NanoBit®-βarr2 HEK293T cell line. Their activity profiles were compared with a cAMP accumulation assay in stable hA3AR CHO cells. Structural features linked to βarr2 activation were further investigated by the evaluation of an additional ten A3AR ligands. The A3AR-selective reference agonist 2-Cl-IB-MECA, which is a full agonist in terms of cAMP inhibition, only showed partial agonist behaviour in βarr2 recruitment. Highly A3AR-selective (N)-methanocarba 5'-uronamide adenosine derivatives displayed higher potency in both cAMP signalling and βarr2 recruitment than reference agonists NECA and 2-Cl-IB-MECA. Their A3AR-preferred conformation tolerates C2-position substitutions, for increased βarr2 efficacy, better than the flexible scaffolds of ribose derivatives. The different amino functionalities in the adenosine scaffold of these derivatives each seem to be important for signalling as well. In conclusion, we have provided insights into ligand features that can help to guide the future therapeutic development of biased A3AR ligands with respect to G-protein and βarr2 signalling.
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22
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Berg KA, Clarke WP. Making Sense of Pharmacology: Inverse Agonism and Functional Selectivity. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol 2018; 21:962-977. [PMID: 30085126 PMCID: PMC6165953 DOI: 10.1093/ijnp/pyy071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2018] [Accepted: 08/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Constitutive receptor activity/inverse agonism and functional selectivity/biased agonism are 2 concepts in contemporary pharmacology that have major implications for the use of drugs in medicine and research as well as for the processes of new drug development. Traditional receptor theory postulated that receptors in a population are quiescent unless activated by a ligand. Within this framework ligands could act as agonists with various degrees of intrinsic efficacy, or as antagonists with zero intrinsic efficacy. We now know that receptors can be active without an activating ligand and thus display "constitutive" activity. As a result, a new class of ligand was discovered that can reduce the constitutive activity of a receptor. These ligands produce the opposite effect of an agonist and are called inverse agonists. The second topic discussed is functional selectivity, also commonly referred to as biased agonism. Traditional receptor theory also posited that intrinsic efficacy is a single drug property independent of the system in which the drug acts. However, we now know that a drug, acting at a single receptor subtype, can have multiple intrinsic efficacies that differ depending on which of the multiple responses coupled to a receptor is measured. Thus, a drug can be simultaneously an agonist, an antagonist, and an inverse agonist acting at the same receptor. This means that drugs have an additional level of selectivity (signaling selectivity or "functional selectivity") beyond the traditional receptor selectivity. Both inverse agonism and functional selectivity need to be considered when drugs are used as medicines or as research tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly A Berg
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Health, San Antonio, Texas
| | - William P Clarke
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Health, San Antonio, Texas,Correspondence: William P. Clarke, PhD, Department of Pharmacology, Mail Stop 7764, UT Health at San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, TX 78229 ()
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Breakthrough in GPCR Crystallography and Its Impact on Computer-Aided Drug Design. Methods Mol Biol 2018; 1705:45-72. [PMID: 29188558 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-7465-8_3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Recent crystallographic structures of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) have greatly advanced our understanding of the recognition of their diverse agonist and antagonist ligands. We illustrate here how this applies to A2A adenosine receptors (ARs) and to P2Y1 and P2Y12 receptors (P2YRs) for ADP. These X-ray structures have impacted the medicinal chemistry aimed at discovering new ligands for these two receptor families, including receptors that have not yet been crystallized but are closely related to the known structures. In this Chapter, we discuss recent structure-based drug design projects that led to the discovery of: (a) novel A3AR agonists based on a highly rigidified (N)-methanocarba scaffold for the treatment of chronic neuropathic pain and other conditions, (b) fluorescent probes of the ARs and P2Y14R, as chemical tools for structural probing of these GPCRs and for improving assay capabilities, and (c) new more drug-like antagonists of the inflammation-related P2Y14R. We also describe the computationally enabled molecular recognition of positive (for A3AR) and negative (P2Y1R) allosteric modulators that in some cases are shown to be consistent with structure-activity relationship (SAR) data. Thus, computational modeling has become an essential tool for the design of purine receptor ligands.
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24
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Tan L, Yan W, McCorvy JD, Cheng J. Biased Ligands of G Protein-Coupled Receptors (GPCRs): Structure-Functional Selectivity Relationships (SFSRs) and Therapeutic Potential. J Med Chem 2018; 61:9841-9878. [PMID: 29939744 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.8b00435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) signal through both G-protein-dependent and G-protein-independent pathways, and β-arrestin recruitment is the most recognized one of the latter. Biased ligands selective for either pathway are expected to regulate biological functions of GPCRs in a more precise way, therefore providing new drug molecules with superior efficacy and/or reduced side effects. During the past decade, biased ligands have been discovered and developed for many GPCRs, such as the μ opioid receptor, the angiotensin II receptor type 1, the dopamine D2 receptor, and many others. In this Perspective, recent advances in this field are reviewed by discussing the structure-functional selectivity relationships (SFSRs) of GPCR biased ligands and the therapeutic potential of these molecules. Further understanding of the biological functions associated with each signaling pathway and structural basis for biased signaling will facilitate future drug design in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Tan
- iHuman Institute , ShanghaiTech University , 393 Middle Huaxia Road , Pudong District, Shanghai 201210 , China
| | - Wenzhong Yan
- iHuman Institute , ShanghaiTech University , 393 Middle Huaxia Road , Pudong District, Shanghai 201210 , China
| | - John D McCorvy
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Anatomy , Medical College of Wisconsin , 8701 W. Watertown Plank Road , Milwaukee , Wisconsin 53226 , United States
| | - Jianjun Cheng
- iHuman Institute , ShanghaiTech University , 393 Middle Huaxia Road , Pudong District, Shanghai 201210 , China
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25
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Jacobson KA, Merighi S, Varani K, Borea PA, Baraldi S, Tabrizi MA, Romagnoli R, Baraldi PG, Ciancetta A, Tosh DK, Gao ZG, Gessi S. A 3 Adenosine Receptors as Modulators of Inflammation: From Medicinal Chemistry to Therapy. Med Res Rev 2018; 38:1031-1072. [PMID: 28682469 PMCID: PMC5756520 DOI: 10.1002/med.21456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2017] [Revised: 05/02/2017] [Accepted: 06/13/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The A3 adenosine receptor (A3 AR) subtype is a novel, promising therapeutic target for inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and psoriasis, as well as liver cancer. A3 AR is coupled to inhibition of adenylyl cyclase and regulation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways, leading to modulation of transcription. Furthermore, A3 AR affects functions of almost all immune cells and the proliferation of cancer cells. Numerous A3 AR agonists, partial agonists, antagonists, and allosteric modulators have been reported, and their structure-activity relationships (SARs) have been studied culminating in the development of potent and selective molecules with drug-like characteristics. The efficacy of nucleoside agonists may be suppressed to produce antagonists, by structural modification of the ribose moiety. Diverse classes of heterocycles have been discovered as selective A3 AR blockers, although with large species differences. Thus, as a result of intense basic research efforts, the outlook for development of A3 AR modulators for human therapeutics is encouraging. Two prototypical selective agonists, N6-(3-Iodobenzyl)adenosine-5'-N-methyluronamide (IB-MECA; CF101) and 2-chloro-N6-(3-iodobenzyl)-adenosine-5'-N-methyluronamide (Cl-IB-MECA; CF102), have progressed to advanced clinical trials. They were found safe and well tolerated in all preclinical and human clinical studies and showed promising results, particularly in psoriasis and RA, where the A3 AR is both a promising therapeutic target and a biologically predictive marker, suggesting a personalized medicine approach. Targeting the A3 AR may pave the way for safe and efficacious treatments for patient populations affected by inflammatory diseases, cancer, and other conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth A. Jacobson
- Molecular Recognition Section, Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD20892
| | - Stefania Merighi
- Department of Medical Sciences, Pharmacology Section, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara 17/19, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Katia Varani
- Department of Medical Sciences, Pharmacology Section, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara 17/19, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Pier Andrea Borea
- Department of Medical Sciences, Pharmacology Section, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara 17/19, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Stefania Baraldi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara 17, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Mojgan Aghazadeh Tabrizi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara 17, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Romeo Romagnoli
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara 17, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Pier Giovanni Baraldi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara 17, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Antonella Ciancetta
- Molecular Recognition Section, Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD20892
| | - Dilip K. Tosh
- Molecular Recognition Section, Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD20892
| | - Zhan-Guo Gao
- Molecular Recognition Section, Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD20892
| | - Stefania Gessi
- Department of Medical Sciences, Pharmacology Section, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara 17/19, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
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26
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Vecchio EA, Baltos JA, Nguyen ATN, Christopoulos A, White PJ, May LT. New paradigms in adenosine receptor pharmacology: allostery, oligomerization and biased agonism. Br J Pharmacol 2018; 175:4036-4046. [PMID: 29679502 DOI: 10.1111/bph.14337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2017] [Revised: 03/29/2018] [Accepted: 04/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Adenosine receptors are a family of GPCRs containing four subtypes (A1 , A2A , A2B and A3 receptors), all of which bind the ubiquitous nucleoside adenosine. These receptors play an important role in physiology and pathophysiology and therefore represent attractive drug targets for a range of conditions. The theoretical framework surrounding drug action at adenosine receptors now extends beyond the notion of prototypical agonism and antagonism to encompass more complex pharmacological concepts. New paradigms include allostery, in which ligands bind a topographically distinct receptor site from that of the endogenous agonist, homomeric or heteromeric interactions across receptor oligomers and biased agonism, that is, ligand-dependent differential intracellular signalling. This review provides a concise overview of allostery, oligomerization and biased agonism at adenosine receptors and outlines how these paradigms may enhance future drug discovery endeavours focussed on the development of novel therapeutic agents acting at adenosine receptors. LINKED ARTICLES This article is part of a themed section on Molecular Pharmacology of GPCRs. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v175.21/issuetoc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth A Vecchio
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Department of Pharmacology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Jo-Anne Baltos
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Department of Pharmacology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Anh T N Nguyen
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Department of Pharmacology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Arthur Christopoulos
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Department of Pharmacology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Paul J White
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Lauren T May
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Department of Pharmacology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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27
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Abstract
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are the largest class of receptors in the human genome and some of the most common drug targets. It is now well established that GPCRs can signal through multiple transducers, including heterotrimeric G proteins, GPCR kinases and β-arrestins. While these signalling pathways can be activated or blocked by 'balanced' agonists or antagonists, they can also be selectively activated in a 'biased' response. Biased responses can be induced by biased ligands, biased receptors or system bias, any of which can result in preferential signalling through G proteins or β-arrestins. At many GPCRs, signalling events mediated by G proteins and β-arrestins have been shown to have distinct biochemical and physiological actions from one another, and an accurate evaluation of biased signalling from pharmacology through physiology is crucial for preclinical drug development. Recent structural studies have provided snapshots of GPCR-transducer complexes, which should aid in the structure-based design of novel biased therapies. Our understanding of GPCRs has evolved from that of two-state, on-and-off switches to that of multistate allosteric microprocessors, in which biased ligands transmit distinct structural information that is processed into distinct biological outputs. The development of biased ligands as therapeutics heralds an era of increased drug efficacy with reduced drug side effects.
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28
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Carpenter B, Lebon G. Human Adenosine A 2A Receptor: Molecular Mechanism of Ligand Binding and Activation. Front Pharmacol 2017; 8:898. [PMID: 29311917 PMCID: PMC5736361 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2017.00898] [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: 10/24/2017] [Accepted: 11/24/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Adenosine receptors (ARs) comprise the P1 class of purinergic receptors and belong to the largest family of integral membrane proteins in the human genome, the G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). ARs are classified into four subtypes, A1, A2A, A2B, and A3, which are all activated by extracellular adenosine, and play central roles in a broad range of physiological processes, including sleep regulation, angiogenesis and modulation of the immune system. ARs are potential therapeutic targets in a variety of pathophysiological conditions, including sleep disorders, cancer, and dementia, which has made them important targets for structural biology. Over a decade of research and innovation has culminated with the publication of more than 30 crystal structures of the human adenosine A2A receptor (A2AR), making it one of the best structurally characterized GPCRs at the atomic level. In this review we analyze the structural data reported for A2AR that described for the first time the binding of mode of antagonists, including newly developed drug candidates, synthetic and endogenous agonists, sodium ions and an engineered G protein. These structures have revealed the key conformational changes induced upon agonist and G protein binding that are central to signal transduction by A2AR, and have highlighted both similarities and differences in the activation mechanism of this receptor compared to other class A GPCRs. Finally, comparison of A2AR with the recently solved structures of A1R has provided the first structural insight into the molecular determinants of ligand binding specificity in different AR subtypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Byron Carpenter
- Warwick Integrative Synthetic Biology Centre, School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Guillaume Lebon
- Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle, Neuroscience Department, UMR CNRS 5203, INSERM U1191, Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
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29
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A kinetic view of GPCR allostery and biased agonism. Nat Chem Biol 2017; 13:929-937. [DOI: 10.1038/nchembio.2431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2017] [Accepted: 05/31/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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30
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Madariaga-Mazón A, Marmolejo-Valencia AF, Li Y, Toll L, Houghten RA, Martinez-Mayorga K. Mu-Opioid receptor biased ligands: A safer and painless discovery of analgesics? Drug Discov Today 2017; 22:1719-1729. [PMID: 28743488 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2017.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2017] [Revised: 06/24/2017] [Accepted: 07/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Biased activation of G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) is shifting drug discovery efforts and appears promising for the development of safer drugs. The most effective analgesics to treat acute pain are agonists of the μ opioid receptor (μ-OR), a member of the GPCR superfamily. However, the analgesic use of opioid drugs, such as morphine, is hindered by adverse effects. Only a few μ-OR agonists have been reported to selectively activate the Gi over β-arrestin signaling pathway, resulting in lower gastrointestinal dysfunction and respiratory suppression. Here, we discuss the strategies that led to the development of biased μ-OR agonists, and potential areas for improvement, with an emphasis on structural aspects of the ligand-receptor recognition process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abraham Madariaga-Mazón
- Instituto de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. Universidad 3000, Mexico City 04510, Mexico
| | - Andrés F Marmolejo-Valencia
- Instituto de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. Universidad 3000, Mexico City 04510, Mexico
| | - Yangmei Li
- Torrey Pines Institute for Molecular Studies, 11350 SW Village Pkwy, Port St. Lucie, FL 34987, USA
| | - Lawrence Toll
- Torrey Pines Institute for Molecular Studies, 11350 SW Village Pkwy, Port St. Lucie, FL 34987, USA
| | - Richard A Houghten
- Torrey Pines Institute for Molecular Studies, 11350 SW Village Pkwy, Port St. Lucie, FL 34987, USA
| | - Karina Martinez-Mayorga
- Instituto de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. Universidad 3000, Mexico City 04510, Mexico.
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31
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Capadenoson, a clinically trialed partial adenosine A 1 receptor agonist, can stimulate adenosine A 2B receptor biased agonism. Biochem Pharmacol 2017; 135:79-89. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2017.03.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2017] [Accepted: 03/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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32
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Gbahou F, Cecon E, Viault G, Gerbier R, Jean-Alphonse F, Karamitri A, Guillaumet G, Delagrange P, Friedlander RM, Vilardaga JP, Suzenet F, Jockers R. Design and validation of the first cell-impermeant melatonin receptor agonist. Br J Pharmacol 2017; 174:2409-2421. [PMID: 28493341 DOI: 10.1111/bph.13856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2017] [Revised: 04/27/2017] [Accepted: 05/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The paradigm that GPCRs are able to prolong or initiate cellular signalling through intracellular receptors recently emerged. Melatonin binds to G protein-coupled MT1 and MT2 receptors. In contrast to most other hormones targeting GPCRs, melatonin and its synthetic analogues are amphiphilic molecules easily penetrating into cells, but the existence of intracellular receptors is still unclear mainly due to a lack of appropriate tools. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH We therefore designed and synthesized a series of hydrophilic melatonin receptor ligands coupled to the Cy3 cyanin fluorophore to reliably monitor its inability to penetrate cells. Two compounds, one lipophilic and one hydrophilic, were then functionally characterized in terms of their affinity for human and murine melatonin receptors expressed in HEK293 cells and their signalling efficacy. KEY RESULTS Among the different ligands, ICOA-13 showed the desired properties as it was cell-impermeant and bound to human and mouse MT1 and MT2 receptors. ICOA-13 showed differential activities on melatonin receptors ranging from partial to full agonistic properties for the Gi /cAMP and ERK pathway and β-arrestin 2 recruitment. Notably, ICOA-13 enabled us to discriminate between Gi /cAMP signalling of the MT1 receptor initiated at the cell surface and neuronal mitochondria. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS We report here the first cell-impermeant melatonin receptor agonist, ICOA-13, which allows us to discriminate between signalling events initiated at the cell surface and intracellular compartments. Detection of mitochondrial MT1 receptors may have an important impact on the development of novel melatonin receptor ligands relevant for neurodegenerative diseases, such as Huntington disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florence Gbahou
- Inserm, U1016, Institut Cochin, Paris, France.,CNRS UMR 8104, Paris, France.,Université Paris Descartes, Paris, France
| | - Erika Cecon
- Inserm, U1016, Institut Cochin, Paris, France.,CNRS UMR 8104, Paris, France.,Université Paris Descartes, Paris, France
| | - Guillaume Viault
- Institut de Chimie Organique et Analytique (ICOA), Université d'Orléans, UMR CNRS 7311, B.P. 6759, Orléans Cedex 2, France
| | - Romain Gerbier
- Inserm, U1016, Institut Cochin, Paris, France.,CNRS UMR 8104, Paris, France.,Université Paris Descartes, Paris, France
| | - Frederic Jean-Alphonse
- Laboratory for GPCR Biology, Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Angeliki Karamitri
- Inserm, U1016, Institut Cochin, Paris, France.,CNRS UMR 8104, Paris, France.,Université Paris Descartes, Paris, France
| | - Gérald Guillaumet
- Institut de Chimie Organique et Analytique (ICOA), Université d'Orléans, UMR CNRS 7311, B.P. 6759, Orléans Cedex 2, France
| | - Philippe Delagrange
- Pôle d'Innovation Thérapeutique Neuropsychiatrie, Institut de Recherches Servier, Croissy, France
| | - Robert M Friedlander
- Neuroapoptosis Laboratory, Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Jean-Pierre Vilardaga
- Laboratory for GPCR Biology, Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Franck Suzenet
- Institut de Chimie Organique et Analytique (ICOA), Université d'Orléans, UMR CNRS 7311, B.P. 6759, Orléans Cedex 2, France
| | - Ralf Jockers
- Inserm, U1016, Institut Cochin, Paris, France.,CNRS UMR 8104, Paris, France.,Université Paris Descartes, Paris, France
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33
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Leiva A, Guzmán-Gutiérrez E, Contreras-Duarte S, Fuenzalida B, Cantin C, Carvajal L, Salsoso R, Gutiérrez J, Pardo F, Sobrevia L. Adenosine receptors: Modulators of lipid availability that are controlled by lipid levels. Mol Aspects Med 2017; 55:26-44. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mam.2017.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2016] [Revised: 01/25/2017] [Accepted: 01/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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34
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McAnally D, Siddiquee K, Sharir H, Qi F, Phatak S, Li JL, Berg E, Fishman J, Smith L. A Systematic Approach to Identify Biased Agonists of the Apelin Receptor through High-Throughput Screening. SLAS DISCOVERY 2017; 22:867-878. [PMID: 28314120 DOI: 10.1177/2472555217699158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Biased agonists are defined by their ability to selectively activate distinct signaling pathways of a receptor, and they hold enormous promise for the development of novel drugs that specifically elicit only the desired therapeutic response and avoid potential adverse effects. Unfortunately, most high-throughput screening (HTS) assays are designed to detect signaling of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) downstream of either G protein or β-arrestin-mediated signaling but not both. A comprehensive drug discovery program seeking biased agonists must employ assays that report on the activity of each compound at multiple discrete pathways, particularly for HTS campaigns. Here, we report a systematic approach to the identification of biased agonists of human apelin receptor (APJ). We synthesized 448 modified versions of apelin and screened them against a cascade of cell-based assays, including intracellular cAMP and β-arrestin recruitment to APJ, simultaneously. The screen yielded potent and highly selective APJ agonists. Representative hits displaying preferential signaling via either G-protein or β-arrestin were subjected to a battery of confirmation assays. These biased agonists will be useful as tools to probe the function and pharmacology of APJ and provide proof of concept of our systematic approach to the discovery of biased ligands. This approach is likely universally applicable to the search for biased agonists of GPCRs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle McAnally
- 1 Conrad Prebys Center for Chemical Genomics, and Center for Metabolic Origins of Disease, Cardiovascular Metabolism Program, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute at Lake Nona, Orlando, FL, USA.,2 Center for Metabolic Origins of Disease, Cardiovascular Metabolism Program, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute at Lake Nona, Orlando, FL, USA
| | - Khandaker Siddiquee
- 1 Conrad Prebys Center for Chemical Genomics, and Center for Metabolic Origins of Disease, Cardiovascular Metabolism Program, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute at Lake Nona, Orlando, FL, USA.,2 Center for Metabolic Origins of Disease, Cardiovascular Metabolism Program, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute at Lake Nona, Orlando, FL, USA
| | - Haleli Sharir
- 1 Conrad Prebys Center for Chemical Genomics, and Center for Metabolic Origins of Disease, Cardiovascular Metabolism Program, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute at Lake Nona, Orlando, FL, USA.,2 Center for Metabolic Origins of Disease, Cardiovascular Metabolism Program, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute at Lake Nona, Orlando, FL, USA
| | - Feng Qi
- 1 Conrad Prebys Center for Chemical Genomics, and Center for Metabolic Origins of Disease, Cardiovascular Metabolism Program, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute at Lake Nona, Orlando, FL, USA
| | - Sharangdhar Phatak
- 1 Conrad Prebys Center for Chemical Genomics, and Center for Metabolic Origins of Disease, Cardiovascular Metabolism Program, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute at Lake Nona, Orlando, FL, USA
| | - Jian-Liang Li
- 1 Conrad Prebys Center for Chemical Genomics, and Center for Metabolic Origins of Disease, Cardiovascular Metabolism Program, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute at Lake Nona, Orlando, FL, USA
| | - Eric Berg
- 3 21st Century Biochemicals Inc., Marlborough, MA, USA
| | | | - Layton Smith
- 1 Conrad Prebys Center for Chemical Genomics, and Center for Metabolic Origins of Disease, Cardiovascular Metabolism Program, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute at Lake Nona, Orlando, FL, USA.,2 Center for Metabolic Origins of Disease, Cardiovascular Metabolism Program, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute at Lake Nona, Orlando, FL, USA
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35
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Ciancetta A, Jacobson KA. Structural Probing and Molecular Modeling of the A₃ Adenosine Receptor: A Focus on Agonist Binding. Molecules 2017; 22:molecules22030449. [PMID: 28287473 PMCID: PMC5471610 DOI: 10.3390/molecules22030449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2017] [Revised: 03/02/2017] [Accepted: 03/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Adenosine is an endogenous modulator exerting its functions through the activation of four adenosine receptor (AR) subtypes, termed A1, A2A, A2B and A3, which belong to the G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) superfamily. The human A3AR (hA3AR) subtype is implicated in several cytoprotective functions. Therefore, hA3AR modulators, and in particular agonists, are sought for their potential application as anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and cardioprotective agents. Structure-based molecular modeling techniques have been applied over the years to rationalize the structure–activity relationships (SARs) of newly emerged A3AR ligands, guide the subsequent lead optimization, and interpret site-directed mutagenesis (SDM) data from a molecular perspective. In this review, we showcase selected modeling-based and guided strategies that were applied to elucidate the binding of agonists to the A3AR and discuss the challenges associated with an accurate prediction of the receptor extracellular vestibule through homology modeling from the available X-ray templates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Ciancetta
- Molecular Recognition Section (MRS), Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry, National Institutes of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MA 20892, USA.
| | - Kenneth A Jacobson
- Molecular Recognition Section (MRS), Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry, National Institutes of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MA 20892, USA.
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