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Scheyer A, Yasmin F, Naskar S, Patel S. Endocannabinoids at the synapse and beyond: implications for neuropsychiatric disease pathophysiology and treatment. Neuropsychopharmacology 2023; 48:37-53. [PMID: 36100658 PMCID: PMC9700791 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-022-01438-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Revised: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Endocannabinoids (eCBs) are lipid neuromodulators that suppress neurotransmitter release, reduce postsynaptic excitability, activate astrocyte signaling, and control cellular respiration. Here, we describe canonical and emerging eCB signaling modes and aim to link adaptations in these signaling systems to pathological states. Adaptations in eCB signaling systems have been identified in a variety of biobehavioral and physiological process relevant to neuropsychiatric disease states including stress-related disorders, epilepsy, developmental disorders, obesity, and substance use disorders. These insights have enhanced our understanding of the pathophysiology of neurological and psychiatric disorders and are contributing to the ongoing development of eCB-targeting therapeutics. We suggest future studies aimed at illuminating how adaptations in canonical as well as emerging cellular and synaptic modes of eCB signaling contribute to disease pathophysiology or resilience could further advance these novel treatment approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Farhana Yasmin
- Northwestern Center for Psychiatric Neuroscience, Chicago, IL, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Saptarnab Naskar
- Northwestern Center for Psychiatric Neuroscience, Chicago, IL, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Sachin Patel
- Northwestern Center for Psychiatric Neuroscience, Chicago, IL, USA.
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA.
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Manning JJ, Green HM, Glass M, Finlay DB. Pharmacological selection of cannabinoid receptor effectors: Signalling, allosteric modulation and bias. Neuropharmacology 2021; 193:108611. [PMID: 34000272 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2021.108611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Revised: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The type-1 cannabinoid receptor (CB1) is a promising drug target for a wide range of diseases. However, many existing and novel candidate ligands for CB1 have shown only limited therapeutic potential. Indeed, no ligands are currently approved for the clinic except formulations of the phytocannabinoids Δ9-THC and CBD and a small number of analogues. A key limitation of many promising CB1 ligands are their on-target adverse effects, notably including psychoactivity (agonists) and depression/suicidal ideation (inverse agonists). Recent drug development attempts have therefore focussed on altering CB1 signalling profiles in two ways. Firstly, with compounds that enhance or reduce the signalling of endogenous (endo-) cannabinoids, namely allosteric modulators. Secondly, with compounds that probe the capability of selectively targeting specific cellular signalling pathways that may mediate therapeutic effects using biased ligands. This review will summarise the current paradigm of CB1 signalling in terms of the intracellular transduction pathways acted on by the receptor. The development of compounds that selectively activate CB1 signalling pathways, whether allosterically or via orthosteric agonist bias, will also be addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamie J Manning
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand, PO Box 56, Dunedin, 9054, New Zealand
| | - Hayley M Green
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand, PO Box 56, Dunedin, 9054, New Zealand
| | - Michelle Glass
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand, PO Box 56, Dunedin, 9054, New Zealand
| | - David B Finlay
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand, PO Box 56, Dunedin, 9054, New Zealand.
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Slosky LM, Caron MG, Barak LS. Biased Allosteric Modulators: New Frontiers in GPCR Drug Discovery. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2021; 42:283-299. [PMID: 33581873 PMCID: PMC9797227 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2020.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2020] [Revised: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are the largest class of cell surface receptors in the genome and the most successful family of targets of FDA-approved drugs. New frontiers in GPCR drug discovery remain, however, as achieving receptor subtype selectivity and controlling off- and on-target side effects are not always possible with classic agonist and antagonist ligands. These challenges may be overcome by focusing development efforts on allosteric ligands that confer signaling bias. Biased allosteric modulators (BAMs) are an emerging class of GPCR ligands that engage less well-conserved regulatory motifs outside the orthosteric pocket and exert pathway-specific effects on receptor signaling. The unique ways that BAMs texturize receptor signaling present opportunities to fine-tune physiology and develop safer, more selective therapeutics. Here, we provide a conceptual framework for understanding the pharmacology of BAMs, explore their therapeutic potential, and discuss strategies for their discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren M. Slosky
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Marc G. Caron
- Departments of Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Medicine, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA,Correspondence: (L.S.B.); (M.G.C.)
| | - Lawrence S. Barak
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA,Correspondence: (L.S.B.); (M.G.C.)
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Mielnik CA, Lam VM, Ross RA. CB 1 allosteric modulators and their therapeutic potential in CNS disorders. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2021; 106:110163. [PMID: 33152384 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2020.110163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2020] [Revised: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
CB1 is the most abundant GPCR found in the mammalian brain. It has garnered considerable attention as a potential therapeutic drug target. CB1 is involved in a wide range of physiological and psychiatric processes and has the potential to be targeted in a wide range of disease states. However, most of the selective and non-selective synthetic CB1 agonists and antagonists/inverse agonists developed to date are primarily used as research tools. No novel synthetic cannabinoids are currently in the clinic for use in psychiatric illness; synthetic analogues of the phytocannabinoid THC are on the market to treat nausea and vomiting caused by cancer chemotherapy, along with off-label use for pain. Novel strategies are being explored to target CB1, but with emphasis on the elimination or mitigation of the potential psychiatric adverse effects that are observed by central agonism/antagonism of CB1. New pharmacological options are being pursued that may avoid these adverse effects while preserving the potential therapeutic benefits of CB1 modulation. Allosteric modulation of CB1 is one such approach. In this review, we will summarize and critically analyze both the in vitro characterization and in vivo validation of CB1 allosteric modulators developed to date, with a focus on CNS therapeutic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catharine A Mielnik
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, University of Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Vincent M Lam
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, University of Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Ruth A Ross
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, University of Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada.
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Sun CP, Zhang XY, Morisseau C, Hwang SH, Zhang ZJ, Hammock BD, Ma XC. Discovery of Soluble Epoxide Hydrolase Inhibitors from Chemical Synthesis and Natural Products. J Med Chem 2020; 64:184-215. [PMID: 33369424 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c01507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) is an α/β hydrolase fold protein and widely distributed in numerous organs including the liver, kidney, and brain. The inhibition of sEH can effectively maintain endogenous epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs) levels and reduce dihydroxyeicosatrienoic acids (DHETs) levels, resulting in therapeutic potentials for cardiovascular, central nervous system, and metabolic diseases. Therefore, since the beginning of this century, the development of sEH inhibitors is a hot research topic. A variety of potent sEH inhibitors have been developed by chemical synthesis or isolated from natural sources. In this review, we mainly summarized the interconnected aspects of sEH with cardiovascular, central nervous system, and metabolic diseases and then focus on representative inhibitors, which would provide some useful guidance for the future development of potential sEH inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng-Peng Sun
- Dalian Key Laboratory of Metabolic Target Characterization and Traditional Chinese Medicine Intervention, College (Institute) of Integrative Medicine, College of Pharmacy, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, People's Republic of China
| | - Xin-Yue Zhang
- Dalian Key Laboratory of Metabolic Target Characterization and Traditional Chinese Medicine Intervention, College (Institute) of Integrative Medicine, College of Pharmacy, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, People's Republic of China
| | - Christophe Morisseau
- Department of Entomology and Nematology, UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, Davis, California 95616, United States
| | - Sung Hee Hwang
- Department of Entomology and Nematology, UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, Davis, California 95616, United States
| | - Zhan-Jun Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, People's Republic of China
| | - Bruce D Hammock
- Department of Entomology and Nematology, UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, Davis, California 95616, United States
| | - Xiao-Chi Ma
- Dalian Key Laboratory of Metabolic Target Characterization and Traditional Chinese Medicine Intervention, College (Institute) of Integrative Medicine, College of Pharmacy, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, People's Republic of China.,College of Pharmacy, School of Medicine, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, People's Republic of China
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Schurman LD, Lu D, Kendall DA, Howlett AC, Lichtman AH. Molecular Mechanism and Cannabinoid Pharmacology. Handb Exp Pharmacol 2020; 258:323-353. [PMID: 32236882 PMCID: PMC8637936 DOI: 10.1007/164_2019_298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Since antiquity, Cannabis has provoked enormous intrigue for its potential medicinal properties as well as for its unique pharmacological effects. The elucidation of its major cannabinoid constituents, Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), led to the synthesis of new cannabinoids (termed synthetic cannabinoids) to understand the mechanisms underlying the pharmacology of Cannabis. These pharmacological tools were instrumental in the ultimate discovery of the endogenous cannabinoid system, which consists of CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors and endogenously produced ligands (endocannabinoids), which bind and activate both cannabinoid receptors. CB1 receptors mediate the cannabimimetic effects of THC and are highly expressed on presynaptic neurons in the nervous system, where they modulate neurotransmitter release. In contrast, CB2 receptors are primarily expressed on immune cells. The endocannabinoids are tightly regulated by biosynthetic and hydrolytic enzymes. Accordingly, the endocannabinoid system plays a modulatory role in many physiological processes, thereby generating many promising therapeutic targets. An unintended consequence of this research was the emergence of synthetic cannabinoids sold for human consumption to circumvent federal laws banning Cannabis use. Here, we describe research that led to the discovery of the endogenous cannabinoid system and show how knowledge of this system benefitted as well as unintentionally harmed human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lesley D Schurman
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Dai Lu
- Rangel College of Pharmacy, Health Science Center, Texas A&M University, Kingsville, TX, USA
| | - Debra A Kendall
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
| | - Allyn C Howlett
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology and Center for Research on Substance Use and Addiction, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Aron H Lichtman
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA.
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA.
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Dopart R, Immadi SS, Lu D, Kendall DA. Structural Optimization of the Diarylurea PSNCBAM-1, an Allosteric Modulator of Cannabinoid Receptor 1. Curr Ther Res Clin Exp 2019; 92:100574. [PMID: 32021660 PMCID: PMC6994307 DOI: 10.1016/j.curtheres.2019.100574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2019] [Accepted: 12/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
PSNCBAM-1 is an allosteric modulator of the cannabinoid receptor 1. Derivatives of PSNCBAM-1 were made, to reduce the total rings in the structure. Several derivatives maintained allosteric activity, as shown by binding experiments. Some calculated physicochemical properties for these derivatives are provided.
Background Structure–activity relationship studies improve the pharmacological and pharmacokinetic properties of a lead compound such as PSNCBAM-1, an allosteric modulator of the cannabinoid receptor 1. Objectives Here, several derivatives of PSNCBAM-1 were synthesized with the aim of reducing the number of rings within its structure and enhancing the solubility of the compounds. The derivatives studied contain substituents previously shown to enhance binding of agonists (ie, a cyano group and a pyrimidine ring), with a reduced number of rings compared with the parent compound, PSNCBAM-1. Methods The synthesized compounds were tested for the enhancement of the binding of orthosteric cannabinoid receptor 1 agonist CP55,940 in the presence of varying concentrations of each test compound. Select compounds were also tested for their effects on cannabinoid receptor 1 inverse agonist SR141716A binding. The compounds were also subjected to computational analysis of drug-like properties and solubility. Results Consistent with a positive allosteric modulator for orthosteric ligand binding, compounds LDK1317 (12a), LDK1320 (12b), LDK1321 (6a), LDK1323 (8a), and LDK1324 (6b) all enhanced the binding of agonist CP55,940 to some degree. Reduction in the number of rings did not abolish the activity. The new lead compounds LDK1317 (12a) and LDK1321 (6a) showed improved drug-like properties and enhanced solubility in silico. Conclusions In contrast to PSNCBAM-1, the synthesized compounds are analogs with fewer rings. The compounds LDK1317 (12a) and LDK1321 (6a) contained only 2 or 3 rings, respectively, and showed the binding parameters (KB = 110 nM, α = 2.3, and KB = 85 nM, α = 5.9). Further, the computationally predicted drug-like properties and solubility suggest these compounds are acceptable new lead compounds for further development of cannabinoid receptor 1 allosteric modulators. (Curr Ther Res Clin Exp. 2020; 81:XXX–XXX)
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Dopart
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut
| | - Sri Sujana Immadi
- Rangel College of Pharmacy, Health Science Center, Texas A&M University, Kingsville, Texas
| | - Dai Lu
- Rangel College of Pharmacy, Health Science Center, Texas A&M University, Kingsville, Texas
| | - Debra A Kendall
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut
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Utilization of Biased G Protein-Coupled ReceptorSignaling towards Development of Safer andPersonalized Therapeutics. Molecules 2019; 24:molecules24112052. [PMID: 31146474 PMCID: PMC6600667 DOI: 10.3390/molecules24112052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2019] [Revised: 05/19/2019] [Accepted: 05/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are involved in a wide variety of physiological processes. Therefore, approximately 40% of currently prescribed drugs have targeted this receptor family. Discovery of β-arrestin mediated signaling and also separability of G protein and β-arrestin signaling pathways have switched the research focus in the GPCR field towards development of biased ligands, which provide engagement of the receptor with a certain effector, thus enriching a specific signaling pathway. In this review, we summarize possible factors that impact signaling profiles of GPCRs such as oligomerization, drug treatment, disease conditions, genetic background, etc. along with relevant molecules that can be used to modulate signaling properties of GPCRs such as allosteric or bitopic ligands, ions, aptamers and pepducins. Moreover, we also discuss the importance of inclusion of pharmacogenomics and molecular dynamics simulations to achieve a holistic understanding of the relation between genetic background and structure and function of GPCRs and GPCR-related proteins. Consequently, specific downstream signaling pathways can be enriched while those that bring unwanted side effects can be prevented on a patient-specific basis. This will improve studies that centered on development of safer and personalized therapeutics, thus alleviating the burden on economy and public health.
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Al-Zoubi R, Morales P, Reggio PH. Structural Insights into CB1 Receptor Biased Signaling. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:E1837. [PMID: 31013934 PMCID: PMC6515405 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20081837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2019] [Revised: 04/09/2019] [Accepted: 04/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system has emerged as a promising target for the treatment of numerous diseases, including cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, and metabolic syndromes. Thus far, two cannabinoid receptors, CB1 and CB2, have been discovered, which are found predominantly in the central nervous system (CB1) or the immune system (CB2), among other organs and tissues. CB1 receptor ligands have been shown to induce a complex pattern of intracellular effects. The binding of a ligand induces distinct conformational changes in the receptor, which will eventually translate into distinct intracellular signaling pathways through coupling to specific intracellular effector proteins. These proteins can mediate receptor desensitization, trafficking, or signaling. Ligand specificity and selectivity, complex cellular components, and the concomitant expression of other proteins (which either regulate the CB1 receptor or are regulated by the CB1 receptor) will affect the therapeutic outcome of its targeting. With an increased interest in G protein-coupled receptors (GPCR) research, in-depth studies using mutations, biological assays, and spectroscopic techniques (such as NMR, EPR, MS, FRET, and X-ray crystallography), as well as computational modelling, have begun to reveal a set of concerted structural features in Class A GPCRs which relate to signaling pathways and the mechanisms of ligand-induced activation, deactivation, or activity modulation. This review will focus on the structural features of the CB1 receptor, mutations known to bias its signaling, and reported studies of CB1 receptor ligands to control its specific signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rufaida Al-Zoubi
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science & Technology, P.O.BOX 3030, Irbid 22110, Jordan.
| | - Paula Morales
- Departamento de Química-Física Biológica, Instituto de Química Física Rocasolano (IQFR-CSIC), Serrano 119, 28006 Madrid, Spain.
| | - Patricia H Reggio
- Chemistry and Biochemistry Department, UNC Greensboro, Greensboro, NC 27412, USA.
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