1
|
Breitinger U, Breitinger HG. Excitatory and inhibitory neuronal signaling in inflammatory and diabetic neuropathic pain. Mol Med 2023; 29:53. [PMID: 37069517 PMCID: PMC10111846 DOI: 10.1186/s10020-023-00647-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Pain, although unpleasant, is an essential warning mechanism against injury and damage of the organism. An intricate network of specialised sensors and transmission systems contributes to reception, transmission and central sensitization of pain. Here, we briefly introduce some of the main aspects of pain signal transmission, including nociceptors and nociceptive signals, mechanisms of inflammatory and neuropathic pain, and the situation of diabetes-associated neuropathic pain. The role of glia-astrocytes, microglia, satellite glia cells-and their specific channels, transporters and signaling pathways is described. A focus is on the contribution of inhibitory synaptic signaling to nociception and a possible role of glycine receptors in glucose-mediated analgesia and treatment-induced diabetic neuropathy. Inhibitory receptors such as GABAA- and glycine receptors are important contributors to nociceptive signaling; their contribution to altered pain sensation in diabetes may be of clinical relevance, and they could be promising therapeutic targets towards the development of novel analgesics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ulrike Breitinger
- Department of Biochemistry, German University in Cairo, New Cairo, 11835, Egypt
| | | |
Collapse
|
2
|
Wilson BS, Peiser-Oliver J, Gillis A, Evans S, Alamein C, Mostyn SN, Shimmon S, Rawling T, Christie MJ, Vandenberg RJ, Mohammadi SA. Peripheral administration of selective GlyT2 inhibitor, oleoyl-D-lysine, reverses chronic neuropathic pain but not acute or inflammatory pain in mice. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2022; 382:246-255. [PMID: 35779948 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.122.001265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Aberrations in spinal glycinergic signalling are a feature of pain chronification. Normalising these changes by inhibiting glycine transporter-2 (GlyT2) is a promising treatment strategy. However, existing GlyT2 inhibitors e.g. ORG25543 are limited by narrow therapeutic windows and severe dose-limiting side effects such as convulsions, and are therefore poor candidates for clinical development. Here, intraperitoneally administered oleoyl-D-lysine, a lipid-based GlyT2 inhibitor, was characterised in mouse models of acute (hotplate), inflammatory (CFA) and chronic neuropathic (CCI) pain. Side effects were also assessed on a numerical rating score, convulsions score, for motor incoordination (rotarod) and for respiratory depression (whole body plethysmography). Oleoyl-D-lysine produced near complete anti-allodynia for chronic neuropathic pain but no anti-allodynia/analgesia in inflammatory or acute pain. No side effects were seen at the peak analgesic dose, 30 mg/kg. Mild side effects were observed at the highest dose, 100 mg/kg, on the numerical rating score, but no convulsions. These results contrasted markedly with ORG25543, which reached less than 50% reduction in allodynia score only at the lethal/near-lethal dose of 50 mg/kg. At this dose, ORG25543 caused maximal side effects on the numerical rating score and severe convulsions. Oleoyl-D-lysine (30 mg/kg) did not cause any respiratory depression, a problematic side effect of opiates. These results show the safe and effective reversal of neuropathic pain in mice by oleoyl-D-lysine and provide evidence for a distinct role of glycine in chronic pain over acute or short-term pain conditions. Significance Statement Partially inhibiting GlyT2 can alleviate chronic pain by restoring lost glycinergic function. Novel lipid-based GlyT2 inhibitor, ol-D-lys, is safe and effective in alleviating neuropathic pain, but not inflammatory or acute pain. Clinical application of GlyT2 inhibitors may be better suited to chronic neuropathic pain over other pain aetiologies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Sarasa A Mohammadi
- Discipline of Pharmacology, Sydney Pharmacy School, The University of Sydney, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Peiser-Oliver JM, Evans S, Adams DJ, Christie MJ, Vandenberg RJ, Mohammadi SA. Glycinergic Modulation of Pain in Behavioral Animal Models. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:860903. [PMID: 35694265 PMCID: PMC9174897 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.860903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Animal models of human pain conditions allow for detailed interrogation of known and hypothesized mechanisms of pain physiology in awake, behaving organisms. The importance of the glycinergic system for pain modulation is well known; however, manipulation of this system to treat and alleviate pain has not yet reached the sophistication required for the clinic. Here, we review the current literature on what animal behavioral studies have allowed us to elucidate about glycinergic pain modulation, and the progress toward clinical treatments so far. First, we outline the animal pain models that have been used, such as nerve injury models for neuropathic pain, chemogenic pain models for acute and inflammatory pain, and other models that mimic painful human pathologies such as diabetic neuropathy. We then discuss the genetic approaches to animal models that have identified the crucial glycinergic machinery involved in neuropathic and inflammatory pain. Specifically, two glycine receptor (GlyR) subtypes, GlyRα1(β) and GlyRα3(β), and the two glycine transporters (GlyT), GlyT1 and GlyT2. Finally, we review the different pharmacological approaches to manipulating the glycinergic system for pain management in animal models, such as partial vs. full agonism, reversibility, and multi-target approaches. We discuss the benefits and pitfalls of using animal models in drug development broadly, as well as the progress of glycinergic treatments from preclinical to clinical trials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Sally Evans
- School of Medical Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - David J. Adams
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute (IHMRI), University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | | | | | - Sarasa A. Mohammadi
- School of Medical Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- *Correspondence: Sarasa A. Mohammadi,
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Eulenburg V, Hülsmann S. Synergistic Control of Transmitter Turnover at Glycinergic Synapses by GlyT1, GlyT2, and ASC-1. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23052561. [PMID: 35269698 PMCID: PMC8909939 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23052561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Revised: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
In addition to being involved in protein biosynthesis and metabolism, the amino acid glycine is the most important inhibitory neurotransmitter in caudal regions of the brain. These functions require a tight regulation of glycine concentration not only in the synaptic cleft, but also in various intracellular and extracellular compartments. This is achieved not only by confining the synthesis and degradation of glycine predominantly to the mitochondria, but also by the action of high-affinity large-capacity glycine transporters that mediate the transport of glycine across the membranes of presynaptic terminals or glial cells surrounding the synapses. Although most cells at glycine-dependent synapses express more than one transporter with high affinity for glycine, their synergistic functional interaction is only poorly understood. In this review, we summarize our current knowledge of the two high-affinity transporters for glycine, the sodium-dependent glycine transporters 1 (GlyT1; SLC6A9) and 2 (GlyT2; SLC6A5) and the alanine–serine–cysteine-1 transporter (Asc-1; SLC7A10).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Volker Eulenburg
- Department for Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, Faculty of Medicine, University of Leipzig, Liebigstraße 20, D-04103 Leipzig, Germany
- Correspondence: (V.E.); (S.H.)
| | - Swen Hülsmann
- Department for Anesthesiology, University Medical Center, Georg-August University, Humboldtallee 23, D-37073 Göttingen, Germany
- Correspondence: (V.E.); (S.H.)
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Ackermann TM, Höfner G, Wanner KT. Screening for New Inhibitors of Glycine Transporter 1 and 2 by Means of MS Binding Assays. ChemMedChem 2021; 16:3094-3104. [PMID: 34174033 PMCID: PMC8518836 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202100408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
A straightforward screening of a compound library comprising 2439 substances for the identification of new inhibitors for the neurotransmitter transporters GlyT1 and GlyT2 is described. Screening and full-scale competition experiments were performed using recently developed GlyT1 and GlyT2 MS Binding Assays. That way for both targets, GlyT1 and GlyT2, ligands were identified, which exhibited affinities (pKi values) in the low micromolar to sub-micromolar range. The majority of these binders exhibit new chemical scaffolds in the class of GlyT1 and GlyT2 inhibitors, which could be of interest for the development of new ligands with improved affinities for the target proteins. Additionally, compounds with excellent fluorescent properties were found for GlyT2, which renders them promising compounds for future fluorescence-based techniques. All in all, this study demonstrates that MS Binding Assays represent a powerful technology platform also well suited for the screening of compound libraries in a highly reliable and effective manner.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas M. Ackermann
- Department of Pharmacy – Center for Drug ResearchLudwig-Maximilians-Universität MunichButenandtstraße 781377MunichGermany
| | - Georg Höfner
- Department of Pharmacy – Center for Drug ResearchLudwig-Maximilians-Universität MunichButenandtstraße 781377MunichGermany
| | - Klaus T. Wanner
- Department of Pharmacy – Center for Drug ResearchLudwig-Maximilians-Universität MunichButenandtstraße 781377MunichGermany
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Inhibition of Glycine Re-Uptake: A Potential Approach for Treating Pain by Augmenting Glycine-Mediated Spinal Neurotransmission and Blunting Central Nociceptive Signaling. Biomolecules 2021; 11:biom11060864. [PMID: 34200954 PMCID: PMC8230656 DOI: 10.3390/biom11060864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Revised: 06/07/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Among the myriad of cellular and molecular processes identified as contributing to pathological pain, disinhibition of spinal cord nociceptive signaling to higher cortical centers plays a critical role. Importantly, evidence suggests that impaired glycinergic neurotransmission develops in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord in inflammatory and neuropathic pain models and is a key maladaptive mechanism causing mechanical hyperalgesia and allodynia. Thus, it has been hypothesized that pharmacological agents capable of augmenting glycinergic tone within the dorsal horn may be able to blunt or block aberrant nociceptor signaling to the brain and serve as a novel class of analgesics for various pathological pain states. Indeed, drugs that enhance dysfunctional glycinergic transmission, and in particular inhibitors of the glycine transporters (GlyT1 and GlyT2), are generating widespread interest as a potential class of novel analgesics. The GlyTs are Na+/Cl−-dependent transporters of the solute carrier 6 (SLC6) family and it has been proposed that the inhibition of them presents a possible mechanism by which to increase spinal extracellular glycine concentrations and enhance GlyR-mediated inhibitory neurotransmission in the dorsal horn. Various inhibitors of both GlyT1 and GlyT2 have demonstrated broad analgesic efficacy in several preclinical models of acute and chronic pain, providing promise for the approach to deliver a first-in-class non-opioid analgesic with a mechanism of action differentiated from current standard of care. This review will highlight the therapeutic potential of GlyT inhibitors as a novel class of analgesics, present recent advances reported for the field, and discuss the key challenges associated with the development of a GlyT inhibitor into a safe and effective agent to treat pain.
Collapse
|
7
|
Ackermann TM, Allmendinger L, Höfner G, Wanner KT. MS Binding Assays for Glycine Transporter 2 (GlyT2) Employing Org25543 as Reporter Ligand. ChemMedChem 2021; 16:199-215. [PMID: 32734692 PMCID: PMC7821181 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202000342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Revised: 07/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
This study describes the first binding assay for glycine transporter 2 (GlyT2) following the concept of MS Binding Assays. The selective GlyT2 inhibitor Org25543 was employed as a reporter ligand and it was quantified with a highly sensitive and rapid LC-ESI-MS/MS method. Binding of Org25543 at GlyT2 was characterized in kinetic and saturation experiments with an off-rate of 7.07×10-3 s-1 , an on-rate of 1.01×106 M-1 s-1 , and an equilibrium dissociation constant of 7.45 nM. Furthermore, the inhibitory constants of 19 GlyT ligands were determined in competition experiments. The validity of the GlyT2 affinities determined with the binding assay was examined by a comparison with published inhibitory potencies from various functional assays. With the capability for affinity determination towards GlyT2 the developed MS Binding Assays provide the first tool for affinity profiling of potential ligands and it represents a valuable new alternative to functional assays addressing GlyT2.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas M. Ackermann
- Department of Pharmacy, Center for Drug ResearchLudwig-Maximilians-Universität MunichButenandtstraße 781377MunichGermany
| | - Lars Allmendinger
- Department of Pharmacy, Center for Drug ResearchLudwig-Maximilians-Universität MunichButenandtstraße 781377MunichGermany
| | - Georg Höfner
- Department of Pharmacy, Center for Drug ResearchLudwig-Maximilians-Universität MunichButenandtstraße 781377MunichGermany
| | - Klaus T. Wanner
- Department of Pharmacy, Center for Drug ResearchLudwig-Maximilians-Universität MunichButenandtstraße 781377MunichGermany
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Imam MZ, Kuo A, Nicholson JR, Corradini L, Smith MT. Assessment of the anti-allodynic efficacy of a glycine transporter 2 inhibitor relative to pregabalin and duloxetine in a rat model of prostate cancer-induced bone pain. Pharmacol Rep 2020; 72:1418-1425. [PMID: 32715433 DOI: 10.1007/s43440-020-00145-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Revised: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 07/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The pathobiology of prostate cancer-induced bone pain (PCIBP) is underpinned by both inflammatory and neuropathic components. Here, we used a rat model of PCIBP to assess the analgesic efficacy of a glycine transporter 2 (GlyT2) inhibitor (N-(6-((1,3-dihydroxypropan-2-yl)amino)-2-(dimethylamino)pyridin-3-yl)-3,5-dimethoxy-4-(4-(trifluoromethyl)phenoxy) benzamide) relative to two clinically available adjuvant drugs that are recommended for the relief of neuropathic pain, viz, pregabalin and duloxetine. METHODS PCIBP was induced in male Wistar Han rats following intra-tibial injection (ITI) of rat prostate cancer (AT3B) cells into the left tibia. Sham-rats received an ITI of heat-killed AT3B cells. PCIBP rats with fully developed mechanical allodynia in the ipsilateral hindpaws as assessed using von Frey filaments, received single oral (p.o.) bolus doses of the GlyT2 inhibitor (3-30 mg/kg), pregabalin (3-100 mg/kg), duloxetine (3-100 mg/kg), or vehicle. Baseline paw withdrawal thresholds (PWTs) were determined in the ipsilateral (injured side) and contralateral hindpaws immediately prior to dosing and at scheduled times for 3 h post dosing in individual animals. RESULTS Single oral bolus doses of the GlyT2 inhibitor (3-30 mg/kg) evoked partial pain relief at the doses tested in the ipsilateral hindpaws of PCIBP rats without any discernible behavioural side effects. By contrast, single oral bolus doses of pregabalin at 10-100 mg/kg evoked dose-dependent and complete alleviation of mechanical allodynia. By comparison, single oral bolus doses of duloxetine at doses up to 100 mg/kg lacked efficacy. CONCLUSION Oral administration of this GlyT2 inhibitor evoked partial pain relief in PCIBP rats and did not evoke central nervous system side effects in contrast to GlyT2 inhibitors reported by others.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Zafar Imam
- Centre for Integrated Preclinical Drug Development, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Andy Kuo
- Centre for Integrated Preclinical Drug Development, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | | | - Laura Corradini
- Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH and Co. KG, Biberach, Germany
| | - Maree T Smith
- Centre for Integrated Preclinical Drug Development, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Marques BL, Oliveira-Lima OC, Carvalho GA, de Almeida Chiarelli R, Ribeiro RI, Parreira RC, da Madeira Freitas EM, Resende RR, Klempin F, Ulrich H, Gomez RS, Pinto MCX. Neurobiology of glycine transporters: From molecules to behavior. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2020; 118:97-110. [PMID: 32712279 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2020.07.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Revised: 07/07/2020] [Accepted: 07/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Glycine transporters (GlyTs) are Na+/Cl--dependent neurotransmitter transporters, responsible for l-glycine uptake into the central nervous system. GlyTs are members of the solute carrier family 6 (SLC6) and comprise glycine transporter type 1 (SLC6A9; GlyT1) and glycine transporter type 2 (SLC6A5; Glyt2). GlyT1 and GlyT2 are expressed on both astrocytes and neurons, but their expression pattern in brain tissue is foremost related to neurotransmission. GlyT2 is markedly expressed in brainstem, spinal cord and cerebellum, where it is responsible for glycine uptake into glycinergic and GABAergic terminals. GlyT1 is abundant in neocortex, thalamus and hippocampus, where it is expressed in astrocytes, and involved in glutamatergic neurotransmission. Consequently, inhibition of GlyT1 transporters can modulate glutamatergic neurotransmission through NMDA receptors, suggesting an alternative therapeutic strategy. In this review, we focus on recent progress in the understanding of GlyTs role in brain function and in various diseases, such as epilepsy, hyperekplexia, neuropathic pain, drug addiction, schizophrenia and stroke, as well as in neurodegenerative disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Lemes Marques
- Laboratório de Neuroquímica e Neurofarmacologia - Neurolab, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil
| | - Onésia Cristina Oliveira-Lima
- Laboratório de Neuroquímica e Neurofarmacologia - Neurolab, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil
| | - Gustavo Almeida Carvalho
- Laboratório de Neuroquímica e Neurofarmacologia - Neurolab, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil
| | - Raphaela de Almeida Chiarelli
- Laboratório de Neuroquímica e Neurofarmacologia - Neurolab, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil
| | - Raul Izidoro Ribeiro
- Laboratório de Neuroquímica e Neurofarmacologia - Neurolab, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil
| | - Ricardo Cambraia Parreira
- Laboratório de Neuroquímica e Neurofarmacologia - Neurolab, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil
| | - Elis Marra da Madeira Freitas
- Laboratório de Neuroquímica e Neurofarmacologia - Neurolab, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Ribeiro Resende
- Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | | | - Henning Ulrich
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Química, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Renato Santiago Gomez
- Departamento de Cirurgia, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Mauro Cunha Xavier Pinto
- Laboratório de Neuroquímica e Neurofarmacologia - Neurolab, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Al-Khrasani M, Mohammadzadeh A, Balogh M, Király K, Barsi S, Hajnal B, Köles L, Zádori ZS, Harsing LG. Glycine transporter inhibitors: A new avenue for managing neuropathic pain. Brain Res Bull 2019; 152:143-158. [PMID: 31302238 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2019.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2019] [Revised: 06/27/2019] [Accepted: 07/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Interneurons operating with glycine neurotransmitter are involved in the regulation of pain transmission in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord. In addition to interneurons, glycine release also occurs from glial cells neighboring glutamatergic synapses in the spinal cord. Neuronal and glial release of glycine is controlled by glycine transporters (GlyTs). Inhibitors of the two isoforms of GlyTs, the astrocytic type-1 (GlyT-1) and the neuronal type-2 (GlyT-2), decrease pain sensation evoked by injuries of peripheral sensory neurons or inflammation. The function of dorsal horn glycinergic interneurons has been suggested to be reduced in neuropathic pain, which can be reversed by GlyT-2 inhibitors (Org-25543, ALX1393). Several lines of evidence also support that peripheral nerve damage or inflammation may shift glutamatergic neurochemical transmission from N-methyl-D aspartate (NMDA) NR1/NR2A receptor- to NR1/NR2B receptor-mediated events (subunit switch). This pathological overactivation of NR1/NR2B receptors can be reduced by GlyT-1 inhibitors (NFPS, Org-25935), which decrease excessive glycine release from astroglial cells or by selective antagonists of NR2B subunits (ifenprodil, Ro 25-6981). Although several experiments suggest that GlyT inhibitors may represent a novel strategy in the control of neuropathic pain, proving this concept in human beings is hampered by lack of clinically applicable GlyT inhibitors. We also suggest that drugs inhibiting both GlyT-1 and GlyT-2 non-selectively and reversibly, may favorably target neuropathic pain. In this paper we overview inhibitors of the two isoforms of GlyTs as well as the effects of these drugs in experimental models of neuropathic pain. In addition, the possible mechanisms of action of the GlyT inhibitors, i.e. how they affect the neurochemical and pain transmission in the spinal cord, are also discussed. The growing evidence for the possible therapeutic intervention of neuropathic pain by GlyT inhibitors further urges development of drugable compounds, which may beneficially restore impaired pain transmission in various neuropathic conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mahmoud Al-Khrasani
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, Semmelweis University, Nagyvarad ter 4, P.O. Box 370, H-1445 Budapest, Hungary.
| | - Amir Mohammadzadeh
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, Semmelweis University, Nagyvarad ter 4, P.O. Box 370, H-1445 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Mihály Balogh
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, Semmelweis University, Nagyvarad ter 4, P.O. Box 370, H-1445 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Kornél Király
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, Semmelweis University, Nagyvarad ter 4, P.O. Box 370, H-1445 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Szilvia Barsi
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, Semmelweis University, Nagyvarad ter 4, P.O. Box 370, H-1445 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Benjamin Hajnal
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, Semmelweis University, Nagyvarad ter 4, P.O. Box 370, H-1445 Budapest, Hungary
| | - László Köles
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, Semmelweis University, Nagyvarad ter 4, P.O. Box 370, H-1445 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Zoltán S Zádori
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, Semmelweis University, Nagyvarad ter 4, P.O. Box 370, H-1445 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Laszlo G Harsing
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, Semmelweis University, Nagyvarad ter 4, P.O. Box 370, H-1445 Budapest, Hungary
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Zafra F, Ibáñez I, Bartolomé-Martín D, Piniella D, Arribas-Blázquez M, Giménez C. Glycine Transporters and Its Coupling with NMDA Receptors. ADVANCES IN NEUROBIOLOGY 2018; 16:55-83. [PMID: 28828606 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-55769-4_4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Glycine plays two roles in neurotransmission. In caudal areas like the spinal cord and the brainstem, it acts as an inhibitory neurotransmitter, but in all regions of the CNS, it also works as a co-agonist with L-glutamate at N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs). The glycine fluxes in the CNS are regulated by two specific transporters for glycine, GlyT1 and GlyT2, perhaps with the cooperation of diverse neutral amino acid transporters like Asc-1 or SNAT5/SN2. While GlyT2 and Asc-1 are neuronal proteins, GlyT1 and SNAT5 are mainly astrocytic, although neuronal forms of GlyT1 also exist. GlyT1 has attracted considerable interest from the medical community and the pharmaceutical industry since compelling evidence indicates a clear association with the functioning of NMDARs, whose activity is decreased in various psychiatric illnesses. By controlling extracellular glycine, transporter inhibitors might potentiate the activity of NMDARs without activating excitotoxic processes. Physiologically, GlyT1 is a central actor in the cross talk between glutamatergic, glycinergic, dopaminergic, and probably other neurotransmitter systems. Many of these relationships begin to be unraveled by studies performed in recent years using genetic and pharmacological models. These studies are also clarifying the interactions between glycine, glycine transporters, and other co-agonists of the glycine site of NMDARs like D-serine. These findings are also relevant to understand the pathophysiology of devastating diseases like schizophrenia, depression, anxiety, epilepsy, stroke, and chronic pain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Zafra
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa, Facultad de Ciencias, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, C / Nicolás Cabrera, 1, 28049, Madrid, Spain. .,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras and IdiPAZ, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Ignacio Ibáñez
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa, Facultad de Ciencias, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, C / Nicolás Cabrera, 1, 28049, Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras and IdiPAZ, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - David Bartolomé-Martín
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa, Facultad de Ciencias, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, C / Nicolás Cabrera, 1, 28049, Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras and IdiPAZ, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Dolores Piniella
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa, Facultad de Ciencias, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, C / Nicolás Cabrera, 1, 28049, Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras and IdiPAZ, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Marina Arribas-Blázquez
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa, Facultad de Ciencias, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, C / Nicolás Cabrera, 1, 28049, Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras and IdiPAZ, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Cecilio Giménez
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa, Facultad de Ciencias, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, C / Nicolás Cabrera, 1, 28049, Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras and IdiPAZ, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Zeilhofer HU, Acuña MA, Gingras J, Yévenes GE. Glycine receptors and glycine transporters: targets for novel analgesics? Cell Mol Life Sci 2018; 75:447-465. [PMID: 28791431 PMCID: PMC11105467 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-017-2622-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2017] [Revised: 07/14/2017] [Accepted: 08/04/2017] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Glycinergic neurotransmission has long been known for its role in spinal motor control. During the last two decades, additional functions have become increasingly recognized-among them is a critical contribution to spinal pain processing. Studies in rodent pain models provide proof-of-concept evidence that enhancing inhibitory glycinergic neurotransmission reduces chronic pain symptoms. Apparent strategies for pharmacological intervention include positive allosteric modulators of glycine receptors and modulators or inhibitors of the glial and neuronal glycine transporters GlyT1 and GlyT2. These prospects have led to drug discovery efforts in academia and in industry aiming at compounds that target glycinergic neurotransmission with high specificity. Available data show promising analgesic efficacy. Less is currently known about potential unwanted effects but the presence of glycinergic innervation in CNS areas outside the nociceptive system prompts for a careful evaluation not only of motor function, but also of potential respiratory impairment and addictive properties.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hanns Ulrich Zeilhofer
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland.
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) Zürich, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 1-5/10, 8093, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Mario A Acuña
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Gonzalo E Yévenes
- Department of Physiology, University of Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Cioffi CL. Modulation of Glycine-Mediated Spinal Neurotransmission for the Treatment of Chronic Pain. J Med Chem 2017; 61:2652-2679. [PMID: 28876062 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.7b00956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Chronic pain constitutes a significant and expanding worldwide health crisis. Currently available analgesics poorly serve individuals suffering from chronic pain, and new therapeutic agents that are more effective, safer, and devoid of abuse liabilities are desperately needed. Among the myriad of cellular and molecular processes contributing to chronic pain, spinal disinhibition of pain signaling to higher cortical centers plays a critical role. Accumulating evidence shows that glycinergic inhibitory neurotransmission in the spinal cord dorsal horn gates nociceptive signaling, is essential in maintaining physiological pain sensitivity, and is diminished in pathological pain states. Thus, it is hypothesized that agents capable of enhancing glycinergic tone within the dorsal horn could obtund nociceptor signaling to the brain and serve as analgesics for persistent pain. This Perspective highlights the potential that pharmacotherapies capable of increasing inhibitory spinal glycinergic neurotransmission hold in providing new and transformative analgesic therapies for the treatment of chronic pain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christopher L Cioffi
- Departments of Basic and Clinical Sciences and Pharmaceutical Sciences , Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences , 106 New Scotland Avenue , Albany , New York 12208 United States
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Glycinergic transmission: glycine transporter GlyT2 in neuronal pathologies. Neuronal Signal 2016; 1:NS20160009. [PMID: 32714574 PMCID: PMC7377260 DOI: 10.1042/ns20160009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2016] [Revised: 11/04/2016] [Accepted: 11/09/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Glycinergic neurons are major contributors to the regulation of neuronal excitability, mainly in caudal areas of the nervous system. These neurons control fluxes of sensory information between the periphery and the CNS and diverse motor activities like locomotion, respiration or vocalization. The phenotype of a glycinergic neuron is determined by the expression of at least two proteins: GlyT2, a plasma membrane transporter of glycine, and VIAAT, a vesicular transporter shared by glycine and GABA. In this article, we review recent advances in understanding the role of GlyT2 in the pathophysiology of inhibitory glycinergic neurotransmission. GlyT2 mutations are associated to decreased glycinergic function that results in a rare movement disease termed hyperekplexia (HPX) or startle disease. In addition, glycinergic neurons control pain transmission in the dorsal spinal cord and their function is reduced in chronic pain states. A moderate inhibition of GlyT2 may potentiate glycinergic inhibition and constitutes an attractive target for pharmacological intervention against these devastating conditions.
Collapse
|
15
|
Morita K, Motoyama N, Kitayama T, Shiraishi S, Dohi T. [Pain relieving effect of platelet-activating factor (PAF) antagonists in a bone cancer pain model]. Nihon Yakurigaku Zasshi 2015; 146:87-92. [PMID: 26256746 DOI: 10.1254/fpj.146.87] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
|
16
|
Chigaev A. Does aberrant membrane transport contribute to poor outcome in adult acute myeloid leukemia? Front Pharmacol 2015; 6:134. [PMID: 26191006 PMCID: PMC4489100 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2015.00134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2015] [Accepted: 06/15/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia in adults is a highly heterogeneous disease. Gene expression profiling performed using unsupervised algorithms can be used to distinguish specific groups of patients within a large patient cohort. The identified gene expression signatures can offer insights into underlying physiological mechanisms of disease pathogenesis. Here, the analysis of several related gene expression clusters associated with poor outcome, worst overall survival and highest rates of resistant disease and obtained from the patients at the time of diagnosis or from previously untreated individuals is presented. Surprisingly, these gene clusters appear to be enriched for genes corresponding to proteins involved in transport across membranes (transporters, carriers and channels). Several ideas describing the possible relationship of membrane transport activity and leukemic cell biology, including the "Warburg effect," the specific role of chloride ion transport, direct "import" of metabolic energy through uptake of creatine phosphate, and modification of the bone marrow niche microenvironment are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre Chigaev
- Department of Pathology and Cancer Center, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, University of New Mexico Albuquerque, NM, USA
| |
Collapse
|