Impedance responses reveal β₂-adrenergic receptor signaling pluridimensionality and allow classification of ligands with distinct signaling profiles

Diverse pathways in GPCR-mediated activation of Ca2+ mobilization in HEK293 cells

G protein-coupled receptors transduce extracellular stimuli into intracellular signaling. Ca2+ is a well-known second messenger that can be induced by G protein-coupled receptor activation through the primary canonical pathways involving Gαq- and Gβγ-mediated activation of phospholipase C-β (PLCβ). While some Gs-coupled receptors are shown to trigger Ca2+ mobilization, underlying mechanisms remain elusive. Here, we evaluated whether Gs-coupled receptors including the β2-adrenergic receptor (β2AR) and the prostaglandin EP2 and EP4 receptors (EP2R and EP4R) that are endogenously expressed in human embryonic kidney 293 (HEK293) cells utilize common pathways for mediating Ca2+ mobilization. For the β2AR, we found an essential role for Gq in agonist-promoted Ca2+ mobilization while genetic or pharmacological inhibition of Gs or Gi had minimal effect. β-agonist-promoted Ca2+ mobilization was effectively blocked by the Gq-selective inhibitor YM-254890 and was not observed in ΔGαq/11 or ΔPLCβ cells. Bioluminescence resonance energy transfer analysis also suggests agonist-dependent association of the β2AR with Gq. For the EP2R, which couples to Gs, agonist treatment induced Ca2+ mobilization in a pertussis toxin-sensitive but YM-254890-insensitive manner. In contrast, EP4R, which couples to Gs and Gi, exhibited Ca2+ mobilization that was sensitive to both pertussis toxin and YM-254890. Interestingly, both EP2R and EP4R were largely unable to induce Ca2+ mobilization in ΔGαs or ΔPLCβ cells, supporting a strong dependency on Gs signaling in HEK293 cells. Taken together, we identify differences in the signaling pathways that are used to mediate Ca2+ mobilization in HEK293 cells where the β2AR primarily uses Gq, EP2R uses Gs and Gi, and EP4R uses Gs, Gi, and Gq.

Bayesian network models identify cooperative GPCR:G protein interactions that contribute to G protein coupling

Cooperative interactions in protein-protein interfaces demonstrate the interdependency or the linked network-like behavior and their effect on the coupling of proteins. Cooperative interactions also could cause ripple or allosteric effects at a distance in protein-protein interfaces. Although they are critically important in protein-protein interfaces, it is challenging to determine which amino acid pair interactions are cooperative. In this work, we have used Bayesian network modeling, an interpretable machine learning method, combined with molecular dynamics trajectories to identify the residue pairs that show high cooperativity and their allosteric effect in the interface of G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) complexes with Gα subunits. Our results reveal six GPCR:Gα contacts that are common to the different Gα subtypes and show strong cooperativity in the formation of interface. Both the C terminus helix5 and the core of the G protein are codependent entities and play an important role in GPCR coupling. We show that a promiscuous GPCR coupling to different Gα subtypes, makes all the GPCR:Gα contacts that are specific to each Gα subtype (Gαs, Gαi, and Gαq). This work underscores the potential of data-driven Bayesian network modeling in elucidating the intricate dependencies and selectivity determinants in GPCR:G protein complexes, offering valuable insights into the dynamic nature of these essential cellular signaling components.

A review of electrochemical impedance as a tool for examining cell biology and subcellular mechanisms: merits, limits, and future prospects

Herein the development of cellular impedance biosensors, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and the general principles and terms associated with the cell-electrode interface is reviewed. This family of techniques provides quantitative and sensitive information into cell responses to stimuli in real-time with high temporal resolution. The applications of cell-based impedance biosensors as a readout in cell biology is illustrated with a diverse range of examples. The current state of the field, its limitations, the possible available solutions, and the potential benefits of developing biosensors are discussed.

Distinct mode of action of a highly stable, engineered phage lysin killing Gram-negative bacteria

IMPORTANCE

Engineered lysins are considered as highly promising alternatives for antibiotics. Our previous screening study using VersaTile technology identified 1D10 as a possible lead compound with activity against Acinetobacter baumannii strains under elevated human serum concentrations. In this manuscript, we reveal an unexpected mode of action and exceptional thermoresistance for lysin 1D10. Our findings shed new light on the development of engineered lysins, providing valuable insights for future research in this field.

Kinetic insights into agonist-dependent signalling bias at the pro-inflammatory G-protein coupled receptor GPR84

GPR84 is an orphan G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) linked to inflammation. Strategies targeting GPR84 to prevent excessive inflammation in disease are hampered by a lack of understanding of its precise functional role. We have developed heterologous cell lines with low GPR84 expression levels that phenocopy the response of primary cells in a label-free cell electrical impedance (CEI) sensing system that measures cell morphology and adhesion. We then investigated the signalling profile and membrane localisation of GPR84 upon treatment with 6-OAU and DL-175, two agonists known to differentially influence immune cell function. When compared to 6-OAU, DL-175 was found to exhibit a delayed impedance response, a delayed and suppressed activation of Akt, which together correlated with an impaired ability to internalise GPR84 from the plasma membrane. The signalling differences were transient and occurred only at early time points in the low expressing cell lines, highlighting the importance of receptor number and kinetic readouts when evaluating signalling bias. Our findings open new ways to understand GPR84 signalling and evaluate the effect of newly developed agonists.

Exploring the Effect of Halogenation in a Series of Potent and Selective A2B Adenosine Receptor Antagonists

The modulation of the A_2B adenosine receptor is a promising strategy in cancer (immuno) therapy, with A_2BAR antagonists emerging as immune checkpoint inhibitors. Herein, we report a systematic assessment of the impact of (di- and mono-)halogenation at positions 7 and/or 8 on both A_2BAR affinity and pharmacokinetic properties of a collection of A_2BAR antagonists and its study with structure-based free energy perturbation simulations. Monohalogenation at position 8 produced potent A_2BAR ligands irrespective of the nature of the halogen. In contrast, halogenation at position 7 and dihalogenation produced a halogen-size-dependent decay in affinity. Eight novel A_2BAR ligands exhibited remarkable affinity (K_i < 10 nM), exquisite subtype selectivity, and enantioselective recognition, with some eutomers eliciting sub-nanomolar affinity. The pharmacokinetic profile of representative derivatives showed enhanced solubility and microsomal stability. Finally, two compounds showed the capacity of reversing the antiproliferative effect of adenosine in activated primary human peripheral blood mononuclear cells.

Dynamic spatiotemporal determinants modulate GPCR:G protein coupling selectivity and promiscuity

Recent studies have shown that G protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) show selective and promiscuous coupling to different Gα protein subfamilies and yet the mechanisms of the range of coupling preferences remain unclear. Here, we use Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulations on ten GPCR:G protein complexes and show that the location (spatial) and duration (temporal) of intermolecular contacts at the GPCR:Gα protein interface play a critical role in how GPCRs selectively interact with G proteins. We identify that some GPCR:G protein interface contacts are common across Gα subfamilies and others specific to Gα subfamilies. Using large scale data analysis techniques on the MD simulation snapshots we derive a spatio-temporal code for contacts that confer G protein selective coupling and validated these contacts using G protein activation BRET assays. Our results demonstrate that promiscuous GPCRs show persistent sampling of the common contacts more than G protein specific contacts. These findings suggest that GPCRs maintain contact with G proteins through a common central interface, while the selectivity comes from G protein specific contacts at the periphery of the interface.

Engineering a lysin with intrinsic antibacterial activity (LysMK34) with cecropin A enhances its antibacterial properties against Acinetobacter baumannii

Bacteriophage-encoded lysins are increasingly reported as alternatives to combat Acinetobacter baumannii infections for which limited therapeutic options are available. Some lysins such as LysMK34 have a C-terminal amphipathic helix allowing them to penetrate the otherwise impermeable outer membrane barrier. Another approach to kill Gram-negative pathogens with lysins relies on fusion of a peptide with outer membrane permeabilizing properties to the lysin. In this work, we aimed to leverage the intrinsic antibacterial activity of LysMK34 by fusing the peptide cecropin A to its N-terminus via a linker of three Ala-Gly repeats, resulting in eLysMK34. The engineered lysin has an improved antibacterial activity compared to the parental lysin LysMK34 in terms of minimum inhibitory concentration (0.45 - 1.2 μM), killing rate and killing extent. eLysMK34 has an at least two-fold increased activity against stationary-phase cells and the bactericidal effect becomes less dependent on the intracellular osmotic pressure. Particularly colistin-resistant strains become highly susceptible to eLysMK34 and enhanced antibacterial activity is observed in complement-deactivated human serum. These observations demonstrate that fusion of a lysin with intrinsic antibacterial activity with a selected outer membrane permeabilizing peptide is a useful strategy to further improve the in vitro antibacterial properties of such lysins. Importance Phage lysins are a new class of enzyme-based antibiotics that increasingly gain interest. Lysins kill cells through rapid degradation of the peptidoglycan layer, resulting in sudden osmotic lysis. Whereas Gram-positive bacteria are readily susceptible to the action of lysins, Gram-negative bacteria are naturally resistant as the outer membrane protects their peptidoglycan layer. This work reveals that fusing an outer membrane permeabilizing peptide to a lysin with intrinsic antibacterial activity results in a superior lysin that shows improved robustness in its antibacterial activity, including against the most worrisome colistin-resistant strains A. baumannii.

The use of fluorescence correlation spectroscopy to monitor cell surface β2-adrenoceptors at low expression levels in human embryonic stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes and fibroblasts

The importance of cell phenotype in determining the molecular mechanisms underlying β₂ -adrenoceptor (β2AR) function has been noted previously when comparing responses in primary cells and recombinant model cell lines. Here, we have generated haplotype-specific SNAP-tagged β2AR human embryonic stem (ES) cell lines and applied fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS) to study cell surface receptors in progenitor cells and in differentiated fibroblasts and cardiomyocytes. FCS was able to quantify SNAP-tagged β2AR number and diffusion in both ES-derived cardiomyocytes and CRISPR/Cas9 genome-edited HEK293T cells, where the expression level was too low to detect using standard confocal microscopy. These studies demonstrate the power of FCS in investigating cell surface β2ARs at the very low expression levels often seen in endogenously expressing cells. Furthermore, the use of ES cell technology in combination with FCS allowed us to demonstrate that cell surface β2ARs internalize in response to formoterol-stimulation in ES progenitor cells but not following their differentiation into ES-derived fibroblasts. This indicates that the process of agonist-induced receptor internalization is strongly influenced by cell phenotype and this may have important implications for drug treatment with long-acting β2AR agonists.

β-Adrenergic receptor, an essential target in cardiovascular diseases

β-Adrenergic receptors (βARs) belong to a large family of cell surface receptors known as G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). They are coupled to Gs protein (Gαs) for the activation of adenylyl cyclase (AC) yielding cyclic AMP (_CAMP), and this provides valuable responses, which can affect the cardiac function such as injury. The binding of an agonist to βAR enhances conformation changes that lead to the Gαs subtype of heterotrimeric G protein which is the AC stimulatory G protein for activation of _CAMP in the cells. However, cardiovascular diseases (CVD) have been reported as having an increased rate of death and β1AR, and β2AR are a promising tool that improves the regulatory function in the cardiovascular system (CVS) via signaling. It increases the Gα level, which activates βAR kinase (βARK) that affects and enhances the progression of heart failure (HF) through the activation of cardiomyocyte βARs. We also explained that an increase in GPCR kinases (GRKs) would practically improve the HF pathogenesis and this occurs via the desensitization of βARs, which causes the loss of contractile reserve. The consistency or overstimulation of catecholamines contributes to CVD such as stroke, HF, and cardiac hypertrophy. When there is a decrease in catecholamine responsiveness, it causes aging in old people because the reduction of βAR sensitivity and density in the myocardium enhances downregulation of βARs to AC in the human heart.

Label-Free Analysis with Multiple Parameters Separates G Protein-Coupled Receptor Signaling Pathways

Real-time label-free techniques are used to profile G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) signaling pathways in living cells. However, interpreting the label-free signal responses is challenging, and previously reported methods do not reliably separate pathways from each other. In this study, a continuous angular-scanning surface plasmon resonance (SPR) technique is utilized for measuring label-free GPCR signal profiles. We show how the continuous angular-scanning ability, measuring up to nine real-time label-free parameters simultaneously, results in more information-rich label-free signal profiles for different GPCR pathways, providing a more accurate pathway separation. For this, we measured real-time full-angular SPR response curves for G_s, G_q, and G_i signaling pathways in living cells. By selecting two of the most prominent label-free parameters: the full SPR curve angular and intensity shifts, we present how this analysis approach can separate each of the three signaling pathways in a straightforward single-step analysis setup, without concurrent use of signal inhibitors or other response modulating compounds.

A label-free impedance assay in endothelial cells differentiates the activation and desensitization properties of clinical S1P1 agonists

Sphingosine-1 phosphate receptor-1 (S1P1 ) activation maintains endothelial barrier integrity, whereas S1P1 desensitization induces peripheral blood lymphopenia. The latter is exploited in the approval and/or late-stage development of receptor-desensitizing agents targeting the S1P1 receptor in multiple sclerosis, such as siponimod, ozanimod, and ponesimod. SAR247799 is a recently described G protein-biased S1P1 agonist that activates S1P1 without desensitization and thus has endothelial-protective properties in patients without reducing lymphocytes. As SAR247799 demonstrated endothelial-protective effects at sub-lymphocyte-reducing doses, the possibility exists that other S1P1 modulators could also exhibit endothelial-protective properties at lower doses. To explore this possibility, we sought to quantitatively compare the biased properties of SAR247799 with the most advanced clinical molecules targeting S1P1 . In this study, we define the β-arrestin pathway component of the impedance profile following S1P1 activation in a human umbilical vein endothelial cell line (HUVEC) and report quantitative indices of the S1P1 activation-to-desensitization ratio of various clinical molecules. In a label-free impedance assay assessing endothelial barrier integrity and disruption, the mean estimates (95% confidence interval) of the activation-to-desensitization ratios of SAR247799, ponesimod, ozanimod, and siponimod were 114 (91.1-143), 7.66 (3.41-17.2), 6.35 (3.21-12.5), and 0.170 (0.0523-0.555), respectively. Thus, we show that SAR247799 is the most G protein-biased S1P1 agonist currently characterized. This rank order of bias among the most clinically advanced S1P1 modulators provides a new perspective on the relative potential of these clinical molecules for improving endothelial function in patients in relation to their lymphocyte-reducing (desensitization) properties.

Signal profiling of the β1AR reveals coupling to novel signalling pathways and distinct phenotypic responses mediated by β1AR and β2AR

A comprehensive understanding of signalling downstream of GPCRs requires a broad approach to capture novel signalling modalities in addition to established pathways. Here, using an array of sixteen validated BRET-based biosensors, we analyzed the ability of seven different β-adrenergic ligands to engage five distinct signalling pathways downstream of the β₁-adrenergic receptor (β₁AR). In addition to generating signalling signatures and capturing functional selectivity for the different ligands toward these pathways, we also revealed coupling to signalling pathways that have not previously been ascribed to the βAR. These include coupling to G_z and G₁₂ pathways. The signalling cascade linking the β₁AR to calcium mobilization was also characterized using a combination of BRET-based biosensors and CRISPR-engineered HEK 293 cells lacking the Gαs subunit or with pharmacological or genetically engineered pathway inhibitors. We show that both G_s and G₁₂ are required for the full calcium response. Our work highlights the power of combining signal profiling with genome editing approaches to capture the full complement of GPCR signalling activities in a given cell type and to probe their underlying mechanisms.

Metabolic reprogramming by tobacco-specific nitrosamines (TSNAs) in cancer

Metabolic reprogramming is a hallmark of cancer and the link between oncogenes activation, tumor supressors inactivation and bioenergetics modulation is well established. However, numerous carcinogenic environmental factors are responsible for early cancer initiation and their impact on metabolic reprogramming just starts to be deciphered. For instance, it was recently shown that UVB irradiation triggers metabolic reprogramming at the pre-cancer stage with implication for skin cancer detection and therapy. These observations foster the need to study the early changes in tissue metabolism following exposure to other carcinogenic events. According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), tobacco smoke is a major class I-carcinogenic environmental factor that contains different carcinogens, but little is known on the impact of tobacco smoke on tissue metabolism and its participation to cancer initiation. In particular, tobacco-specific nitrosamines (TSNAs) play a central role in tobacco-smoke mediated cancer initiation. Here we describe the recent advances that have led to a new hypothesis regarding the link between nitrosamines signaling and metabolic reprogramming in cancer.

Adenosine A1-A2A Receptor-Receptor Interaction: Contribution to Guanosine-Mediated Effects

Guanosine, a guanine-based purine nucleoside, has been described as a neuromodulator that exerts neuroprotective effects in animal and cellular ischemia models. However, guanosine's exact mechanism of action and molecular targets have not yet been identified. Here, we aimed to elucidate a role of adenosine receptors (ARs) in mediating guanosine effects. We investigated the neuroprotective effects of guanosine in hippocampal slices from A2AR-deficient mice (A2AR-/-) subjected to oxygen/glucose deprivation (OGD). Next, we assessed guanosine binding at ARs taking advantage of a fluorescent-selective A2AR antagonist (MRS7396) which could engage in a bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET) process with NanoLuc-tagged A2AR. Next, we evaluated functional AR activation by determining cAMP and calcium accumulation. Finally, we assessed the impact of A1R and A2AR co-expression in guanosine-mediated impedance responses in living cells. Guanosine prevented the reduction of cellular viability and increased reactive oxygen species generation induced by OGD in hippocampal slices from wild-type, but not from A2AR-/- mice. Notably, while guanosine was not able to modify MRS7396 binding to A2AR-expressing cells, a partial blockade was observed in cells co-expressing A1R and A2AR. The relevance of the A1R and A2AR interaction in guanosine effects was further substantiated by means of functional assays (i.e., cAMP and calcium determinations), since guanosine only blocked A2AR agonist-mediated effects in doubly expressing A1R and A2AR cells. Interestingly, while guanosine did not affect A1R/A2AR heteromer formation, it reduced A2AR agonist-mediated cell impedance responses. Our results indicate that guanosine-induced effects may require both A1R and A2AR co-expression, thus identifying a molecular substrate that may allow fine tuning of guanosine-mediated responses.

The RXFP3 receptor is functionally associated with cellular responses to oxidative stress and DNA damage

DNA damage response (DDR) processes, often caused by oxidative stress, are important in aging and -related disorders. We recently showed that G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) kinase interacting protein 2 (GIT2) plays a key role in both DNA damage and oxidative stress. Multiple tissue analyses in GIT2KO mice demonstrated that GIT2 expression affects the GPCR relaxin family peptide 3 receptor (RXFP3), and is thus a therapeutically-targetable system. RXFP3 and GIT2 play similar roles in metabolic aging processes. Gaining a detailed understanding of the RXFP3-GIT2 functional relationship could aid the development of novel anti-aging therapies. We determined the connection between RXFP3 and GIT2 by investigating the role of RXFP3 in oxidative stress and DDR. Analyzing the effects of oxidizing (H₂O₂) and DNA-damaging (camptothecin) stressors on the interacting partners of RXFP3 using Affinity Purification-Mass Spectrometry, we found multiple proteins linked to DDR and cell cycle control. RXFP3 expression increased in response to DNA damage, overexpression, and Relaxin 3-mediated stimulation of RXFP3 reduced phosphorylation of DNA damage marker H2AX, and repair protein BRCA1, moderating DNA damage. Our data suggests an RXFP3-GIT2 system that could regulate cellular degradation after DNA damage, and could be a novel mechanism for mitigating the rate of age-related damage accumulation.

Conformational plasticity of the intracellular cavity of GPCR-G-protein complexes leads to G-protein promiscuity and selectivity

While the dynamics of the intracellular surface in agonist-stimulated GPCRs is well studied, the impact of GPCR dynamics on G-protein selectivity remains unclear. Here, we combine molecular dynamics simulations with live-cell FRET and secondary messenger measurements, for 21 GPCR-G-protein combinations, to advance a dynamic model of the GPCR-G-protein interface. Our data show C terminus peptides of Gαs, Gαi, and Gαq proteins assume a small ensemble of unique orientations when coupled to their cognate GPCRs, similar to the variations observed in 3D structures of GPCR-G-protein complexes. The noncognate G proteins interface with latent intracellular GPCR cavities but dissociate due to weak and unstable interactions. Three predicted mutations in β2-adrenergic receptor stabilize binding of noncognate Gαq protein in its latent cavity, allowing promiscuous signaling through both Gαs and Gαq in a dose-dependent manner. This demonstrates that latent GPCR cavities can be evolved, by design or nature, to tune G-protein selectivity, giving insights to pluridimensional GPCR signaling.

Advantages and shortcomings of cell-based electrical impedance measurements as a GPCR drug discovery tool

G Protein-Coupled Receptors (GPCRs) transduce extracellular signals and activate intracellular pathways, usually through activating associated G proteins. Due to their involvement in many human diseases, they are recognized worldwide as valuable drug targets. Many experimental approaches help identify small molecules that target GPCRs, including in vitro cell-based reporter assays and binding studies. Most cell-based assays use one signaling pathway or reporter as an assay readout. Moreover, they often require cell labeling or the integration of reporter systems. Over the last decades, cell-based electrical impedance biosensors have been explored for drug discovery. This label-free method holds many advantages over other cellular assays in GPCR research. The technology requires no cell manipulation and offers real-time kinetic measurements of receptor-mediated cellular changes. Instead of measuring the activity of a single reporter, the impedance readout includes information on multiple signaling events. This is beneficial when screening for ligands targeting orphan GPCRs since the signaling cascade(s) of the majority of these receptors are unknown. Due to its sensitivity, the method also applies to cellular models more relevant to disease, including patient-derived cell cultures. Despite its advantages, remaining issues regarding data comparability and interpretability has limited implementation of cell-based electrical impedance (CEI) in drug discovery. Future optimization must include both full exploitation of CEI response data using various ways of analysis as well as further exploration of its potential to detect biased activities early on in drug discovery. Here, we review the contribution of CEI technology to GPCR research, discuss its comparative benefits, and provide recommendations.

Therapeutic Potential of Targeting ß-Arrestin

ß-arrestins are multifunctional proteins that modulate heptahelical 7 transmembrane receptors, also known as G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), a superfamily of receptors that regulate most physiological processes. ß-arrestin modulation of GPCR function includes termination of G protein-dependent signaling, initiation of ß-arrestin-dependent signaling, receptor trafficking to degradative or recycling pathways, receptor transactivation, transcriptional regulation, and localization of second messenger regulators. The pleiotropic influence ß-arrestins exert on these receptors regulates a breadth of physiological functions, and additionally, ß-arrestins are involved in the pathophysiology of numerous and wide-ranging diseases, making them prime therapeutic targets. In this review, we briefly describe the mechanisms by which ß-arrestins regulate GPCR signaling, including the functional cellular mechanisms modulated by ß-arrestins and relate this to observed pathophysiological responses associated with ß-arrestins. We focus on the role for ß-arrestins in transducing cell signaling; a pathway that is complementary to the classical G protein-coupling pathway. The existence of these GPCR dual signaling pathways offers an immense therapeutic opportunity through selective targeting of one signaling pathway over the other. Finally, we will consider several mechanisms by which the potential of dual signaling pathway regulation can be harnessed and the implications for improved disease treatments.

PBF509, an Adenosine A2A Receptor Antagonist With Efficacy in Rodent Models of Movement Disorders

Adenosine A_2A receptor (A_2AR) antagonists have emerged as complementary non-dopaminergic drugs to alleviate Parkinson's disease (PD) symptomatology. Here, we characterize a novel non-xhantine non-furan A_2AR antagonist, PBF509, as a potential pro-dopaminergic drug for PD management. First, PBF509 was shown to be a highly potent ligand at the human A_2AR, since it antagonized A_2AR agonist-mediated cAMP accumulation and impedance responses with K_B values of 72.8 ± 17.4 and 8.2 ± 4.2 nM, respectively. Notably, these results validated our new A_2AR-based label-free assay as a robust and sensitive approach to characterize A_2AR ligands. Next, we evaluated the efficacy of PBF509 reversing motor impairments in several rat models of movement disorders, including catalepsy, tremor, and hemiparkinsonism. Thus, PBF509 (orally) antagonized haloperidol-mediated catalepsy, reduced pilocarpine-induced tremulous jaw movements and potentiated the number of contralateral rotations induced by L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-DOPA) in unilaterally 6-OHDA-lesioned rats. Moreover, PBF509 (3 mg/kg) inhibited L-DOPA-induced dyskinesia (LID), showing not only its efficacy on reversing parkinsonian motor impairments but also acting as antidyskinetic agent. Overall, here we describe a new orally selective A_2AR antagonist with potential utility for PD treatment, and for some of the side effects associated to the current pharmacotherapy (i.e., dyskinesia).

Optimization and 13CH3 methionine labeling of a signaling competent neurotensin receptor 1 variant for NMR studies

Neurotensin is a 13-residue peptide that acts as a neuromodulator of classical neurotransmitters such as dopamine and glutamate in the mammalian central nervous system, mainly by activating the G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR), neurotensin receptor 1 (NTS₁). Agonist binding to GPCRs shifts the conformational equilibrium of the transmembrane helices towards distinct, thermodynamically favorable conformations that favor effector protein interactions and promotes cell signaling. The introduction of site specific labels for NMR spectroscopy has proven useful for investigating this dynamic process, but the low expression levels and poor stability of GPCRs is a hindrance to solution NMR experiments. Several thermostabilized mutants of NTS₁ have been engineered to circumvent this, with the crystal structures of four of these published. The conformational dynamics of NTS₁ however, has not been thoroughly investigated with NMR. It is generally accepted that stabilized GPCRs exhibit attenuated signaling, thus we thoroughly characterized the signaling characteristics of several thermostabilized NTS₁ variants to identify an optimal variant for protein NMR studies. A variant termed enNTS₁ exhibited the best combination of signaling capability and stability upon solubilization with detergents. enNTS₁ was subsequently labeled with ¹³CH₃-methionine in E. coli and purified to homogeneity in the absence of bound ligands. Using solution NMR spectroscopy we observed several well dispersed ¹³CH₃-methionine resonances, many of which exhibited chemical shift changes upon the addition of the high affinity agonist peptide, NT8-13. Thus, enNTS₁ represents a novel tool for investigating ligand induced conformational changes in NTS₁ to gain insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying neurotensin signaling.

From receptor binding kinetics to signal transduction; a missing link in predicting in vivo drug-action

An important question in drug discovery is how to overcome the significant challenge of high drug attrition rates due to lack of efficacy and safety. A missing link in the understanding of determinants for drug efficacy is the relation between drug-target binding kinetics and signal transduction, particularly in the physiological context of (multiple) endogenous ligands. We hypothesized that the kinetic binding parameters of both drug and endogenous ligand play a crucial role in determining cellular responses, using the NK1 receptor as a model system. We demonstrated that the binding kinetics of both antagonists (DFA and aprepitant) and endogenous agonists (NKA and SP) have significantly different effects on signal transduction profiles, i.e. potency values, in vitro efficacy values and onset rate of signal transduction. The antagonistic effects were most efficacious with slowly dissociating aprepitant and slowly associating NKA while the combination of rapidly dissociating DFA and rapidly associating SP had less significant effects on the signal transduction profiles. These results were consistent throughout different kinetic assays and cellular backgrounds. We conclude that knowledge of the relationship between in vitro drug-target binding kinetics and cellular responses is important to ultimately improve the understanding of drug efficacy in vivo.

Signaling properties of the human chemokine receptors CXCR4 and CXCR7 by cellular electric impedance measurements

The chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) and 7 (CXCR7) are G-protein-coupled receptors involved in various diseases including human cancer. As such, they have become important targets for therapeutic intervention. Cell-based receptor assays, able to detect agents that modulate receptor activity, are of key importance for drug discovery. We evaluated the potential of cellular electric impedance for this purpose. Dose-dependent and specific stimulation of CXCR4 was detected upon addition of its unique chemokine ligand CXCL12. The response magnitude correlated with the CXCR4 expression level. G_αi coupling and signaling contributed extensively to the impedance response, whereas G_αq- and G_βγ-related events had only minor effects on the impedance profile. CXCR7 signaling could not be detected using impedance measurements. However, increasing levels of CXCR7 expression significantly reduced the CXCR4-mediated impedance readout, suggesting a regulatory role for CXCR7 on CXCR4-mediated signaling. Taken together, cellular electric impedance spectroscopy can represent a valuable alternative pharmacological cell-based assay for the identification of molecules targeting CXCR4, but not for CXCR7 in the absence of CXCR4.

β2 Agonists

History suggests β agonists, the cognate ligand of the β₂ adrenoceptor, have been used as bronchodilators for around 5,000 years, and β agonists remain today the frontline treatment for asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The β agonists used clinically today are the products of significant expenditure and over 100 year's intensive research aimed at minimizing side effects and enhancing therapeutic usefulness. The respiratory physician now has a therapeutic toolbox of long acting β agonists to prophylactically manage bronchoconstriction, and short acting β agonists to relieve acute exacerbations. Despite constituting the cornerstone of asthma and COPD therapy, these drugs are not perfect; significant safety issues have led to a black box warning advising that long acting β agonists should not be used alone in patients with asthma. In addition there are a significant proportion of patients whose asthma remains uncontrolled. In this chapter we discuss the evolution of β agonist use and how the understanding of β agonist actions on their principal target tissue, airway smooth muscle, has led to greater understanding of how these drugs can be further modified and improved in the future. Research into the genetics of the β₂ adrenoceptor will also be discussed, as will the implications of individual DNA profiles on the clinical outcomes of β agonist use (pharmacogenetics). Finally we comment on what the future may hold for the use of β agonists in respiratory disease.

Label-free technology and patient cells: from early drug development to precision medicine

Drug development requires physiologically more appropriate model systems and assays to increase understanding of drug action and pathological processes in individual humans. Specifically, patient-derived cells offer great opportunities as representative cellular model systems. Moreover, with novel label-free cellular assays, it is often possible to investigate complex biological processes in their native environment. Combining these two offers distinct opportunities for increasing physiological relevance. Here, we review impedance-based label-free technologies in the context of patient samples, focusing on commonly used cell types, including fibroblasts, blood components, and stem cells. Applications extend as far as tissue-on-a-chip models. Thus, applying label-free technologies to patient samples can produce highly biorelevant data and, with them, unique opportunities for drug development and precision medicine.

Purinergic Receptor Transactivation by the β2-Adrenergic Receptor Increases Intracellular Ca2+ in Nonexcitable Cells

The β2 adrenergic receptor (β2AR) increases intracellular Ca2+ in a variety of cell types. By combining pharmacological and genetic manipulations, we reveal a novel mechanism through which the β2AR promotes Ca2+ mobilization (pEC50 = 7.32 ± 0.10) in nonexcitable human embryonic kidney (HEK)293S cells. Downregulation of Gs with sustained cholera toxin pretreatment and the use of Gs-null HEK293 (∆Gs-HEK293) cells generated using the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat-associated protein-9 nuclease (CRISPR/Cas9) system, combined with pharmacological modulation of cAMP formation, revealed a Gs-dependent but cAMP-independent increase in intracellular Ca2+ following β2AR stimulation. The increase in cytoplasmic Ca2+ was inhibited by P2Y purinergic receptor antagonists as well as a dominant-negative mutant form of Gq, a Gq-selective inhibitor, and an inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) receptor antagonist, suggesting a role for this Gq-coupled receptor family downstream of the β2AR activation. Consistent with this mechanism, β2AR stimulation promoted the extracellular release of ATP, and pretreatment with apyrase inhibited the β2AR-promoted Ca2+ mobilization. Together, these data support a model whereby the β2AR stimulates a Gs-dependent release of ATP, which transactivates Gq-coupled P2Y receptors through an inside-out mechanism, leading to a Gq- and IP3-dependent Ca2+ mobilization from intracellular stores. Given that β2AR and P2Y receptors are coexpressed in various tissues, this novel signaling paradigm could be physiologically important and have therapeutic implications. In addition, this study reports the generation and validation of HEK293 cells deleted of Gs using the CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing technology that will undoubtedly be powerful tools to study Gs-dependent signaling.

β2-Adrenergic receptor activation mobilizes intracellular calcium via a non-canonical cAMP-independent signaling pathway

Beta adrenergic receptors (βARs) are G-protein-coupled receptors essential for physiological responses to the hormones/neurotransmitters epinephrine and norepinephrine which are found in the nervous system and throughout the body. They are the targets of numerous widely used drugs, especially in the case of the most extensively studied βAR, β₂AR, whose ligands are used for asthma and cardiovascular disease. βARs signal through Gα_s G-proteins and via activation of adenylyl cyclase and cAMP-dependent protein kinase, but some alternative downstream pathways have also been proposed that could be important for understanding normal physiological functioning of βAR signaling and its disruption in disease. Using fluorescence-based Ca²⁺ flux assays combined with pharmacology and gene knock-out methods, we discovered a previously unrecognized endogenous pathway in HEK-293 cells whereby β₂AR activation leads to robust Ca²⁺ mobilization from intracellular stores via activation of phospholipase C and opening of inositol trisphosphate (InsP₃) receptors. This pathway did not involve cAMP, Gα_s, or Gα_i or the participation of the other members of the canonical β₂AR signaling cascade and, therefore, constitutes a novel signaling mechanism for this receptor. This newly uncovered mechanism for Ca²⁺ mobilization by β₂AR has broad implications for adrenergic signaling, cross-talk with other signaling pathways, and the effects of βAR-directed drugs.

Discovery of Novel Gq-Biased LPA1 Negative Allosteric Modulators

Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) activates the G-protein-coupled receptor LPA1, which regulates various cellular processes, including cell proliferation and migration. Although LPA1 transduces cellular responses via Gq, Gi, and G12/13, associations between these signaling molecules and cellular phenotypes remain poorly characterized due to the lack of signal-specific pharmacological tools. Here, we characterized novel signal-biased modulators using multiple assays, including label-free impedance assays. LPA caused dramatic changes in cellular impedance in LPA1-expressing recombinant cells, which were susceptible to G-protein and protein kinase inhibitors. Subsequently, Gq-biased LPA1 negative allosteric modulators (NAMs) were identified using high-throughput screening, and a nonbiased antagonist differently affected the LPA-induced cellular impedance. These NAMs provide pharmacological tools for further investigations of the biology of LPA1.

A Systematic Approach to Identify Biased Agonists of the Apelin Receptor through High-Throughput Screening

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.

Ala5-galanin (2-11) is a GAL2R specific galanin analogue

It is over 30years since the regulatory peptide galanin was discovered by Professor Mutt and co-workers. Galanin exerts its effects by binding to three galanin G-protein coupled receptors, namely GAL₁R, GAL₂R and GAL₃R. Each galanin receptor has a different distribution in the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system as well as distinctive signaling pathways, which implicates that the receptors are involved in different biological- and pathological effects. The delineation of the galaninergic system is however difficult due to a lack of stable, specific galanin receptor ligands. Herein, a new short GAL₂R specific ligand, Ala⁵-galanin (2-11), is presented. The galanin (2-11) modified analogue Ala⁵-galanin (2-11) was tested in ¹²⁵I-galanin competitive binding studies for the three galanin receptors and the G-protein coupled receptor signaling properties was tested by the ability to influence second-messenger molecules like inositol phosphate and cyclic adenosine monophosphate. In addition, two different label-free real-time assays, namely EnSpire® based on an optical biosensor and xCELLigence® based on an electric biosensor, were used for evaluating the signaling properties using cell lines with different levels of receptor expression. Ala⁵-galanin (2-11) was subsequently found to be a full agonist for GAL₂R with more than 375-fold preference for GAL₂R compared to both GAL₁R and GAL₃R. The single amino acid substitution of serine to alanine at position 5 in the short ligand galanin (2-11) resulted in a ligand subsequently unable to bind neither GAL₃R nor GAL₁R, even at concentrations as high as 0.1mM.

Dosimetric Characteristics of an EMF Delivery System Based on a Real-Time Impedance Measurement Device

In this paper, the dosimetric characterization of an EMF exposure setup compatible with real-time impedance measurements of adherent biological cells is proposed. The EMF are directly delivered to the 16-well format plate used by the commercial xCELLigence apparatus. Experiments and numerical simulations were carried out for the dosimetric analysis. The reflection coefficient was less than -10 dB up to 180 MHz and this exposure system can be matched at higher frequencies up to 900 and 1800 MHz. The specific absorption rate (SAR) distribution within the wells containing the biological medium was calculated by numerical finite-difference time domain simulations and results were verified by temperature measurements at 13.56 MHz. Numerical SAR values were obtained at the microelectrode level where the biological cells were exposed to EMF including 13.56, 900, and 1800 MHz. At 13.56 MHz, the SAR values, within the cell layer and the 270-μL volume of medium, are 1.9e3 and 3.5 W/kg/incident mW, respectively.

A new phosphorylated form of Ku70 identified in resistant leukemic cells confers fast but unfaithful DNA repair in cancer cell lines

Ku70-dependent canonical nonhomologous end-joining (c-NHEJ) DNA repair system is fundamental to the genome maintenance and B-cell lineage. c-NHEJ is upregulated and error-prone in incurable forms of chronic lymphocytic leukemia which also displays telomere dysfunction, multiple chromosomal aberrations and the resistance to DNA damage-induced apoptosis. We identify in these cells a novel DNA damage inducible form of phospho-Ku70. In vitro in different cancer cell lines, Ku70 phosphorylation occurs in a heterodimer Ku70/Ku80 complex within minutes of genotoxic stress, necessitating its interaction with DNA damage-induced kinase pS2056-DNA-PKcs and/or pS1981-ATM. The mutagenic effects of phospho-Ku70 are documented by a defective S/G2 checkpoint, accelerated disappearance of γ-H2AX foci and kinetics of DNA repair resulting in an increased level of genotoxic stress-induced chromosomal aberrations. Together, these data unveil an involvement of phospho-Ku70 in fast but inaccurate DNA repair; a new paradigm linked to both the deregulation of c-NHEJ and the resistance of malignant cells.

Impedance-based analysis of mu opioid receptor signaling and underlying mechanisms

The mu opioid receptor is a G-protein coupled receptor able to signal through the Gα_i/o class of G-protein and β-arrestin pathways, stimulating down-stream effector pathways. Signaling bias occurs when different receptor agonists lead to different signaling outcomes. Traditionally these have been studied using end-point assays. Real-time cellular analysis platforms allow for the analysis of the holistic effects of receptor activation as an integrated output. While this allows for different ligands to be compared rapidly, the cellular mechanisms underlying the signal are not well described. Using an impedance based system, the impedance responses for two opioid ligands, morphine and DAMGO were examined.

The impedance responses for these two agonists, while showing similar features, were distinct from each other. Some of the mechanisms underlying the mu opioid receptor coupled impedance changes were investigated. It was found that the response is a result of discrete cellular processes, including G-protein signaling and protein kinase phosphorylation.

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An impedance assay was used to capture label-free real-time data for two opioids.

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DAMGO and morphine treatments produced different responses.

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Cellular mechanisms underlying impedance response were investigated.

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G-protein signaling and protein phosphorylation were implicated in the response.

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The contribution of two kinases, AKT1/2/3 and ERK1/2, was demonstrated.

The role of kinetic context in apparent biased agonism at GPCRs

Biased agonism describes the ability of ligands to stabilize different conformations of a GPCR linked to distinct functional outcomes and offers the prospect of designing pathway-specific drugs that avoid on-target side effects. This mechanism is usually inferred from pharmacological data with the assumption that the confounding influences of observational (that is, assay dependent) and system (that is, cell background dependent) bias are excluded by experimental design and analysis. Here we reveal that ‘kinetic context', as determined by ligand-binding kinetics and the temporal pattern of receptor-signalling processes, can have a profound influence on the apparent bias of a series of agonists for the dopamine D₂ receptor and can even lead to reversals in the direction of bias. We propose that kinetic context must be acknowledged in the design and interpretation of studies of biased agonism.

Biased agonists act at a receptor to preferentially induce distinct intracellular signalling responses over others. Here the authors show how kinetics of ligand binding and signaling responses greatly influence observed bias profiles, and hence must be considered when studying biased agonists.

Molecular Pharmacology of Chemokine Receptors

Chemokine receptors are involved in various pathologies such as inflammatory diseases, cancer, and HIV infection. Small molecule and antibody-based antagonists have been developed to inhibit chemokine-induced receptor activity. Currently two small molecule inhibitors targeting CXCR4 and CCR5 are on the market for stem cell mobilization and the treatment of HIV infection, respectively. Antibody fragments (e.g., nanobodies) targeting chemokine receptors are primarily orthosteric ligands, competing for the chemokine binding site. This is opposed by most small molecules, which act as allosteric modulators and bind to the receptor at a topographically distinct site as compared to chemokines. Allosteric modulators can be distinguished from orthosteric ligands by unique features, such as a saturable effect and probe dependency. For successful drug development, it is essential to determine pharmacological parameters (i.e., affinity, potency, and efficacy) and the mode of action of potential drugs during early stages of research in order to predict the biological effect of chemokine receptor targeting drugs in the clinic. This chapter explains how the pharmacological profile of chemokine receptor targeting ligands can be determined and quantified using binding and functional experiments.

The β2-adrenoceptor activates a positive cAMP-calcium feedforward loop to drive breast cancer cell invasion

Activation of the sympathetic nervous system by stress increases breast cancer metastasis in vivo. Preclinical studies suggest that stress activates β-adrenoceptors (βARs) to enhance metastasis from primary tumors and that β-blockers may be protective in breast cancer. However, the subtype of βAR that mediates this effect, as well as the signaling mechanisms underlying increased tumor cell dissemination, remain unclear. We show that the β2AR is the only functionally relevant βAR subtype in the highly metastatic human breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231HM. β2AR activation results in elevated cAMP (formoterol pEC50 9.86 ± 0.32), increased intracellular Ca(2+) (formoterol pEC50 8.20 ± 0.33) and reduced phosphorylated ERK (pERK; formoterol pIC50 11.62 ± 0.31). We demonstrate that a highly amplified positive feedforward loop between the cAMP and Ca(2+) pathways is responsible for efficient inhibition of basal pERK. Importantly, activation of the β2AR increased invasion (formoterol area under the curve [AUC] relative to vehicle: 1.82 ± 0.36), which was dependent on the cAMP/Ca(2+) loop (formoterol AUC in the presence of 2'5'-dideoxyadenosine 0.64 ± 0.03, or BAPTA-AM 0.45 ± 0.23) but independent of inhibition of basal pERK1/2 (vehicle AUC with U0126 0.60 ± 0.30). Specifically targeting the positive feedforward cAMP/Ca(2+) loop may be beneficial for the development of therapeutics to slow disease progression in patients with breast cancer.

Receptor, Ligand and Transducer Contributions to Dopamine D2 Receptor Functional Selectivity

Functional selectivity (or biased agonism) is a property exhibited by some G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) ligands, which results in the modulation of a subset of a receptor's signaling capabilities and more precise control over complex biological processes. The dopamine D2 receptor (D2R) exhibits pleiotropic responses to the biogenic amine dopamine (DA) to mediate complex central nervous system functions through activation of G proteins and β-arrestins. D2R is a prominent therapeutic target for psychological and neurological disorders in which DA biology is dysregulated and targeting D2R with functionally selective drugs could provide a means by which pharmacotherapies could be developed. However, factors that determine GPCR functional selectivity in vivo may be multiple with receptors, ligands and transducers contributing to the process. We have recently described a mutagenesis approach to engineer biased D2R mutants in which G protein-dependent ([Gprot]D2R) and β-arrestin-dependent signaling ([βarr]D2R) were successfully separated (Peterson, et al. PNAS, 2015). Here, permutations of these mutants were used to identify critical determinants of the D2R signaling complex that impart signaling bias in response to the natural or synthetic ligands. Critical residues identified in generating [Gprot]D2R and [βarr]D2R conferred control of partial agonism at G protein and/or β-arrestin activity. Another set of mutations that result in G protein bias was identified that demonstrated that full agonists can impart unique activation patterns, and provided further credence to the concept of ligand texture. Finally, the contributions and interplay between different transducers indicated that G proteins are not aberrantly activated, and that receptor kinase and β-arrestin activities are inextricably linked. These data provide a thorough elucidation of the feasibility and malleability of D2R functional selectivity and point to means by which novel in vivo therapies could be modeled.

Selectivity of pharmacological tools: implications for use in cell physiology. A review in the theme: Cell signaling: proteins, pathways and mechanisms

Pharmacological inhibitors are frequently used to identify the receptors, receptor subtypes, and associated signaling pathways involved in physiological cell responses. Based on the effects of such inhibitors conclusions are drawn about the involvement of their assumed target or lack thereof. While such inhibitors can be useful tools for a better physiological understanding, their uncritical use can lead to incorrect conclusions. This article reviews the concept of inhibitor selectivity and its implication for cell physiology. Specifically, we discuss the implications of using inhibitor vs. activator approaches, issues of direct vs. indirect pathway modulation, implications of inverse agonism and biased signaling, and those of orthosteric vs. allosteric, competitive vs. noncompetitive, and reversible vs. irreversible inhibition. Additional problems can result from inconsistent estimates of inhibitor potency and differences in potency between cell-free systems and intact cells. These concepts are illustrated by several examples of inhibitors displaying affinity for related but distinct targets or even unrelated targets. Of note, many of the issues being addressed are also applicable to genetic inhibition strategies. The main practical conclusion following from these concepts is that investigators should be critical in the choice of inhibitor, its concentrations, and its mode of application. When this advice is adhered to, small-molecule pharmacological inhibitors can be important experimental tools in the hand of physiologists.

Multidimensional GPCR profiling and screening using impedance-based label-free and real-time assay

GPCRs constitute one of the most sought-after targets in drug discovery because they are associated with conditions ranging from cardiovascular diseases, autoimmune diseases, inflammation, cancer, and diseases of the nervous system. Moreover, they are one of the most amenable targets for drug discovery because they can be modulated by small molecules, peptides, proteins, and antibodies. Therefore it may not come as a surprise that close to 40 % of the drugs that are currently on the market are targeting GPCRs. It has become evident that GPCR signaling is highly complex and may involve multiple or a subset of pathways depending on the interaction of a GPCR with an agonist or antagonist. It is imperative that any functional screening for GPCR activity integrates this complexity. In this assay protocol, we describe how the xCELLigence RTCA HT impedance-based platform which can be used for functional cell-based GPCR assays can be utilized for GPCR screening.

Detection and Quantification of Allosteric Modulation of Endogenous M4 Muscarinic Acetylcholine Receptor Using Impedance-Based Label-Free Technology in a Neuronal Cell Line

Allosteric modulators of G protein–coupled receptors have the potential to achieve greater receptor subtype selectivity compared with ligands targeting the orthosteric site of this receptor family. However, the high attrition rate in GPCR drug discovery programs has highlighted the need to better characterize lead compounds in terms of their allosteric action, as well as the signals they elicit. Recently, the use of label-free technologies has been proposed as an approach to overcome some limitations of endpoint-based assays and detect global changes in the ligand-stimulated cell. In this study, we assessed the ability of an impedance-based label-free technology, xCELLigence, to detect allosteric modulation in a neuronal cell line natively expressing rodent M4 muscarinic acetylcholine receptors. We were able to demonstrate that positive allosteric modulation of the endogenous M4 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor can be detected using this technology. Importantly, the allosteric parameters estimated from the label-free approach are comparable to those estimated from endpoint-based assays.

Structure-bias relationships for fenoterol stereoisomers in six molecular and cellular assays at the β2-adrenoceptor

Functional selectivity is well established as an underlying concept of ligand-specific signaling via G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). Functionally, selective drugs could show greater therapeutic efficacy and fewer adverse effects. Dual coupling of the β2-adrenoceptor (β2AR) triggers a signal transduction via Gsα and Giα proteins. Here, we examined 12 fenoterol stereoisomers in six molecular and cellular assays. Using β2AR-Gsα and β2AR-Giα fusion proteins, (R,S')- and (S,S')-isomers of 4'-methoxy-1-naphthyl-fenoterol were identified as biased ligands with preference for Gs. G protein-independent signaling via β-arrestin-2 was disfavored by these ligands. Isolated human neutrophils constituted an ex vivo model of β2AR signaling and demonstrated functional selectivity through the dissociation of cAMP accumulation and the inhibition of formyl peptide-stimulated production of reactive oxygen species. Ligand bias was calculated using an operational model of agonism and revealed that the fenoterol scaffold constitutes a promising lead structure for the development of Gs-biased β2AR agonists.