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Daniłowska K, Picheta N, Żyła D, Piekarz J, Zych K, Gil-Kulik P. New Pharmacological Therapies in the Treatment of Epilepsy in the Pediatric Population. J Clin Med 2024; 13:3567. [PMID: 38930098 PMCID: PMC11204858 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13123567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2024] [Revised: 06/14/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Epilepsy is a disorder characterized by abnormal brain neuron activity, predisposing individuals to seizures. The International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) categorizes epilepsy into the following groups: focal, generalized, generalized and focal, and unknown. Infants are the most vulnerable pediatric group to the condition, with the cause of epilepsy development being attributed to congenital brain developmental defects, white matter damage, intraventricular hemorrhage, perinatal hypoxic-ischemic injury, perinatal stroke, or genetic factors such as mutations in the Sodium Channel Protein Type 1 Subunit Alpha (SCN1A) gene. Due to the risks associated with this condition, we have investigated how the latest pharmacological treatments for epilepsy in children impact the reduction or complete elimination of seizures. We reviewed literature from 2018 to 2024, focusing on the age group from 1 month to 18 years old, with some studies including this age group as well as older individuals. The significance of this review is to present and compile research findings on the latest antiseizure drugs (ASDs), their effectiveness, dosing, and adverse effects in the pediatric population, which can contribute to selecting the best drug for a particular patient. The medications described in this review have shown significant efficacy and safety in the studied patient group, outweighing the observed adverse effects. The main aim of this review is to provide a comprehensive summary of the current state of knowledge regarding the newest pharmacotherapy for childhood epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karolina Daniłowska
- Student’s Scientific Society of Clinical Genetics, Medical University of Lublin, 20-080 Lublin, Poland; (K.D.); (N.P.); (D.Ż.); (J.P.); (K.Z.)
| | - Natalia Picheta
- Student’s Scientific Society of Clinical Genetics, Medical University of Lublin, 20-080 Lublin, Poland; (K.D.); (N.P.); (D.Ż.); (J.P.); (K.Z.)
| | - Dominika Żyła
- Student’s Scientific Society of Clinical Genetics, Medical University of Lublin, 20-080 Lublin, Poland; (K.D.); (N.P.); (D.Ż.); (J.P.); (K.Z.)
| | - Julia Piekarz
- Student’s Scientific Society of Clinical Genetics, Medical University of Lublin, 20-080 Lublin, Poland; (K.D.); (N.P.); (D.Ż.); (J.P.); (K.Z.)
| | - Katarzyna Zych
- Student’s Scientific Society of Clinical Genetics, Medical University of Lublin, 20-080 Lublin, Poland; (K.D.); (N.P.); (D.Ż.); (J.P.); (K.Z.)
| | - Paulina Gil-Kulik
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Medical University of Lublin, 20-080 Lublin, Poland
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Hossain F, Hossain S, Jyoti MS, Omori Y, Tokumoto T. Establishment of a steroid binding assay for goldfish membrane progesterone receptor (mPR) by coupling with graphene quantum dots (GQDs). FISH PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY 2024; 50:1331-1339. [PMID: 38329580 DOI: 10.1007/s10695-024-01315-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
A homogeneous assay was developed to evaluate ligands that target the membrane progesterone receptor alpha (mPRα) of goldfish. This was achieved by employing graphene quantum dots (GQDs), a type of semiconductor nanoparticle conjugated to the goldfish mPRα. When progesterone-BSA-fluorescein isothiocyanate (P4-BSA-FITC) was combined with the other agents, fluorescence was observed through Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET). However, this fluorescence was quenched by binding between the ligand and receptor. This established method demonstrated the ligand selectivity of the mPRα protein. Then, the methylotrophic yeast Pichia pastoris was used to express the goldfish mPRα (GmPRα) protein. The recombinant purified GmPRα protein was coupled with graphene quantum dots (GQDs) to generate GQD-conjugated goldfish mPRα (GQD-GmPRα). Fluorescence at a wavelength of 520 nm was observed through FRET upon the combination of P4-BSA-FITC and subsequent activation by ultraviolet (UV) light. Adding free P4 to the reaction mixture resulted in a decrease in fluorescence intensity at a wavelength of 520 nm. The fluorescence was reduced by the administration of GmPRα ligands but not by steroids that do not interact with GmPRα. The findings indicated that the interaction between the ligand and receptor led to the formation of a complex involving GQD-GmPRα and P4-BSA-FITC. The interaction between the compounds and GQD-GmPRα was additionally validated by a binding experiment that employed the radiolabeled natural ligand [3H]-17α,20β-dihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one. We established a ligand-binding assay for the fish membrane progesterone receptor that is applicable for screening compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Forhad Hossain
- Department of Bioscience, Graduate School of Science and Technology, National University Corporation Shizuoka University, Ohya 836, Suruga-Ku, Shizuoka, 422-8529, Japan
| | - Shakhawat Hossain
- Biological Science Course, Department of Science, Graduate School of Integrated Science and Technology, Shizuoka University, 836 Ohya, Suruga-Ku, Shizuoka, 422-8529, Japan
| | - Maisum Sarwar Jyoti
- Department of Bioscience, Graduate School of Science and Technology, National University Corporation Shizuoka University, Ohya 836, Suruga-Ku, Shizuoka, 422-8529, Japan
| | - Yuki Omori
- Biological Science Course, Department of Science, Graduate School of Integrated Science and Technology, Shizuoka University, 836 Ohya, Suruga-Ku, Shizuoka, 422-8529, Japan
| | - Toshinobu Tokumoto
- Department of Bioscience, Graduate School of Science and Technology, National University Corporation Shizuoka University, Ohya 836, Suruga-Ku, Shizuoka, 422-8529, Japan.
- Biological Science Course, Department of Science, Graduate School of Integrated Science and Technology, Shizuoka University, 836 Ohya, Suruga-Ku, Shizuoka, 422-8529, Japan.
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3
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Singh M, Krishnamoorthy VR, Kim S, Khurana S, LaPorte HM. Brain-derived neuerotrophic factor and related mechanisms that mediate and influence progesterone-induced neuroprotection. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 15:1286066. [PMID: 38469139 PMCID: PMC10925611 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1286066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Historically, progesterone has been studied significantly within the context of reproductive biology. However, there is now an abundance of evidence for its role in regions of the central nervous system (CNS) associated with such non-reproductive functions that include cognition and affect. Here, we describe mechanisms of progesterone action that support its brain-protective effects, and focus particularly on the role of neurotrophins (such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor, BDNF), the receptors that are critical for their regulation, and the role of certain microRNA in influencing the brain-protective effects of progesterone. In addition, we describe evidence to support the particular importance of glia in mediating the neuroprotective effects of progesterone. Through this review of these mechanisms and our own prior published work, we offer insight into why the effects of a progestin on brain protection may be dependent on the type of progestin (e.g., progesterone versus the synthetic, medroxyprogesterone acetate) used, and age, and as such, we offer insight into the future clinical implication of progesterone treatment for such disorders that include Alzheimer's disease, stroke, and traumatic brain injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meharvan Singh
- Department of Cell and Molecular Physiology, Stritch School of Medicine, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL, United States
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Dell’Isola GB, Portwood KE, Consing K, Fattorusso A, Bartocci A, Ferrara P, Di Cara G, Verrotti A, Lodolo M. Current Overview of CDKL-5 Deficiency Disorder Treatment. Pediatr Rep 2024; 16:21-25. [PMID: 38251311 PMCID: PMC10801578 DOI: 10.3390/pediatric16010002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
CDKL5 deficiency disorder (CDD) is a complex of clinical symptoms resulting from the presence of non-functional or absent CDKL5 protein, a serine-threonine kinase involved in neural maturation and synaptogenesis [...].
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Katherin Elizabeth Portwood
- Shands Children’s Hospital, Department of Child Neurology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA; (K.E.P.); (K.C.); (M.L.)
| | - Kirsten Consing
- Shands Children’s Hospital, Department of Child Neurology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA; (K.E.P.); (K.C.); (M.L.)
| | - Antonella Fattorusso
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Perugia, 06129 Perugia, Italy; (A.F.); (G.D.C.); (A.V.)
| | - Arnaldo Bartocci
- Neurophysipathology Service, Villa Margherita, 01027 Montefiascone, Italy;
| | - Pietro Ferrara
- Unit of Pediatrics, Campus Bio-Medico University, 00128 Rome, Italy;
| | - Giuseppe Di Cara
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Perugia, 06129 Perugia, Italy; (A.F.); (G.D.C.); (A.V.)
| | - Alberto Verrotti
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Perugia, 06129 Perugia, Italy; (A.F.); (G.D.C.); (A.V.)
| | - Mauro Lodolo
- Shands Children’s Hospital, Department of Child Neurology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA; (K.E.P.); (K.C.); (M.L.)
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De SK. Ganaxolone: First FDA-approved Medicine for the Treatment of Seizures Associated with Cyclin-dependent Kinase-like 5 Deficiency Disorder. Curr Med Chem 2024; 31:388-392. [PMID: 36959132 DOI: 10.2174/0929867330666230320123952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/25/2023]
Abstract
The neurosteroids progesterone and allopregnanolone control numerous neuroprotective functions in neural tissues, including inhibition of epileptic seizures and cell death. Ganaxolone (3α-hydroxy-3β-methyl-5α-pregnan-20-one) (GNX) is the 3β- methylated synthetic analog of allopregnanolone and an allosteric GABAA positive modulator. Ganaxolone reduces the frequency of CDD-associated seizures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Surya K De
- Department of Chemistry, Conju-Probe, San Diego, CA, USA
- Bharath University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 600126, India
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6
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Perucca E, Bialer M, White HS. New GABA-Targeting Therapies for the Treatment of Seizures and Epilepsy: I. Role of GABA as a Modulator of Seizure Activity and Recently Approved Medications Acting on the GABA System. CNS Drugs 2023; 37:755-779. [PMID: 37603262 PMCID: PMC10501955 DOI: 10.1007/s40263-023-01027-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023]
Abstract
γ-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) is the most prevalent inhibitory neurotransmitter in the mammalian brain and has been found to play an important role in the pathogenesis or the expression of many neurological diseases, including epilepsy. Although GABA can act on different receptor subtypes, the component of the GABA system that is most critical to modulation of seizure activity is the GABAA-receptor-chloride (Cl-) channel complex, which controls the movement of Cl- ions across the neuronal membrane. In the mature brain, binding of GABA to GABAA receptors evokes a hyperpolarising (anticonvulsant) response, which is mediated by influx of Cl- into the cell driven by its concentration gradient between extracellular and intracellular fluid. However, in the immature brain and under certain pathological conditions, GABA can exert a paradoxical depolarising (proconvulsant) effect as a result of an efflux of chloride from high intracellular to lower extracellular Cl- levels. Extensive preclinical and clinical evidence indicates that alterations in GABAergic inhibition caused by drugs, toxins, gene defects or other disease states (including seizures themselves) play a causative or contributing role in facilitating or maintaning seizure activity. Conversely, enhancement of GABAergic transmission through pharmacological modulation of the GABA system is a major mechanism by which different antiseizure medications exert their therapeutic effect. In this article, we review the pharmacology and function of the GABA system and its perturbation in seizure disorders, and highlight how improved understanding of this system offers opportunities to develop more efficacious and better tolerated antiseizure medications. We also review the available data for the two most recently approved antiseizure medications that act, at least in part, through GABAergic mechanisms, namely cenobamate and ganaxolone. Differences in the mode of drug discovery, pharmacological profile, pharmacokinetic properties, drug-drug interaction potential, and clinical efficacy and tolerability of these agents are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilio Perucca
- Department of Medicine (Austin Health), The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
- Melbourne Brain Centre, 245 Burgundy Street, Heidelberg, VIC, 3084, Australia.
| | - Meir Bialer
- Institute of Drug Research, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
- David R. Bloom Center for Pharmacy, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - H Steve White
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
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Covey DF, Evers AS, Izumi Y, Maguire JL, Mennerick SJ, Zorumski CF. Neurosteroid enantiomers as potentially novel neurotherapeutics. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2023; 149:105191. [PMID: 37085023 PMCID: PMC10750765 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2023.105191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 04/23/2023]
Abstract
Endogenous neurosteroids and synthetic neuroactive steroids (NAS) are important targets for therapeutic development in neuropsychiatric disorders. These steroids modulate major signaling systems in the brain and intracellular processes including inflammation, cellular stress and autophagy. In this review, we describe studies performed using unnatural enantiomers of key neurosteroids, which are physiochemically identical to their natural counterparts except for rotation of polarized light. These studies led to insights in how NAS interact with receptors, ion channels and intracellular sites of action. Certain effects of NAS show high enantioselectivity, consistent with actions in chiral environments and likely direct interactions with signaling proteins. Other effects show no enantioselectivity and even reverse enantioselectivity. The spectrum of effects of NAS enantiomers raises the possibility that these agents, once considered only as tools for preclinical studies, have therapeutic potential that complements and in some cases may exceed their natural counterparts. Here we review studies of NAS enantiomers from the perspective of their potential development as novel neurotherapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Douglas F Covey
- Departments of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA; Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA; Anesthesiology Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA; The Taylor Family Institute for Innovative Psychiatric Research, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Alex S Evers
- Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA; Anesthesiology Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA; The Taylor Family Institute for Innovative Psychiatric Research, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Yukitoshi Izumi
- Departments of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA; The Taylor Family Institute for Innovative Psychiatric Research, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Jamie L Maguire
- Department of Neuroscience, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Steven J Mennerick
- Departments of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA; The Taylor Family Institute for Innovative Psychiatric Research, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Charles F Zorumski
- Departments of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA; The Taylor Family Institute for Innovative Psychiatric Research, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA.
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8
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Luchetti S, Liere P, Pianos A, Verwer RWH, Sluiter A, Huitinga I, Schumacher M, Swaab DF, Mason MRJ. Disease stage-dependent changes in brain levels and neuroprotective effects of neuroactive steroids in Parkinson's disease. Neurobiol Dis 2023:106169. [PMID: 37257664 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2023.106169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuroactive steroids are known neuroprotective agents and neurotransmitter regulators. We previously found that expression of the enzymes synthesizing 5α-dihydroprogesterone (5α-DHP), allopregnanolone (ALLO), and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) were reduced in the substantia nigra (SN) of Parkinson's Disease (PD) brain. Here, concentrations of a comprehensive panel of steroids were measured in human post-mortem brains of PD patients and controls. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS) was used to measure steroid levels in SN (involved in early symptoms) and prefrontal cortex (PFC) (involved later in the disease) of five control (CTR) and nine PD donors, divided into two groups: PD4 (PD-Braak stages 1-4) and PD6 (PD-Braak stages 5-6). In SN, ALLO was increased in PD4 compared to CTR and 5α-DHP and ALLO levels were diminished in PD6 compared to PD4. The ALLO metabolite 3α5α20α-hexahydroprogesterone (3α5α20α-HHP) was higher in PD4 compared to CTR. In PFC, 3α5α20α-HHP was higher in PD4 compared to both CTR and PD6. The effects of 5α-DHP, ALLO and DHEAS were tested on human post-mortem brain slices of patients and controls in culture. RNA expression of genes involved in neuroprotection, neuroinflammation and neurotransmission was analysed after 5 days of incubation with each steroid. In PD6 slices, both 5α-DHP and ALLO induced an increase of the glutamate reuptake effector GLAST1, while 5α-DHP also increased gene expression of the neuroprotective TGFB. In CTR slices, ALLO caused reduced expression of IGF1 and GLS, while DHEAS reduced the expression of p75 and the anti-apoptotic molecule APAF1. Together these data suggest that a potentially protective upregulation of ALLO occurs at early stages of PD, followed by a downregulation of progesterone metabolites at later stages that may exacerbate the pathological changes, especially in SN. Neuroprotective effects of neurosteroids are thus dependent on the neuropathological stage of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabina Luchetti
- Neuropsychiatric Disorders Group, Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience (NIN), Meibergdreef 47, 1105, BA, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Neuroimmunology Research Group, NIN, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Philippe Liere
- U1195 INSERM and University Paris Saclay, Le Kremlin Bicetre, 94276 Paris, France
| | - Antoine Pianos
- U1195 INSERM and University Paris Saclay, Le Kremlin Bicetre, 94276 Paris, France
| | - Ronald W H Verwer
- Neuropsychiatric Disorders Group, Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience (NIN), Meibergdreef 47, 1105, BA, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Arja Sluiter
- Neuropsychiatric Disorders Group, Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience (NIN), Meibergdreef 47, 1105, BA, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Inge Huitinga
- Neuroimmunology Research Group, NIN, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Michael Schumacher
- U1195 INSERM and University Paris Saclay, Le Kremlin Bicetre, 94276 Paris, France
| | - Dick F Swaab
- Neuropsychiatric Disorders Group, Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience (NIN), Meibergdreef 47, 1105, BA, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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Aickareth J, Hawwar M, Sanchez N, Gnanasekaran R, Zhang J. Membrane Progesterone Receptors (mPRs/PAQRs) Are Going beyond Its Initial Definitions. MEMBRANES 2023; 13:membranes13030260. [PMID: 36984647 PMCID: PMC10056622 DOI: 10.3390/membranes13030260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2023] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Progesterone (PRG) is a key cyclical reproductive hormone that has a significant impact on female organs in vertebrates. It is mainly produced by the corpus luteum of the ovaries, but can also be generated from other sources such as the adrenal cortex, Leydig cells of the testes and neuronal and glial cells. PRG has wide-ranging physiological effects, including impacts on metabolic systems, central nervous systems and reproductive systems in both genders. It was first purified as an ovarian steroid with hormonal function for pregnancy, and is known to play a role in pro-gestational proliferation during pregnancy. The main function of PRG is exerted through its binding to progesterone receptors (nPRs, mPRs/PAQRs) to evoke cellular responses through genomic or non-genomic signaling cascades. Most of the existing research on PRG focuses on classic PRG-nPR-paired actions such as nuclear transcriptional factors, but new evidence suggests that PRG also exerts a wide range of PRG actions through non-classic membrane PRG receptors, which can be divided into two sub-classes: mPRs/PAQRs and PGRMCs. The review will concentrate on recently found non-classical membrane progesterone receptors (mainly mPRs/PAQRs) and speculate their connections, utilizing the present comprehension of progesterone receptors.
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Castelnovo LF, Thomas P. Progesterone exerts a neuroprotective action in a Parkinson's disease human cell model through membrane progesterone receptor α (mPRα/PAQR7). Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1125962. [PMID: 36967764 PMCID: PMC10036350 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1125962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disease worldwide, and current treatment options are unsatisfactory on the long term. Several studies suggest a potential neuroprotective action by female hormones, especially estrogens. The potential role of progestogens, however, is less defined, and no studies have investigated the potential involvement of membrane progesterone receptors (mPRs). In the present study, the putative neuroprotective role for mPRs was investigated in SH-SY5Y cells, using two established pharmacological treatments for cellular PD models, 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) and 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP+). Our results show that both the physiologic agonist progesterone and the specific mPR agonist Org OD 02-0 were effective in reducing SH-SY5Y cell death induced by 6-OHDA and MPP+, whereas the nuclear PR agonist promegestone (R5020) and the GABAA receptor agonist muscimol were ineffective. Experiments performed with gene silencing technology and selective pharmacological agonists showed that mPRα is the isoform responsible for the neuroprotective effects we observed. Further experiments showed that the PI3K-AKT and MAP kinase signaling pathways are involved in the mPRα-mediated progestogen neuroprotective action in SH-SY5Y cells. These findings suggest that mPRα could play a neuroprotective role in PD pathology and may be a promising target for the development of therapeutic strategies for PD prevention or management.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Peter Thomas
- *Correspondence: Luca F. Castelnovo, ; Peter Thomas,
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11
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Zamora-Sánchez CJ, Camacho-Arroyo I. Allopregnanolone: Metabolism, Mechanisms of Action, and Its Role in Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 24:ijms24010560. [PMID: 36614002 PMCID: PMC9820109 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24010560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 12/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Allopregnanolone (3α-THP) has been one of the most studied progesterone metabolites for decades. 3α-THP and its synthetic analogs have been evaluated as therapeutic agents for pathologies such as anxiety and depression. Enzymes involved in the metabolism of 3α-THP are expressed in classical and nonclassical steroidogenic tissues. Additionally, due to its chemical structure, 3α-THP presents high affinity and agonist activity for nuclear and membrane receptors of neuroactive steroids and neurotransmitters, such as the Pregnane X Receptor (PXR), membrane progesterone receptors (mPR) and the ionotropic GABAA receptor, among others. 3α-THP has immunomodulator and antiapoptotic properties. It also induces cell proliferation and migration, all of which are critical processes involved in cancer progression. Recently the study of 3α-THP has indicated that low physiological concentrations of this metabolite induce the progression of several types of cancer, such as breast, ovarian, and glioblastoma, while high concentrations inhibit it. In this review, we explore current knowledge on the metabolism and mechanisms of action of 3α-THP in normal and tumor cells.
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12
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Miller SL, Bennet L, Sutherland AE, Pham Y, McDonald C, Castillo‐Melendez M, Allison BJ, Mihelakis J, Nitsos I, Boyd BJ, Hirst JJ, Walker DW, Hunt RW, Jenkin G, Wong F, Malhotra A, Fahey MC, Yawno T. Ganaxolone versus Phenobarbital for Neonatal Seizure Management. Ann Neurol 2022; 92:1066-1079. [PMID: 36054160 PMCID: PMC9828769 DOI: 10.1002/ana.26493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Seizures are more common in the neonatal period than at any other stage of life. Phenobarbital is the first-line treatment for neonatal seizures and is at best effective in approximately 50% of babies, but may contribute to neuronal injury. Here, we assessed the efficacy of phenobarbital versus the synthetic neurosteroid, ganaxolone, to moderate seizure activity and neuropathology in neonatal lambs exposed to perinatal asphyxia. METHODS Asphyxia was induced via umbilical cord occlusion in term lambs at birth. Lambs were treated with ganaxolone (5mg/kg/bolus then 5mg/kg/day for 2 days) or phenobarbital (20mg/kg/bolus then 5mg/kg/day for 2 days) at 6 hours. Abnormal brain activity was classified as stereotypic evolving (SE) seizures, epileptiform discharges (EDs), and epileptiform transients (ETs) using continuous amplitude-integrated electroencephalographic recordings. At 48 hours, lambs were euthanized for brain pathology. RESULTS Asphyxia caused abnormal brain activity, including SE seizures that peaked at 18 to 20 hours, EDs, and ETs, and induced neuronal degeneration and neuroinflammation. Ganaxolone treatment was associated with an 86.4% reduction in the number of seizures compared to the asphyxia group. The total seizure duration in the asphyxia+ganaxolone group was less than the untreated asphyxia group. There was no difference in the number of SE seizures between the asphyxia and asphyxia+phenobarbital groups or duration of SE seizures. Ganaxolone treatment, but not phenobarbital, reduced neuronal degeneration within hippocampal CA1 and CA3 regions, and cortical neurons, and ganaxolone reduced neuroinflammation within the thalamus. INTERPRETATION Ganaxolone provided better seizure control than phenobarbital in this perinatal asphyxia model and was neuroprotective for the newborn brain, affording a new therapeutic opportunity for treatment of neonatal seizures. ANN NEUROL 2022;92:1066-1079.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzanne L. Miller
- Ritchie Centre, Department of Obstetrics and GynaecologyMonash University and Hudson Institute of Medical ResearchClaytonVictoriaAustralia
| | - Laura Bennet
- Department of PhysiologyUniversity of AucklandAucklandNew Zealand
| | - Amy E. Sutherland
- Ritchie Centre, Department of Obstetrics and GynaecologyMonash University and Hudson Institute of Medical ResearchClaytonVictoriaAustralia
| | - Yen Pham
- Ritchie Centre, Department of Obstetrics and GynaecologyMonash University and Hudson Institute of Medical ResearchClaytonVictoriaAustralia
| | - Courtney McDonald
- Ritchie Centre, Department of Obstetrics and GynaecologyMonash University and Hudson Institute of Medical ResearchClaytonVictoriaAustralia
| | - Margie Castillo‐Melendez
- Ritchie Centre, Department of Obstetrics and GynaecologyMonash University and Hudson Institute of Medical ResearchClaytonVictoriaAustralia
| | - Beth J. Allison
- Ritchie Centre, Department of Obstetrics and GynaecologyMonash University and Hudson Institute of Medical ResearchClaytonVictoriaAustralia
| | - Jamie Mihelakis
- Ritchie Centre, Department of Obstetrics and GynaecologyMonash University and Hudson Institute of Medical ResearchClaytonVictoriaAustralia
| | - Ilias Nitsos
- Ritchie Centre, Department of Obstetrics and GynaecologyMonash University and Hudson Institute of Medical ResearchClaytonVictoriaAustralia
| | - Ben J. Boyd
- Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical SciencesMonash UniversityParkvilleVictoriaAustralia
| | - Jonathan J. Hirst
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of NewcastleNewcastleNew South WalesAustralia
| | - David W. Walker
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT UniversityBundooraVictoriaAustralia
| | - Rodney W. Hunt
- Department of PaediatricsMonash UniversityClaytonVictoriaAustralia
| | - Graham Jenkin
- Ritchie Centre, Department of Obstetrics and GynaecologyMonash University and Hudson Institute of Medical ResearchClaytonVictoriaAustralia
| | - Flora Wong
- Ritchie Centre, Department of Obstetrics and GynaecologyMonash University and Hudson Institute of Medical ResearchClaytonVictoriaAustralia,School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT UniversityBundooraVictoriaAustralia,Department of PaediatricsMonash UniversityClaytonVictoriaAustralia
| | - Atul Malhotra
- Ritchie Centre, Department of Obstetrics and GynaecologyMonash University and Hudson Institute of Medical ResearchClaytonVictoriaAustralia,Department of PaediatricsMonash UniversityClaytonVictoriaAustralia,Monash Children's HospitalClaytonVictoriaAustralia
| | - Michael C. Fahey
- Ritchie Centre, Department of Obstetrics and GynaecologyMonash University and Hudson Institute of Medical ResearchClaytonVictoriaAustralia,Department of PaediatricsMonash UniversityClaytonVictoriaAustralia,Monash Children's HospitalClaytonVictoriaAustralia
| | - Tamara Yawno
- Ritchie Centre, Department of Obstetrics and GynaecologyMonash University and Hudson Institute of Medical ResearchClaytonVictoriaAustralia,Department of PaediatricsMonash UniversityClaytonVictoriaAustralia
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13
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Szczurowska E, Szánti-Pintér E, Randáková A, Jakubík J, Kudova E. Allosteric Modulation of Muscarinic Receptors by Cholesterol, Neurosteroids and Neuroactive Steroids. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:13075. [PMID: 36361865 PMCID: PMC9656441 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232113075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Revised: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Muscarinic acetylcholine receptors are membrane receptors involved in many physiological processes. Malfunction of muscarinic signaling is a cause of various internal diseases, as well as psychiatric and neurologic conditions. Cholesterol, neurosteroids, neuroactive steroids, and steroid hormones are molecules of steroid origin that, besides having well-known genomic effects, also modulate membrane proteins including muscarinic acetylcholine receptors. Here, we review current knowledge on the allosteric modulation of muscarinic receptors by these steroids. We give a perspective on the research on the non-genomic effects of steroidal compounds on muscarinic receptors and drug development, with an aim to ultimately exploit such knowledge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ewa Szczurowska
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo Namesti 2, Prague 6, 166 10 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Eszter Szánti-Pintér
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo Namesti 2, Prague 6, 166 10 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Alena Randáková
- Institute of Physiology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Videnska 1083, 142 20 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Jakubík
- Institute of Physiology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Videnska 1083, 142 20 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Eva Kudova
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo Namesti 2, Prague 6, 166 10 Prague, Czech Republic
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14
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Thomas P, Pang Y, Camilletti MA, Castelnovo LF. Functions of Membrane Progesterone Receptors (mPRs, PAQRs) in Nonreproductive Tissues. Endocrinology 2022; 163:6679267. [PMID: 36041040 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqac147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Gender differences in a wide variety of physiological parameters have implicated the ovarian hormones, estrogens and progesterone, in the regulation of numerous nonreproductive tissue functions. Rapid, nongenomic (nonclassical) progesterone actions mediated by membrane progesterone receptors (mPRs), which belong to the progestin and adipoQ receptor family, have been extensively investigated in reproductive and nonreproductive tissues since their discovery in fish ovaries 20 years ago. The 5 mPR subtypes (α, β, γ, δ, ε) are widely distributed in vertebrate tissues and are often expressed in the same cells as the nuclear progesterone receptor (PR) and progesterone receptor membrane component 1, thereby complicating investigations of mPR-specific functions. Nevertheless, mPR-mediated progesterone actions have been identified in a wide range of reproductive and nonreproductive tissues and distinguished from nuclear PR-mediated ones by knockdown of these receptors with siRNA in combination with a pharmacological approach using mPR- and PR-specific agonists. There are several recent reviews on the roles of the mPRs in vertebrate reproduction and cancer, but there have been no comprehensive assessments of mPR functions in nonreproductive tissues. Therefore, this article briefly reviews mPR functions in a broad range of nonreproductive tissues. The evidence that mPRs mediate progesterone and progestogen effects on neuroprotection, lordosis behavior, respiratory control of apnea, olfactory responses to pheromones, peripheral nerve regeneration, regulation of prolactin secretion in prolactinoma, immune functions, and protective functions in vascular endothelial and smooth muscle cells is critically reviewed. The ubiquitous expression of mPRs in vertebrate tissues suggests mPRs regulate many additional nonreproductive functions that remain to be identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Thomas
- Marine Science Institute, University of Texas at Austin, Port Aransas, TX 78373, USA
| | - Yefei Pang
- Marine Science Institute, University of Texas at Austin, Port Aransas, TX 78373, USA
| | | | - Luca F Castelnovo
- Marine Science Institute, University of Texas at Austin, Port Aransas, TX 78373, USA
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15
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Abou-Fadel J, Jiang X, Padarti A, Goswami DG, Smith M, Grajeda B, Bhalli M, Le A, Walker WE, Zhang J. mPR-Specific Actions Influence Maintenance of the Blood–Brain Barrier (BBB). Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23179684. [PMID: 36077089 PMCID: PMC9456378 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23179684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Revised: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Cerebral cavernous malformations (CCMs) are characterized by abnormally dilated intracranial microvascular sinusoids that result in increased susceptibility to hemorrhagic stroke. It has been demonstrated that three CCM proteins (CCM1, CCM2, and CCM3) form the CCM signaling complex (CSC) to mediate angiogenic signaling. Disruption of the CSC will result in hemorrhagic CCMs, a consequence of compromised blood–brain barrier (BBB) integrity. Due to their characteristically incomplete penetrance, the majority of CCM mutation carriers (presumed CCM patients) are largely asymptomatic, but when symptoms occur, the disease has typically reached a clinical stage of focal hemorrhage with irreversible brain damage. We recently reported that the CSC couples both classic (nuclear; nPRs) and nonclassic (membrane; mPRs) progesterone (PRG)-receptors-mediated signaling within the CSC-mPRs-PRG (CmP) signaling network in nPR(−) breast cancer cells. In this report, we demonstrate that depletion of any of the three CCM genes or treatment with mPR-specific PRG actions (PRG/mifepristone) results in the disruption of the CmP signaling network, leading to increased permeability in the nPR(−) endothelial cells (ECs) monolayer in vitro. Finally, utilizing our in vivo hemizygous Ccm mutant mice models, we demonstrate that depletion of any of the three CCM genes, in combination with mPR-specific PRG actions, is also capable of leading to defective homeostasis of PRG in vivo and subsequent BBB disruption, allowing us to identify a specific panel of etiological blood biomarkers associated with BBB disruption. To our knowledge, this is the first report detailing the etiology to predict the occurrence of a disrupted BBB, an indication of early hemorrhagic events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johnathan Abou-Fadel
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine (MTM), Texas Tech University Health Science Center El Paso, El Paso, TX 79905, USA
| | - Xiaoting Jiang
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine (MTM), Texas Tech University Health Science Center El Paso, El Paso, TX 79905, USA
| | - Akhil Padarti
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine (MTM), Texas Tech University Health Science Center El Paso, El Paso, TX 79905, USA
| | - Dinesh G. Goswami
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine (MTM), Texas Tech University Health Science Center El Paso, El Paso, TX 79905, USA
| | - Mark Smith
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine (MTM), Texas Tech University Health Science Center El Paso, El Paso, TX 79905, USA
| | - Brian Grajeda
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX 79902, USA
| | - Muaz Bhalli
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine (MTM), Texas Tech University Health Science Center El Paso, El Paso, TX 79905, USA
| | - Alexander Le
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine (MTM), Texas Tech University Health Science Center El Paso, El Paso, TX 79905, USA
| | - Wendy E. Walker
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine (MTM), Texas Tech University Health Science Center El Paso, El Paso, TX 79905, USA
| | - Jun Zhang
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine (MTM), Texas Tech University Health Science Center El Paso, El Paso, TX 79905, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-915-215-4197
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16
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Membrane Progesterone Receptor α (mPRα/PAQR7) Promotes Survival and Neurite Outgrowth of Human Neuronal Cells by a Direct Action and Through Schwann Cell-like Stem Cells. J Mol Neurosci 2022; 72:2067-2080. [PMID: 35974286 DOI: 10.1007/s12031-022-02057-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
Abstract
We recently showed that membrane progesterone receptor α (mPRα/PAQR7) promotes pro-regenerative effects in Schwann cell-like adipose stem cells (SCL-ASC), an alternative model to Schwann cells for the promotion of peripheral nerve regeneration. In this study, we investigated how mPRα activation with the mPR-specific agonist Org OD 02-0 in SCL-ASC affected regenerative parameters in two neuronal cell lines, IMR-32 and SH-SY-5Y. In a series of conditioned medium experiments, we found that mPR activation of SCL-ASC led to increased neurite outgrowth, protection from cell death and increased expression of peripheral nerve regeneration markers (CREB3, ATF3, GAP43) in neuronal cell lines. These effects were stronger than the ones observed with the conditioned medium from untreated SCL-ASC. The addition of Org OD 02-0 to the untreated cell medium mimicked the effects of mPR activation of SCL-ASC on cell death, but not on neurite outgrowth. Therefore, the effect of Org OD 02-0 on neurite outgrowth is SCL-ASC-dependent, while its effect on cell survivability is likely due to the direct activation of mPRs on neuronal cells. SCL-ASC transfection with mPRα siRNA showed that this isoform is responsible for the beneficial effect on neurite outgrowth. Further experiments showed that SCL-ASC-dependent outcomes likely involved the release of BDNF and IGF-2 from these cells. The beneficial mPRα effect on neurite outgrowth was confirmed in co-culture conditions. These findings strengthen the hypothesis that mPRα could play a pro-regenerative role in SCL-ASC and be a therapeutic target for the promotion of peripheral nerve regeneration.
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17
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Cerne R, Lippa A, Poe MM, Smith JL, Jin X, Ping X, Golani LK, Cook JM, Witkin JM. GABAkines - Advances in the discovery, development, and commercialization of positive allosteric modulators of GABA A receptors. Pharmacol Ther 2022; 234:108035. [PMID: 34793859 PMCID: PMC9787737 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2021.108035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Positive allosteric modulators of γ-aminobutyric acid-A (GABAA) receptors or GABAkines have been widely used medicines for over 70 years for anxiety, epilepsy, sleep, and other disorders. Traditional GABAkines like diazepam have safety and tolerability concerns that include sedation, motor-impairment, respiratory depression, tolerance and dependence. Multiple GABAkines have entered clinical development but the issue of side-effects has not been fully solved. The compounds that are presently being developed and commercialized include several neuroactive steroids (an allopregnanolone formulation (brexanolone), an allopregnanolone prodrug (LYT-300), Sage-324, zuranolone, and ganaxolone), the α2/3-preferring GABAkine, KRM-II-81, and the α2/3/5-preferring GABAkine PF-06372865 (darigabat). The neuroactive steroids are in clinical development for post-partum depression, intractable epilepsy, tremor, status epilepticus, and genetic epilepsy disorders. Darigabat is in development for epilepsy and anxiety. The imidazodiazepine, KRM-II-81 is efficacious in animal models for the treatment of epilepsy and post-traumatic epilepsy, acute and chronic pain, as well as anxiety and depression. The efficacy of KRM-II-81 in models of pharmacoresistant epilepsy, preventing the development of seizure sensitization, and in brain tissue of intractable epileptic patients bodes well for improved therapeutics. Medicinal chemistry efforts are also ongoing to identify novel and improved GABAkines. The data document gaps in our understanding of the molecular pharmacology of GABAkines that drive differential pharmacological profiles, but emphasize advancements in the ability to successfully utilize GABAA receptor potentiation for therapeutic gain in neurology and psychiatry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rok Cerne
- Laboratory of Antiepileptic Drug Discovery, Ascension St. Vincent, Indianapolis, IN USA,Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Zaloška cesta 4, Ljubljana, Slovenia.,RespireRx Pharmaceuticals Inc, Glen Rock, NJ, USA,Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Indiana University/Purdue University, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Arnold Lippa
- RespireRx Pharmaceuticals Inc, Glen Rock, NJ, USA
| | | | - Jodi L. Smith
- Laboratory of Antiepileptic Drug Discovery, Ascension St. Vincent, Indianapolis, IN USA
| | - Xiaoming Jin
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Indiana University/Purdue University, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Xingjie Ping
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Indiana University/Purdue University, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Lalit K. Golani
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Milwaukee Institute of Drug Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - James M. Cook
- RespireRx Pharmaceuticals Inc, Glen Rock, NJ, USA,Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Milwaukee Institute of Drug Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Jeffrey M. Witkin
- Laboratory of Antiepileptic Drug Discovery, Ascension St. Vincent, Indianapolis, IN USA,RespireRx Pharmaceuticals Inc, Glen Rock, NJ, USA,Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Milwaukee Institute of Drug Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, USA
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18
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Thomas P. Membrane Progesterone Receptors (mPRs, PAQRs): Review of Structural and Signaling Characteristics. Cells 2022; 11:cells11111785. [PMID: 35681480 PMCID: PMC9179843 DOI: 10.3390/cells11111785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The role of membrane progesterone receptors (mPRs), which belong to the progestin and adipoQ receptor (PAQR) family, in mediating rapid, nongenomic (non-classical) progestogen actions has been extensively studied since their identification 20 years ago. Although the mPRs have been implicated in progestogen regulation of numerous reproductive and non-reproductive functions in vertebrates, several critical aspects of their structure and signaling functions have been unresolved until recently and remain the subject of considerable debate. This paper briefly reviews recent developments in our understanding of the structure and functional characteristics of mPRs. The proposed membrane topology of mPRα, the structure of its ligand-binding site, and the binding affinities of steroids were predicted from homology modeling based on the structures of other PAQRs, adiponectin receptors, and confirmed by mutational analysis and ligand-binding assays. Extensive data demonstrating that mPR-dependent progestogen regulation of intracellular signaling through mPRs is mediated by activation of G proteins are reviewed. Close association of mPRα with progesterone membrane receptor component 1 (PGRMC1), its role as an adaptor protein to mediate cell-surface expression of mPRα and mPRα-dependent progestogen signaling has been demonstrated in several vertebrate models. In addition, evidence is presented that mPRs can regulate the activity of other hormone receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Thomas
- Marine Science Institute, The University of Texas at Austin, 750 Channel View Drive, Port Aransas, TX 78373, USA
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19
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Manzella FM, Covey DF, Jevtovic-Todorovic V, Todorovic SM. Synthetic neuroactive steroids as new sedatives and anaesthetics: Back to the future. J Neuroendocrinol 2022; 34:e13086. [PMID: 35014105 PMCID: PMC8866223 DOI: 10.1111/jne.13086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Revised: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Since the 1990s, there has been waning interest in researching general anaesthetics (anaesthetics). Although currently used anaesthetics are mostly safe and effective, they are not without fault. In paediatric populations and neonatal animal models, they are associated with learning impairments and neurotoxicity. In an effort to research safer anaesthetics, we have gone back to re-examine neuroactive steroids as anaesthetics. Neuroactive steroids are steroids that have direct, local effects in the central nervous system. Since the discovery of their anaesthetic effects, neuroactive steroids have been consistently used in human or veterinary clinics as preferred anaesthetic agents. Although briefly abandoned for clinical use due to unwanted vehicle side effects, there has since been renewed interest in their therapeutic value. Neuroactive steroids are safe sedative/hypnotic and anaesthetic agents across various animal species. Importantly, unlike traditional anaesthetics, they do not cause extensive neurotoxicity in the developing rodent brain. Similar to traditional anaesthetics, neuroactive steroids are modulators of synaptic and extrasynaptic γ-aminobutyric acid type A (GABAA ) receptors and their interactions at the GABAA receptor are stereo- and enantioselective. Recent work has also shown that these agents act on other ion channels, such as high- and low-voltage-activated calcium channels. Through these mechanisms of action, neuroactive steroids modulate neuronal excitability, which results in characteristic burst suppression of the electroencephalogram, and a surgical plane of anaesthesia. However, in addition to their interactions with voltage and ligand gated ions channels, neuroactive steroids interact with membrane bound metabotropic receptors and xenobiotic receptors to facilitate signaling of prosurvival, antiapoptotic pathways. These pathways play a role in their neuroprotective effects in neuronal injury and may also prevent extensive apoptosis in the developing brain during anaesthesia. The current review explores the history of neuroactive steroids as anaesthetics in humans and animal models, their diverse mechanisms of action, and their neuroprotective properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca M Manzella
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Douglas F Covey
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
- Taylor Family Institute for Innovative Psychiatric Research, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Vesna Jevtovic-Todorovic
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Slobodan M Todorovic
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
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20
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Cáceres ARR, Campo Verde Arboccó F, Cardone DA, Sanhueza MDLÁ, Casais M, Vega Orozco AS, Laconi MR. Superior mesenteric ganglion neural modulation of ovarian angiogenesis, apoptosis and proliferation by the neuroactive steroid allopregnanolone. J Neuroendocrinol 2022; 34:e13056. [PMID: 34739183 DOI: 10.1111/jne.13056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Revised: 08/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Allopregnanolone (ALLO), a potent neuroactive steroid, is synthesized and active in the peripheral nervous system. Previous studies have shown that ALLO participates in the central regulation of reproduction with effects on ovarian physiology, although there is little evidence for its ability to modulate peripheral tissues. The present study aimed to determine whether ALLO, administered to an ex vivo system that comprises the superior mesenteric ganglion (SMG), the ovarian nervous plexus (ONP) and the ovary (O), or to the denervated ovary (DO), was able to modify ovarian apoptosis, proliferation and angiogenesis. For this purpose, the SMG-ONP-O system and DO were incubated during 120 min at 37°C, in the presence of two ALLO doses (0.06 µm and 6 µm). The intrinsic and extrinsic pathways of apoptosis were analyzed. Incubation of the SMG-ONP-O system with ALLO 0.06 µm led to an increase in the BAX/BCL-2 ratio and a reduction of FAS-L mRNA levels. ALLO 6 µm induced a decrease of FAS-L levels. Incubation of DO with ALLO 0.06 µm reduced FAS-L, whereas ALLO 6 µm significantly increased it. Cyclin D1 mRNA was measured to evaluate proliferation. Treatment with ALLO 6 µm increased proliferation in both SMG-ONP-O and DO. ALLO 0.06 µm produced an increase of Cyclin D1 in DO only. Administration of either ALLO dose led to a higher ovarian expression of vascular endothelial growth factor in the SMG-ONP-O system, but a lower one in the DO system. ALLO 6 µm induced ovarian sensitization to GABA by increasing GABAA receptor expression. In conclusion, ALLO participates in the peripheral neural modulation of ovarian physiology. It can also interact directly with the ovarian tissue, modulating key mechanisms involved in normal and pathological processes in a dose-dependent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Rosario Ramona Cáceres
- Laboratorio de Fisiopatología Ovárica, Instituto de Medicina y Biología Experimental de Cuyo (IMBECU - CONICET Mendoza), Mendoza, Argentina
- Facultad de Ingeniería y Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad de Mendoza, Mendoza, Argentina
| | - Fiorella Campo Verde Arboccó
- Laboratorio de Fisiopatología Ovárica, Instituto de Medicina y Biología Experimental de Cuyo (IMBECU - CONICET Mendoza), Mendoza, Argentina
| | - Daniela Alejandra Cardone
- Laboratorio de Fisiopatología Ovárica, Instituto de Medicina y Biología Experimental de Cuyo (IMBECU - CONICET Mendoza), Mendoza, Argentina
| | - María de Los Ángeles Sanhueza
- Laboratorio de Fisiopatología Ovárica, Instituto de Medicina y Biología Experimental de Cuyo (IMBECU - CONICET Mendoza), Mendoza, Argentina
| | - Marilina Casais
- Laboratorio de Biología de la Reproducción (LABIR), Facultad de Química, Bioquímica y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional de San Luis, San Luis, Argentina
| | - Adriana Soledad Vega Orozco
- Laboratorio de Biología de la Reproducción (LABIR), Facultad de Química, Bioquímica y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional de San Luis, San Luis, Argentina
| | - Myriam Raquel Laconi
- Laboratorio de Fisiopatología Ovárica, Instituto de Medicina y Biología Experimental de Cuyo (IMBECU - CONICET Mendoza), Mendoza, Argentina
- Facultad de Ingeniería y Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad de Mendoza, Mendoza, Argentina
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21
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Jyoti MMS, Rana MR, Ali MH, Tokumoto T. Establishment of a steroid binding assay for membrane progesterone receptor alpha (PAQR7) by using graphene quantum dots (GQDs). Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2022; 592:1-6. [PMID: 35007844 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2022.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Currently, semiconductor nanoparticles known as quantum dots (QDs) have attracted interest in various application fields such as those requiring sensing properties, binding assays, and cellular imaging and are the very important in the acceleration of drug discovery due to their unique photophysical properties. Here, we applied graphene quantum dots (GQDs) for the binding assay of membrane progesterone receptor alpha (mPRα), one of the probable membrane receptors that have potential in drug discovery applications. By coupling the amino groups of mPRα with GQDs, we prepared fluorogenic GQD-conjugated mPRα (GQD-mPRα). When mixed with a progesterone-BSA-fluorescein isothiocyanate conjugate (P4-BSA-FITC) to check the ligand receptor binding activity of GQD-mPRα, fluorescence at 520 nm appeared. The fluorescence at 520 nm was reduced by the addition of free progesterone into the reaction mixture. GQD-coupled BSA (GQD-BSA) did not show a reduction in fluorescence at 520 nm. The results demonstrated the formation of a complex of GQD-mPRα and P4-BSA-FITC with ligand receptor binding. We established a ligand binding assay for membrane steroid receptors that is applicable for high-throughput assays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Maisum Sarwar Jyoti
- Integrated Bioscience Section, Graduate School of Science and Technology, National University Corporation, Shizuoka University, 836 Ohya, Suruga-ku, Shizuoka, 422-8529, Japan
| | - Md Rubel Rana
- Integrated Bioscience Section, Graduate School of Science and Technology, National University Corporation, Shizuoka University, 836 Ohya, Suruga-ku, Shizuoka, 422-8529, Japan
| | - Md Hasan Ali
- Integrated Bioscience Section, Graduate School of Science and Technology, National University Corporation, Shizuoka University, 836 Ohya, Suruga-ku, Shizuoka, 422-8529, Japan
| | - Toshinobu Tokumoto
- Integrated Bioscience Section, Graduate School of Science and Technology, National University Corporation, Shizuoka University, 836 Ohya, Suruga-ku, Shizuoka, 422-8529, Japan.
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22
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Molecular Characterization of Membrane Steroid Receptors in Hormone-Sensitive Cancers. Cells 2021; 10:cells10112999. [PMID: 34831222 PMCID: PMC8616056 DOI: 10.3390/cells10112999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Revised: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is one of the most common causes of death worldwide, and its development is a result of the complex interaction of genetic factors, environmental cues, and aging. Hormone-sensitive cancers depend on the action of one or more hormones for their development and progression. Sex steroids and corticosteroids can regulate different physiological functions, including metabolism, growth, and proliferation, through their interaction with specific nuclear receptors, that can transcriptionally regulate target genes via their genomic actions. Therefore, interference with hormones’ activities, e.g., deregulation of their production and downstream pathways or the exposition to exogenous hormone-active substances such as endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), can affect the regulation of their correlated pathways and trigger the neoplastic transformation. Although nuclear receptors account for most hormone-related biologic effects and their slow genomic responses are well-studied, less-known membrane receptors are emerging for their ability to mediate steroid hormones effects through the activation of rapid non-genomic responses also involved in the development of hormone-sensitive cancers. This review aims to collect pre-clinical and clinical data on these extranuclear receptors not only to draw attention to their emerging role in cancer development and progression but also to highlight their dual role as tumor microenvironment players and potential candidate drug targets.
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Vacher CM, Lacaille H, O'Reilly JJ, Salzbank J, Bakalar D, Sebaoui S, Liere P, Clarkson-Paredes C, Sasaki T, Sathyanesan A, Kratimenos P, Ellegood J, Lerch JP, Imamura Y, Popratiloff A, Hashimoto-Torii K, Gallo V, Schumacher M, Penn AA. Placental endocrine function shapes cerebellar development and social behavior. Nat Neurosci 2021; 24:1392-1401. [PMID: 34400844 PMCID: PMC8481124 DOI: 10.1038/s41593-021-00896-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Compromised placental function or premature loss has been linked to diverse neurodevelopmental disorders. Here we show that placenta allopregnanolone (ALLO), a progesterone-derived GABA-A receptor (GABAAR) modulator, reduction alters neurodevelopment in a sex-linked manner. A new conditional mouse model, in which the gene encoding ALLO's synthetic enzyme (akr1c14) is specifically deleted in trophoblasts, directly demonstrated that placental ALLO insufficiency led to cerebellar white matter abnormalities that correlated with autistic-like behavior only in male offspring. A single injection of ALLO or muscimol, a GABAAR agonist, during late gestation abolished these alterations. Comparison of male and female human preterm infant cerebellum also showed sex-linked myelination marker alteration, suggesting similarities between mouse placental ALLO insufficiency and human preterm brain development. This study reveals a new role for a placental hormone in shaping brain regions and behaviors in a sex-linked manner. Placental hormone replacement might offer novel therapeutic opportunities to prevent later neurobehavioral disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire-Marie Vacher
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University, New York-Presbyterian Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Helene Lacaille
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University, New York-Presbyterian Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jiaqi J O'Reilly
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University, New York-Presbyterian Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jacquelyn Salzbank
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University, New York-Presbyterian Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital, New York, NY, USA
| | - Dana Bakalar
- National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Sonia Sebaoui
- Center for Neuroscience Research, Children's National Health System, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Philippe Liere
- U1195 INSERM, Paris-Saclay University, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre Cedex, France
| | | | - Toru Sasaki
- Center for Neuroscience Research, Children's National Health System, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Aaron Sathyanesan
- Center for Neuroscience Research, Children's National Health System, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Panagiotis Kratimenos
- Center for Neuroscience Research, Children's National Health System, Washington, DC, USA
- The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Pediatrics, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Jacob Ellegood
- Mouse Imaging Centre (MICe), Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Jason P Lerch
- Mouse Imaging Centre (MICe), Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging (WIN), Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK
| | - Yuka Imamura
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Anastas Popratiloff
- The George Washington University, Nanofabrication and Imaging Center, Washington, DC, USA
- The George Washington University, SMHS, Anatomy & Cell Biology, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Kazue Hashimoto-Torii
- Center for Neuroscience Research, Children's National Health System, Washington, DC, USA
- The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Pediatrics, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Vittorio Gallo
- Center for Neuroscience Research, Children's National Health System, Washington, DC, USA
- The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Pediatrics, Washington, DC, USA
| | | | - Anna A Penn
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University, New York-Presbyterian Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital, New York, NY, USA.
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Castelnovo LF, Thomas P. Membrane progesterone receptor α (mPRα/PAQR7) promotes migration, proliferation and BDNF release in human Schwann cell-like differentiated adipose stem cells. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2021; 531:111298. [PMID: 33930460 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2021.111298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Revised: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Membrane progesterone receptors (mPRs) were recently found to be present and active in Schwann cells, where they have a potentially pro-regenerative activity. In this study, we investigated the role of mPRs in human adipose stem cells (ASC) differentiated into Schwann cell-like cells (SCL-ASC), which represent a promising alternative to Schwann cells for peripheral nerve regeneration. Our findings show that mPRs are present both in undifferentiated and differentiated ASC, and that the differentiation protocol upregulates mPR expression. Activation of mPRα promoted cell migration and differentiation in SCL-ASC, alongside with changes in cell morphology and mPRα localization. Moreover, it increased the expression and release of BDNF, a neurotrophin with pro-regenerative activity. Further analysis showed that Src and PI3K-Akt signaling pathways are involved in mPRα activity in SCL-ASC. These findings suggest that mPRα could play a pro-regenerative role in SCL-ASC and may be a promising target for the promotion of peripheral nerve regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca F Castelnovo
- Marine Science Institute, The University of Texas at Austin, 750 Channel View Drive, Port Aransas (TX), 78373, United States.
| | - Peter Thomas
- Marine Science Institute, The University of Texas at Austin, 750 Channel View Drive, Port Aransas (TX), 78373, United States
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Levina IS, Kuznetsov YV, Shchelkunova TA, Zavarzin IV. Selective ligands of membrane progesterone receptors as a key to studying their biological functions in vitro and in vivo. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2021; 207:105827. [PMID: 33497793 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2021.105827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2020] [Revised: 11/18/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Progesterone modulates many processes in the body, acting through nuclear receptors (nPR) in various organs and tissues. However, a number of effects are mediated by membrane progesterone receptors (mPRs), which are members of the progestin and adipoQ (PAQR) receptor family. These receptors are found in most tissues and immune cells. They are expressed in various cancer cells and appear to play an important role in the development of tumors. The role of mPRs in the development of insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome has also attracted attention. Since progesterone efficiently binds to both nPRs and mPRs, investigation of the functions of the mPRs both at the level of the whole body and at the cell level requires ligands that selectively interact with mPRs, but not with nPRs, with an affinity comparable with that of the natural hormone. The development of such ligands faces difficulties primarily due to the lack of data on the three-dimensional structure of the ligand-binding site of mPR. This review is the first attempt to summarize available data on the structures of compounds interacting with mPRs and analyze them in terms of the differences in binding to membrane and nuclear receptors. Based on the identified main structural fragments of molecules, which affect the efficiency of binding to mPRs and are responsible for the selectivity of interactions, we propose directions of modification of the steroid scaffold to create new selective mPRs ligands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inna S Levina
- Zelinsky Institute of Organic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Leninsky prosp. 47, Moscow, 119991, Russia.
| | - Yury V Kuznetsov
- Zelinsky Institute of Organic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Leninsky prosp. 47, Moscow, 119991, Russia
| | - Tatiana A Shchelkunova
- Faculty of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Leninskie Gory 1/12, Moscow, 119234, Russia
| | - Igor V Zavarzin
- Zelinsky Institute of Organic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Leninsky prosp. 47, Moscow, 119991, Russia
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26
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Rapid effects of neurosteroids on neuronal plasticity and their physiological and pathological implications. Neurosci Lett 2021; 750:135771. [PMID: 33636284 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2021.135771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Revised: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Current neuroscience research on neurosteroids and their synthetic analogues - neuroactive steroids - clearly demonstrate their drug likeness in a variety of neurological and psychiatric conditions. Moreover, research on neurosteroids continues to provide novel mechanistic insights into receptor activation or inhibition of various receptors. This mini-review will provide a high-level overview of the research area and discuss the various classes of potential physiological and pathological implications discovered so far.
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