1
|
Grotsch K, Sadybekov AV, Hiller S, Zaidi S, Eremin D, Le A, Liu Y, Smith EC, Illiopoulis-Tsoutsouvas C, Thomas J, Aggarwal S, Pickett JE, Reyes C, Picazo E, Roth BL, Makriyannis A, Katritch V, Fokin VV. Virtual Screening of a Chemically Diverse "Superscaffold" Library Enables Ligand Discovery for a Key GPCR Target. ACS Chem Biol 2024; 19:866-874. [PMID: 38598723 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.3c00602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
The advent of ultra-large libraries of drug-like compounds has significantly broadened the possibilities in structure-based virtual screening, accelerating the discovery and optimization of high-quality lead chemotypes for diverse clinical targets. Compared to traditional high-throughput screening, which is constrained to libraries of approximately one million compounds, the ultra-large virtual screening approach offers substantial advantages in both cost and time efficiency. By expanding the chemical space with compounds synthesized from easily accessible and reproducible reactions and utilizing a large, diverse set of building blocks, we can enhance both the diversity and quality of the discovered lead chemotypes. In this study, we explore new chemical spaces using reactions of sulfur(VI) fluorides to create a combinatorial library consisting of several hundred million compounds. We screened this virtual library for cannabinoid type II receptor (CB2) antagonists using the high-resolution structure in conjunction with a rationally designed antagonist, AM10257. The top-predicted compounds were then synthesized and tested in vitro for CB2 binding and functional antagonism, achieving an experimentally validated hit rate of 55%. Our findings demonstrate the effectiveness of reliable reactions, such as sulfur fluoride exchange, in diversifying ultra-large chemical spaces and facilitate the discovery of new lead compounds for important biological targets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Grotsch
- Department of Chemistry, the Bridge Institute, University of Southern California, Los Angeles 90089, California, United States
- Loker Hydrocarbon Research Institute, University of Southern California, Los Angeles 90089, California, United States
| | - Anastasiia V Sadybekov
- Department of Quantitative and Computational Biology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles 90089, California, United States
| | - Sydney Hiller
- Department of Chemistry, the Bridge Institute, University of Southern California, Los Angeles 90089, California, United States
- Loker Hydrocarbon Research Institute, University of Southern California, Los Angeles 90089, California, United States
| | - Saheem Zaidi
- Department of Quantitative and Computational Biology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles 90089, California, United States
| | - Dmitry Eremin
- Department of Chemistry, the Bridge Institute, University of Southern California, Los Angeles 90089, California, United States
- Loker Hydrocarbon Research Institute, University of Southern California, Los Angeles 90089, California, United States
| | - Austen Le
- Department of Chemistry, the Bridge Institute, University of Southern California, Los Angeles 90089, California, United States
| | - Yongfeng Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill 27599, North Carolina, United States
- Psychoactive Drug Screening Program, National Institute of Mental Health, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill 27599, North Carolina, United States
| | - Evan Carlton Smith
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Center for Drug Discovery, Boston 02115, Massachusetts, United States
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Northeastern University, Boston 02115, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Christos Illiopoulis-Tsoutsouvas
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Center for Drug Discovery, Boston 02115, Massachusetts, United States
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Northeastern University, Boston 02115, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Joice Thomas
- Department of Chemistry, the Bridge Institute, University of Southern California, Los Angeles 90089, California, United States
- Loker Hydrocarbon Research Institute, University of Southern California, Los Angeles 90089, California, United States
| | - Shubhangi Aggarwal
- Department of Chemistry, the Bridge Institute, University of Southern California, Los Angeles 90089, California, United States
- Loker Hydrocarbon Research Institute, University of Southern California, Los Angeles 90089, California, United States
| | - Julie E Pickett
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill 27599, North Carolina, United States
- Psychoactive Drug Screening Program, National Institute of Mental Health, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill 27599, North Carolina, United States
| | - Cesar Reyes
- Loker Hydrocarbon Research Institute, University of Southern California, Los Angeles 90089, California, United States
| | - Elias Picazo
- Loker Hydrocarbon Research Institute, University of Southern California, Los Angeles 90089, California, United States
| | - Bryan L Roth
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill 27599, North Carolina, United States
- Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill 27599, North Carolina, United States
- Psychoactive Drug Screening Program, National Institute of Mental Health, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill 27599, North Carolina, United States
| | - Alexandros Makriyannis
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Center for Drug Discovery, Boston 02115, Massachusetts, United States
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Northeastern University, Boston 02115, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Vsevolod Katritch
- Department of Chemistry, the Bridge Institute, University of Southern California, Los Angeles 90089, California, United States
- Department of Quantitative and Computational Biology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles 90089, California, United States
| | - Valery V Fokin
- Department of Chemistry, the Bridge Institute, University of Southern California, Los Angeles 90089, California, United States
- Loker Hydrocarbon Research Institute, University of Southern California, Los Angeles 90089, California, United States
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Brust CA, Swanson MA, Bohn LM. Structural and functional insights into the G protein-coupled receptors: CB1 and CB2. Biochem Soc Trans 2023; 51:1533-1543. [PMID: 37646476 PMCID: PMC10586759 DOI: 10.1042/bst20221316] [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: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
The cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2 mediate a variety of physiological processes and continue to be explored as desirable drug targets. Both receptors are activated by the endogenous endocannabinoids and the psychoactive components of marijuana. Over the years, many efforts have been made to make selective ligands; however, the high degree of homology between cannabinoid receptor subtypes introduces challenges in studying either receptor in isolation. Recent advancements in structure biology have resulted in a surge of high-resolution structures, enriching our knowledge and understanding of receptor structure and function. In this review, of recent cannabinoid receptor structures, key features of the inactive and active state CB1 and CB2 are presented. These structures will provide additional insight into the modulation and signaling mechanism of cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2 and aid in the development of future therapeutics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christina A. Brust
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Herbert Wertheim UF Scripps Institute for Biomedical Innovation and Technology, Jupiter, FL 33458, U.S.A
- The Skaggs Graduate School of Chemical and Biological Sciences at Scripps Research, La Jolla, CA 92037, U.S.A
| | - Matthew A. Swanson
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Herbert Wertheim UF Scripps Institute for Biomedical Innovation and Technology, Jupiter, FL 33458, U.S.A
- The Skaggs Graduate School of Chemical and Biological Sciences at Scripps Research, La Jolla, CA 92037, U.S.A
| | - Laura M. Bohn
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Herbert Wertheim UF Scripps Institute for Biomedical Innovation and Technology, Jupiter, FL 33458, U.S.A
- The Skaggs Graduate School of Chemical and Biological Sciences at Scripps Research, La Jolla, CA 92037, U.S.A
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Spatz P, Steinmüller SAM, Tutov A, Poeta E, Morilleau A, Carles A, Deventer MH, Hofmann J, Stove CP, Monti B, Maurice T, Decker M. Dual-Acting Small Molecules: Subtype-Selective Cannabinoid Receptor 2 Agonist/Butyrylcholinesterase Inhibitor Hybrids Show Neuroprotection in an Alzheimer's Disease Mouse Model. J Med Chem 2023; 66:6414-6435. [PMID: 37127287 PMCID: PMC10184129 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c00541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
We present the synthesis and characterization of merged human butyrylcholinesterase (hBChE) inhibitor/cannabinoid receptor 2 (hCB2R) ligands for the treatment of neurodegeneration. In total, 15 benzimidazole carbamates were synthesized and tested for their inhibition of human cholinesterases, also with regard to their pseudoirreversible binding mode and affinity toward both cannabinoid receptors in radioligand binding studies. After evaluation in a calcium mobilization assay as well as a β-arrestin 2 (βarr2) recruitment assay, two compounds with balanced activities on both targets were tested for their immunomodulatory effect on microglia activation and regarding their pharmacokinetic properties and blood-brain barrier penetration. Compound 15d, containing a dimethyl carbamate motif, was further evaluated in vivo, showing prevention of Aβ25-35-induced learning impairments in a pharmacological mouse model of Alzheimer's disease for both short- and long-term memory responses. Additional combination studies proved a synergic effect of BChE inhibition and CB2R activation in vivo.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Spatz
- Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Food Chemistry, Julius Maximilian University Würzburg, Am Hubland, D-97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Sophie A M Steinmüller
- Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Food Chemistry, Julius Maximilian University Würzburg, Am Hubland, D-97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Anna Tutov
- Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Food Chemistry, Julius Maximilian University Würzburg, Am Hubland, D-97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Eleonora Poeta
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Via Belmeloro 6, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Axelle Morilleau
- MMDN, University of Montpellier, EPHE, INSERM, 34095 Montpellier, France
| | - Allison Carles
- MMDN, University of Montpellier, EPHE, INSERM, 34095 Montpellier, France
| | - Marie H Deventer
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Julian Hofmann
- Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Food Chemistry, Julius Maximilian University Würzburg, Am Hubland, D-97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Christophe P Stove
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Barbara Monti
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Via Belmeloro 6, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Tangui Maurice
- MMDN, University of Montpellier, EPHE, INSERM, 34095 Montpellier, France
| | - Michael Decker
- Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Food Chemistry, Julius Maximilian University Würzburg, Am Hubland, D-97074 Würzburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Gianquinto E, Sodano F, Rolando B, Kostrzewa M, Allarà M, Mahmoud AM, Kumar P, Spyrakis F, Ligresti A, Chegaev K. N-[1,3-Dialkyl(aryl)-2-oxoimidazolidin-4-ylidene]-aryl(alkyl)sulphonamides as Novel Selective Human Cannabinoid Type 2 Receptor (hCB2R) Ligands; Insights into the Mechanism of Receptor Activation/Deactivation. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27238152. [PMID: 36500256 PMCID: PMC9738591 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27238152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Revised: 11/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Cannabinoid type 1 (hCB1) and type 2 (hCB2) receptors are pleiotropic and crucial targets whose signaling contributes to physiological homeostasis and its restoration after injury. Being predominantly expressed in peripheral tissues, hCB2R represents a safer therapeutic target than hCB1R, which is highly expressed in the brain, where it regulates processes related to cognition, memory, and motor control. The development of hCB2R ligands represents a therapeutic opportunity for treating diseases such as pain, inflammation and cancer. Identifying new selective scaffolds for cannabinoids and determining the structural determinants responsible for agonism and antagonism are priorities in drug design. In this work, a series of N-[1,3-dialkyl(aryl)-2-oxoimidazolidin-4-ylidene]-aryl(alkyl)sulfonamides is designed and synthesized and their affinity for human hCB1R and hCB2R is determined. Starting with a scaffold selected from the NIH Psychoactive Drug Screening Program Repository, through a combination of molecular modeling and structure-activity relationship studies, we were able to identify the chemical features leading to finely tuned hCB2R selectivity. In addition, an in silico model capable of predicting the functional activity of hCB2R ligands was proposed and validated. The proposed receptor activation/deactivation model enabled the identification of four pure hCB2R-selective agonists that can be used as a starting point for the development of more potent ligands.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eleonora Gianquinto
- Department of Drug Science and Technology, University of Torino, 10125 Torino, Italy
| | - Federica Sodano
- Department of Drug Science and Technology, University of Torino, 10125 Torino, Italy
- Department of Pharmacy, “Federico II” University of Naples, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Barbara Rolando
- Department of Drug Science and Technology, University of Torino, 10125 Torino, Italy
| | - Magdalena Kostrzewa
- National Research Council of Italy, Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, 80078 Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Marco Allarà
- National Research Council of Italy, Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, 80078 Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Ali Mokhtar Mahmoud
- National Research Council of Italy, Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, 80078 Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Poulami Kumar
- National Research Council of Italy, Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, 80078 Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Francesca Spyrakis
- Department of Drug Science and Technology, University of Torino, 10125 Torino, Italy
| | - Alessia Ligresti
- National Research Council of Italy, Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, 80078 Pozzuoli, Italy
- Correspondence: (A.L.); (K.C.); Tel.: +39-0818675093 (A.L.); +39-0116707140 (K.C.)
| | - Konstantin Chegaev
- Department of Drug Science and Technology, University of Torino, 10125 Torino, Italy
- Correspondence: (A.L.); (K.C.); Tel.: +39-0818675093 (A.L.); +39-0116707140 (K.C.)
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Uba AI, Aluwala H, Liu H, Wu C. Elucidation of partial activation of cannabinoid receptor type 2 and identification of potential partial agonists: Molecular dynamics simulation and structure-based virtual screening. Comput Biol Chem 2022; 99:107723. [PMID: 35850049 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiolchem.2022.107723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Revised: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Cannabinoid receptor type 2 (CB2R) is a member of the class A G protein-coupled receptor (GPCRs) family and a component of the endocannabinoid system that is modulated by the psychoactive chemical from Cannabis sativa, partial agonist Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC). Selective activation of CB2R allows for the treatment of inflammatory and immune-related conditions without the psychotropic effects of CB1R. While CB2R-selective agonists are available, CB2R partial agonists are scarce. Hence, the pharmacological difference between CB2R full agonists and partial agonists remains to be deciphered, prompting the search for novel partial agonists. Here, using an induced-fit docking approach, we built a partial agonist Δ9-THC bound CB2R system from the inactive CB2R structure (PDB ID: 5ZTY) and performed microsecond molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. The simulations reveal an upward shift of the "toggle switch" W6.48(258) and minor outward movement of the transmembrane helix 6 (TM6). Dynamic network model identifies a possible communication path between the ligand and the toggle switch" W6.48(258). Furthermore, to identify potential CB2R partial agonists, we conducted structure-based virtual screening of ZINC15 "Druglike" library containing 17,900742 compounds against 3 conformations derived from MD simulation of CB2R complexed with partial agonist Δ9-THC using Glide virtual screening protocol comprising various filters with increasing accuracy. Nine diverse compounds predicted to have high MM-GBSA binding energy scores and good ADMET properties (including high gastrointestinal absorption and low toxicity) are proposed as potential CB2R partial agonists.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abdullahi Ibrahim Uba
- Complex Systems Division, Beijing Computational Science Research Center, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Harika Aluwala
- College of Science and Mathematics, Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ 08028, USA
| | - Haiguang Liu
- Complex Systems Division, Beijing Computational Science Research Center, Beijing 100193, China.
| | - Chun Wu
- College of Science and Mathematics, Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ 08028, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Sadybekov AA, Sadybekov AV, Liu Y, Iliopoulos-Tsoutsouvas C, Huang XP, Pickett J, Houser B, Patel N, Tran NK, Tong F, Zvonok N, Jain MK, Savych O, Radchenko DS, Nikas SP, Petasis NA, Moroz YS, Roth BL, Makriyannis A, Katritch V. Synthon-based ligand discovery in virtual libraries of over 11 billion compounds. Nature 2022; 601:452-459. [PMID: 34912117 PMCID: PMC9763054 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-021-04220-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 159] [Impact Index Per Article: 79.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Structure-based virtual ligand screening is emerging as a key paradigm for early drug discovery owing to the availability of high-resolution target structures1-4 and ultra-large libraries of virtual compounds5,6. However, to keep pace with the rapid growth of virtual libraries, such as readily available for synthesis (REAL) combinatorial libraries7, new approaches to compound screening are needed8,9. Here we introduce a modular synthon-based approach-V-SYNTHES-to perform hierarchical structure-based screening of a REAL Space library of more than 11 billion compounds. V-SYNTHES first identifies the best scaffold-synthon combinations as seeds suitable for further growth, and then iteratively elaborates these seeds to select complete molecules with the best docking scores. This hierarchical combinatorial approach enables the rapid detection of the best-scoring compounds in the gigascale chemical space while performing docking of only a small fraction (<0.1%) of the library compounds. Chemical synthesis and experimental testing of novel cannabinoid antagonists predicted by V-SYNTHES demonstrated a 33% hit rate, including 14 submicromolar ligands, substantially improving over a standard virtual screening of the Enamine REAL diversity subset, which required approximately 100 times more computational resources. Synthesis of selected analogues of the best hits further improved potencies and affinities (best inhibitory constant (Ki) = 0.9 nM) and CB2/CB1 selectivity (50-200-fold). V-SYNTHES was also tested on a kinase target, ROCK1, further supporting its use for lead discovery. The approach is easily scalable for the rapid growth of combinatorial libraries and potentially adaptable to any docking algorithm.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Arman A. Sadybekov
- Department of Quantitative and Computational Biology, Bridge Institute, USC Michelson Center for Convergent Biosciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA,Department of Chemistry, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Anastasiia V. Sadybekov
- Department of Quantitative and Computational Biology, Bridge Institute, USC Michelson Center for Convergent Biosciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA,Department of Chemistry, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Yongfeng Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA,Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | | | - Xi-Ping Huang
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA,National Institute of Mental Health Psychoactive Drug Screening Program, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Julie Pickett
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA,National Institute of Mental Health Psychoactive Drug Screening Program, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Blake Houser
- Department of Chemistry, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Nilkanth Patel
- Department of Quantitative and Computational Biology, Bridge Institute, USC Michelson Center for Convergent Biosciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Ngan K. Tran
- Center for Drug Discovery and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Fei Tong
- Center for Drug Discovery and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Nikolai Zvonok
- Center for Drug Discovery and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Manish K Jain
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Olena Savych
- Enamine Ltd, 78 Chervonotkatska Street, 02094, Ukraine
| | - Dmytro S. Radchenko
- Enamine Ltd, 78 Chervonotkatska Street, 02094, Ukraine,Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Volodymyrska Street 60, Kyiv 01601, Ukraine
| | - Spyros P. Nikas
- Center for Drug Discovery and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Nicos A. Petasis
- Department of Chemistry, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Yurii S. Moroz
- Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Volodymyrska Street 60, Kyiv 01601, Ukraine,Chemspace LLC, 85 Chervonotkatska Street, 02094, Ukraine
| | - Bryan L. Roth
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA,Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA,National Institute of Mental Health Psychoactive Drug Screening Program, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA,Corresponding authors: Bryan L. Roth (), Alexandros Makriyannis (), Vsevolod Katritch ()
| | - Alexandros Makriyannis
- Center for Drug Discovery, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA. .,Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Vsevolod Katritch
- Department of Quantitative and Computational Biology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA. .,Department of Chemistry, Bridge Institute, USC Michelson Center for Convergent Biosciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Li C, Shi J, Sun J, Shi Y, Jia H. Cannabinoid receptor 2 deficiency enhances isoflurane-induced spatial cognitive impairment in adult mice by affecting neuroinflammation, neurogenesis and neuroplasticity. Exp Ther Med 2021; 22:908. [PMID: 34257720 PMCID: PMC8243338 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2021.10340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Isoflurane (Iso) is a commonly used inhalational anesthetic and is associated with the incidence of postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD). Cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2R) was previously reported to have a promising neuroprotective function in cases of POCD, but the specific mechanisms have remained to be fully explored. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of CB2R deficiency on spatial cognitive performance in adult mice exposed to Iso. A total of 20 adult CB2R knockout (KO) and 20 wild-type (WT) mice were exposed to Iso (1.4% in oxygen for 4 h) or 100% oxygen. The Morris water maze (MWZ) test was performed 10 days after Iso exposure. Immunofluorescence staining and reverse transcription-quantitative PCR were performed to assess the expression of microglial marker ionized calcium-binding adaptor molecule-1 (Iba1) and the mRNA expression levels of microglial phenotype markers (M1: Interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, inducible nitric oxide synthase; M2: Chitinase-3 like protein) in the hippocampus. Changes in hippocampal neurogenesis and neuroplasticity were assessed by 5-bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) immunostaining and Golgi staining. Compared with control mice, WT Iso-exposed mice had impaired spatial performance in the MWZ test. Furthermore, hippocampal Iba1 immunoreactivity and the number of microglial branches were notably increased in Iso-exposed WT mice. This was paralleled by significant upregulation of M1-associated markers and downregulation of M2-associated markers in the hippocampus. An obviously reduced number of BrdU+ neurons and decreased spine density were observed in WT Iso-exposed mice compared with control mice. Of note, CB2R deficiency exacerbated the spatial cognition impairment induced by Iso in the MWZ test. The alterations in the activation, morphology and M1 polarization of microglia, the number of BrdU+ neurons and spine density were more pronounced in CB2R-deficient Iso-exposed KO mice than in WT Iso-exposed mice. These results suggested that CB2R has a crucial role in Iso-induced cognitive impairment, which may be related to changes in hippocampal neuroinflammation, neurogenesis and neuroplasticity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chao Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050011, P.R. China
| | - Jingpu Shi
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050011, P.R. China
| | - Jiaguang Sun
- Department of Anesthesiology, Xingtai People's Hospital, Xintai, Hebei 054001, P.R. China
| | - Yuanyuan Shi
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050011, P.R. China
| | - Huiqun Jia
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050011, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Paudel P, Ross S, Li XC. Molecular Targets of Cannabinoids Associated with Depression. Curr Med Chem 2021; 29:1827-1850. [PMID: 34165403 DOI: 10.2174/0929867328666210623144658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2021] [Revised: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Novel therapeutic strategies are needed to address depression, a major neurological disorder affecting hundreds of millions of people worldwide. Cannabinoids and their synthetic derivatives have demonstrated numerous neurological activities and may potentially be developed into new treatments for depression. This review highlights cannabinoid (CB) receptors, monoamine oxidase (MAO), N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptor, and cholecystokinin (CCK) receptor as key molecular targets of cannabinoids that are associated with depression. The anti-depressant activity of cannabinoids and their binding modes with cannabinoid receptors are discussed, providing insights into rational design and discovery of new cannabinoids or cannabimimetic agents with improved druggable properties.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pradeep Paudel
- National Center for Natural Products Research, Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, The University of Mississippi, University, Mississippi 38677, United States
| | - Samir Ross
- National Center for Natural Products Research, Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, The University of Mississippi, University, Mississippi 38677, United States
| | - Xing-Cong Li
- National Center for Natural Products Research, Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, The University of Mississippi, University, Mississippi 38677, United States
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Ferrisi R, Ceni C, Bertini S, Macchia M, Manera C, Gado F. Medicinal Chemistry approach, pharmacology and neuroprotective benefits of CB 2R modulators in neurodegenerative diseases. Pharmacol Res 2021; 170:105607. [PMID: 34089867 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2021.105607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2021] [Revised: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
In the last decades, cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2R) has continued to receive attention as a key therapeutic target in neuroprotection. Indeed, several findings highlight the neuroprotective effects of CB2R through suppression of both neuronal excitability and reactive microglia. Additionally, CB2R seems to be a more promising target than cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1R) thanks to the lack of central side effects, its lower expression levels in the central nervous system (CNS), and its inducibility, since its expression enhances quickly in the brain following pathological conditions. This review aims to provide a thorough overview of the main natural and synthetic selective CB2R modulators, their chemical classification and their potential therapeutic usefulness in neuroprotection, a crucial aspect for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Ferrisi
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy.
| | - Costanza Ceni
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy.
| | - Simone Bertini
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy.
| | - Marco Macchia
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy.
| | | | - Francesca Gado
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Mingle D, Ospanov M, Radwan MO, Ashpole N, Otsuka M, Ross SA, Walker L, Shilabin AG, Ibrahim MA. First In Class ( S, E)-11-[2-(Arylmethylene)Hydrazono]-PBD Analogs As Selective CB2 Modulators Targeting Neurodegenerative Disorders. Med Chem Res 2021; 30:98-108. [PMID: 33776384 DOI: 10.1007/s00044-020-02640-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Newly designed pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4]benzodiazepines tricyclic skeleton has shown potential clusters of cannabinoid receptors CB1/CB2 selective ligands. CB2 plays a critical role in microglial-derived neuroinflammation, where it modulates cell proliferation, migration, and differentiation into M1 or M2 phenotypes. Beginning with computer-based docking studies accounting the recently discovered X-ray crystal structure of CB2, we designed a series of PBD analogs as potential ligands of CB2 and tested their binding affinities. Interestingly, computational studies and theoretical binding affinities of several selected (S,E)-11-[2-(arylmethylene)hydrazono]-PBD analogs, have revealed the presence of potential selectivity in binding attraction towards CB1 and CB2. Reported here is the discovery of the first representatives of this series of selective binding to CB2. Preliminary data showed that this class of molecules display potential binding efficacy towards the cannabinoid receptors tested. Intriguingly, initial cannabinoid binding assay showed a selective binding affinity of 4g and 4h showed K i of 0.49 and 4.7 μM towards CB2 receptors while no binding was observed to CB1. The designed leads have shown remarkable stability pattern at the physiological pH magnifying their therapeutic values. We hypothesize that the PBD tricyclic structure offers the molecule an appropriate three-dimensional conformation to fit snugly within the active site of CB2 receptors, giving them superiority over the reported CB2 agonists/inverse agonists. Our findings suggested that the attachment of heterocyclic ring through the condensation of diazepine hydrazone and S- or N-heterocyclic aldehydes enhances the selectivity of CB2 over CB1.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David Mingle
- Department of Chemistry, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN 37614, USA
| | - Meirambek Ospanov
- National Center for Natural Products Research, University of Mississippi, University, MS 38677
| | - Mohamed O Radwan
- Medicinal and Biological Chemistry Science Farm Joint Research Laboratory, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto 862-0973, Japan
- Department of Drug Discovery, Science Farm Ltd., Kumamoto 862-0976, Japan
- Chemistry of Natural Compounds Department, Pharmaceutical and Drug Industries Research Division, National Research Centre, Dokki 12622, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Nicole Ashpole
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences, University of Mississippi, University, MS 38677
| | - Masami Otsuka
- Medicinal and Biological Chemistry Science Farm Joint Research Laboratory, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto 862-0973, Japan
- Department of Drug Discovery, Science Farm Ltd., Kumamoto 862-0976, Japan
| | - Samir A Ross
- National Center for Natural Products Research, University of Mississippi, University, MS 38677
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences, University of Mississippi, University, MS 38677
| | - Larry Walker
- National Center for Natural Products Research, University of Mississippi, University, MS 38677
| | - Abbas G Shilabin
- Department of Chemistry, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN 37614, USA
| | - Mohamed A Ibrahim
- National Center for Natural Products Research, University of Mississippi, University, MS 38677
- Chemistry of Natural Compounds Department, Pharmaceutical and Drug Industries Research Division, National Research Centre, Dokki 12622, Cairo, Egypt
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Lima MG, Tardelli VS, Brietzke E, Fidalgo TM. Cannabis and Inflammatory Mediators. Eur Addict Res 2021; 27:16-24. [PMID: 32726782 DOI: 10.1159/000508840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2019] [Accepted: 05/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Although the recreational cannabis use is expressive worldwide, the literature about medical potential of cannabis extracts, including its anti-inflammatory properties, remains inconclusive. METHODS We screened all articles, published on the PubMed database, on inflammatory mediators and any information about cannabis use from 1980 to March 2019. RESULTS Six studies were included, and the main findings were as follows: (i) among healthy volunteers and cannabis users, cannabinoids seemed to decrease the inflammatory response, thus decreasing the immune response, which led to a higher risk of infections; (ii) among patients with multiple sclerosis, cannabinoids seemed to have little impact on the inflammatory markers' levels. DISCUSSION Although cannabis use can produce immune inflammatory suppression in healthy people, this effect is not robust enough to change inflammatory mediators' levels in situations of highly dysfunctional inflammatory activation. Nevertheless, the impact of cannabinoids in clinical outcomes of these conditions remains to be determined.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marcelo G Lima
- Department of Psychiatry, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (Unifesp), São Paulo, Brazil,
| | - Vitor S Tardelli
- Department of Psychiatry, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (Unifesp), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Elisa Brietzke
- Pos-Graduation Program in Pschiatry and Medical Psychology, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.,Department of Psychiatry, Queen's University School of Medicine, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Thiago M Fidalgo
- Department of Psychiatry, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (Unifesp), São Paulo, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Mangiatordi GF, Intranuovo F, Delre P, Abatematteo FS, Abate C, Niso M, Creanza TM, Ancona N, Stefanachi A, Contino M. Cannabinoid Receptor Subtype 2 (CB2R) in a Multitarget Approach: Perspective of an Innovative Strategy in Cancer and Neurodegeneration. J Med Chem 2020; 63:14448-14469. [PMID: 33094613 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c01357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The cannabinoid receptor subtype 2 (CB2R) represents an interesting and new therapeutic target for its involvement in the first steps of neurodegeneration as well as in cancer onset and progression. Several studies, focused on different types of tumors, report a promising anticancer activity induced by CB2R agonists due to their ability to reduce inflammation and cell proliferation. Moreover, in neuroinflammation, the stimulation of CB2R, overexpressed in microglial cells, exerts beneficial effects in neurodegenerative disorders. With the aim to overcome current treatment limitations, new drugs can be developed by specifically modulating, together with CB2R, other targets involved in such multifactorial disorders. Building on successful case studies of already developed multitarget strategies involving CB2R, in this Perspective we aim at prompting the scientific community to consider new promising target associations involving HDACs (histone deacetylases) and σ receptors by employing modern approaches based on molecular hybridization, computational polypharmacology, and machine learning algorithms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Francesca Intranuovo
- Dipartimento di Farmacia-Scienze del Farmaco, Università degli Studi di Bari Aldo Moro, Via Orabona 4, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Pietro Delre
- CNR-Institute of Crystallography, Via Amendola 122/o, 70126 Bari, Italy.,Dipartimento di Chimica, Università degli Studi di Bari Aldo Moro, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Francesca Serena Abatematteo
- Dipartimento di Farmacia-Scienze del Farmaco, Università degli Studi di Bari Aldo Moro, Via Orabona 4, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Carmen Abate
- Dipartimento di Farmacia-Scienze del Farmaco, Università degli Studi di Bari Aldo Moro, Via Orabona 4, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Mauro Niso
- Dipartimento di Farmacia-Scienze del Farmaco, Università degli Studi di Bari Aldo Moro, Via Orabona 4, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Teresa Maria Creanza
- CNR-Institute of Intelligent Industrial Technologies and Systems for Advanced Manufacturing, Via Amendola 122/o, 70126 Bari, Italy
| | - Nicola Ancona
- CNR-Institute of Intelligent Industrial Technologies and Systems for Advanced Manufacturing, Via Amendola 122/o, 70126 Bari, Italy
| | - Angela Stefanachi
- Dipartimento di Farmacia-Scienze del Farmaco, Università degli Studi di Bari Aldo Moro, Via Orabona 4, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Marialessandra Contino
- Dipartimento di Farmacia-Scienze del Farmaco, Università degli Studi di Bari Aldo Moro, Via Orabona 4, 70125 Bari, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Li X, Shen L, Hua T, Liu ZJ. Structural and Functional Insights into Cannabinoid Receptors. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2020; 41:665-677. [PMID: 32739033 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2020.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2020] [Revised: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Cannabinoid receptors type 1 (CB1) and 2 (CB2) are widely expressed in the human body, and are attractive drug targets in the prevention and management of central nervous system (CNS) and immune system dysfunction, respectively. Recent breakthroughs in the structural elucidation of cannabinoid receptors and their signaling complexes with G proteins, provide the important molecular basis of ligand-receptor interactions, activation and signaling mechanism, which will facilitate the next-generation drug design and the precise modulation of the endocannabinoid system. Here, we provide an overview on the structural features of cannabinoid receptors in different functional states and the diverse ligand binding modes. The major challenges and new strategies for future therapeutic applications targeting the endocannabinoid system (ECS) are also discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoting Li
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Ling Shen
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China; School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Tian Hua
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China.
| | - Zhi-Jie Liu
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China; School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Hua T, Li X, Wu L, Iliopoulos-Tsoutsouvas C, Wang Y, Wu M, Shen L, Brust CA, Nikas SP, Song F, Song X, Yuan S, Sun Q, Wu Y, Jiang S, Grim TW, Benchama O, Stahl EL, Zvonok N, Zhao S, Bohn LM, Makriyannis A, Liu ZJ. Activation and Signaling Mechanism Revealed by Cannabinoid Receptor-G i Complex Structures. Cell 2020; 180:655-665.e18. [PMID: 32004463 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2020.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 192] [Impact Index Per Article: 48.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2019] [Revised: 10/31/2019] [Accepted: 01/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Human endocannabinoid systems modulate multiple physiological processes mainly through the activation of cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2. Their high sequence similarity, low agonist selectivity, and lack of activation and G protein-coupling knowledge have hindered the development of therapeutic applications. Importantly, missing structural information has significantly held back the development of promising CB2-selective agonist drugs for treating inflammatory and neuropathic pain without the psychoactivity of CB1. Here, we report the cryoelectron microscopy structures of synthetic cannabinoid-bound CB2 and CB1 in complex with Gi, as well as agonist-bound CB2 crystal structure. Of important scientific and therapeutic benefit, our results reveal a diverse activation and signaling mechanism, the structural basis of CB2-selective agonists design, and the unexpected interaction of cholesterol with CB1, suggestive of its endogenous allosteric modulating role.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tian Hua
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China.
| | - Xiaoting Li
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Lijie Wu
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | | | - Yuxia Wang
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Meng Wu
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China; School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Ling Shen
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China; School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Christina A Brust
- Departments of Molecular Medicine and Neuroscience, Scripps Research, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA
| | - Spyros P Nikas
- Center for Drug Discovery and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Feng Song
- School of Life Science, Dezhou University, Dezhou 253023, Shandong Province, China
| | - Xiyong Song
- Institute of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650500, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Shuguang Yuan
- The Research Center for Computer-aided Drug Discovery, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Qianqian Sun
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Yiran Wu
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Shan Jiang
- Center for Drug Discovery and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Travis W Grim
- Departments of Molecular Medicine and Neuroscience, Scripps Research, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA
| | - Othman Benchama
- Center for Drug Discovery and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Edward L Stahl
- Departments of Molecular Medicine and Neuroscience, Scripps Research, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA
| | - Nikolai Zvonok
- Center for Drug Discovery and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Suwen Zhao
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China; School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Laura M Bohn
- Departments of Molecular Medicine and Neuroscience, Scripps Research, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA
| | - Alexandros Makriyannis
- Center for Drug Discovery and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Center for Drug Discovery and Departments of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Zhi-Jie Liu
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China; School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China; Institute of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650500, Yunnan Province, China.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Alapafuja SO, Nikas SP, Ho TC, Tong F, Benchama O, Makriyannis A. Chain Substituted Cannabilactones with Selectivity for the CB2 Cannabinoid Receptor. Molecules 2019; 24:E3559. [PMID: 31581433 PMCID: PMC6804212 DOI: 10.3390/molecules24193559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2019] [Revised: 09/25/2019] [Accepted: 09/27/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
In earlier work, we reported a novel class of CB2 selective ligands namely cannabilactones. These compounds carry a dimethylheptyl substituent at C3, which is typical for synthetic cannabinoids. In the current study with the focus on the pharmacophoric side chain at C3 we explored the effect of replacing the C1'-gem-dimethyl group with the bulkier cyclopentyl ring, and, we also probed the chain's length and terminal carbon substitution with bromo or cyano groups. One of the analogs synthesized namely 6-[1-(1,9-dihydroxy-6-oxo-6H-benzo[c]chromen-3-yl) cyclopentyl] hexanenitrile (AM4346) has very high affinity (Ki = 4.9 nM) for the mouse CB2 receptor (mCB2) and 131-fold selectivity for that target over the rat CB1 (rCB1). The species difference in the affinities of AM4346 between the mouse (m) and the human (h) CB2 receptors is reduced when compared to our first-generation cannabilactones. In the cyclase assay, our lead compound was found to be a highly potent and efficacious hCB2 receptor agonist (EC50 = 3.7 ± 1.5 nM, E(max) = 89%). We have also extended our structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies to include biphenyl synthetic intermediates that mimic the structure of the phytocannabinoid cannabinodiol.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shakiru O Alapafuja
- Center for Drug Discovery and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
| | - Spyros P Nikas
- Center for Drug Discovery and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
| | - Thanh C Ho
- Center for Drug Discovery and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
| | - Fei Tong
- Center for Drug Discovery and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
| | - Othman Benchama
- Center for Drug Discovery and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
| | - Alexandros Makriyannis
- Center for Drug Discovery and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
- Department of Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Sharaf A, Mensching L, Keller C, Rading S, Scheffold M, Palkowitsch L, Djogo N, Rezgaoui M, Kestler HA, Moepps B, Failla AV, Karsak M. Systematic Affinity Purification Coupled to Mass Spectrometry Identified p62 as Part of the Cannabinoid Receptor CB2 Interactome. Front Mol Neurosci 2019; 12:224. [PMID: 31616248 PMCID: PMC6763791 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2019.00224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2019] [Accepted: 09/03/2019] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) consists particularly of cannabinoid receptors 1 and 2 (CB1 and CB2), their endogenous ligands, and enzymes that synthesize and degrade their ligands. It acts in a variety of organs and disease states ranging from cancer progression over neuropathic pain to neurodegeneration. Protein components engaged in the signaling, trafficking, and homeostasis machinery of the G-protein coupled CB2, are however largely unknown. It is therefore important to identify further interaction partners to better understand CB2 receptor functions in physiology and pathophysiology. For this purpose, we used an affinity purification and mass spectrometry-based proteomics approach of Strep-HA-CB2 receptor in HEK293 cells. After subtraction of background interactions and protein frequency library assessment we could identify 83 proteins that were classified by the identification of minimally 2 unique peptides as highly probable interactors. A functional protein association network analysis obtained an interaction network with a significant enrichment of proteins functionally involved in protein metabolic process, in endoplasmic reticulum, response to stress but also in lipid metabolism and membrane organization. The network especially contains proteins involved in biosynthesis and trafficking like calnexin, Sec61A, tubulin chains TUBA1C and TUBB2B, TMED2, and TMED10. Six proteins that were only expressed in stable CB2 expressing cells were DHC24, DHRS7, GGT7, HECD3, KIAA2013, and PLS1. To exemplify the validity of our approach, we chose a candidate having a relatively low number of edges in the network to increase the likelihood of a direct protein interaction with CB2 and focused on the scaffold/phagosomal protein p62/SQSTM1. Indeed, we independently confirmed the interaction by co-immunoprecipitation and immunocytochemical colocalization studies. 3D reconstruction of confocal images furthermore showed CB2 localization in close proximity to p62 positive vesicles at the cell membrane. In summary, we provide a comprehensive repository of the CB2 interactome in HEK293 cells identified by a systematic unbiased approach, which can be used in future experiments to decipher the signaling and trafficking complex of this cannabinoid receptor. Future studies will have to analyze the exact mechanism of the p62-CB2 interaction as well as its putative role in disease pathophysiology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Sharaf
- Neuronal and Cellular Signal Transduction, Center for Molecular Neurobiology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Leonore Mensching
- Neuronal and Cellular Signal Transduction, Center for Molecular Neurobiology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Christina Keller
- Neuronal and Cellular Signal Transduction, Center for Molecular Neurobiology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Sebastian Rading
- Neuronal and Cellular Signal Transduction, Center for Molecular Neurobiology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Marina Scheffold
- Neuronal and Cellular Signal Transduction, Center for Molecular Neurobiology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.,Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | | | - Nevena Djogo
- Neuronal and Cellular Signal Transduction, Center for Molecular Neurobiology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Meriem Rezgaoui
- Institute for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Hans A Kestler
- Institute of Medical Systems Biology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Barbara Moepps
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | | | - Meliha Karsak
- Neuronal and Cellular Signal Transduction, Center for Molecular Neurobiology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Salem F, Bahrami F, Bahari Z, Jangravi Z, Najafizadeh-Sari S. Agonists of CB1 and NMDA receptors decrease the toxic effect of organophosphorus compound paraoxon on PC12 cells. UKRAINIAN BIOCHEMICAL JOURNAL 2019. [DOI: 10.15407/ubj91.05.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
|
18
|
Crystal Structure of the Human Cannabinoid Receptor CB2. Cell 2019; 176:459-467.e13. [PMID: 30639103 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2018.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 247] [Impact Index Per Article: 49.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2018] [Revised: 10/31/2018] [Accepted: 12/07/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The cannabinoid receptor CB2 is predominately expressed in the immune system, and selective modulation of CB2 without the psychoactivity of CB1 has therapeutic potential in inflammatory, fibrotic, and neurodegenerative diseases. Here, we report the crystal structure of human CB2 in complex with a rationally designed antagonist, AM10257, at 2.8 Å resolution. The CB2-AM10257 structure reveals a distinctly different binding pose compared with CB1. However, the extracellular portion of the antagonist-bound CB2 shares a high degree of conformational similarity with the agonist-bound CB1, which led to the discovery of AM10257's unexpected opposing functional profile of CB2 antagonism versus CB1 agonism. Further structural analysis using mutagenesis studies and molecular docking revealed the molecular basis of their function and selectivity for CB2 and CB1. Additional analyses of our designed antagonist and agonist pairs provide important insight into the activation mechanism of CB2. The present findings should facilitate rational drug design toward precise modulation of the endocannabinoid system.
Collapse
|