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Lu Y, Hatzipantelis CJ, Langmead CJ, Stewart GD. Molecular insights into orphan G protein-coupled receptors relevant to schizophrenia. Br J Pharmacol 2024; 181:2095-2113. [PMID: 37605621 DOI: 10.1111/bph.16221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Revised: 06/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Schizophrenia remains a sizable socio-economic burden that continues to be treated with therapeutics based on 70-year old science. All currently approved therapeutics primarily target the dopamine D2 receptor to achieve their efficacy. Whilst dopaminergic dysregulation is a key feature in this disorder, the targeting of dopaminergic machinery has yielded limited efficacy and an appreciable side effect burden. Over the recent decades, numerous drugs that engage non-dopaminergic G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) have yielded a promise of efficacy without the deleterious side effect profile, yet none have successfully completed clinical studies and progressed to the market. More recently, there has been increased attention around non-dopaminergic GPCR-targeting drugs, which demonstrated efficacy in some schizophrenia symptom domains. This provides renewed hope that effective schizophrenia treatment may lie outside of the dopaminergic space. Despite the potential for muscarinic receptor- (and other well-characterised GPCR families) targeting drugs to treat schizophrenia, they are often plagued with complications such as lack of receptor subtype selectivity and peripheral on-target side effects. Orphan GPCR studies have opened a new avenue of exploration with many demonstrating schizophrenia-relevant mechanisms and a favourable expression profile, thus offering potential for novel drug development. This review discusses centrally expressed orphan GPCRs: GPR3, GPR6, GPR12, GPR52, GPR85, GPR88 and GPR139 and their relationship to schizophrenia. We review their expression, signalling mechanisms and cellular function, in conjunction with small molecule development and structural insights. We seek to provide a snapshot of the growing evidence and development potential of new classes of schizophrenia therapeutics. LINKED ARTICLES: This article is part of a themed issue Therapeutic Targeting of G Protein-Coupled Receptors: hot topics from the Australasian Society of Clinical and Experimental Pharmacologists and Toxicologists 2021 Virtual Annual Scientific Meeting. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v181.14/issuetoc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao Lu
- Drug Discovery Biology and Neuroscience & Mental Health Therapeutic Program Area, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Australia
- ARC Centre for Cryo-electron Microscopy of Membrane Proteins, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Australia
| | | | - Christopher J Langmead
- Drug Discovery Biology and Neuroscience & Mental Health Therapeutic Program Area, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Australia
- ARC Centre for Cryo-electron Microscopy of Membrane Proteins, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Australia
- Neuromedicines Discovery Centre, Monash University, Parkville, Australia
- Phrenix Therapeutics, Parkville, Australia
| | - Gregory D Stewart
- Drug Discovery Biology and Neuroscience & Mental Health Therapeutic Program Area, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Australia
- ARC Centre for Cryo-electron Microscopy of Membrane Proteins, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Australia
- Neuromedicines Discovery Centre, Monash University, Parkville, Australia
- Phrenix Therapeutics, Parkville, Australia
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2
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Zhang R, Chen J. Research progress on the role of orphan receptor GPR139 in neuropsychiatric behaviours. Eur J Pharmacol 2023; 960:176150. [PMID: 38059447 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2023.176150] [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: 08/12/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
The study of orphan G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) holds much promise for increasing our understanding of neuropsychiatric diseases and for the development of new therapeutic strategies for these diseases. GPR139 is an orphan GPCR expressed in the central nervous system, especially in areas of the brain that control movement, motivation, and reward, and those that regulate neuropsychiatric behaviour. This review provides information about the discovery, tissue expression, signal transduction pathways, and physiological functions of GPR139, as well as how GPR139 interacts with other GPCRs, which form heteromeric complexes that affect their pharmacology and function. We also discuss the utility and therapeutic potential of ligands that target GPR139, including the pharmacological properties of reported agonists and antagonists. Finally, we highlight the pathologic role of GPR139 in neuropsychiatric behaviour and its potential as a therapeutic target in neuropsychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rumin Zhang
- Neurobiology Key Laboratory of Jining Medical University, Jining, 272067, China; School of Mental Health, Jining Medical University, Jining, 272067, China
| | - Jing Chen
- Neurobiology Key Laboratory of Jining Medical University, Jining, 272067, China; School of Mental Health, Jining Medical University, Jining, 272067, China; Division of Biomedical Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV47AL, UK.
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3
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Pallareti L, Rath TF, Trapkov B, Tsonkov T, Nielsen AT, Harpsøe K, Gentry PR, Bräuner-Osborne H, Gloriam DE, Foster SR. Pharmacological characterization of novel small molecule agonists and antagonists for the orphan receptor GPR139. Eur J Pharmacol 2023; 943:175553. [PMID: 36736525 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2023.175553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
The orphan G protein-coupled receptor GPR139 is predominantly expressed in the central nervous system and has attracted considerable interest as a therapeutic target. However, the biological role of this receptor remains somewhat elusive, in part due to the lack of quality pharmacological tools to investigate GPR139 function. In an effort to understand GPR139 signaling and to identify improved compounds, in this study we performed virtual screening and analog searches, in combination with multiple pharmacological assays. We characterized GPR139-dependent signaling using previously published reference agonists in Ca2+ mobilization and inositol monophosphate accumulation assays, as well as a novel real-time GPR139 internalization assay. For the four reference agonists tested, the rank order of potency was conserved across signaling and internalization assays: JNJ-63533054 > Compound 1a » Takeda > AC4 > DL43, consistent with previously reported values. We noted an increased efficacy of JNJ-63533054-mediated inositol monophosphate signaling and internalization, relative to Compound 1a. We then performed virtual screening for GPR139 agonist and antagonist compounds that were screened and validated in GPR139 functional assays. We identified four GPR139 agonists that were active in all assays, with similar or reduced potency relative to known compounds. Likewise, compound analogs selected based on GPR139 agonist and antagonist substructure searches behaved similarly to their parent compounds. Thus, we have characterized GPR139 signaling for multiple new ligands using G protein-dependent assays and a new real-time internalization assay. These data add to the GPR139 tool compound repertoire, which could be optimized in future medical chemistry campaigns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Pallareti
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Tine F Rath
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Boris Trapkov
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Tsonko Tsonkov
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anders Thorup Nielsen
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kasper Harpsøe
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Patrick R Gentry
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Hans Bräuner-Osborne
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - David E Gloriam
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Simon R Foster
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Cardiovascular Disease Program, Department of Pharmacology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia; QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
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4
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The orphan G protein-coupled receptor, GPR139, is expressed in the hypothalamus and is involved in the regulation of body mass, blood glucose, and insulin. Neurosci Lett 2023; 792:136955. [PMID: 36347339 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2022.136955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
GPR139 is an orphan G-protein-coupled receptor that is expressed in restricted areas of the nervous system, including the hypothalamus. In this study, we hypothesized that GPR139 could be involved in the regulation of energy balance and metabolism. In the first part of the study, we confirmed that GPR139 is expressed in the hypothalamus and particularly in proopiomelanocortin and agouti-related peptide neurons of the mediobasal hypothalamus. Using a lentivirus with a short-hairpin RNA, we inhibited the expression of GPR139 bilaterally in the mediobasal hypothalamus of mice. The intervention promoted a 40% reduction in the hypothalamic expression of GPR139, which was accompanied by an increase in body mass, a reduction in fasting blood glucose levels, and an increase in insulin levels. In the hypothalamus, inhibition of GPR139 was accompanied by a reduction in the expression of orexin. As previous studies using a pharmacological antagonist of orexin showed a beneficial impact on type 2 diabetes and glucose metabolism, we propose that the inhibition of hypothalamic GPR139 could be acting indirectly through the orexin system to control systemic glucose and insulin. In conclusion, this study advances the characterization of GPR139 in the hypothalamus, demonstrating its involvement in the regulation of body mass, blood insulin, and glycemia.
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5
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Rabiner EA, Uz T, Mansur A, Brown T, Chen G, Wu J, Atienza J, Schwarz AJ, Yin W, Lewis Y, Searle GE, Dennison JMTJ, Passchier J, Gunn RN, Tauscher J. Endogenous dopamine release in the human brain as a pharmacodynamic biomarker: evaluation of the new GPR139 agonist TAK-041 with [ 11C]PHNO PET. Neuropsychopharmacology 2022; 47:1405-1412. [PMID: 34675381 PMCID: PMC9117280 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-021-01204-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2021] [Revised: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The use of positron emission tomography (PET) in early-phase development of novel drugs targeting the central nervous system, is well established for the evaluation of brain penetration and target engagement. However, when novel targets are involved a suitable PET ligand is not always available. We demonstrate an alternative approach that evaluates the attenuation of amphetamine-induced synaptic dopamine release by a novel agonist of the orphan G-protein-coupled receptor GPR139 (TAK-041). GPR139 agonism is a novel candidate mechanism for the treatment of schizophrenia and other disorders associated with social and cognitive dysfunction. Ten healthy volunteers underwent [11C]PHNO PET at baseline, and twice after receiving an oral dose of d-amphetamine (0.5 mg/kg). One of the post-d-amphetamine scans for each subject was preceded by a single oral dose of TAK-041 (20 mg in five; 40 mg in the other five participants). D-amphetamine induced a significant decrease in [11C]PHNO binding potential relative to the non-displaceable component (BPND) in all regions examined (16-28%), consistent with increased synaptic dopamine release. Pre-treatment with TAK-041 significantly attenuated the d-amphetamine-induced reduction in BPND in the a priori defined regions (putamen and ventral striatum: 26% and 18%, respectively). The reduction in BPND was generally higher after the 40 mg than the 20 mg TAK-041 dose, with the difference between doses reaching statistical significance in the putamen. Our findings suggest that TAK-041 enters the human brain and interacts with GPR139 to affect endogenous dopamine release. [11C]PHNO PET is a practical method to detect the effects of novel drugs on the brain dopaminergic system in healthy volunteers, in the early stages of drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eugenii A. Rabiner
- grid.498414.40000 0004 0548 3187Invicro, London, UK ,grid.13097.3c0000 0001 2322 6764Centre for Neuroimaging Sciences, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Tolga Uz
- grid.419849.90000 0004 0447 7762Takeda Pharmaceuticals Ltd, Cambridge, MA USA
| | - Ayla Mansur
- grid.498414.40000 0004 0548 3187Invicro, London, UK
| | - Terry Brown
- grid.419849.90000 0004 0447 7762Takeda Pharmaceuticals Ltd, Cambridge, MA USA
| | - Grace Chen
- grid.419849.90000 0004 0447 7762Takeda Pharmaceuticals Ltd, Cambridge, MA USA
| | - Jingtao Wu
- grid.419849.90000 0004 0447 7762Takeda Pharmaceuticals Ltd, Cambridge, MA USA
| | - Joy Atienza
- grid.419849.90000 0004 0447 7762Takeda Pharmaceuticals Ltd, Cambridge, MA USA
| | - Adam J. Schwarz
- grid.419849.90000 0004 0447 7762Takeda Pharmaceuticals Ltd, Cambridge, MA USA
| | - Wei Yin
- grid.419849.90000 0004 0447 7762Takeda Pharmaceuticals Ltd, Cambridge, MA USA
| | - Yvonne Lewis
- grid.498414.40000 0004 0548 3187Invicro, London, UK
| | | | | | | | | | - Johannes Tauscher
- grid.419849.90000 0004 0447 7762Takeda Pharmaceuticals Ltd, Cambridge, MA USA
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6
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Strassheim D, Sullivan T, Irwin DC, Gerasimovskaya E, Lahm T, Klemm DJ, Dempsey EC, Stenmark KR, Karoor V. Metabolite G-Protein Coupled Receptors in Cardio-Metabolic Diseases. Cells 2021; 10:3347. [PMID: 34943862 PMCID: PMC8699532 DOI: 10.3390/cells10123347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2021] [Revised: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) have originally been described as a family of receptors activated by hormones, neurotransmitters, and other mediators. However, in recent years GPCRs have shown to bind endogenous metabolites, which serve functions other than as signaling mediators. These receptors respond to fatty acids, mono- and disaccharides, amino acids, or various intermediates and products of metabolism, including ketone bodies, lactate, succinate, or bile acids. Given that many of these metabolic processes are dysregulated under pathological conditions, including diabetes, dyslipidemia, and obesity, receptors of endogenous metabolites have also been recognized as potential drug targets to prevent and/or treat metabolic and cardiovascular diseases. This review describes G protein-coupled receptors activated by endogenous metabolites and summarizes their physiological, pathophysiological, and potential pharmacological roles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Derek Strassheim
- Department of Medicine Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Research Laboratory, University of Colorado Denver, Denver, CO 80204, USA; (D.S.); (T.S.); (D.C.I.); (E.G.); (D.J.K.); (E.C.D.); (K.R.S.)
| | - Timothy Sullivan
- Department of Medicine Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Research Laboratory, University of Colorado Denver, Denver, CO 80204, USA; (D.S.); (T.S.); (D.C.I.); (E.G.); (D.J.K.); (E.C.D.); (K.R.S.)
| | - David C. Irwin
- Department of Medicine Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Research Laboratory, University of Colorado Denver, Denver, CO 80204, USA; (D.S.); (T.S.); (D.C.I.); (E.G.); (D.J.K.); (E.C.D.); (K.R.S.)
| | - Evgenia Gerasimovskaya
- Department of Medicine Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Research Laboratory, University of Colorado Denver, Denver, CO 80204, USA; (D.S.); (T.S.); (D.C.I.); (E.G.); (D.J.K.); (E.C.D.); (K.R.S.)
| | - Tim Lahm
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, National Jewish Health Denver, Denver, CO 80206, USA;
- Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Dwight J. Klemm
- Department of Medicine Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Research Laboratory, University of Colorado Denver, Denver, CO 80204, USA; (D.S.); (T.S.); (D.C.I.); (E.G.); (D.J.K.); (E.C.D.); (K.R.S.)
- Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
- Division of Pulmonary Sciences and Critical Care Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Edward C. Dempsey
- Department of Medicine Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Research Laboratory, University of Colorado Denver, Denver, CO 80204, USA; (D.S.); (T.S.); (D.C.I.); (E.G.); (D.J.K.); (E.C.D.); (K.R.S.)
- Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
- Division of Pulmonary Sciences and Critical Care Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Kurt R. Stenmark
- Department of Medicine Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Research Laboratory, University of Colorado Denver, Denver, CO 80204, USA; (D.S.); (T.S.); (D.C.I.); (E.G.); (D.J.K.); (E.C.D.); (K.R.S.)
| | - Vijaya Karoor
- Department of Medicine Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Research Laboratory, University of Colorado Denver, Denver, CO 80204, USA; (D.S.); (T.S.); (D.C.I.); (E.G.); (D.J.K.); (E.C.D.); (K.R.S.)
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, National Jewish Health Denver, Denver, CO 80206, USA;
- Division of Pulmonary Sciences and Critical Care Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
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7
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Reichard HA, Schiffer HH, Monenschein H, Atienza JM, Corbett G, Skaggs AW, Collia DR, Ray WJ, Serrats J, Bliesath J, Kaushal N, Lam BP, Amador-Arjona A, Rahbaek L, McConn DJ, Mulligan VJ, Brice N, Gaskin PLR, Cilia J, Hitchcock S. Discovery of TAK-041: a Potent and Selective GPR139 Agonist Explored for the Treatment of Negative Symptoms Associated with Schizophrenia. J Med Chem 2021; 64:11527-11542. [PMID: 34260228 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c00820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The orphan G-protein-coupled receptor GPR139 is highly expressed in the habenula, a small brain nucleus that has been linked to depression, schizophrenia (SCZ), and substance-use disorder. High-throughput screening and a medicinal chemistry structure-activity relationship strategy identified a novel series of potent and selective benzotriazinone-based GPR139 agonists. Herein, we describe the chemistry optimization that led to the discovery and validation of multiple potent and selective in vivo GPR139 agonist tool compounds, including our clinical candidate TAK-041, also known as NBI-1065846 (compound 56). The pharmacological characterization of these GPR139 agonists in vivo demonstrated GPR139-agonist-dependent modulation of habenula cell activity and revealed consistent in vivo efficacy to rescue social interaction deficits in the BALB/c mouse strain. The clinical GPR139 agonist TAK-041 is being explored as a novel drug to treat negative symptoms in SCZ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Holly A Reichard
- Takeda California, Inc., 9625 Towne Centre Drive, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Hans H Schiffer
- Takeda California, Inc., 9625 Towne Centre Drive, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Holger Monenschein
- Takeda California, Inc., 9625 Towne Centre Drive, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Josephine M Atienza
- Takeda California, Inc., 9625 Towne Centre Drive, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Gerard Corbett
- Takeda Cambridge Ltd., 418 Cambridge Science Park, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire CB4 0PZ, U.K
| | - Alton W Skaggs
- Takeda California, Inc., 9625 Towne Centre Drive, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Deanna R Collia
- Takeda California, Inc., 9625 Towne Centre Drive, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - William J Ray
- Takeda California, Inc., 9625 Towne Centre Drive, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Jordi Serrats
- Takeda California, Inc., 9625 Towne Centre Drive, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Joshua Bliesath
- Takeda California, Inc., 9625 Towne Centre Drive, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Nidhi Kaushal
- Takeda California, Inc., 9625 Towne Centre Drive, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Betty P Lam
- Takeda California, Inc., 9625 Towne Centre Drive, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Alejandro Amador-Arjona
- Takeda California, Inc., 9625 Towne Centre Drive, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Lisa Rahbaek
- Takeda California, Inc., 9625 Towne Centre Drive, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Donavon J McConn
- Takeda California, Inc., 9625 Towne Centre Drive, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Victoria J Mulligan
- Takeda Cambridge Ltd., 418 Cambridge Science Park, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire CB4 0PZ, U.K
| | - Nicola Brice
- Takeda Cambridge Ltd., 418 Cambridge Science Park, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire CB4 0PZ, U.K
| | - Philip L R Gaskin
- Takeda Cambridge Ltd., 418 Cambridge Science Park, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire CB4 0PZ, U.K
| | - Jackie Cilia
- Takeda Cambridge Ltd., 418 Cambridge Science Park, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire CB4 0PZ, U.K
| | - Stephen Hitchcock
- Takeda California, Inc., 9625 Towne Centre Drive, San Diego, California 92121, United States
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8
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Stoveken HM, Zucca S, Masuho I, Grill B, Martemyanov KA. The orphan receptor GPR139 signals via G q/11 to oppose opioid effects. J Biol Chem 2020; 295:10822-10830. [PMID: 32576659 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ac120.014770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2020] [Revised: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The interplay between G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) is critical for controlling neuronal activity that shapes neuromodulatory outcomes. Recent evidence indicates that the orphan receptor GPR139 influences opioid modulation of key brain circuits by opposing the actions of the µ-opioid receptor (MOR). However, the function of GPR139 and its signaling mechanisms are poorly understood. In this study, we report that GPR139 activates multiple heterotrimeric G proteins, including members of the Gq/11 and Gi/o families. Using a panel of reporter assays in reconstituted HEK293T/17 cells, we found that GPR139 functions via the Gq/11 pathway and thereby distinctly regulates cellular effector systems, including stimulation of cAMP production and inhibition of G protein inward rectifying potassium (GIRK) channels. Electrophysiological recordings from medial habenular neurons revealed that GPR139 signaling via Gq/11 is necessary and sufficient for counteracting MOR-mediated inhibition of neuronal firing. These results uncover a mechanistic interplay between GPCRs involved in controlling opioidergic neuromodulation in the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah M Stoveken
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, Florida, USA
| | - Stefano Zucca
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, Florida, USA
| | - Ikuo Masuho
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, Florida, USA
| | - Brock Grill
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, Florida, USA
| | - Kirill A Martemyanov
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, Florida, USA
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9
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Vedel L, Nøhr AC, Gloriam DE, Bräuner-Osborne H. Pharmacology and function of the orphan GPR139 G protein-coupled receptor. Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol 2019; 126 Suppl 6:35-46. [PMID: 31132229 PMCID: PMC7318219 DOI: 10.1111/bcpt.13263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2019] [Accepted: 05/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) constitute the largest family of receptors and membrane proteins in the human genome with ~800 members of which half are olfactory. GPCRs are activated by a very broad range of endogenous signalling molecules and are involved in a plethora of physiological functions. All GPCRs contain a transmembrane domain, consisting of a bundle of seven α-helices spanning the cell membrane, and forming the majority of the known ortho- or allosteric ligand binding sites. Due to their many physiological functions and the accessible and druggable transmembrane pocket, GPCRs constitute the largest family of drug targets mediating the actions of 34% of currently marketed drugs. GPCRs activate one or more of the four G protein families (Gq/11 , Gi/o , Gs and G12/13 ) and/or ß-arrestin. About a third of the non-olfactory GPCRs are referred to as orphan receptors which means that their endogenous agonist(s) have not yet been found or firmly established. In this MiniReview, we focus on the orphan GPR139 receptor, for which the aromatic amino acids L-Trp and L-Phe as well as ACTH/α-MSH-related peptides have been proposed as endogenous agonists. GPR139 has been reported to activate several G protein pathways of which Gq/11 is the primary one. The receptor shows the highest expression in the striatum, thalamus, hypothalamus, pituitary and habenula of the human, rat and mouse CNS. We review the surrogate agonists and antagonists that have been published as well as the agonist pharmacophore and binding site. Finally, the putative physiological functions and therapeutic potential are outlined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Line Vedel
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anne Cathrine Nøhr
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - David E Gloriam
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Hans Bräuner-Osborne
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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10
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Wang L, Lee G, Kuei C, Yao X, Harrington A, Bonaventure P, Lovenberg TW, Liu C. GPR139 and Dopamine D2 Receptor Co-express in the Same Cells of the Brain and May Functionally Interact. Front Neurosci 2019; 13:281. [PMID: 30971885 PMCID: PMC6443882 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2019.00281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2018] [Accepted: 03/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
GPR139, a Gq-coupled receptor that is activated by the essential amino acids L-tryptophan and L-phenylalanine, is predominantly expressed in the brain and pituitary. The physiological function of GPR139 remains elusive despite the availability of pharmacological tool agonist compounds and knock-out mice. Whole tissue RNA sequencing data from human, mouse and rat tissues revealed that GPR139 and the dopamine D2 receptor (DRD2) exhibited some similarities in their distribution patterns in the brain and pituitary gland. To determine if there was true co-expression of these two receptors, we applied double in situ hybridization in mouse tissues using the RNAscope® technique. GPR139 and DRD2 mRNA co-expressed in a majority of same cells within part of the dopaminergic mesolimbic pathways (ventral tegmental area and olfactory tubercle), the nigrostriatal pathway (compact part of substantia nigra and caudate putamen), and also the tuberoinfundibular pathway (arcuate hypothalamic nucleus and anterior lobe of pituitary). Both receptors mRNA also co-express in the same cells of the brain regions involved in responses to negative stimulus and stress, such as lateral habenula, lateral septum, interpeduncular nucleus, and medial raphe nuclei. GPR139 mRNA expression was detected in the dentate gyrus and the pyramidal cell layer of the hippocampus as well as the paraventricular hypothalamic nucleus. The functional interaction between GPR139 and DRD2 was studied in vitro using a calcium mobilization assay in cells co-transfected with both receptors from several species (human, rat, and mouse). The dopamine DRD2 agonist did not stimulate calcium response in cells expressing DRD2 alone consistent with the Gi signaling transduction pathway of this receptor. In cells co-transfected with DRD2 and GPR139 the DRD2 agonist was able to stimulate calcium response and its effect was blocked by either a DRD2 or a GPR139 antagonist supporting an in vitro interaction between GPR139 and DRD2. Taken together, these data showed that GPR139 and DRD2 are in position to functionally interact in native tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lien Wang
- Janssen Research and Development, LLC, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Grace Lee
- Janssen Research and Development, LLC, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Chester Kuei
- Janssen Research and Development, LLC, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Xiang Yao
- Janssen Research and Development, LLC, San Diego, CA, United States
| | | | | | | | - Changlu Liu
- Janssen Research and Development, LLC, San Diego, CA, United States
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Shoblock JR, Welty N, Fraser I, Wyatt R, Lord B, Lovenberg T, Liu C, Bonaventure P. In vivo Characterization of a Selective, Orally Available, and Brain Penetrant Small Molecule GPR139 Agonist. Front Pharmacol 2019; 10:273. [PMID: 30949055 PMCID: PMC6437111 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2019.00273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2018] [Accepted: 03/04/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Recently, our group along with another demonstrated that GPR139 can be activated by L-phenylalanine (L-Phe) and L-tryptophan (L-Trp) at physiologically relevant concentrations. GPR139 is discretely expressed in brain, with highest expression in medial habenula. Not only are the endogenous ligands catecholamine/serotonin precursors, but GPR139 expressing areas can directly/indirectly regulate the activity of catecholamine/serotonin neurons. Thus, GPR139 appears expressed in an interconnected circuit involved in mood, motivation, and anxiety. The aim of this study was to characterize a selective and brain penetrant GPR139 agonist (JNJ-63533054) in relevant in vivo models. JNJ-63533054 was tested for its effect on c-fos activation in the habenula and dorsal striatum. In vivo microdialysis experiments were performed in freely moving rats to measure basal levels of serotonin or dopamine (DA) in prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and nucleus accumbens (NAc). Finally, the compound was profiled in behavioral models of anxiety, despair, and anhedonia. The agonist (10–30 mg/kg, p.o.) did not alter c-fos expression in medial habenula or dorsal striatum nor neurotransmitter levels in mPFC or NAc. JNJ-63533054 (10 mg/kg p.o.) produced an anhedonic-like effect on urine sniffing, but had no significant effect in tail suspension, with no interaction with imipramine, no effect on naloxone place aversion, and no effect on learned helplessness. In the marble burying test, the agonist (10 mg/kg p.o.) produced a small anxiolytic-like effect, with no interaction with fluoxetine, and no effect in elevated plus maze (EPM). Despite GPR139 high expression in medial habenula, an area with connections to limbic and catecholaminergic/serotoninergic areas, the GPR139 agonist had no effect on c-fos in medial habenula. It did not alter catecholamine/serotonin levels and had a mostly silent signal in in vivo models commonly associated with these pathways. The physiological function of GPR139 remains elusive.
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Affiliation(s)
- James R Shoblock
- Janssen Research & Development, LLC, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Natalie Welty
- Janssen Research & Development, LLC, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Ian Fraser
- Janssen Research & Development, LLC, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Ryan Wyatt
- Janssen Research & Development, LLC, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Brian Lord
- Janssen Research & Development, LLC, San Diego, CA, United States
| | | | - Changlu Liu
- Janssen Research & Development, LLC, San Diego, CA, United States
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Wang L, Lee G, Shih A, Kuei C, Nepomuceno D, Wennerholm M, Fan F, Wu J, Bonaventure P, Lovenberg TW, Liu C. Mutagenesis of GPR139 reveals ways to create gain or loss of function receptors. Pharmacol Res Perspect 2019; 7:e00466. [PMID: 30774960 PMCID: PMC6367278 DOI: 10.1002/prp2.466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2018] [Revised: 01/07/2018] [Accepted: 01/08/2018] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
GPR139 is a Gq-coupled receptor activated by the essential amino acids L-tryptophan (L-Trp) and L-phenylalanine (L-Phe). We carried out mutagenesis studies of the human GPR139 receptor to identify the critical structural motifs required for GPR139 activation. We applied site-directed and high throughput random mutagenesis approaches using a double addition normalization strategy to identify novel GPR139 sequences coding receptors that have altered sensitivity to endogenous ligands. This approach resulted in GPR139 clones with gain-of-function, reduction-of-function or loss-of-function mutations. The agonist pharmacology of these mutant receptors was characterized and compared to wild-type receptor using calcium mobilization, radioligand binding, and protein expression assays. The structure-activity data were incorporated into a homology model which highlights that many of the gain-of-function mutations are either in or immediately adjacent to the purported orthosteric ligand binding site, whereas the loss-of-function mutations were largely in the intracellular G-protein binding area or were disrupters of the helix integrity. There were also some reduction-of-function mutations in the orthosteric ligand binding site. These findings may not only facilitate the rational design of novel agonists and antagonists of GPR139, but also may guide the design of transgenic animal models to study the physiological function of GPR139.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lien Wang
- Janssen Research & Development, LLCSan DiegoCalifornia
| | - Grace Lee
- Janssen Research & Development, LLCSan DiegoCalifornia
| | - Amy Shih
- Janssen Research & Development, LLCSan DiegoCalifornia
| | - Chester Kuei
- Janssen Research & Development, LLCSan DiegoCalifornia
| | | | | | - Frances Fan
- Janssen Research & Development, LLCSan DiegoCalifornia
- Present address:
UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer CenterSan FranciscoCalifornia
| | - Jiejun Wu
- Janssen Research & Development, LLCSan DiegoCalifornia
| | | | | | - Changlu Liu
- Janssen Research & Development, LLCSan DiegoCalifornia
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