1
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El Daibani A, Madasu MK, Al-Hasani R, Che T. Limitations and potential of κOR biased agonists for pain and itch management. Neuropharmacology 2024; 258:110061. [PMID: 38960136 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2024.110061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2024] [Revised: 06/20/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024]
Abstract
The concept of ligand bias is based on the premise that different agonists can elicit distinct responses by selectively activating the same receptor. These responses often determine whether an agonist has therapeutic or undesirable effects. Therefore, it would be highly advantageous to have agonists that specifically trigger the therapeutic response. The last two decades have seen a growing trend towards the consideration of ligand bias in the development of ligands to target the κ-opioid receptor (κOR). Most of these ligands selectively favor G-protein signaling over β-arrestin signaling to potentially provide effective pain and itch relief without adverse side effects associated with κOR activation. Importantly, the specific role of β-arrestin 2 in mediating κOR agonist-induced side effects remains unknown, and similarly the therapeutic and side-effect profiles of G-protein-biased κOR agonists have not been established. Furthermore, some drugs previously labeled as G-protein-biased may not exhibit true bias but may instead be either low-intrinsic-efficacy or partial agonists. In this review, we discuss the established methods to test ligand bias, their limitations in measuring bias factors for κOR agonists, as well as recommend the consideration of other systematic factors to correlate the degree of bias signaling and pharmacological effects. This article is part of the Special Issue on "Ligand Bias".
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Affiliation(s)
- Amal El Daibani
- Center for Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA
| | - Manish K Madasu
- Center for Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA
| | - Ream Al-Hasani
- Center for Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA.
| | - Tao Che
- Center for Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA.
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2
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Trojniak AE, Dang VQ, Czekner KM, Russo RJ, Mather LM, Stahl EL, Cameron MD, Bohn LM, Aubé J. Synthesis and evaluation of 3,4,5-trisubstituted triazoles as G protein-biased kappa opioid receptor agonists. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 276:116627. [PMID: 38971050 PMCID: PMC11316643 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116627] [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: 05/08/2024] [Revised: 06/14/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/08/2024]
Abstract
Kappa opioid receptor (KOR) agonists represent promising therapeutics for pain relief due to their analgesic properties along with lower abuse potential than opioids that act at the mu opioid receptor. However, typical KOR agonists produce sedation and dysphoria. Previous studies have shown that G protein signaling-biased KOR agonists may present a means to untangle the desired analgesic properties from undesired side effects. In this paper, we report a new series of G protein signaling-biased KOR agonists entailing -S- → -CH2- replacement in a previously reported KOR agonist, triazole 1.1. With an optimized carbon linker in hand, further development of the scaffold was undertaken to investigate the appendages of the triazole core. The structure-activity relationship study of this series is described, including several analogues that display enhanced potency while maintaining G protein-signaling bias compared to triazole 1.1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley E Trojniak
- Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599-7363, USA
| | - Vuong Q Dang
- The Herbert Wertheim UF Scripps Institute for Biomedical Innovation & Technology, 130 Scripps Way, Jupiter, FL, 33458, USA
| | - Kerri M Czekner
- The Herbert Wertheim UF Scripps Institute for Biomedical Innovation & Technology, 130 Scripps Way, Jupiter, FL, 33458, USA; The Skaggs Graduate School of Chemical and Biological Sciences at Scripps Research, Jupiter, FL, 33458, USA
| | - Robin J Russo
- The Herbert Wertheim UF Scripps Institute for Biomedical Innovation & Technology, 130 Scripps Way, Jupiter, FL, 33458, USA; The Skaggs Graduate School of Chemical and Biological Sciences at Scripps Research, Jupiter, FL, 33458, USA
| | - Lilyan M Mather
- Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599-7363, USA
| | - Edward L Stahl
- The Herbert Wertheim UF Scripps Institute for Biomedical Innovation & Technology, 130 Scripps Way, Jupiter, FL, 33458, USA
| | - Michael D Cameron
- The Herbert Wertheim UF Scripps Institute for Biomedical Innovation & Technology, 130 Scripps Way, Jupiter, FL, 33458, USA
| | - Laura M Bohn
- The Herbert Wertheim UF Scripps Institute for Biomedical Innovation & Technology, 130 Scripps Way, Jupiter, FL, 33458, USA; The Skaggs Graduate School of Chemical and Biological Sciences at Scripps Research, Jupiter, FL, 33458, USA
| | - Jeffrey Aubé
- Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599-7363, USA.
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3
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Puls K, Olivé-Marti AL, Hongnak S, Lamp D, Spetea M, Wolber G. Discovery of Novel, Selective, and Nonbasic Agonists for the Kappa-Opioid Receptor Determined by Salvinorin A-Based Virtual Screening. J Med Chem 2024; 67:13788-13801. [PMID: 39088801 PMCID: PMC11345774 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.4c00590] [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] [Received: 03/11/2024] [Revised: 07/12/2024] [Accepted: 07/19/2024] [Indexed: 08/03/2024]
Abstract
Modulating the kappa-opioid receptor (KOR) is a promising strategy for treating various human diseases. KOR agonists show potential for treating pain, pruritus, and epilepsy, while KOR antagonists show potential for treating depression, anxiety, and addiction. The diterpenoid Salvinorin A (SalA), a secondary metabolite of Salvia divinorum, is a potent and selective KOR agonist. Unlike typical opioids, SalA lacks a basic nitrogen, which encouraged us to search for nonbasic KOR ligands. Through structure-based virtual screening using 3D pharmacophore models based on the binding mode of SalA, we identified novel, nonbasic, potent, and selective KOR agonists. In vitro studies confirmed two virtual hits, SalA-VS-07 and SalA-VS-08, as highly selective for the KOR and showing G protein-biased KOR agonist activity. Both KOR ligands share a novel spiro-moiety and a nonbasic scaffold. Our findings provide novel starting points for developing therapeutics aimed at treating pain and other conditions in which KOR is a central player.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina Puls
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy, Freie Universität Berlin, Königin-Luise-Str. 2-4, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Aina-Leonor Olivé-Marti
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Center for
Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck (CMBI), University of Innsbruck, Innrain 80-82, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Siriwat Hongnak
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Center for
Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck (CMBI), University of Innsbruck, Innrain 80-82, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - David Lamp
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Center for
Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck (CMBI), University of Innsbruck, Innrain 80-82, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Mariana Spetea
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Center for
Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck (CMBI), University of Innsbruck, Innrain 80-82, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Gerhard Wolber
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy, Freie Universität Berlin, Königin-Luise-Str. 2-4, 14195 Berlin, Germany
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4
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St. Onge C, Pagare PP, Zheng Y, Arriaga M, Stevens DL, Mendez RE, Poklis JL, Halquist MS, Selley DE, Dewey WL, Banks ML, Zhang Y. Systematic Structure-Activity Relationship Study of Nalfurafine Analogues toward Development of Potentially Nonaddictive Pain Management Treatments. J Med Chem 2024; 67:9552-9574. [PMID: 38814086 PMCID: PMC11181328 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.4c00646] [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] [Received: 03/19/2024] [Revised: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
Despite the availability of numerous pain medications, the current array of Food and Drug Administration-approved options falls short in adequately addressing pain states for numerous patients and consequently worsens the opioid crisis. Thus, it is imperative for basic research to develop novel and nonaddictive pain medications. Toward addressing this clinical goal, nalfurafine (NLF) was chosen as a lead and its structure-activity relationship (SAR) systematically studied through design, syntheses, and in vivo characterization of 24 analogues. Two analogues, 21 and 23, showed longer durations of action than NLF in a warm-water tail immersion assay, produced in vivo effects primarily mediated by KOR and DOR, penetrated the blood-brain barrier, and did not function as reinforcers. Additionally, 21 produced fewer sedative effects than NLF. Taken together, these results aid the understanding of NLF SAR and provide insights for future endeavors in developing novel nonaddictive therapeutics to treat pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Celsey
M. St. Onge
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry, Virginia Commonwealth
University, 800 E. Leigh
Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219, United States
| | - Piyusha P. Pagare
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry, Virginia Commonwealth
University, 800 E. Leigh
Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219, United States
| | - Yi Zheng
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry, Virginia Commonwealth
University, 800 E. Leigh
Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219, United States
| | - Michelle Arriaga
- Department
of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia
Commonwealth University, 410 North 12th Street, Richmond, Virginia 23298, United States
| | - David L. Stevens
- Department
of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia
Commonwealth University, 410 North 12th Street, Richmond, Virginia 23298, United States
| | - Rolando E. Mendez
- Department
of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia
Commonwealth University, 410 North 12th Street, Richmond, Virginia 23298, United States
| | - Justin L. Poklis
- Department
of Pharmaceutics, Virginia Commonwealth
University, 410 North
12th Street, Richmond, Virginia 23298, United States
| | - Matthew S. Halquist
- Department
of Pharmaceutics, Virginia Commonwealth
University, 410 North
12th Street, Richmond, Virginia 23298, United States
| | - Dana E. Selley
- Department
of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia
Commonwealth University, 410 North 12th Street, Richmond, Virginia 23298, United States
| | - William L. Dewey
- Department
of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia
Commonwealth University, 410 North 12th Street, Richmond, Virginia 23298, United States
| | - Matthew L. Banks
- Department
of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia
Commonwealth University, 410 North 12th Street, Richmond, Virginia 23298, United States
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry, Virginia Commonwealth
University, 800 E. Leigh
Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219, United States
- Department
of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia
Commonwealth University, 410 North 12th Street, Richmond, Virginia 23298, United States
- Institute
for Drug and Alcohol Studies, 203 East Cary Street, Richmond, Virginia 23298, United States
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5
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Conibear A, Bailey CP, Kelly E. Biased signalling in analgesic research and development. Curr Opin Pharmacol 2024; 76:102465. [PMID: 38830321 DOI: 10.1016/j.coph.2024.102465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Revised: 05/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
Ligand bias offers a novel means to improve the therapeutic profile of drugs. With regard to G protein-coupled receptors involved in analgesia, it could be advantageous to develop such drugs if the analgesic effect is mediated by a different cellular signalling pathway than the adverse effects associated with the drug. Whilst this has been explored over a number of years for the μ receptor, it remains unclear whether this approach offers significant benefit for the treatment of pain. Nevertheless, the development of biased ligands at other G protein-coupled receptors in the CNS does offer some promise for the development of novel analgesic drugs in the future. Here we summarise and discuss the recent evidence to support this.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Conibear
- School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Biomedical Sciences Building, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK
| | - Chris P Bailey
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath BA2 7AY, UK
| | - Eamonn Kelly
- School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Biomedical Sciences Building, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK.
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Kajino K, Tokuda A, Saitoh T. Morphinan Evolution: The Impact of Advances in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. J Biochem 2024; 175:337-355. [PMID: 38382631 DOI: 10.1093/jb/mvae021] [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: 11/05/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Morphinan-based opioids, derived from natural alkaloids like morphine, codeine and thebaine, have long been pivotal in managing severe pain. However, their clinical utility is marred by significant side effects and high addiction potential. This review traces the evolution of the morphinan scaffold in light of advancements in biochemistry and molecular biology, which have expanded our understanding of opioid receptor pharmacology. We explore the development of semi-synthetic and synthetic morphinans, their receptor selectivity and the emergence of biased agonism as a strategy to dissociate analgesic properties from undesirable effects. By examining the molecular intricacies of opioid receptors and their signaling pathways, we highlight how receptor-type selectivity and signaling bias have informed the design of novel analgesics. This synthesis of historical and contemporary perspectives provides an overview of the morphinan landscape, underscoring the ongoing efforts to mitigate the problems facing opioids through smarter drug design. We also highlight that most morphinan derivatives show a preference for the G protein pathway, although detailed experimental comparisons are still necessary. This fact underscores the utility of the morphinan skeleton in future opioid drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keita Kajino
- International Institute for Integrative Sleep Medicine (IIIS), University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8575, Japan
- Degree Programs in Pure and Applied Sciences, Graduate School of Science and Technology, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8571, Japan
| | - Akihisa Tokuda
- International Institute for Integrative Sleep Medicine (IIIS), University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8575, Japan
- Doctoral Program in Medical Sciences, Graduate School of Comprehensive Human Sciences, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8575, Japan
| | - Tsuyoshi Saitoh
- International Institute for Integrative Sleep Medicine (IIIS), University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8575, Japan
- Doctoral Program in Medical Sciences, Graduate School of Comprehensive Human Sciences, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8575, Japan
- Institute of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8575, Japan
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7
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Zamarripa CA, Huskinson SL, Townsend EA, Prisinzano TE, Blough BE, Rowlett JK, Freeman KB. Contingent administration of typical and biased kappa opioid agonists reduces cocaine and oxycodone choice in a drug vs. food choice procedure in male rhesus monkeys. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2024; 241:305-314. [PMID: 37870564 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-023-06486-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE Combinations of mu and kappa-opioid receptor (KOR) agonists have been proposed as analgesic formulations with reduced abuse potential. The feasibility of this approach has been increased by the development of KOR agonists with biased signaling profiles that produce KOR-typical antinociception with fewer KOR-typical side effects. OBJECTIVE The present study determined if the biased KOR agonists, nalfurafine and triazole 1.1, could reduce choice for oxycodone in rhesus monkeys as effectively as the typical KOR agonist, salvinorin A. METHODS Adult male rhesus monkeys (N = 5) responded under a concurrent schedule of food delivery and intravenous cocaine injections (0.018 mg/kg/injection). Once trained, cocaine (0.018 mg/kg/injection) or oxycodone (0.0056 mg/kg/injection) was tested alone or in combination with contingent injections of salvinorin A (0.1-3.2 µg/kg/injection), nalfurafine (0.0032-0.1 µg/kg/injection), triazole 1.1 (3.2-100.0 µg/kg/injection), or vehicle. In each condition, the cocaine or oxycodone dose, as well as the food amount, was held constant across choice components, while the dose of the KOR agonist was increased across choice components. RESULTS Cocaine and oxycodone were chosen over food on more than 80% of trials when administered alone or contingently with vehicle. When KOR agonists were administered contingently with either cocaine or oxycodone, drug choice decreased in a dose-dependent manner. Salvinorin A and triazole 1.1 decreased drug-reinforcer choice without altering total trials completed (i.e., choice allocation shifted to food), while nalfurafine dose dependently decreased total trials completed. CONCLUSIONS These results demonstrate that salvinorin A and triazole 1.1, but not nalfurafine, selectively reduce cocaine and oxycodone self-administration independent of nonspecific effects on behavior, suggesting that G-protein bias does not appear to be a moderating factor in this outcome. Triazole 1.1 represents an important prototypical compound for developing novel KOR agonists as deterrents for prescription opioid abuse.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Austin Zamarripa
- Program in Neuroscience, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, 39216, USA
| | - Sally L Huskinson
- Program in Neuroscience, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, 39216, USA
- Division of Neurobiology and Behavior Research, Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, University of Mississippi Medical Center, 2500 N. State Street, Jackson, MS, 39216, USA
- Center for Innovation and Discovery in Addictions, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, 39216, USA
| | - E Andrew Townsend
- Division of Therapeutics and Medical Consequences, National Institute on Drug Abuse, North Bethesda, MD, 20852, USA
| | - Thomas E Prisinzano
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA
| | | | - James K Rowlett
- Program in Neuroscience, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, 39216, USA
- Division of Neurobiology and Behavior Research, Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, University of Mississippi Medical Center, 2500 N. State Street, Jackson, MS, 39216, USA
- Center for Innovation and Discovery in Addictions, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, 39216, USA
| | - Kevin B Freeman
- Program in Neuroscience, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, 39216, USA.
- Division of Neurobiology and Behavior Research, Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, University of Mississippi Medical Center, 2500 N. State Street, Jackson, MS, 39216, USA.
- Center for Innovation and Discovery in Addictions, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, 39216, USA.
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8
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Huskinson SL, Platt DM, Smith ZR, Doyle WS, Zamarripa CA, Dunaway K, Prisinzano TE, Freeman KB. Quantification of observable behaviors following oral administration of oxycodone and nalfurafine in male rhesus monkeys. Drug Alcohol Depend 2023; 252:110953. [PMID: 37734282 PMCID: PMC10615792 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2023.110953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent preclinical studies have investigated the atypical kappa-opioid receptor (KOR) agonist, nalfurafine, as a co-formulary with mu-opioid receptor (MOR) agonists as a potential deterrent for misuse. However, no study has investigated effects of nalfurafine combined with a MOR agonist using an oral route of administration. The objective of the current study was to measure behavioral effects of orally administered oxycodone and nalfurafine, alone and combined, in rhesus monkeys using a quantitative behavioral observation procedure. METHODS Adult male rhesus monkeys (N=5) were orally administered vehicle, oxycodone (0.56-1.8mg/kg), nalfurafine (0.001-0.0056mg/kg), or mixtures (1.0mg/kg oxycodone/0.001-0.0056mg/kg nalfurafine) in a Jell-O vehicle at multiple timepoints (10-320min). Species-typical and drug-induced behaviors were recorded by observers blinded to conditions. RESULTS Oxycodone alone significantly increased scratch and face-rub behaviors without affecting other behaviors. Nalfurafine decreased baseline levels of scratch without affecting other behaviors, and oxycodone-nalfurafine combinations resulted in reduced oxycodone-induced scratching at a dose (0.001mg/kg) that did not produce sedation-like effects. Oxycodone combined with larger nalfurafine doses (0.0032-0.0056mg/kg) also reduced oxycodone induced scratch that were accompanied with sedation-like effects (i.e., increased lip droop). CONCLUSIONS Nalfurafine was orally active in rhesus monkeys, and it reduced oxycodone-induced pruritus at a dose that did not produce sedation-like effects that are commonly observed with prototypical KOR agonists. Combinations of low doses of nalfurafine with MOR agonists such as oxycodone may be well-tolerated by humans who are prescribed MOR agonists for the treatment of pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sally L Huskinson
- Division of Neurobiology and Behavior Research, Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39216, USA; Program in Neuroscience, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39216.
| | - Donna M Platt
- Division of Neurobiology and Behavior Research, Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39216, USA; Program in Neuroscience, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39216
| | - Zachary R Smith
- Division of Neurobiology and Behavior Research, Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39216, USA
| | - William S Doyle
- Program in Neuroscience, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39216
| | - C Austin Zamarripa
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Kristen Dunaway
- Division of Neurobiology and Behavior Research, Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39216, USA
| | - Thomas E Prisinzano
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40506, USA
| | - Kevin B Freeman
- Division of Neurobiology and Behavior Research, Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39216, USA; Program in Neuroscience, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39216
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9
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Turnaturi R, Piana S, Spoto S, Costanzo G, Reina L, Pasquinucci L, Parenti C. From Plant to Chemistry: Sources of Active Opioid Antinociceptive Principles for Medicinal Chemistry and Drug Design. Molecules 2023; 28:7089. [PMID: 37894567 PMCID: PMC10609244 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28207089] [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: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Pain continues to be an enormous global health challenge, with millions of new untreated or inadequately treated patients reported annually. With respect to current clinical applications, opioids remain the mainstay for the treatment of pain, although they are often associated with serious side effects. To optimize their tolerability profiles, medicinal chemistry continues to study novel ligands and innovative approaches. Among them, natural products are known to be a rich source of lead compounds for drug discovery, and they hold potential for pain management. Traditional medicine has had a long history in clinical practice due to the fact that nature provides a rich source of active principles. For instance, opium had been used for pain management until the 19th century when its individual components, such as morphine, were purified and identified. In this review article, we conducted a literature survey aimed at identifying natural products interacting either directly with opioid receptors or indirectly through other mechanisms controlling opioid receptor signaling, whose structures could be interesting from a drug design perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita Turnaturi
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, Medicinal Chemistry Section, University of Catania, Viale A. Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy;
| | - Silvia Piana
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, Medicinal Chemistry Section, University of Catania, Viale A. Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy;
| | - Salvatore Spoto
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, Section of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy; (S.S.); (C.P.)
| | - Giuliana Costanzo
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia 97, 95123 Catania, Italy;
| | - Lorena Reina
- Postgraduate School of Clinical Pharmacology, Toxicology University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia n. 97, 95100 Catania, Italy;
| | - Lorella Pasquinucci
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, Medicinal Chemistry Section, University of Catania, Viale A. Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy;
| | - Carmela Parenti
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, Section of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy; (S.S.); (C.P.)
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10
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Wess J, Oteng AB, Rivera-Gonzalez O, Gurevich EV, Gurevich VV. β-Arrestins: Structure, Function, Physiology, and Pharmacological Perspectives. Pharmacol Rev 2023; 75:854-884. [PMID: 37028945 PMCID: PMC10441628 DOI: 10.1124/pharmrev.121.000302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2021] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The two β-arrestins, β-arrestin-1 and -2 (systematic names: arrestin-2 and -3, respectively), are multifunctional intracellular proteins that regulate the activity of a very large number of cellular signaling pathways and physiologic functions. The two proteins were discovered for their ability to disrupt signaling via G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) via binding to the activated receptors. However, it is now well recognized that both β-arrestins can also act as direct modulators of numerous cellular processes via either GPCR-dependent or -independent mechanisms. Recent structural, biophysical, and biochemical studies have provided novel insights into how β-arrestins bind to activated GPCRs and downstream effector proteins. Studies with β-arrestin mutant mice have identified numerous physiologic and pathophysiological processes regulated by β-arrestin-1 and/or -2. Following a short summary of recent structural studies, this review primarily focuses on β-arrestin-regulated physiologic functions, with particular focus on the central nervous system and the roles of β-arrestins in carcinogenesis and key metabolic processes including the maintenance of glucose and energy homeostasis. This review also highlights potential therapeutic implications of these studies and discusses strategies that could prove useful for targeting specific β-arrestin-regulated signaling pathways for therapeutic purposes. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: The two β-arrestins, structurally closely related intracellular proteins that are evolutionarily highly conserved, have emerged as multifunctional proteins able to regulate a vast array of cellular and physiological functions. The outcome of studies with β-arrestin mutant mice and cultured cells, complemented by novel insights into β-arrestin structure and function, should pave the way for the development of novel classes of therapeutically useful drugs capable of regulating specific β-arrestin functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jürgen Wess
- Molecular Signaling Section, Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, Bethesda, Maryland (J.W., A.-B.O., O.R.-G.); and Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee (E.V.G., V.V.G.)
| | - Antwi-Boasiako Oteng
- Molecular Signaling Section, Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, Bethesda, Maryland (J.W., A.-B.O., O.R.-G.); and Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee (E.V.G., V.V.G.)
| | - Osvaldo Rivera-Gonzalez
- Molecular Signaling Section, Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, Bethesda, Maryland (J.W., A.-B.O., O.R.-G.); and Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee (E.V.G., V.V.G.)
| | - Eugenia V Gurevich
- Molecular Signaling Section, Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, Bethesda, Maryland (J.W., A.-B.O., O.R.-G.); and Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee (E.V.G., V.V.G.)
| | - Vsevolod V Gurevich
- Molecular Signaling Section, Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, Bethesda, Maryland (J.W., A.-B.O., O.R.-G.); and Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee (E.V.G., V.V.G.)
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11
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van de Wetering R, Ewald A, Welsh S, Kornberger L, Williamson SE, McElroy BD, Butelman ER, Prisinzano TE, Kivell BM. The Kappa Opioid Receptor Agonist 16-Bromo Salvinorin A Has Anti-Cocaine Effects without Significant Effects on Locomotion, Food Reward, Learning and Memory, or Anxiety and Depressive-like Behaviors. Molecules 2023; 28:4848. [PMID: 37375403 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28124848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Revised: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Kappa opioid receptor (KOR) agonists have preclinical antipsychostimulant effects; however, adverse side effects have limited their therapeutic development. In this preclinical study, conducted in Sprague Dawley rats, B6-SJL mice, and non-human primates (NHPs), we evaluated the G-protein-biased analogue of salvinorin A (SalA), 16-bromo salvinorin A (16-BrSalA), for its anticocaine effects, side effects, and activation of cellular signaling pathways. 16-BrSalA dose-dependently decreased the cocaine-primed reinstatement of drug-seeking behavior in a KOR-dependent manner. It also decreased cocaine-induced hyperactivity, but had no effect on responding for cocaine on a progressive ratio schedule. Compared to SalA, 16-BrSalA had an improved side effect profile, with no significant effects in the elevated plus maze, light-dark test, forced swim test, sucrose self-administration, or novel object recognition; however, it did exhibit conditioned aversive effects. 16-BrSalA increased dopamine transporter (DAT) activity in HEK-293 cells coexpressing DAT and KOR, as well as in rat nucleus accumbens and dorsal striatal tissue. 16-BrSalA also increased the early phase activation of extracellular-signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2, as well as p38 in a KOR-dependent manner. In NHPs, 16-BrSalA caused dose-dependent increases in the neuroendocrine biomarker prolactin, similar to other KOR agonists, at doses without robust sedative effects. These findings highlight that G-protein-biased structural analogues of SalA can have improved pharmacokinetic profiles and fewer side effects while maintaining their anticocaine effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ross van de Wetering
- School of Biological Sciences, Centre for Biodiscovery, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington 6012, New Zealand
| | - Amy Ewald
- School of Biological Sciences, Centre for Biodiscovery, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington 6012, New Zealand
| | - Susan Welsh
- School of Biological Sciences, Centre for Biodiscovery, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington 6012, New Zealand
| | - Lindsay Kornberger
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40506, USA
| | - Samuel E Williamson
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66045, USA
| | - Bryan D McElroy
- Laboratory on the Biology of Addictive Diseases, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Eduardo R Butelman
- Laboratory on the Biology of Addictive Diseases, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Thomas E Prisinzano
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40506, USA
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66045, USA
| | - Bronwyn M Kivell
- School of Biological Sciences, Centre for Biodiscovery, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington 6012, New Zealand
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12
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Kopruszinski CM, Watanabe M, Martinez AL, Moreira de Souza LH, Dodick DW, Moutal A, Neugebauer V, Porreca F, Navratilova E. Kappa opioid receptor agonists produce sexually dimorphic and prolactin-dependent hyperalgesic priming. Pain 2023; 164:e263-e273. [PMID: 36625833 PMCID: PMC10285741 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000002835] [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] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Repeated stress produces hyperalgesic priming in preclinical models, but underlying mechanisms remain uncertain. As stress engages kappa opioid receptors (KORs), we hypothesized that repeated administration of KOR agonists might mimic, in part, stress-induced hyperalgesic priming. The potential contribution of circulating prolactin (PRL) and dysregulation of the expression of PRL receptor (PRLR) isoforms in sensory neurons after KOR agonist administration was also investigated. Mice received 3 daily doses of U-69593 or nalfurafine as a "first-hit" stimulus followed by assessment of periorbital tactile allodynia. Sixteen days after the first KOR agonist administration, animals received a subthreshold dose of inhalational umbellulone, a TRPA1 agonist, as the second-hit stimulus and periorbital allodynia was assessed. Cabergoline, a dopamine D2 receptor agonist, was used to inhibit circulating PRL in additional cohorts. Prolactin receptor isoforms were quantified in the V1 region of the trigeminal ganglion after repeated doses of U-69593. In both sexes, KOR agonists increased circulating PRL and produced allodynia that resolved within 14 days. Hyperalgesic priming, revealed by umbellulone-induced allodynia in animals previously treated with the KOR agonists, also occurred in both sexes. However, repeated U-69593 downregulated the PRLR long isoform in trigeminal neurons only in female mice. Umbellulone-induced allodynia was prevented by cabergoline co-treatment during priming with KOR agonists in female, but not male, mice. Hyperalgesic priming therefore occurs in both sexes after either biased or nonbiased KOR agonists. However, a PRL/PRLR-dependence is observed only in female nociceptors possibly contributing to pain in stress-related pain disorders in females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline M. Kopruszinski
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States. Moutal is now with the Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Moe Watanabe
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States. Moutal is now with the Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Ashley L. Martinez
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States. Moutal is now with the Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Luiz Henrique Moreira de Souza
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States. Moutal is now with the Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - David W. Dodick
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Phoenix, AZ, United States
| | - Aubin Moutal
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States. Moutal is now with the Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Volker Neugebauer
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience and Garrison Institute on Aging, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, United States
| | - Frank Porreca
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States. Moutal is now with the Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Phoenix, AZ, United States
| | - Edita Navratilova
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States. Moutal is now with the Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
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13
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Cai B, El Daibani A, Bai Y, Che T, Krusemark CJ. Direct Selection of DNA-Encoded Libraries for Biased Agonists of GPCRs on Live Cells. JACS AU 2023; 3:1076-1088. [PMID: 37124302 PMCID: PMC10131204 DOI: 10.1021/jacsau.2c00674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Revised: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are the largest superfamily of human membrane target proteins for approved drugs. GPCR ligands can have a complex array of pharmacological activities. Among these activities, biased agonists have potential to serve as both chemical probes to understand specific aspects of receptor signaling and therapeutic leads with more specific, desired activity. Challenges exist, however, in the development of new biased activators due, in part, to the low throughput of traditional screening approaches. DNA-encoded chemical libraries (DELs) dramatically improve the throughput of drug discovery by allowing a collective selection, rather than discrete screening, of large compound libraries. The use of DELs has been largely limited to affinity-based selections against purified protein targets, which identify binders only. Herein, we report a split protein complementation approach that allows direct identification of DNA-linked molecules that induce the dimerization of two proteins. We used this selection with a DEL against opioid receptor GPCRs on living cells for the identification of small molecules that possess the specific function of activation of either β-arrestin or G protein signaling pathways. This approach was applied to δ-, μ-, and κ-opioid receptors and enabled the discovery of compound [66,66], a selective, G-protein-biased agonist of the κ-opioid receptor (EC50 = 100 nM, E max = 82%, Gi bias factor = 6.6). This approach should be generally applicable for the direct selection of chemical inducers of dimerization from DELs and expand the utility of DELs to enrich molecules with a specific and desired biochemical function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Cai
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Purdue Center for
Cancer Research, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Amal El Daibani
- Center
for Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, United States
| | - Yuntian Bai
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Purdue Center for
Cancer Research, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Tao Che
- Center
for Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, United States
| | - Casey J. Krusemark
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Purdue Center for
Cancer Research, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
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14
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Lynch N, Lima JD, Spinieli RL, Kaur S. Opioids, sleep, analgesia and respiratory depression: Their convergence on Mu (μ)-opioid receptors in the parabrachial area. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1134842. [PMID: 37090798 PMCID: PMC10117663 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1134842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Opioids provide analgesia, as well as modulate sleep and respiration, all by possibly acting on the μ-opioid receptors (MOR). MOR's are ubiquitously present throughout the brain, posing a challenge for understanding the precise anatomical substrates that mediate opioid induced respiratory depression (OIRD) that ultimately kills most users. Sleep is a major modulator not only of pain perception, but also for changing the efficacy of opioids as analgesics. Therefore, sleep disturbances are major risk factors for developing opioid overuse, withdrawal, poor treatment response for pain, and addiction relapse. Despite challenges to resolve the neural substrates of respiratory malfunctions during opioid overdose, two main areas, the pre-Bötzinger complex (preBötC) in the medulla and the parabrachial (PB) complex have been implicated in regulating respiratory depression. More recent studies suggest that it is mediation by the PB that causes OIRD. The PB also act as a major node in the upper brain stem that not only receives input from the chemosensory areas in medulla, but also receives nociceptive information from spinal cord. We have previously shown that the PB neurons play an important role in mediating arousal from sleep in response to hypercapnia by its projections to the forebrain arousal centers, and it may also act as a major relay for the pain stimuli. However, due to heterogeneity of cells in the PB, their precise roles in regulating, sleep, analgesia, and respiratory depression, needs addressing. This review sheds light on interactions between sleep and pain, along with dissecting the elements that adversely affects respiration.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Satvinder Kaur
- Department of Neurology, Division of Sleep Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
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15
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Kelly E, Conibear A, Henderson G. Biased Agonism: Lessons from Studies of Opioid Receptor Agonists. Annu Rev Pharmacol Toxicol 2023; 63:491-515. [PMID: 36170657 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-pharmtox-052120-091058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
In ligand bias different agonist drugs are thought to produce distinct signaling outputs when activating the same receptor. If these signaling outputs mediate therapeutic versus adverse drug effects, then agonists that selectively activate the therapeutic signaling pathway would be extremely beneficial. It has long been thought that μ-opioid receptor agonists that selectively activate G protein- over β-arrestin-dependent signaling pathways would produce effective analgesia without the adverse effects such as respiratory depression. However, more recent data indicate that most of the therapeutic and adverse effects of agonist-induced activation of the μ-opioid receptor are actually mediated by the G protein-dependent signaling pathway, and that a number of drugs described as G protein biased in fact may not be biased, but instead may be low-intrinsic-efficacy agonists. In this review we discuss the current state of the field of bias at the μ-opioid receptor and other opioid receptor subtypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eamonn Kelly
- School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom;
| | - Alexandra Conibear
- School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom;
| | - Graeme Henderson
- School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom;
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16
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Puls K, Wolber G. Solving an Old Puzzle: Elucidation and Evaluation of the Binding Mode of Salvinorin A at the Kappa Opioid Receptor. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28020718. [PMID: 36677775 PMCID: PMC9861206 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28020718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Revised: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The natural product Salvinorin A (SalA) was the first nitrogen-lacking agonist discovered for the opioid receptors and exhibits high selectivity for the kappa opioid receptor (KOR) turning SalA into a promising analgesic to overcome the current opioid crisis. Since SalA's suffers from poor pharmacokinetic properties, particularly the absence of gastrointestinal bioavailability, fast metabolic inactivation, and subsequent short duration of action, the rational design of new tailored analogs with improved clinical usability is highly desired. Despite being known for decades, the binding mode of SalA within the KOR remains elusive as several conflicting binding modes of SalA were proposed hindering the rational design of new analgesics. In this study, we rationally determined the binding mode of SalA to the active state KOR by in silico experiments (docking, molecular dynamics simulations, dynophores) in the context of all available mutagenesis studies and structure-activity relationship (SAR) data. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first comprehensive evaluation of SalA's binding mode since the determination of the active state KOR crystal structure. SalA binds above the morphinan binding site with its furan pointing toward the intracellular core while the C2-acetoxy group is oriented toward the extracellular loop 2 (ECL2). SalA is solely stabilized within the binding pocket by hydrogen bonds (C210ECL2, Y3127.35, Y3137.36) and hydrophobic contacts (V1182.63, I1393.33, I2946.55, I3167.39). With the disruption of this interaction pattern or the establishment of additional interactions within the binding site, we were able to rationalize the experimental data for selected analogs. We surmise the C2-substituent interactions as important for SalA and its analogs to be experimentally active, albeit with moderate frequency within MD simulations of SalA. We further identified the non-conserved residues 2.63, 7.35, and 7.36 responsible for the KOR subtype selectivity of SalA. We are confident that the elucidation of the SalA binding mode will promote the understanding of KOR activation and facilitate the development of novel analgesics that are urgently needed.
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17
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Santino F, Gentilucci L. Design of κ-Opioid Receptor Agonists for the Development of Potential Treatments of Pain with Reduced Side Effects. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 28:molecules28010346. [PMID: 36615540 PMCID: PMC9822356 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28010346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
The κ-opioid receptor (KOR) has recently emerged as an alternative therapeutic target for the development of pain medications, without deleterious side effects associated with the μ-opioid receptor (MOR). However, modulation of KOR is currently under investigation for the treatment of depression, mood disorders, psychiatric comorbidity, and specific drug addictions. However, KOR agonists also trigger adverse effects including sedation, dysphoria, and hallucinations. In this respect, there is currently much debate on alternative paradigms. Recent effort has been devoted in search of biased ligands capable of selectively activating favorable signaling over signaling associated with unwanted side effects. On the other hand, the use of partial agonists is expected to allow the analgesia to be produced at dosages lower than those required to produce the adverse effects. More empirically, the unwanted central effects can be also avoided by using peripherally restricted agonists. In this review, we discuss the more recent trends in the design of KOR-selective, biased or partial, and finally, peripherally acting agonists. Special emphasis is given on the discussion of the most recent approaches for controlling functional selectivity of KOR-specific ligands.
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18
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Li M, Stevens DL, Arriaga M, Townsend EA, Mendez RE, Blajkevch NA, Selley DE, Banks ML, Negus SS, Dewey WL, Zhang Y. Characterization of a Potential KOR/DOR Dual Agonist with No Apparent Abuse Liability via a Complementary Structure-Activity Relationship Study on Nalfurafine Analogues. ACS Chem Neurosci 2022; 13:3608-3628. [PMID: 36449691 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.2c00526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Discovery of analgesics void of abuse liability is critical to battle the opioid crisis in the United States. Among many strategies to achieve this goal, targeting more than one opioid receptor seems promising to minimize this unwanted side effect while achieving a reasonable therapeutic profile. In the process of understanding the structure-activity relationship of nalfurafine, we identified a potential analgesic agent, NMF, as a dual kappa opioid receptor/delta opioid receptor agonist with minimum abuse liability. Further characterizations, including primary in vitro ADMET studies (hERG toxicity, plasma protein binding, permeability, and hepatic metabolism), and in vivo pharmacodynamic and toxicity profiling (time course, abuse liability, tolerance, withdrawal, respiratory depression, body weight, and locomotor activity) further confirmed NMF as a promising drug candidate for future development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengchu Li
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia23298, United States
| | - David L Stevens
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia23298, United States
| | - Michelle Arriaga
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia23298, United States
| | - E Andrew Townsend
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia23298, United States
| | - Rolando E Mendez
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia23298, United States
| | - Nadejda A Blajkevch
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia23298, United States
| | - Dana E Selley
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia23298, United States
| | - Matthew L Banks
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia23298, United States
| | - S Stevens Negus
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia23298, United States
| | - William L Dewey
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia23298, United States
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia23298, United States.,Institute for Drug and Alcohol Studies, Virginia Commonwealth University, 203 East Cary Street, Richmond, Virginia23298, United States
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19
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Evaluation of the Intracellular Signaling Activities of κ-Opioid Receptor Agonists, Nalfurafine Analogs; Focusing on the Selectivity of G-Protein- and β-Arrestin-Mediated Pathways. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27207065. [PMID: 36296658 PMCID: PMC9611050 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27207065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2022] [Revised: 10/15/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Opioid receptors (ORs) are classified into three types (μ, δ, and κ), and opioid analgesics are mainly mediated by μOR activation; however, their use is sometimes restricted by unfavorable effects. The selective κOR agonist nalfurafine was initially developed as an analgesic, but its indication was changed because of the narrow safety margin. The activation of ORs mainly induces two intracellular signaling pathways: a G-protein-mediated pathway and a β-arrestin-mediated pathway. Recently, the expectations for κOR analgesics that selectively activate these pathways have increased; however, the structural properties required for the selectivity of nalfurafine are still unknown. Therefore, we evaluated the partial structures of nalfurafine that are necessary for the selectivity of these two pathways. We assayed the properties of nalfurafine and six nalfurafine analogs (SYKs) using cells stably expressing κORs. The SYKs activated κORs in a concentration-dependent manner with higher EC50 values than nalfurafine. Upon bias factor assessment, only SYK-309 (possessing the 3S-hydroxy group) showed higher selectivity of G-protein-mediated signaling activities than nalfurafine, suggesting the direction of the 3S-hydroxy group may affect the β-arrestin-mediated pathway. In conclusion, nalfurafine analogs having a 3S-hydroxy group, such as SYK-309, could be considered G-protein-biased κOR agonists.
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20
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Khan MIH, Sawyer BJ, Akins NS, Le HV. A systematic review on the kappa opioid receptor and its ligands: New directions for the treatment of pain, anxiety, depression, and drug abuse. Eur J Med Chem 2022; 243:114785. [PMID: 36179400 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2022.114785] [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: 07/08/2022] [Revised: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Kappa opioid receptor (KOR) is a member of the opioid receptor system, the G protein-coupled receptors that are expressed throughout the peripheral and central nervous systems and play crucial roles in the modulation of antinociception and a variety of behavioral states like anxiety, depression, and drug abuse. KOR agonists are known to produce potent analgesic effects and have been used clinically for the treatment of pain, while KOR antagonists have shown efficacy in the treatment of anxiety and depression. This review summarizes the history, design strategy, discovery, and development of KOR ligands. KOR agonists are classified as non-biased, G protein-biased, and β-arrestin recruitment-biased, according to their degrees of bias. The mechanisms and associated effects of the G protein signaling pathway and β-arrestin recruitment signaling pathway are also discussed. Meanwhile, KOR antagonists are classified as long-acting and short-acting, based on their half-lives. In addition, we have special sections for mixed KOR agonists and selective peripheral KOR agonists. The mechanisms of action and pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic, and behavioral studies for each of these categories are also discussed in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Imdadul H Khan
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Mississippi, University, MS, 38677, USA
| | - Benjamin J Sawyer
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Mississippi, University, MS, 38677, USA
| | - Nicholas S Akins
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Mississippi, University, MS, 38677, USA
| | - Hoang V Le
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Mississippi, University, MS, 38677, USA.
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21
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The role of kappa opioid receptors in immune system - An overview. Eur J Pharmacol 2022; 933:175214. [PMID: 36007608 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2022.175214] [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: 11/09/2021] [Revised: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Opioids are one of the most effective anti-nociceptive agents used in patients with cancer pain or after serious surgery in most countries. The endogenous opioid system participates in pain perception, but recently its role in inflammation was determined. κ-opioid receptors (KOP receptors), a member of the opioid receptor family, are expressed in the central and peripheral nervous system as well as on the surface of different types of immune cells, e.g. T cells, B cells and monocytes. In this review, we focused on the involvement of KOP receptors in the inflammatory process and described their function in a number of conditions in which the immune system plays a key role (e.g. inflammatory bowel disease, arthritis, subarachnoid hemorrhage, vascular dysfunction) and inflammatory pain. We summed up the application of known KOP ligands in pathophysiology and we aimed to shed new light on KOP receptors as important elements during inflammation.
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22
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Shevick S, Freeman SM, Tong G, Russo RJ, Bohn LM, Shenvi RA. Asymmetric Syntheses of (+)- and (-)-Collybolide Enable Reevaluation of kappa-Opioid Receptor Agonism. ACS CENTRAL SCIENCE 2022; 8:948-954. [PMID: 35912357 PMCID: PMC9335922 DOI: 10.1021/acscentsci.2c00442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
The fungal metabolite collybolide has attracted attention as a non-nitrogenous, potent, and biased agonist of the kappa-opioid receptor (KOR). Here, we report a 10-step asymmetric synthesis of this complex sesquiterpene that enables facile access to either enantiomer. The synthesis relies on a diastereoselective α-benzoyloxylation to install the buried C6 benzoate and avoid irreversible translactonization of the congested, functionally dense core. Neither enantiomer, however, exhibited KOR agonism, indicating that collybolide has been mischaracterized as a KOR agonist. Given the pharmaceutical, medical, and societal interest in collybolide as a next-generation antipruritic and analgesic, this refutation of KOR activity has important ramifications for ongoing studies. Classification of collybolide as a new non-nitrogenous, KOR-selective, potent agonist with the same clinical potential as salvinorin A seems to have been premature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophia
L. Shevick
- Department
of Chemistry, Scripps Research, 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
- Skaggs
Graduate School of Chemical and Biological Sciences, Scripps Research, 10550
North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
| | - Stephan M. Freeman
- Department
of Chemistry, Scripps Research, 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
- Skaggs
Graduate School of Chemical and Biological Sciences, Scripps Research, 10550
North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
| | - Guanghu Tong
- Department
of Chemistry, Scripps Research, 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
| | - Robin J. Russo
- Department
of Molecular Medicine, Scripps Research, 130 Scripps Way, Jupiter, Florida 33458, United States
- Skaggs
Graduate School of Chemical and Biological Sciences, Scripps Research, 130
Scripps Way, Jupiter, Florida 33458, United States
| | - Laura M. Bohn
- Department
of Molecular Medicine, Scripps Research, 130 Scripps Way, Jupiter, Florida 33458, United States
| | - Ryan A. Shenvi
- Department
of Chemistry, Scripps Research, 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
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Targeting G protein coupled receptors for alleviating neuropathic pain. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2022; 193:99-117. [PMID: 36357081 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2022.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Pain sensation is a normal physiological response to alert and prevent further tissue damage. It involves the perception of external stimuli by somatosensory neurons, then transmission of the message to various other types of neurons present in the spinal cord and brain to generate an appropriate response. Currently available analgesics exhibit very modest efficacy, and that too in only a subset of patients with chronic pain conditions, particularly neuropathic pain. The G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are expressed on presynaptic, postsynaptic terminals, and soma of somatosensory neurons, which binds to various types of ligands to modulate neuronal activity and thus pain sensation in both directions. Fundamentally, neuropathic pain arises due to aberrant neuronal plasticity, which includes the sensitization of peripheral primary afferents (dorsal root ganglia and trigeminal ganglia) and the sensitization of central nociceptive neurons in the spinal cord or trigeminal nucleus or brain stem and cortex. Owing to the expression profiles of GPCRs in somatosensory neurons and other neuroanatomical regions involved in pain processing and transmission, this article shall focus only on four families of GPCRs: 1- Opioid receptors, 2-Cannabinoid receptors, 3-Adenosine receptors, and 4-Chemokine receptors.
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Abbasi M, Santos BP, Pereira TC, Sofia R, Monteiro NRC, Simões CJV, Brito R, Ribeiro B, Oliveira JL, Arrais JP. Designing optimized drug candidates with Generative Adversarial Network. J Cheminform 2022; 14:40. [PMID: 35754029 PMCID: PMC9233801 DOI: 10.1186/s13321-022-00623-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Drug design is an important area of study for pharmaceutical businesses. However, low efficacy, off-target delivery, time consumption, and high cost are challenges and can create barriers that impact this process. Deep Learning models are emerging as a promising solution to perform de novo drug design, i.e., to generate drug-like molecules tailored to specific needs. However, stereochemistry was not explicitly considered in the generated molecules, which is inevitable in targeted-oriented molecules. This paper proposes a framework based on Feedback Generative Adversarial Network (GAN) that includes optimization strategy by incorporating Encoder-Decoder, GAN, and Predictor deep models interconnected with a feedback loop. The Encoder-Decoder converts the string notations of molecules into latent space vectors, effectively creating a new type of molecular representation. At the same time, the GAN can learn and replicate the training data distribution and, therefore, generate new compounds. The feedback loop is designed to incorporate and evaluate the generated molecules according to the multiobjective desired property at every epoch of training to ensure a steady shift of the generated distribution towards the space of the targeted properties. Moreover, to develop a more precise set of molecules, we also incorporate a multiobjective optimization selection technique based on a non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm. The results demonstrate that the proposed framework can generate realistic, novel molecules that span the chemical space. The proposed Encoder-Decoder model correctly reconstructs 99% of the datasets, including stereochemical information. The model's ability to find uncharted regions of the chemical space was successfully shown by optimizing the unbiased GAN to generate molecules with a high binding affinity to the Kappa Opioid and Adenosine [Formula: see text] receptor. Furthermore, the generated compounds exhibit high internal and external diversity levels 0.88 and 0.94, respectively, and uniqueness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Abbasi
- Univ Coimbra, Centre for Informatics and Systems of the University of Coimbra, Department of Informatics Engineering, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Beatriz P. Santos
- Univ Coimbra, Centre for Informatics and Systems of the University of Coimbra, Department of Informatics Engineering, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Tiago C. Pereira
- IEETA, Department of Electronics, Telecommunications and Informatics, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Raul Sofia
- Univ Coimbra, Centre for Informatics and Systems of the University of Coimbra, Department of Informatics Engineering, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Nelson R. C. Monteiro
- Univ Coimbra, Centre for Informatics and Systems of the University of Coimbra, Department of Informatics Engineering, Coimbra, Portugal
| | | | - Rui Brito
- BSIM Therapeutics, Instituto Pedro Nunes, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Bernardete Ribeiro
- Univ Coimbra, Centre for Informatics and Systems of the University of Coimbra, Department of Informatics Engineering, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - José L. Oliveira
- IEETA, Department of Electronics, Telecommunications and Informatics, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Joel P. Arrais
- Univ Coimbra, Centre for Informatics and Systems of the University of Coimbra, Department of Informatics Engineering, Coimbra, Portugal
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25
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Dalefield ML, Scouller B, Bibi R, Kivell BM. The Kappa Opioid Receptor: A Promising Therapeutic Target for Multiple Pathologies. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:837671. [PMID: 35795569 PMCID: PMC9251383 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.837671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Kappa-opioid receptors (KOR) are widely expressed throughout the central nervous system, where they modulate a range of physiological processes depending on their location, including stress, mood, reward, pain, inflammation, and remyelination. However, clinical use of KOR agonists is limited by adverse effects such as dysphoria, aversion, and sedation. Within the drug-development field KOR agonists have been extensively investigated for the treatment of many centrally mediated nociceptive disorders including pruritis and pain. KOR agonists are potential alternatives to mu-opioid receptor (MOR) agonists for the treatment of pain due to their anti-nociceptive effects, lack of abuse potential, and reduced respiratory depressive effects, however, dysphoric side-effects have limited their widespread clinical use. Other diseases for which KOR agonists hold promising therapeutic potential include pruritis, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, inflammatory diseases, gastrointestinal diseases, cancer, and ischemia. This review highlights recent drug-development efforts targeting KOR, including the development of G-protein-biased ligands, mixed opioid agonists, and peripherally restricted ligands to reduce side-effects. We also highlight the current KOR agonists that are in preclinical development or undergoing clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Bronwyn M. Kivell
- Centre for Biodiscovery, School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
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26
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Drakopoulos A, Moianos D, Prifti GM, Zoidis G, Decker M. Opioid ligands addressing unconventional binding sites and more than one opioid receptor subtype. ChemMedChem 2022; 17:e202200169. [PMID: 35560796 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202200169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Revised: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Opioid receptors (ORs) represent one of the most significant groups of G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) drug targets and also act as prototypical models for GPCR function. In a constant effort to develop drugs with less side effects, and tools to explore the ORs nature and function, various (poly)pharmacological ligand design approaches have been performed. That is, besides classical ligands, a great number of bivalent ligands (i.e. aiming on two distinct OR subtypes), univalent heteromer-selective ligands and bitopic and allosteric ligands have been synthesized for the ORs. The scope of our review is to present the most important of the aforementioned ligands, highlight their properties and exhibit the current state-of-the-art pallet of promising drug candidates or useful molecular tools for the ORs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonios Drakopoulos
- University of Gothenburg: Goteborgs Universitet, Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, Kemigåden 4, 431 45, Göteborg, SWEDEN
| | - Dimitrios Moianos
- National and Kapodistrian University of Athens: Ethniko kai Kapodistriako Panepistemio Athenon, Department of Pharmacy, Panepistimiopolis-Zografou, 15771, Athens, GREECE
| | - Georgia-Myrto Prifti
- National and Kapodistrian University of Athens: Ethniko kai Kapodistriako Panepistemio Athenon, Department of Pharmacy, Panepistimiopolis-Zografou, 15771, Athens, GREECE
| | - Grigoris Zoidis
- National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Panepistimioupolis-Zografou, 15771, Athens, GREECE
| | - Michael Decker
- Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg: Julius-Maximilians-Universitat Wurzburg, Institute of Pharmacy and Food Chemistry, Am Hubland, 97074, Würzburg, GERMANY
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27
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Huskinson SL, Platt DM, Zamarripa CA, Dunaway K, Brasfield M, Prisinzano TE, Blough BE, Freeman KB. The G-protein biased kappa opioid agonists, triazole 1.1 and nalfurafine, produce non-uniform behavioral effects in male rhesus monkeys. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2022; 217:173394. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2022.173394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Revised: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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28
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Sturaro C, Malfacini D, Argentieri M, Djeujo FM, Marzola E, Albanese V, Ruzza C, Guerrini R, Calo’ G, Molinari P. Pharmacology of Kappa Opioid Receptors: Novel Assays and Ligands. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:873082. [PMID: 35529436 PMCID: PMC9068900 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.873082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study investigated the in vitro pharmacology of the human kappa opioid receptor using multiple assays, including calcium mobilization in cells expressing chimeric G proteins, the dynamic mass redistribution (DMR) label-free assay, and a bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET) assay that allows measurement of receptor interaction with G protein and β-arrestin 2. In all assays, dynorphin A, U-69,593, and [D-Pro10]dyn(1-11)-NH2 behaved as full agonists with the following rank order of potency [D-Pro10]dyn(1-11)-NH2 > dynorphin A ≥ U-69,593. [Dmt1,Tic2]dyn(1-11)-NH2 behaved as a moderate potency pure antagonist in the kappa-β-arrestin 2 interaction assay and as low efficacy partial agonist in the other assays. Norbinaltorphimine acted as a highly potent and pure antagonist in all assays except kappa-G protein interaction, where it displayed efficacy as an inverse agonist. The pharmacological actions of novel kappa ligands, namely the dynorphin A tetrameric derivative PWT2-Dyn A and the palmitoylated derivative Dyn A-palmitic, were also investigated. PWT2-Dyn A and Dyn A-palmitic mimicked dynorphin A effects in all assays showing similar maximal effects but 3–10 fold lower potency. In conclusion, in the present study, multiple in vitro assays for the kappa receptor have been set up and pharmacologically validated. In addition, PWT2-Dyn A and Dyn A-palmitic were characterized as potent full agonists; these compounds are worthy of further investigation in vivo for those conditions in which the activation of the kappa opioid receptor elicits beneficial effects e.g. pain and pruritus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Sturaro
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, Section of Pharmacology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Davide Malfacini
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
- *Correspondence: Davide Malfacini,
| | - Michela Argentieri
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, Section of Pharmacology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Francine M. Djeujo
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Erika Marzola
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Valentina Albanese
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Chiara Ruzza
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, Section of Pharmacology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
- Technopole of Ferrara, LTTA Laboratory for Advanced Therapies, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Remo Guerrini
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
- Technopole of Ferrara, LTTA Laboratory for Advanced Therapies, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Girolamo Calo’
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Paola Molinari
- National Center for Drug Research and Evaluation, National Institute of Health, Rome, Italy
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29
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French AR, van Rijn RM. An updated assessment of the translational promise of G-protein-biased kappa opioid receptor agonists to treat pain and other indications without debilitating adverse effects. Pharmacol Res 2022; 177:106091. [PMID: 35101565 PMCID: PMC8923989 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2022.106091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Revised: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Kappa opioid receptor (κOR) agonists lack the abuse liability and respiratory depression effects of clinically used mu opioid receptor (μOR) analgesics and are hypothesized to be safer alternatives. However, κOR agonists have limiting adverse effects of their own, including aversion, sedation, and mood effects, that have hampered their clinical translation. Studies performed over the last 15 years have suggested that these adverse effects could result from activation of distinct intracellular signaling pathways that are dependent on β-arrestin, whereas signaling downstream of G protein activation produces antinociception. This led to the hypothesis that agonists biased away from β-arrestin signaling would have improved therapeutic windows over traditional unbiased agonists and allow for clinical development of analgesic G-protein-biased κOR agonists. Given a recent controversy regarding the benefits of G-protein-biased μOR agonists, it is timely to reassess the therapeutic promise of G-protein-biased κOR agonists. Here we review recent discoveries from preclinical κOR studies and critically evaluate the therapeutic windows of G-protein-biased κOR agonists in each of the adverse effects above. Overall, we find that G-protein-biased κOR agonists generally have improved therapeutic window relative to unbiased agonists, although frequently study design limits strong conclusions in this regard. However, a steady flow of newly developed biased κOR agonists paired with recently engineered behavioral and molecular tools puts the κOR field in a prime position to make major advances in our understanding of κOR function and fulfill the promise of translating a new generation of biased κOR agonists to the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander R French
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA; Purdue Institute for Integrative Neuroscience, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - Richard M van Rijn
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA; Purdue Institute for Integrative Neuroscience, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA; Purdue Institute for Drug Discovery, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA.
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30
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Sex- and β-arrestin-dependent effects of kappa opioid receptor-mediated ethanol consumption. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2022; 216:173377. [PMID: 35364122 PMCID: PMC9064988 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2022.173377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Revised: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
The kappa opioid receptor is a known regulator of ethanol consumption, but the molecular mechanisms behind its actions have been underexplored. The scaffolding protein β-arrestin 2 has previously been implicated in driving ethanol consumption at the related delta opioid receptor and has also been suggested to be a driver behind other negative kappa opioid receptor mediated effects. Here, we used kappa opioid agonists with different efficacies for recruiting β-arrestin 2 and knockout animals to determine whether there is a role for β-arrestin 2 in the modulation of voluntary ethanol consumption by the kappa opioid receptor. We find that an agonist with low β-arrestin 2 efficacy more consistently lowers ethanol consumption than agonists with high efficacy for β-arrestin 2. However, knockdown of β-arrestin 2 amplifies the ethanol consumption-promoting effects of the arrestin-recruiting kappa agonists U50,488 and nalfurafine. We control for potentially confounding sedative effects at the kappa opioid receptor and find that β-arrestin 2 is not necessary for kappa opioid receptor-mediated sedation, and that sedation does not correlate with effects on ethanol consumption. Overall, the results suggest a complex relationship between agonist profile, sex, and kappa opioid receptor modulation of ethanol consumption, with little role for kappa opioid receptor-mediated sedation.
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31
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Puls K, Schmidhammer H, Wolber G, Spetea M. Mechanistic Characterization of the Pharmacological Profile of HS-731, a Peripherally Acting Opioid Analgesic, at the µ-, δ-, κ-Opioid and Nociceptin Receptors. Molecules 2022; 27:919. [PMID: 35164182 PMCID: PMC8840597 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27030919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Accumulated preclinical and clinical data show that peripheral restricted opioids provide pain relief with reduced side effects. The peripherally acting opioid analgesic HS-731 is a potent dual μ-/δ-opioid receptor (MOR/DOR) full agonist, and a weak, partial agonist at the κ-opioid receptor (KOR). However, its binding mode at the opioid receptors remains elusive. Here, we present a comprehensive in silico evaluation of HS-731 binding at all opioid receptors. We provide insights into dynamic interaction patterns explaining the different binding and activity of HS-731 on the opioid receptors. For this purpose, we conducted docking, performed molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and generated dynamic pharmacophores (dynophores). Our results highlight two residues important for HS-731 recognition at the classical opioid receptors (MOR, DOR and KOR), particular the conserved residue 5.39 (K) and the non-conserved residue 6.58 (MOR: K, DOR: W and KOR: E). Furthermore, we assume a salt bridge between the transmembrane helices (TM) 5 and 6 via K2275.39 and E2976.58 to be responsible for the partial agonism of HS-731 at the KOR. Additionally, we experimentally demonstrated the absence of affinity of HS-731 to the nociceptin/orphanin FQ peptide (NOP) receptor. We consider the morphinan phenol Y1303.33 responsible for this affinity lack. Y1303.33 points deep into the NOP receptor binding pocket preventing HS-731 binding to the orthosteric binding pocket. These findings provide significant structural insights into HS-731 interaction pattern with the opioid receptors that are important for understanding the pharmacology of this peripheral opioid analgesic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina Puls
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Institute of Pharmcy, Freie Universität Berlin, Königin-Luise-Str. 2+4, D-14195 Berlin, Germany;
| | - Helmut Schmidhammer
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck (CMBI), University of Innsbruck, Innrain 80-82, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria;
| | - Gerhard Wolber
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Institute of Pharmcy, Freie Universität Berlin, Königin-Luise-Str. 2+4, D-14195 Berlin, Germany;
| | - Mariana Spetea
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck (CMBI), University of Innsbruck, Innrain 80-82, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria;
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Smith MT, Kong D, Kuo A, Imam MZ, Williams CM. Analgesic Opioid Ligand Discovery Based on Nonmorphinan Scaffolds Derived from Natural Sources. J Med Chem 2022; 65:1612-1661. [PMID: 34995453 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c01915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Strong opioid analgesics, including morphine, are the mainstays for treating moderate to severe acute pain and alleviating chronic cancer pain. However, opioid-related adverse effects, including nausea or vomiting, sedation, respiratory depression, constipation, pruritus (itch), analgesic tolerance, and addiction and abuse liability, are problematic. In addition, the use of opioids to relieve chronic noncancer pain is controversial due to the "opioid crisis" characterized by opioid misuse or abuse and escalating unintentional death rates due to respiratory depression. Hence, considerable research internationally has been aimed at the "Holy Grail" of the opioid analgesic field, namely the discovery of novel and safer opioid analgesics with improved opioid-related adverse effects. In this Perspective, medicinal chemistry strategies are addressed, where structurally diverse nonmorphinan-based opioid ligands derived from natural sources were deployed as lead molecules. The current state of play, clinical or experimental status, and novel opioid ligand discovery approaches are elaborated in the context of retaining analgesia with improved safety and reduced adverse effects, especially addiction liability.
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33
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Fundamentals of the Dynorphins/Kappa Opioid Receptor System: From Distribution to Signaling and Function. Handb Exp Pharmacol 2022; 271:3-21. [PMID: 33754230 PMCID: PMC9013522 DOI: 10.1007/164_2021_433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
This chapter provides a general introduction to the dynorphins (DYNs)/kappa opioid receptor (KOR) system, including DYN peptides, neuroanatomy of the DYNs/KOR system, cellular signaling, and in vivo behavioral effects of KOR activation and inhibition. It is intended to serve as a primer for the book and to provide a basic background for the chapters in the book.
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Paton KF, Robichon K, Templeton N, Denny L, Al Abadey A, Luo D, Prisinzano TE, La Flamme AC, Kivell BM. The Salvinorin Analogue, Ethoxymethyl Ether Salvinorin B, Promotes Remyelination in Preclinical Models of Multiple Sclerosis. Front Neurol 2021; 12:782190. [PMID: 34987466 PMCID: PMC8721439 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.782190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis is a neurodegenerative disease associated with demyelination and neuroinflammation in the central nervous system. There is an urgent need to develop remyelinating therapies to better treat multiple sclerosis and other demyelinating diseases. The kappa opioid receptor (KOR) has been identified as a potential target for the development of remyelinating therapies; however, prototypical KOR agonists, such as U50,488 have side effects, which limit clinical use. In the current study, we investigated a Salvinorin A analog, ethoxymethyl ether Salvinorin B (EOM SalB) in two preclinical models of demyelination in C57BL/6J mice. We showed that in cellular assays EOM SalB was G-protein biased, an effect often correlated with fewer KOR-mediated side effects. In the experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis model, we found that EOM SalB (0.1-0.3 mg/kg) effectively decreased disease severity in a KOR-dependent manner and led to a greater number of animals in recovery compared to U50,488 treatment. Furthermore, EOM SalB treatment decreased immune cell infiltration and increased myelin levels in the central nervous system. In the cuprizone-induced demyelination model, we showed that EOM SalB (0.3 mg/kg) administration led to an increase in the number of mature oligodendrocytes, the number of myelinated axons and the myelin thickness in the corpus callosum. Overall, EOM SalB was effective in two preclinical models of multiple sclerosis and demyelination, adding further evidence to show KOR agonists are a promising target for remyelinating therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly F. Paton
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
- Centre for Biodiscovery, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Katharina Robichon
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
- Centre for Biodiscovery, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Nikki Templeton
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
- Centre for Biodiscovery, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Lisa Denny
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
- Centre for Biodiscovery, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Afnan Al Abadey
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
- Centre for Biodiscovery, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Dan Luo
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - Thomas E. Prisinzano
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - Anne C. La Flamme
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
- Centre for Biodiscovery, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
- Malaghan Institute of Medical Research, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Bronwyn M. Kivell
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
- Centre for Biodiscovery, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
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Functional Characterization of Spinocerebellar Ataxia Associated Dynorphin A Mutant Peptides. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9121882. [PMID: 34944698 PMCID: PMC8698333 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9121882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2021] [Revised: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Mutations in the prodynorphin gene (PDYN) are associated with the development of spinocerebellar ataxia type 23 (SCA23). Pathogenic missense mutations are localized predominantly in the PDYN region coding for the dynorphin A (DynA) neuropeptide and lead to persistently elevated mutant peptide levels with neurotoxic properties. The main DynA target in the central nervous system is the kappa opioid receptor (KOR), a member of the G-protein coupled receptor family, which can elicit signaling cascades mediated by G-protein dissociation as well as β-arrestin recruitment. To date, a thorough analysis of the functional profile for the pathogenic SCA23 DynA mutants at KOR is still missing. To elucidate the role of DynA mutants, we used a combination of assays to investigate the differential activation of G-protein subunits and β-arrestin. In addition, we applied molecular modelling techniques to provide a rationale for the underlying mechanism. Our results demonstrate that DynA mutations, associated with a severe ataxic phenotype, decrease potency of KOR activation, both for G-protein dissociation as well as β-arrestin recruitment. Molecular modelling suggests that this loss of function is due to disruption of critical interactions between DynA and the receptor. In conclusion, this study advances our understanding of KOR signal transduction upon DynA wild type or mutant peptide binding.
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Zamarripa CA, Pareek T, Schrock HM, Prisinzano TE, Blough BE, Sufka KJ, Freeman KB. The kappa-opioid receptor agonist, triazole 1.1, reduces oxycodone self-administration and enhances oxycodone-induced thermal antinociception in male rats. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2021; 238:3463-3476. [PMID: 34430992 PMCID: PMC8629928 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-021-05965-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Triazole 1.1 is a novel kappa-opioid receptor (KOR) agonist reported to produce antinociception without KOR-typical adverse effects. When combined with the mu-opioid receptor (MOR) agonist, oxycodone, triazole 1.1 blocks oxycodone-induced pruritis without producing sedation-like effects in nonhuman primates. However, it is unknown if triazole 1.1 can reduce the abuse-related effects or enhance the antinociceptive effects of oxycodone similarly to other KOR agonists. OBJECTIVES The aim of the present study was to quantitatively compare the behavioral effects of triazole 1.1 to the KOR agonists, U50,488h and nalfurafine, on oxycodone self-administration and oxycodone-induced thermal antinociception when administered as mixtures with oxycodone. METHODS In the self-administration study, male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats (n = 6) self-administered intravenous (i.v.) oxycodone alone (0.056 mg/kg/inj) or combined with U50,488 h (0.032-0.32 mg/kg/inj), nalfurafine (0.00032-0.0032 mg/kg/inj), or triazole 1.1 (0.32-1.8 mg/kg/inj) under a progressive-ratio schedule of reinforcement. In a hot plate assay, male SD rats (n = 6) received i.v. injections of oxycodone (1.0-5.6 mg/kg), U50,488h (1.0-18.0 mg/kg), nalfurafine (0.01-1.0 mg/kg), or triazole 1.1 (3.2-32.0 mg/kg) alone or in combinations of fixed proportion with oxycodone based on the relative potencies of the single drugs. Each study concluded with administration of the KOR antagonist nor-BNI and some degree of retesting of the previous conditions to verify that the behavioral effects were mediated by KOR activation. RESULTS All KOR agonists reduced oxycodone self-administration in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, all single drugs and drug combinations produced dose-dependent, fully efficacious thermal antinociception. All KOR agonist:oxycodone combinations produced either additive or super-additive thermal antinociception. Finally, each KOR agonist was blocked in effect by nor-BNI in both behavioral measures. CONCLUSION This study demonstrates that triazole 1.1 reduces oxycodone's reinforcing effects and enhances oxycodone-induced antinociception to degrees that are comparable to typical KOR agonists. Given triazole 1.1's mild adverse-effect profile, developing MOR-KOR agonist combinations from the triazole 1.1 series may render new pain therapeutics with reduced abuse liability.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Austin Zamarripa
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, University of Mississippi Medical Center, 2500 N. State Street, Jackson, MS, 39216, USA
| | - Tanya Pareek
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, University of Mississippi Medical Center, 2500 N. State Street, Jackson, MS, 39216, USA
| | - Hayley M Schrock
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, University of Mississippi Medical Center, 2500 N. State Street, Jackson, MS, 39216, USA
| | | | | | - Kenneth J Sufka
- Department of Psychology, University of Mississippi, Oxford, MS, USA
| | - Kevin B Freeman
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, University of Mississippi Medical Center, 2500 N. State Street, Jackson, MS, 39216, USA.
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Oxytocin Is a Positive Allosteric Modulator of κ-Opioid Receptors but Not δ-Opioid Receptors in the G Protein Signaling Pathway. Cells 2021; 10:cells10102651. [PMID: 34685631 PMCID: PMC8534029 DOI: 10.3390/cells10102651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Revised: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Oxytocin (OT) influences various physiological functions such as uterine contractions, maternal/social behavior, and analgesia. Opioid signaling pathways are involved in one of the analgesic mechanisms of OT. We previously showed that OT acts as a positive allosteric modulator (PAM) and enhances μ-opioid receptor (MOR) activity. In this study, which focused on other opioid receptor (OR) subtypes, we investigated whether OT influences opioid signaling pathways as a PAM for δ-OR (DOR) or κ-OR (KOR) using human embryonic kidney-293 cells expressing human DOR or KOR, respectively. The CellKeyTM results showed that OT enhanced impedance induced by endogenous/exogenous KOR agonists on KOR-expressing cells. OT did not affect DOR activity induced by endogenous/exogenous DOR agonists. OT potentiated the KOR agonist-induced Gi/o protein-mediated decrease in intracellular cAMP, but did not affect the increase in KOR internalization caused by the KOR agonists dynorphin A and (-)-U-50488 hydrochloride (U50488). OT did not bind to KOR orthosteric binding sites and did not affect the binding affinities of dynorphin A and U50488 for KOR. These results suggest that OT is a PAM of KOR and MOR and enhances G protein signaling without affecting β-arrestin signaling. Thus, OT has potential as a specific signaling-biased PAM of KOR.
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Cowan A, Liu-Chen LY, Inan S. Itching-like behavior: A common effect of the kappa opioid receptor antagonist 5′-guanidinonaltrindole and the biased kappa opioid receptor agonist 6′-guanidinonaltrindole in mice. MEDICINE IN DRUG DISCOVERY 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.medidd.2021.100097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
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He Q, Wei Y, Liu X, Ye R, Kong L, Li Z, Jiang S, Yu L, Chai J, Xie Q, Fu W, Wang Y, Li W, Qiu Z, Liu J, Shao L. Discovery of an M-Substituted N-Cyclopropylmethyl-7α-phenyl-6,14-endoethanotetrahydronorthebaine as a Selective, Potent, and Orally Active κ-Opioid Receptor Agonist with an Improved Central Nervous System Safety Profile. J Med Chem 2021; 64:12414-12433. [PMID: 34387468 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c01082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The search for selective kappa opioid receptor (κOR) agonists with an improved safety profile is an area of interest in opioid research. In this work, a series of m-substituted analogs were designed, synthesized, and assayed, resulting in the identification of compound 6c (SLL-1206) as a κOR agonist with single-digit nanomolar activities. The subtype selectivity of compound 6c appeared to be a consequence of an enormous decrease in the affinity for μOR and δOR, rather than a significant increase in the affinity for κOR, which was not the case for SLL-039, another selective and potent κOR agonist identified in our previous work. Besides reduced central nervous system effects, SLL-1206 exhibited substantially improved physicochemical and pharmacokinetic properties compared with SLL-039, with increases of over 20-fold in aqueous solubility and approximately 40-fold in oral bioavailability in rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian He
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, No. 826 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Yuanyuan Wei
- CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences and Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China
- School of Basic Medicine Sciences and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, No.639 Longmian Road, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Xiao Liu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, No. 826 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Rongrong Ye
- School of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Shanghai Institute of Technology, 100 Haiquan Road, Shanghai 201418, China
| | - Linghui Kong
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, No. 826 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Zixiang Li
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, No. 826 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Shuang Jiang
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, No.138, Xianlin Road, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Linqian Yu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, No. 826 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Jingrui Chai
- CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences and Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Qiong Xie
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, No. 826 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Wei Fu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, No. 826 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Yujun Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences and Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Wei Li
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, No. 826 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Zhuibai Qiu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, No. 826 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Jinggen Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences and Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Liming Shao
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, No. 826 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai 201203, China
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Fudan University, No. 138 Yixueyuan Road, Shanghai 200032, China
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40
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Ko MJ, Chiang T, Mukadam AA, Mulia GE, Gutridge AM, Lin A, Chester JA, van Rijn RM. β-Arrestin-dependent ERK signaling reduces anxiety-like and conditioned fear-related behaviors in mice. Sci Signal 2021; 14:14/694/eaba0245. [PMID: 34344831 DOI: 10.1126/scisignal.aba0245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are implicated in the regulation of fear and anxiety. GPCR signaling involves canonical G protein pathways but can also engage downstream kinases and effectors through scaffolding interactions mediated by β-arrestin. Here, we investigated whether β-arrestin signaling regulates anxiety-like and fear-related behavior in mice in response to activation of the GPCR δ-opioid receptor (δOR or DOR). Administration of β-arrestin-biased δOR agonists to male C57BL/6 mice revealed β-arrestin 2-dependent activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2) in the dorsal hippocampus and amygdala and β-arrestin 1-dependent activation of ERK1/2 in the nucleus accumbens. In mice, β-arrestin-biased agonist treatment was associated with reduced anxiety-like and fear-related behaviors, with some overlapping and isoform-specific input. In contrast, applying a G protein-biased δOR agonist decreased ERK1/2 activity in all three regions as well as the dorsal striatum and was associated with increased fear-related behavior without effects on baseline anxiety. Our results indicate a complex picture of δOR neuromodulation in which β-arrestin 1- and 2-dependent ERK signaling in specific brain subregions suppresses behaviors associated with anxiety and fear and opposes the effects of G protein-biased signaling. Overall, our findings highlight the importance of noncanonical β-arrestin-dependent GPCR signaling in the regulation of these interrelated emotions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mee Jung Ko
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA.,Purdue Institute for Integrative Neuroscience, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA.,Purdue Interdisciplinary Life Sciences Graduate Program, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - Terrance Chiang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - Arbaaz A Mukadam
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA.,Department of Psychological Sciences, College of Health and Human Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - Grace E Mulia
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA.,Purdue Interdisciplinary Life Sciences Graduate Program, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - Anna M Gutridge
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA.,Purdue Institute for Integrative Neuroscience, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - Angel Lin
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - Julia A Chester
- Purdue Institute for Integrative Neuroscience, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA.,Purdue Interdisciplinary Life Sciences Graduate Program, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA.,Department of Psychological Sciences, College of Health and Human Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - Richard M van Rijn
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA. .,Purdue Institute for Integrative Neuroscience, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA.,Purdue Interdisciplinary Life Sciences Graduate Program, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA.,Purdue Institute for Drug Discovery, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
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41
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Chakraborty S, Uprety R, Daibani AE, Rouzic VL, Hunkele A, Appourchaux K, Eans SO, Nuthikattu N, Jilakara R, Thammavong L, Pasternak GW, Pan YX, McLaughlin JP, Che T, Majumdar S. Kratom Alkaloids as Probes for Opioid Receptor Function: Pharmacological Characterization of Minor Indole and Oxindole Alkaloids from Kratom. ACS Chem Neurosci 2021; 12:2661-2678. [PMID: 34213886 PMCID: PMC8328003 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.1c00149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Dry leaves of kratom (mitragyna speciosa) are anecdotally consumed as pain relievers and antidotes against opioid withdrawal and alcohol use disorders. There are at least 54 alkaloids in kratom; however, investigations to date have focused around mitragynine, 7-hydroxy mitragynine (7OH), and mitragynine pseudoindoxyl (MP). Herein, we probe a few minor indole and oxindole based alkaloids, reporting the receptor affinity, G-protein activity, and βarrestin-2 signaling of corynantheidine, corynoxine, corynoxine B, mitraciliatine, and isopaynantheine at mouse and human opioid receptors. We identify corynantheidine as a mu opioid receptor (MOR) partial agonist, whereas its oxindole derivative corynoxine was an MOR full agonist. Similarly, another alkaloid mitraciliatine was found to be an MOR partial agonist, while isopaynantheine was a KOR agonist which showed reduced βarrestin-2 recruitment. Corynantheidine, corynoxine, and mitraciliatine showed MOR dependent antinociception in mice, but mitraciliatine and corynoxine displayed attenuated respiratory depression and hyperlocomotion compared to the prototypic MOR agonist morphine in vivo when administered supraspinally. Isopaynantheine on the other hand was identified as the first kratom derived KOR agonist in vivo. While these minor alkaloids are unlikely to play the majority role in the biological actions of kratom, they represent excellent starting points for further diversification as well as distinct efficacy and signaling profiles with which to probe opioid actions in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soumen Chakraborty
- Center for Clinical Pharmacology, University of Health Sciences & Pharmacy at St. Louis and Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, United States
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, United States
| | - Rajendra Uprety
- Department of Neurology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York 10065, United States
| | - Amal E Daibani
- Center for Clinical Pharmacology, University of Health Sciences & Pharmacy at St. Louis and Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, United States
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, United States
| | - Valerie L Rouzic
- Department of Neurology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York 10065, United States
| | - Amanda Hunkele
- Department of Neurology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York 10065, United States
| | - Kevin Appourchaux
- Center for Clinical Pharmacology, University of Health Sciences & Pharmacy at St. Louis and Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, United States
| | - Shainnel O Eans
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 032610, United States
| | - Nitin Nuthikattu
- Center for Clinical Pharmacology, University of Health Sciences & Pharmacy at St. Louis and Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, United States
| | - Rahul Jilakara
- Center for Clinical Pharmacology, University of Health Sciences & Pharmacy at St. Louis and Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, United States
| | - Lisa Thammavong
- Center for Clinical Pharmacology, University of Health Sciences & Pharmacy at St. Louis and Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, United States
| | - Gavril W Pasternak
- Department of Neurology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York 10065, United States
| | - Ying-Xian Pan
- Department of Neurology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York 10065, United States
- Department of Anesthesiology, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey 07103, United States
| | - Jay P McLaughlin
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 032610, United States
| | - Tao Che
- Center for Clinical Pharmacology, University of Health Sciences & Pharmacy at St. Louis and Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, United States
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, United States
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
| | - Susruta Majumdar
- Center for Clinical Pharmacology, University of Health Sciences & Pharmacy at St. Louis and Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, United States
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, United States
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42
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Muratspahić E, Tomašević N, Koehbach J, Duerrauer L, Hadžić S, Castro J, Schober G, Sideromenos S, Clark RJ, Brierley SM, Craik DJ, Gruber CW. Design of a Stable Cyclic Peptide Analgesic Derived from Sunflower Seeds that Targets the κ-Opioid Receptor for the Treatment of Chronic Abdominal Pain. J Med Chem 2021; 64:9042-9055. [PMID: 34162205 PMCID: PMC8273886 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c00158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
The rising opioid crisis has become a worldwide societal and public health burden, resulting from the abuse of prescription opioids. Targeting the κ-opioid receptor (KOR) in the periphery has emerged as a powerful approach to develop novel pain medications without central side effects. Inspired by the traditional use of sunflower (Helianthus annuus) preparations for analgesic purposes, we developed novel stabilized KOR ligands (termed as helianorphins) by incorporating different dynorphin A sequence fragments into a cyclic sunflower peptide scaffold. As a result, helianorphin-19 selectively bound to and fully activated the KOR with nanomolar potency. Importantly, helianorphin-19 exhibited strong KOR-specific peripheral analgesic activity in a mouse model of chronic visceral pain, without inducing unwanted central effects on motor coordination/sedation. Our study provides a proof of principle that cyclic peptides from plants may be used as templates to develop potent and stable peptide analgesics applicable via enteric administration by targeting the peripheral KOR for the treatment of chronic abdominal pain.
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MESH Headings
- Abdominal Pain/drug therapy
- Analgesics/chemical synthesis
- Analgesics/chemistry
- Analgesics/pharmacology
- Animals
- Cells, Cultured
- Chronic Disease
- Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
- Drug Design
- HEK293 Cells
- Helianthus/chemistry
- Humans
- Male
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Molecular Structure
- Peptides, Cyclic/chemical synthesis
- Peptides, Cyclic/chemistry
- Peptides, Cyclic/pharmacology
- Plant Extracts/chemical synthesis
- Plant Extracts/chemistry
- Plant Extracts/pharmacology
- Receptors, Opioid, kappa/antagonists & inhibitors
- Receptors, Opioid, kappa/metabolism
- Seeds/chemistry
- Structure-Activity Relationship
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Affiliation(s)
- Edin Muratspahić
- Center
for Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Nataša Tomašević
- Center
for Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Johannes Koehbach
- Institute
for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence
for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Leopold Duerrauer
- Center
for Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
- School
of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Seid Hadžić
- Center
for Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Joel Castro
- Visceral
Pain Research Group, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders
Health and Medical Research Institute (FHMRI), Flinders University, Bedford
Park, South Australia 5042, Australia
- Hopwood
Centre for Neurobiology, Lifelong Health Theme, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), North Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia 5000, Australia
| | - Gudrun Schober
- Visceral
Pain Research Group, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders
Health and Medical Research Institute (FHMRI), Flinders University, Bedford
Park, South Australia 5042, Australia
- Hopwood
Centre for Neurobiology, Lifelong Health Theme, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), North Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia 5000, Australia
| | - Spyridon Sideromenos
- Center for
Physiology and Pharmacology, Department of Neurophysiology and Neuropharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Richard J. Clark
- School
of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Stuart M. Brierley
- Visceral
Pain Research Group, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders
Health and Medical Research Institute (FHMRI), Flinders University, Bedford
Park, South Australia 5042, Australia
- Hopwood
Centre for Neurobiology, Lifelong Health Theme, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), North Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia 5000, Australia
- Discipline
of Medicine, University of Adelaide, North Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia 5000, Australia
| | - David J. Craik
- Institute
for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence
for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Christian W. Gruber
- Center
for Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
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De Neve J, Barlow TMA, Tourwé D, Bihel F, Simonin F, Ballet S. Comprehensive overview of biased pharmacology at the opioid receptors: biased ligands and bias factors. RSC Med Chem 2021; 12:828-870. [PMID: 34223156 PMCID: PMC8221262 DOI: 10.1039/d1md00041a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
One of the main challenges in contemporary medicinal chemistry is the development of safer analgesics, used in the treatment of pain. Currently, moderate to severe pain is still treated with the "gold standard" opioids whose long-term often leads to severe side effects. With the discovery of biased agonism, the importance of this area of pharmacology has grown exponentially over the past decade. Of these side effects, tolerance, opioid misuse, physical dependence and substance use disorder (SUD) stand out, since these have led to many deaths over the past decades in both USA and Europe. New therapeutic molecules that induce a biased response at the opioid receptors (MOR, DOR, KOR and NOP receptor) are able to circumvent these side effects and, consequently, serve as more advantageous therapies with great promise. The concept of biased signaling extends far beyond the already sizeable field of GPCR pharmacology and covering everything would be vastly outside the scope of this review which consequently covers the biased ligands acting at the opioid family of receptors. The limitation of quantifying bias, however, makes this a controversial subject, where it is dependent on the reference ligand, the equation or the assay used for the quantification. Hence, the major issue in the field of biased ligands remains the translation of the in vitro profiles of biased signaling, with corresponding bias factors to in vivo profiles showing the presence or the lack of specific side effects. This review comprises a comprehensive overview of biased ligands in addition to their bias factors at individual members of the opioid family of receptors, as well as bifunctional ligands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jolien De Neve
- Research Group of Organic Chemistry, Departments of Chemistry and Bioengineering Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel Brussels Belgium
| | - Thomas M A Barlow
- Research Group of Organic Chemistry, Departments of Chemistry and Bioengineering Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel Brussels Belgium
| | - Dirk Tourwé
- Research Group of Organic Chemistry, Departments of Chemistry and Bioengineering Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel Brussels Belgium
| | - Frédéric Bihel
- Laboratoire d'Innovation Thérapeutique, Faculté de Pharmacie, UMR 7200, CNRS Université de Strasbourg Illkirch France
| | - Frédéric Simonin
- Biotechnologie et Signalisation Cellulaire, UMR 7242, CNRS, Université de Strasbourg Illkirch France
| | - Steven Ballet
- Research Group of Organic Chemistry, Departments of Chemistry and Bioengineering Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel Brussels Belgium
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Kappa Opioid Receptor Mediated Differential Regulation of Serotonin and Dopamine Transporters in Mood and Substance Use Disorder. Handb Exp Pharmacol 2021; 271:97-112. [PMID: 34136961 DOI: 10.1007/164_2021_499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Dynorphin (DYN) is an endogenous neurosecretory peptide which exerts its activity by binding to the family of G protein-coupled receptors, namely the kappa opioid receptor (KOR). Opioids are associated with pain, analgesia, and drug abuse, which play a central role in mood disorders with monoamine neurotransmitter interactions. Growing evidence demonstrates the cellular signaling cascades linked to KOR-mediated monoamine transporters regulation in cell models and native brain tissues. This chapter will review DYN/KOR role in mood and addiction in relevance to dopaminergic and serotonergic neurotransmissions. Also, we discuss the recent findings on KOR-mediated differential regulation of serotonin and dopamine transporters (SERT and DAT). These findings led to a better understanding of the role of DYN/KOR system in aminergic neurotransmission via its modulatory effect on both amine release and clearance. Detailed knowledge of these processes at the molecular level enables designing novel pharmacological reagents to target transporter motifs to treat mood and addiction and reduce unwanted side effects such as aversion, dysphoria, sedation, and psychomimesis.
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Evaluation of Therapies for Peripheral and Neuraxial Opioid-induced Pruritus based on Molecular and Cellular Discoveries. Anesthesiology 2021; 135:350-365. [PMID: 34237130 DOI: 10.1097/aln.0000000000003844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Opioids are a mainstay of treatment for pain worldwide. Pruritus, a common side effect of opioids, is a patient dissatisfier that limits their use in many clinical settings. Both parenteral and neuraxial administration of opioids frequently evoke pruritus. The ability of opioids to suppress pain while causing itch continues to perplex clinicians and researchers alike. Several mechanisms have been proposed to explain how opioids can give rise to pruritus, but specific knowledge gaps perpetuate debate. This review summarizes the clinical burden of opioid-induced pruritus and emphasizes recent discoveries of peripheral and central mechanisms for opioid-induced pruritus, particularly with respect to scientific and conceptual advances in spinal cord circuitry and mast cell biology. The mechanisms and effectiveness of existing medications used for clinical management of pruritus will be evaluated, and we will highlight the emerging preclinical utility of selective κ-opioid receptor agonists, such as nalfurafine, for the management of opioid-induced pruritus.
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Kudla L, Przewlocki R. Influence of G protein-biased agonists of μ-opioid receptor on addiction-related behaviors. Pharmacol Rep 2021; 73:1033-1051. [PMID: 33835467 PMCID: PMC8413226 DOI: 10.1007/s43440-021-00251-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2021] [Revised: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Opioid analgesics remain a gold standard for the treatment of moderate to severe pain. However, their clinical utility is seriously limited by a range of adverse effects. Among them, their high-addictive potential appears as very important, especially in the context of the opioid epidemic. Therefore, the development of safer opioid analgesics with low abuse potential appears as a challenging problem for opioid research. Among the last few decades, different approaches to the discovery of novel opioid drugs have been assessed. One of the most promising is the development of G protein-biased opioid agonists, which can activate only selected intracellular signaling pathways. To date, discoveries of several biased agonists acting via μ-opioid receptor were reported. According to the experimental data, such ligands may be devoid of at least some of the opioid side effects, such as respiratory depression or constipation. Nevertheless, most data regarding the addictive properties of biased μ-opioid receptor agonists are inconsistent. A global problem connected with opioid abuse also requires the search for effective pharmacotherapy for opioid addiction, which is another potential application of biased compounds. This review discusses the state-of-the-art on addictive properties of G protein-biased μ-opioid receptor agonists as well as we analyze whether these compounds can diminish any symptoms of opioid addiction. Finally, we provide a critical view on recent data connected with biased signaling and its implications to in vivo manifestations of addiction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucja Kudla
- Department of Molecular Neuropharmacology, Maj Institute of Pharmacology Polish Academy of Sciences, ul. Smetna 12, 31-343, Krakow, Poland
| | - Ryszard Przewlocki
- Department of Molecular Neuropharmacology, Maj Institute of Pharmacology Polish Academy of Sciences, ul. Smetna 12, 31-343, Krakow, Poland.
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Effects of kappa opioid receptor agonists on fentanyl vs. food choice in male and female rats: contingent vs. non-contingent administration. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2021; 238:1017-1028. [PMID: 33404739 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-020-05749-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2020] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE Strategies are needed to decrease the abuse liability of mu opioid receptor (MOR) agonists. One strategy under consideration is to combine MOR agonists with kappa opioid receptor (KOR) agonists. OBJECTIVES The effects of KOR agonists (U50488, nalfurafine) on fentanyl-vs.-food choice were compared under conditions where the KOR agonists were added to the intravenously self-administered fentanyl (contingent delivery) or administered as subcutaneous pretreatments (non-contingent delivery) in male and female rats. METHODS Rats were trained to respond under a concurrent schedule of fentanyl (0, 0.32-10 μg/kg/infusion) and food reinforcement. In experiment 1, U50488 and nalfurafine were co-administered with fentanyl as fixed-proportion mixtures (contingent administration). In experiment 2, U50488 (1-10 mg/kg) and nalfurafine (3.2-32 μg/kg) were administered as acute pretreatments (non-contingent administration). The selective KOR antagonist, nor-BNI (32 mg/kg), was administered prior to contingent and non-contingent KOR-agonist treatment in experiment 3. RESULTS Both U50488 and nalfurafine decreased fentanyl choice when administered contingently, demonstrating that KOR agonists punish opioid choice. However, evidence for punishment corresponded with an elimination of operant responding in the majority of rats. Non-contingent U50488 and nalfurafine administration only decreased the number of choices made during the behavioral session without altering fentanyl choice. Contingent and non-contingent KOR-agonist effects on fentanyl choice were both attenuated by nor-BNI. CONCLUSIONS These results illustrate that the effects of KOR agonists on fentanyl reinforcement are dependent upon the contingencies under which they are administered.
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Liu X, Jiang S, Kong L, Ye R, Xiao L, Xu X, He Q, Wei Y, Li Z, Sun H, Xie Q, Xu X, Lu Y, Wang Y, Li W, Fu W, Qiu Z, Liu J, Shao L. Exploration of the SAR Connection between Morphinan- and Arylacetamide-Based κ Opioid Receptor (κOR) Agonists Using the Strategy of Bridging. ACS Chem Neurosci 2021; 12:1018-1030. [PMID: 33650843 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.1c00034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
κ opioid receptor (κOR) is a subtype of opioid receptors, and there are two major κOR agonists currently available, morphinans and arylacetamides, which are structurally distinct from each other. Numerous efforts had been made to correlate these series of compounds in order to establish a consensus binding pattern for κOR agonists. Unfortunately, no morphinan-based agent with an arylacetamidyl substituent has been identified as a κOR agonist with a pharmacological profile similar to arylacetamides. Since the recently described morphinan-based compound SLL-039 was identified as a selective and potent κOR agonist that contains a unique benzamidyl substituent in structure similar to arylacetamides, numerous arylacetamidyl substituents were introduced to this scaffold to examine whether the structure-activity relationships (SARs) of arylacetamides in conferring κOR agonistic activities could be reproduced by these analogues. Thus, a series of N-cyclopropylmethyl-7α-arylacetamidylphenyl-6,14-endoethanotetrahydronorthebaine analogues were designed, synthesized, and assayed for biological activities. Among these compounds, compound 4j with a 3',4'-dimethylphenylacetamidyl substituent showed a single digit low nanomolar affinity to the κOR and relatively high subtype selectivity in binding assays, but this profile was not reproduced in functional assays. In contrast, compound 4i displayed moderately selective κOR agonistic activities in functional assays, which was inconsistent with its nonselective nature in binding assays. Overall, introduction of an arylacetamidyl substituent to the morphinan-based scaffold was associated with pharmacological diversity in both binding and functional activities on opioid receptors in vitro. The resultant SARs were inconsistent with that of classical arylacetamides as κOR agonists, despite bearing a similar arylacetamidyl substituent in the structure. Therefore, the arylacetamidyl substituent of the morphinan-based scaffold was found to be disconnected from that of arylacetamides in conferring κOR activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Liu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, 826 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Shuang Jiang
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, No. 138, Xianlin Road, Nanjing 210023, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences and Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Linghui Kong
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, 826 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Rongrong Ye
- CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences and Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China
- School of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Shanghai Institute of Technology, 100 Haiquan Road, Shanghai 201418, China
| | - Li Xiao
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, 826 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Xuejun Xu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences and Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Qian He
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, 826 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Yuanyuan Wei
- School of Basic Medical Sciences and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, No. 639 Longmian Road, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Zixiang Li
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, 826 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Huijiao Sun
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, 826 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Qiong Xie
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, 826 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Xu Xu
- School of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Shanghai Institute of Technology, 100 Haiquan Road, Shanghai 201418, China
| | - Yan Lu
- School of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Shanghai Institute of Technology, 100 Haiquan Road, Shanghai 201418, China
| | - Yujun Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences and Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Wei Li
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, 826 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Wei Fu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, 826 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Zhuibai Qiu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, 826 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Jinggen Liu
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, No. 138, Xianlin Road, Nanjing 210023, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences and Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Liming Shao
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, 826 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai 201203, China
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Fudan University, No. 138 Yixueyuan Road, Shanghai 200032, China
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Rueda P, Merlin J, Chimenti S, Feletou M, Paysant J, White PJ, Christopoulos A, Sexton PM, Summers RJ, Charman WN, May LT, Langmead CJ. Pharmacological Insights Into Safety and Efficacy Determinants for the Development of Adenosine Receptor Biased Agonists in the Treatment of Heart Failure. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:628060. [PMID: 33776771 PMCID: PMC7991592 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.628060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Adenosine A1 receptors (A1R) are a potential target for cardiac injury treatment due to their cardioprotective/antihypertrophic actions, but drug development has been hampered by on-target side effects such as bradycardia and altered renal hemodynamics. Biased agonism has emerged as an attractive mechanism for A1R-mediated cardioprotection that is haemodynamically safe. Here we investigate the pre-clinical pharmacology, efficacy and side-effect profile of the A1R agonist neladenoson, shown to be safe but ineffective in phase IIb trials for the treatment of heart failure. We compare this agent with the well-characterized, pan-adenosine receptor (AR) agonist NECA, capadenoson, and the A1R biased agonist VCP746, previously shown to be safe and cardioprotective in pre-clinical models of heart failure. We show that like VCP746, neladenoson is biased away from Ca2+ influx relative to NECA and the cAMP pathway at the A1R, a profile predictive of a lack of adenosine-like side effects. Additionally, neladenoson was also biased away from the MAPK pathway at the A1R. In contrast to VCP746, which displays more 'adenosine-like' signaling at the A2BR, neladenoson was a highly selective A1R agonist, with biased, weak agonism at the A2BR. Together these results show that unwanted hemodynamic effects of A1R agonists can be avoided by compounds biased away from Ca2+ influx relative to cAMP, relative to NECA. The failure of neladenoson to reach primary endpoints in clinical trials suggests that A1R-mediated cAMP inhibition may be a poor indicator of effectiveness in chronic heart failure. This study provides additional information that can aid future screening and/or design of improved AR agonists that are safe and efficacious in treating heart failure in patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Rueda
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Jon Merlin
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Stefano Chimenti
- Cardiovascular Discovery Research Unit, Institut de Recherches Servier, Suresnes, France
| | - Michel Feletou
- Cardiovascular Discovery Research Unit, Institut de Recherches Servier, Suresnes, France
| | - Jerome Paysant
- Cardiovascular Discovery Research Unit, Institut de Recherches Servier, Suresnes, France
| | - Paul J. White
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Arthur Christopoulos
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Patrick M. Sexton
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Roger J. Summers
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - William N. Charman
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Lauren T. May
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Christopher J. Langmead
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, VIC, Australia
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Harris SS, Urs NM. Targeting β-Arrestins in the Treatment of Psychiatric and Neurological Disorders. CNS Drugs 2021; 35:253-264. [PMID: 33651366 DOI: 10.1007/s40263-021-00796-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Therapies for psychiatric and neurological disorders have been in the development and refinement process for the past 5 decades. Yet, most of these therapies lack optimal therapeutic efficacy and have multiple debilitating side effects. Recent advances in understanding the pathophysiological processes of psychiatric and neurological disorders have revealed an important role for β-arrestins, which are important regulators of G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) function, including desensitization and intracellular signaling. These findings have pushed β-arrestins to the forefront as potential therapeutic targets. Here, we highlight current knowledge on β-arrestin functions in certain psychiatric and neurological disorders (schizophrenia, Parkinson's disease, and substance abuse disorders), and how this has been leveraged to develop new therapeutic strategies. Furthermore, we discuss the obstacles impacting the field of β-arrestin-based therapeutic development and future approaches that might help advance strategies to develop optimal β-arrestin-based therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharonda S Harris
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Florida, 1200 Newell Dr, ARB-R5-140, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
| | - Nikhil M Urs
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Florida, 1200 Newell Dr, ARB-R5-140, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA.
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