Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Canyong Guo, Lingyun Yang, Zhijun Liu, Dongsheng Liu, Kurt Wuthrich
Summary: Eight hundred and twenty-six human G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) play a significant role in mediating the actions of hormones, neurotransmitters, and drugs. Studying the structure and dynamics of GPCRs in lipid bilayer environments is crucial for understanding their functionality and developing new drugs. This study incorporates the A(2A) adenosine receptor into lipid nanodiscs, providing a detergent-free environment for structural studies using NMR. The findings demonstrate the stability and mimicry of the lipid nanodisc and LMNG/CHS micelles in preserving the overall fold and local structure of the receptor.
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Xuesong Wang, Gerard J. P. van Westen, Laura H. Heitman, Adriaan P. IJzerman
Summary: G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are the largest class of membrane proteins in the human genome, regulating various biological processes and serving as targets for a significant percentage of drugs on the market. Yeast serves as a useful model for studying GPCRs and offers opportunities for novel drug discovery.
BIOCHEMICAL PHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Thian-Sze Wong, Guangzhi Li, Shiliang Li, Wei Gao, Geng Chen, Shiyi Gan, Manzhan Zhang, Honglin Li, Song Wu, Yang Du
Summary: Neuropsychiatric disorders are complex and have various causes. Finding effective treatment targets is difficult due to the heterogeneous nature of these diseases. However, the growing knowledge of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) provides a potential avenue for drug discovery. Understanding the molecular mechanisms and structures of GPCRs can aid in the development of effective drugs. This review provides an overview of the role of GPCRs in neurodegenerative and psychiatric diseases, highlights new opportunities for GPCR targets, and discusses recent progress in GPCR drug development.
SIGNAL TRANSDUCTION AND TARGETED THERAPY
(2023)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Serge Mignani, Xiangyang Shi, Andrii Karpus, Giovanni Lentini, Jean-Pierre Majoral
Summary: Various strategies, including vaccines, repurposing approved drugs, and nanotechnological approaches, are being utilized to combat the novel coronavirus. Developing biocompatible dendrimers as drugs or nanocarriers is a promising approach. Using dendrimers as shields could be an effective means to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Review
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Fanhua Wang, Mingyao Liu, Ning Wang, Jian Luo
Summary: This review discusses the role of G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) in osteoarthritis (OA), including the pathophysiological processes involved, preclinical and clinical trial data, and the challenges in developing therapies targeting GPCRs for OA.
FRONTIERS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Stefanie Kampen, Duc Duy Vo, Xiaoqun Zhang, Nicolas Panel, Yunting Yang, Mariama Jaiteh, Pierre Matricon, Per Svenningsson, Jose Brea, Maria Isabel Loza, Jan Kihlberg, Jens Carlsson
Summary: This study presents a structure-based strategy to design compounds with dual-target properties, which can both antagonize the A(2A) adenosine receptor and activate the D-2 dopamine receptor, showing promising potential as anti-parkinson drugs.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Bert L. H. Beerkens, Cagla Koc, Rongfang Liu, Bogdan Florea, Sylvia E. Le Devedec, Laura H. Heitman, Adriaan P. Ijzerman, Daan van der Es
Summary: This study presents the design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of an affinity-based probe for the adenosine A1 receptor, a prototypic GPCR. The probe successfully overcomes some of the challenges encountered in studying GPCRs.
ACS CHEMICAL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Dawid Polak, Marcin Talar, Nina Wolska, Dagmara W. Wojkowska, Kamil Karolczak, Karol Kramkowski, Tomasz A. Bonda, Cezary Watala, Tomasz Przygodzki
Summary: The A(2A) agonist HE-NECA in low doses in combination with inhibitors of P2Y(12) improved anti-thrombotic properties and was effective with chronic administration. Additionally, HE-NECA has hypotensive effects but does not significantly affect blood-brain barrier permeability.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Biology
Ramon Cierco Jimenez, Nil Casajuana-Martin, Adrian Garcia-Recio, Lidia Alcantara, Leonardo Pardo, Mercedes Campillo, Angel Gonzalez
Summary: The study analyzed 119,069 natural variants in human olfactory receptors, revealing a significant diversity of natural variations in the olfactory gene repertoire between individuals and populations, with a considerable number of changes occurring at the structurally conserved regions. Mutations in positions linked to the conserved GPCR activation mechanism were highlighted, which could imply phenotypic variation in olfactory perception.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Izabela Jatczak-Pawlik, Michal Gorzkiewicz, Maciej Studzian, Robin Zinke, Dietmar Appelhans, Barbara Klajnert-Maculewicz, Lukasz Pulaski
Summary: The research team synthesized novel mannose-functionalized poly(propyleneimine) glycodendrimers and found that they have significant immunomodulatory effects in myeloid cells, with specific induction of interleukin-8 expression. Different molecular mechanisms were observed in different cell lines, highlighting the potential of mannose-modified dendrimers as exogenous regulators of pro-inflammatory chemokine levels.
Review
Chemistry, Medicinal
Mohammed Akli Ayoub, Ranjit Vijayan
Summary: Hemorphins, short peptides derived from hemoglobin's beta subunit, have diverse physiological effects, particularly in the nervous and renin-angiotensin systems. They modulate a variety of proteins, including enzymes and receptors, and target G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) pharmacologically and functionally. The implication of GPCRs in hemorphins' effects aids in understanding their molecular basis and suggests the hemorphin-GPCR axis as a potential therapeutic target in various systems.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Dekel David, Ziv Bentulila, Merav Tauber, Yair Ben-Chaim
Summary: GPCRs are involved in signal transduction processes, and although they span the cell membrane, they have not been considered to be regulated by membrane potential. Recent studies, however, have shown that several GPCRs are voltage regulated. This review discusses the advances in understanding the voltage dependence of GPCRs, the suggested molecular mechanisms, and the possible physiological roles.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Krzysztof Jozwiak, Anita Plazinska
Summary: Studies on different receptors belonging to class A of GPCRs reveal specific molecular mechanisms behind ligand directed signaling, including the role of important residues, the impact of ligand structural features on signaling, and the key interactions between ligands and receptors.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Valentina Bordano, Gemma K. Kinsella, Stefania Cannito, Chiara Dianzani, Casimiro Luca Gigliotti, John C. Stephens, Chiara Monge, Claudia Bocca, Arianna C. Rosa, Gianluca Miglio, Umberto Dianzani, John B. C. Findlay, Elisa Benetti
Summary: This study evaluated the role of GPR21 in human macrophages, finding its involvement in cell migration and cytokine release, and the inhibition of its activity by the drug GRA2. GRA2 reduced the release of inflammatory cytokines from M1 macrophages and promoted the migration of M2 macrophages. Thus, pharmacological inhibition of GPR21 may be important in pathological conditions characterized by low-grade chronic inflammation.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Thu Hang Lai, Susann Schroeder, Magali Toussaint, Sladjana Dukic-Stefanovic, Mathias Kranz, Friedrich-Alexander Ludwig, Steffen Fischer, Joerg Steinbach, Winnie Deuther-Conrad, Peter Brust, Rares-Petru Moldovan
Summary: This study demonstrated the metabolic stability and specific binding of two fluorinated analogs as PET tracers in the brains of mice, with in vivo PET/MRI studies in CD-1 mice showing high initial brain uptake and rapid clearance for both radiotracers.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Kiran S. Toti, Ryan G. Campbell, Hobin Lee, Veronica Salmaso, R. Rama Suresh, Zhan-Guo Gao, Kenneth A. Jacobson
Summary: Adenosine receptor (AR) ligands are being developed for the treatment of metabolic, cardiovascular, neurological, and inflammatory diseases and cancer. Fluorescent antagonist ligands were synthesized and screened for their affinities and selectivity towards different AR subtypes, showing potential as live cell or in vivo imaging tools and/or therapies.
PURINERGIC SIGNALLING
(2023)
Book Review
Chemistry, Medicinal
Kenneth A. Jacobson
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Zhan-Guo Gao, John A. Auchampach, Kenneth A. Jacobson
Summary: Efforts to understand pharmacological differences between GPCR species homologues are generally not pursued in drug development. However, studying the pharmacological properties of the A(3) adenosine receptor (AR) is critical for understanding its biological functions. Pharmacological characterization of recombinant A(3)ARs from different species has been conducted.
PURINERGIC SIGNALLING
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Kenneth A. Jacobson, Balaram Pradhan, Zhiwei Wen, Asmita Pramanik
Summary: The discovery and clinical implementation of adenosine, P2Y and P2X receptor modulators have advanced significantly in the past 50 years. Although previous clinical trials of selective ligands have not been successful, there is now a renewed focus on new disease conditions and the development of more selective compounds, as well as the elucidation of new receptor and enzyme structures.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Cuiying Xiao, Oksana Gavrilova, Naili Liu, Sarah A. Lewicki, Marc L. Reitman, Kenneth A. Jacobson
Summary: Some drugs act on adenosine receptors (ARs) to produce effects, as demonstrated in mouse hypothermia experiments. Four drugs (dipyridamole, nimodipine, cilostazol, cyclosporin A) increased adenosine-induced hypothermia, while two drugs (cannabidiol, canrenoate) did not cause hypothermia. Four other drugs (nifedipine, ranolazine, ketamine, ethanol) caused hypothermia through non-adenosinergic mechanisms. Zinc chloride caused hypothermia and hypoactivity, which was reduced in mice lacking ARs. Interestingly, the antidepressant amitriptyline caused amplified hypothermia in mice lacking ARs. These findings suggest potential repurposing of adenosine-modulating drugs based on their effects on AR activation.
PURINERGIC SIGNALLING
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Federica Cherchi, Martina Venturini, Giada Magni, Mirko Scortichini, Kenneth A. Jacobson, Anna Maria Pugliese, Elisabetta Coppi
Summary: Recent studies have focused on the analgesic effects of adenosine and its receptors in chronic pain models. The A(3)AR receptor subtype has been found to reduce pro-nociceptive N-type Ca2+ channels, leading to inhibition of post inflammatory visceral hypersensitivity. This study investigates the effect of a previously reported irreversible A(3)AR agonist, ICBM, on Ca2+ currents in rat DRG neurons. The findings suggest that covalent A(3)AR agonists such as ICBM may offer a longer-lasting and more efficient strategy for chronic pain control compared to reversible A(3)AR agonists, but further pre-clinical studies are needed to address potential limitations and adverse effects.
PURINERGIC SIGNALLING
(2023)
Editorial Material
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Francisco Ciruela, Kenneth A. Jacobson
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Zhan-Guo Gao, Ian M. Levitan, Asuka Inoue, Qiang Wei, Kenneth A. Jacobson
Summary: Protein kinase C (PKC) isoforms can enhance A(2B) adenosine receptor (AR)-mediated cAMP accumulation through activation by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), but do not enhance beta(2)-adrenergic receptor-mediated cAMP accumulation. PKC activation can also induce cAMP accumulation by activating A(2B)AR with high or low E-max. These findings are important for understanding the functions of A(2B)AR and PKC.
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Jung-Eun Park, Hobin Lee, Paola Oliva, Klara Kirsch, Bora Kim, Jong Il Ahn, Celeste N. Alverez, Snehal Gaikwad, Kristopher W. Krausz, Robert O'Connor, Ganesha Rai, Anton Simeonov, Beverly A. Mock, Frank J. Gonzalez, Kyung S. Lee, Kenneth A. Jacobson
Summary: Polo-like kinase 1 (Plk1) is an attractive target for anticancer drug discovery due to its widely upregulated activity in various human cancers. In addition to the kinase domain, the C-terminal noncatalytic polo-box domain (PBD) has emerged as an alternative target for developing inhibitors. Triazoloquinazolinone-derived inhibitors effectively block Plk1 with improved affinity and drug-like properties. Further derivatization is needed to improve the stability of these inhibitors for the development of therapeutics against Plk1-addicted cancers.
ACS PHARMACOLOGY & TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Qasim Shah, Zahid Hussain, Bilal Ahmad Khan, Kenneth A. Jacobson, Jamshed Iqbal
Summary: The study investigates the potency of P2X7 receptor antagonists and their relationship with cancer, revealing five compounds with strong selective inhibitory effects. These compounds exhibit varying cell viability and induction of apoptosis in transfected and non-transfected cell lines.
BIOORGANIC CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Dilip K. Tosh, Maggie M. Calkins, Marko S. Ivancich, Hailey A. Bock, Ryan G. Campbell, Sarah A. Lewicki, Eric Chen, Zhan-Guo Gao, John D. Mccorvy, Kenneth A. Jacobson
Summary: Derivatives of (N)-Methanocarba adenosine were modified to target 5-HT2B serotonin receptors as antagonists, showing affinity enhancement with the bicyclic ring system. Compound 43 (MRS7925) exhibited potential for anti-fibrotic therapy due to its affinity and moderate 5-HT2BR binding selectivity. The compounds also demonstrated dual action as 5-HT2B antagonists and A(1)AR agonists.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Katarina Mihajlovic, Marija Adzic Bukvic, Milorad Dragic, Mirko Scortichini, Kenneth A. Jacobson, Nadezda Nedeljkovic
Summary: In this in vitro study, three novel cytosine-derived alpha,beta-methylene diphosphonates (MRS4598, MRS4552, and MRS4602) were tested for their potency in inhibiting CD73 activity and attenuating reactive astrocyte phenotype. The results showed that all compounds exhibited concentration-dependent inhibition of CD73 activity with high inhibitory potency and binding capacity. Among them, MRS4598 was the most effective in inhibiting CD73 activity and inducing reactive astrocyte phenotype inhibition, making it a promising tool for the treatment of neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Zhiwei Wen, Asmita Pramanik, Sarah A. Lewicki, Young-Hwan Jung, Zhan-Guo Gao, John C. R. Randle, Chunxia Cronin, Zhoumou Chen, Luigino A. Giancotti, Gregory S. Whitehead, Bruce T. Liang, Sylvie Breton, Daniela Salvemini, Donald N. Cook, Kenneth A. Jacobson
Summary: P2Y(14) receptor is activated by extracellular UDP-glucose, promoting inflammation in various tissues. Selective P2Y(14)R antagonists could be useful for inflammatory and metabolic diseases.
JOURNAL OF MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Eline Pottie, R. Rama Suresh, Kenneth A. Jacobson, Christophe P. Stove
Summary: This study aimed to explore inverse agonism at A(3)AR using two engineered cell lines and NanoBiT technology. The previously established inverse agonist PSB-10 showed inverse agonism in one assay but not in another. Further experiments confirmed the specificity and reversibility of this observation. Evaluation of presumed neutral antagonists revealed their concentration-dependent inverse agonism in the A(3)AR-βarr2 recruitment assay.
ACS PHARMACOLOGY & TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Dilip K. Tosh, Courtney L. Fisher, Veronica Salmaso, Tina C. Wan, Ryan G. Campbell, Eric Chen, Zhan-Guo Gao, John A. Auchampach, Kenneth A. Jacobson
Summary: (N)-Methanocarba adenosine derivatives were modified to form macrocyclic A(3) adenosine receptor agonists. These macrocycles retained affinity and had a spatially proximal orientation on the receptor. C2-Arylethynyl-linked macrocycle 19 showed higher selectivity for A(3) adenosine receptor compared to 2-ether-linked macrocycle 12.
ACS PHARMACOLOGY & TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE
(2023)