Biochemistry,
Journal Year:
2025,
Volume and Issue:
unknown
Published: Feb. 3, 2025
G-protein-coupled
receptors
(GPCRs)
transmit
an
extracellular
chemical/biological
signal
across
the
cell
membrane,
stimulating
array
of
intracellular
signaling
cascades.
Canonically,
these
molecules
bind
to
endogenous
ligand
pocket
(orthosteric
pocket),
which
stabilizes
either
active
or
inactive
conformational
ensemble
receptor.
However,
recent
structural
evidence
indicates
that
small
can
mediate
protein–protein
interactions
between
GPCR
and
their
transducers.
These
are
reminiscent
molecular
glues
be
powerful
tools
for
modulating
bias.
In
this
Perspective,
we
will
investigate
current
information
available
on
how
they
modulate
We
also
examine
prospects
drug/probe
design.
Pharmacological Research,
Journal Year:
2023,
Volume and Issue:
197, P. 106961 - 106961
Published: Oct. 14, 2023
Drugs
acting
at
the
opioid
receptor
family
are
clinically
used
to
treat
chronic
and
acute
pain,
though
they
represent
second
line
of
treatment
behind
GABA
analogs,
antidepressants
SSRI's.
Within
mu
kappa
commonly
targeted.
However,
activation
has
side
effects
constipation,
tolerance,
dependence,
euphoria,
respiratory
depression;
leads
dysphoria
sedation.
The
have
led
drugs
being
widely
abused
with
great
overdose
risk.
For
these
reasons,
newer
safer
analgesics
in
high
demand.
many
years
a
focus
within
field
was
finding
that
activated
G
protein
pathway
receptor,
without
activating
β-arrestin
pathway,
known
as
biased
agonism.
Recent
advances
shown
this
may
not
be
way
forward
develop
there
is
still
some
promise
receptor.
Here
we
discuss
recent
novel
approaches
including
efficacy
vs
bias
fine-tuning
by
targeting
sub-pockets
orthosteric
site,
explore
works
on
structural
basis
bias,
put
suggestion
Gα
subtype
selectivity
an
exciting
new
area
interest.
Nucleic Acids Research,
Journal Year:
2023,
Volume and Issue:
52(D1), P. D376 - D383
Published: Oct. 23, 2023
Abstract
Allosteric
regulation,
induced
by
perturbations
at
an
allosteric
site
topographically
distinct
from
the
orthosteric
site,
is
one
of
most
direct
and
efficient
ways
to
fine-tune
macromolecular
function.
The
Database
(ASD;
accessible
online
http://mdl.shsmu.edu.cn/ASD)
has
been
systematically
developed
since
2009
provide
comprehensive
information
on
regulation.
In
recent
years,
allostery
seen
sustained
growth
wide-ranging
applications
in
life
sciences,
basic
research
new
therapeutics
development,
while
also
elucidating
emerging
obstacles
across
stages.
To
overcome
these
challenges
maintain
high-quality
data
center
services,
novel
features
were
curated
ASD2023
update:
(i)
66
589
potential
sites,
covering
>
80%
human
proteome
constituting
pocketome;
(ii)
748
protein–protein
interaction
(PPI)
modulators
with
clear
mechanisms,
aiding
protein
machine
studies
PPI-targeted
drug
discovery;
(iii)
‘Allosteric
Hit-to-Lead,’
a
pioneering
dataset
providing
panoramic
views
87
well-defined
hits
6565
leads
(iv)
456
dualsteric
for
exploring
simultaneous
regulation
sites.
Meanwhile,
maintains
significant
foundational
data.
Based
efforts,
knowledgebase
progressively
evolving
towards
integrated
landscape,
facilitating
advancements
target
identification,
mechanistic
exploration
discovery.
Nature Communications,
Journal Year:
2024,
Volume and Issue:
15(1)
Published: June 1, 2024
Abstract
Ligand-induced
activation
of
G
protein-coupled
receptors
(GPCRs)
can
initiate
signaling
through
multiple
distinct
pathways
with
differing
biological
and
physiological
outcomes.
There
is
intense
interest
in
understanding
how
variation
GPCR
ligand
structure
be
used
to
promote
pathway
selective
(“biased
agonism”)
the
goal
promoting
desirable
responses
avoiding
deleterious
side
effects.
Here
we
present
an
approach
which
a
conventional
peptide
for
type
1
parathyroid
hormone
receptor
(PTHR1)
converted
from
agonist
induces
all
relevant
compound
that
highly
single
pathway.
This
achieved
not
core
agonist,
but
rather
by
linking
it
nanobody
tethering
agent
binds
high
affinity
separate
site
on
involved
signal
transduction.
The
resulting
conjugate
represents
most
biased
PTHR1
reported
date.
holds
promise
facile
generation
ligands
other
GPCRs.
Nature Communications,
Journal Year:
2024,
Volume and Issue:
15(1)
Published: Oct. 9, 2024
The
μ-opioid
receptor
(μOR),
a
prototypical
G
protein-coupled
(GPCR),
is
the
target
of
opioid
analgesics
such
as
morphine
and
fentanyl.
Due
to
severe
side
effects
current
drugs,
there
considerable
interest
in
developing
novel
modulators
μOR
function.
Most
GPCR
ligands
today
are
small
molecules,
however
biologics,
including
antibodies
nanobodies,
represent
alternative
therapeutics
with
clear
advantages
affinity
selectivity.
Here,
we
describe
nanobody
NbE,
which
selectively
binds
acts
an
antagonist.
We
functionally
characterize
NbE
extracellular
genetically
encoded
ligand
uncover
molecular
basis
for
antagonism
by
determining
cryo-EM
structure
NbE-μOR
complex.
displays
unique
binding
mode
achieves
selectivity
interactions
orthosteric
pocket
loops.
Based
on
β-hairpin
loop
formed
that
deeply
protrudes
into
μOR,
design
linear
cyclic
peptide
analogs
recapitulate
NbE's
antagonism.
work
illustrates
potential
nanobodies
uniquely
engage
GPCRs
describes
lower
weight
can
serve
therapeutic
developments.
British Journal of Pharmacology,
Journal Year:
2023,
Volume and Issue:
180(18), P. 2341 - 2360
Published: April 3, 2023
Abstract
Background
and
Purpose
The
illicit
use
of
fentanyl‐like
drugs
(fentanyls),
which
are
μ
opioid
receptor
agonists,
the
many
overdose
deaths
that
result,
has
become
a
major
problem.
Fentanyls
very
potent
in
vivo,
leading
to
respiratory
depression
death.
However,
efficacy
possible
signalling
bias
different
fentanyls
is
not
clearly
known.
Here,
we
compared
relative
series
fentanyls.
Experimental
Approach
For
agonist
measurements,
Bioluminescence
Resonance
Energy
Transfer
experiments
were
undertaken
HEK293T
cells
transiently
transfected
with
receptors,
assess
Gi
protein
activation
β‐arrestin
2
recruitment.
Agonist‐induced
cell
surface
loss
was
assessed
using
an
enzyme‐linked
immunosorbent
assay,
whilst
agonist‐induced
G
protein‐coupled
inwardly
rectifying
potassium
channel
current
measured
electrophysiologically
from
rat
locus
coeruleus
slices.
Ligand
poses
determined
silico
molecular
dynamics
simulations.
Key
Results
Relative
reference
ligand
DAMGO,
carfentanil
β‐arrestin‐biased,
whereas
fentanyl,
sufentanil
alfentanil
did
display
bias.
Carfentanil
induced
extensive
loss,
marked
desensitisation
currents
continued
presence
neurones
prevented
by
GRK2/3
inhibitor.
Molecular
simulations
suggested
unique
interactions
orthosteric
site
could
underlie
Conclusions
Implications
β‐arrestin‐biased
drug
at
receptor.
It
uncertain
how
such
influences
vivo
effects
other
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences,
Journal Year:
2024,
Volume and Issue:
121(24)
Published: June 3, 2024
Cannabis
sativa
is
known
for
its
therapeutic
benefit
in
various
diseases
including
pain
relief
by
targeting
cannabinoid
receptors.
The
primary
component
of
cannabis,
Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol
(THC),
and
other
agonists
engage
the
orthosteric
site
CB1,
activating
both
Gi
β-arrestin
signaling
pathways.
activation
diverse
pathways
could
result
on-target
side
effects
cannabis
addiction,
which
may
hinder
potential.
A
significant
challenge
pharmacology
design
a
ligand
that
can
modulate
specific
CB1.
By
leveraging
insights
from
structure–function
selectivity
relationship
(SFSR),
we
have
identified
signaling–biased
agonist-allosteric
modulators
(ago-BAMs).
Further,
two
cryoelectron
microscopy
(cryo-EM)
structures
reveal
binding
mode
ago-BAM
at
extrahelical
allosteric
Combining
mutagenesis
pharmacological
studies,
elucidated
detailed
mechanism
ago-BAM-mediated
biased
signaling.
Notably,
CB-05
demonstrated
analgesic
efficacy
with
fewer
effects,
minimal
drug
toxicity
no
addiction
mouse
models.
In
summary,
our
finding
not
only
suggests
ago-BAMs
CB1
provide
potential
nonopioid
strategy
management
but
also
sheds
light
on
BAM
identification
GPCRs.
ACS Central Science,
Journal Year:
2024,
Volume and Issue:
10(8), P. 1490 - 1503
Published: July 17, 2024
The
mu
opioid
receptor
(μOR)
is
a
target
for
clinically
used
analgesics.
However,
adverse
effects,
such
as
respiratory
depression
and
physical
dependence,
necessitate
the
development
of
alternative
treatments.
Recently
we
reported
novel
strategy
to
design
functionally
selective
opioids
by
targeting
sodium
binding
allosteric
site
in
μOR
with
supraspinally
active
analgesic
named
C6guano.
Presently,
improve
systemic
activity
this
ligand,
structure-based
design,
identifying
new
ligand
RO76
where
flexible
alkyl
linker
polar
guanidine
guano
group
swapped
benzyl
alcohol,
targeted
indirectly
through
waters.
A
cryoEM
structure
bound
μOR-Gi
complex
confirmed
that
interacts
residues
water
molecule,
unlike
C6guano
which
engages
directly.
Signaling
assays
coupled
APEX
based
proximity
labeling
show
pocket
modulates
efficacy
trafficking.
In
mice,
was
systemically
tail
withdrawal
showed
reduced
liabilities
compared
those
morphine.
summary,
molecules
may
be
an
avenue
modulate
signaling
properties
opioids,
potentially
extended
other
G-protein
receptors
conserved.