Neuropsychopharmacology,
Journal Year:
2023,
Volume and Issue:
49(3), P. 561 - 572
Published: Sept. 6, 2023
Abstract
Prototypic
antidepressants,
such
as
tricyclic/tetracyclic
antidepressants
(TCAs),
have
multiple
pharmacological
properties
and
been
considered
to
be
more
effective
than
newer
selective
serotonin
reuptake
inhibitors,
in
treating
severe
depression.
However,
the
clinical
contribution
of
non-monoaminergic
effects
TCAs
remains
elusive.
In
this
study,
we
discovered
that
amitriptyline,
a
typical
TCA,
directly
binds
lysophosphatidic
acid
receptor
1
(LPAR1),
G
protein-coupled
receptor,
activates
downstream
protein
signaling,
while
exerting
little
effect
on
β-arrestin
recruitment.
This
suggests
amitriptyline
acts
protein-biased
agonist
LPAR1.
biased
agonism
was
specific
not
observed
with
other
antidepressants.
LPAR1
found
involved
behavioral
amitriptyline.
Notably,
long-term
infusion
mouse
hippocampus
potent
LPAR
OMPT,
but
non-biased
LPA,
induced
antidepressant-like
behavior,
indicating
might
necessary
for
effects.
Furthermore,
RNA-seq
analysis
revealed
LPA
OMPT
opposite
patterns
gene
expression
changes
hippocampus.
Pathway
indicated
treatment
activated
signaling
(Rho
MAPK),
whereas
suppressed
signaling.
Our
findings
provide
insights
into
mechanisms
underlying
antidepressant
identify
promising
target
development
novel
Nature Communications,
Journal Year:
2023,
Volume and Issue:
14(1)
Published: Dec. 15, 2023
Serotonergic
psychedelics
possess
considerable
therapeutic
potential.
Although
5-HT2A
receptor
activation
mediates
psychedelic
effects,
prototypical
activate
both
5-HT2A-Gq/11
and
β-arrestin2
transducers,
making
their
respective
roles
unclear.
To
elucidate
this,
we
develop
a
series
of
5-HT2A-selective
ligands
with
varying
Gq
efficacies,
including
β-arrestin-biased
ligands.
We
show
that
5-HT2A-Gq
but
not
5-HT2A-β-arrestin2
recruitment
efficacy
predicts
potential,
assessed
using
head-twitch
response
(HTR)
magnitude
in
male
mice.
further
disrupting
Gq-PLC
signaling
attenuates
the
HTR
threshold
level
is
required
to
induce
psychedelic-like
consistent
fact
certain
partial
agonists
(e.g.,
lisuride)
are
non-psychedelic.
Understanding
role
Gq-efficacy
psychopharmacology
permits
rational
development
non-psychedelic
agonists.
also
demonstrate
block
effects
downregulation
tachyphylaxis.
Overall,
Gq-signaling
can
be
fine-tuned
generate
distinct
from
classical
psychedelics.
Cell,
Journal Year:
2022,
Volume and Issue:
185(24), P. 4560 - 4573.e19
Published: Nov. 1, 2022
Binding
of
arrestin
to
phosphorylated
G
protein-coupled
receptors
(GPCRs)
is
crucial
for
modulating
signaling.
Once
internalized,
some
GPCRs
remain
complexed
with
β-arrestins,
while
others
interact
only
transiently;
this
difference
affects
GPCR
signaling
and
recycling.
Cell-based
in
vitro
biophysical
assays
reveal
the
role
membrane
phosphoinositides
(PIPs)
β-arrestin
recruitment
GPCR-β-arrestin
complex
dynamics.
We
find
that
broadly
stratify
into
two
groups,
one
requires
PIP
binding
does
not.
Plasma
PIPs
potentiate
an
active
conformation
stabilize
complexes
by
promoting
a
fully
engaged
state
complex.
As
allosteric
modulators
dynamics,
allow
additional
conformational
diversity
beyond
imposed
phosphorylation
alone.
For
require
recruitment,
provides
mechanism
release
upon
translocation
endosomes,
allowing
its
rapid
Military Medical Research,
Journal Year:
2023,
Volume and Issue:
10(1)
Published: March 6, 2023
Abstract
Drug
discovery
is
a
crucial
part
of
human
healthcare
and
has
dramatically
benefited
lifespan
life
quality
in
recent
centuries,
however,
it
usually
time-
effort-consuming.
Structural
biology
been
demonstrated
as
powerful
tool
to
accelerate
drug
development.
Among
different
techniques,
cryo-electron
microscopy
(cryo-EM)
emerging
the
mainstream
structure
determination
biomacromolecules
past
decade
received
increasing
attention
from
pharmaceutical
industry.
Although
cryo-EM
still
limitations
resolution,
speed
throughput,
growing
number
innovative
drugs
are
being
developed
with
help
cryo-EM.
Here,
we
aim
provide
an
overview
how
techniques
applied
facilitate
discovery.
The
development
typical
workflow
technique
will
be
briefly
introduced,
followed
by
its
specific
applications
structure-based
design,
fragment-based
discovery,
proteolysis
targeting
chimeras,
antibody
repurposing.
Besides
cryo-EM,
innovation
involves
other
state-of-the-art
such
artificial
intelligence
(AI),
which
increasingly
active
diverse
areas.
combination
AI
provides
opportunity
minimize
automation,
throughput
interpretation
medium-resolution
maps,
tends
new
direction
future
rapid
make
indispensable
modern
Nature Communications,
Journal Year:
2023,
Volume and Issue:
14(1)
Published: June 6, 2023
Abstract
GPR84
is
an
orphan
class
A
G
protein-coupled
receptor
(GPCR)
that
predominantly
expressed
in
immune
cells
and
plays
important
roles
inflammation,
fibrosis,
metabolism.
Here,
we
present
cryo-electron
microscopy
(cryo-EM)
structures
of
Gα
i
human
bound
to
a
synthetic
lipid-mimetic
ligand,
LY237,
or
putative
endogenous
medium-chain
fatty
acid
(MCFA)
3-hydroxy
lauric
(3-OH-C12).
Analysis
these
two
ligand-bound
reveals
unique
hydrophobic
nonane
tail
-contacting
patch,
which
forms
blocking
wall
select
MCFA-like
agonists
with
the
correct
length.
We
also
identify
structural
features
coordinate
polar
ends
LY237
3-OH-C12,
including
interactions
positively
charged
side
chain
R172
downward
movement
extracellular
loop
2
(ECL2).
Together
molecular
dynamics
simulations
functional
data,
our
reveal
ECL2
not
only
contributes
direct
ligand
binding,
but
pivotal
role
entry
from
milieu.
These
insights
into
structure
function
could
improve
understanding
recognition,
activation,
-coupling
GPR84.
Our
facilitate
rational
drug
discovery
against
inflammation
metabolic
disorders
targeting
The
endothelin
ETB
receptor
is
a
promiscuous
G-protein
coupled
that
activated
by
vasoactive
peptide
endothelins.
signaling
induces
reactive
astrocytes
in
the
brain
and
vasorelaxation
vascular
smooth
muscle.
Consequently,
agonists
are
expected
to
be
drugs
for
neuroprotection
improved
anti-tumor
drug
delivery.
Here,
we
report
cryo-electron
microscopy
structure
of
endothelin-1-ETB-Gi
complex
at
2.8
Å
resolution,
with
assembly
stabilized
newly
established
method.
Comparisons
inactive
structures
revealed
how
endothelin-1
activates
receptor.
NPxxY
motif,
essential
activation,
not
conserved
ETB,
resulting
unique
structural
change
upon
activation.
Compared
other
GPCR-G-protein
complexes,
binds
Gi
shallowest
position,
further
expanding
diversity
binding
modes.
This
information
will
facilitate
elucidation
activation
rational
design
agonists.
Biomolecules,
Journal Year:
2023,
Volume and Issue:
13(5), P. 818 - 818
Published: May 11, 2023
Sphingosine-1-phosphate
(S1P)
is
an
important
sphingolipid
molecule
involved
in
regulating
cardiovascular
functions
physiological
and
pathological
conditions
by
binding
activating
the
three
G
protein-coupled
receptors
(S1PR1,
S1PR2,
S1PR3)
expressed
endothelial
smooth
muscle
cells,
as
well
cardiomyocytes
fibroblasts.
It
exerts
its
actions
through
various
downstream
signaling
pathways
mediating
cell
proliferation,
migration,
differentiation,
apoptosis.
S1P
essential
for
development
of
system,
abnormal
content
circulation
pathogenesis
disorders.
This
article
reviews
effects
on
function
mechanisms
different
types
heart
blood
vessels
under
diseased
conditions.
Finally,
we
look
forward
to
more
clinical
findings
with
approved
S1PR
modulators
S1P-based
therapies
diseases.