scholarly journals Drug Repositioning For Allosteric Modulation of VIP and PACAP Receptors

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ingrid Langer ◽  
Dorota Latek
Keyword(s):  
Conformational Changes ◽  
Purinergic Receptor ◽  
Drug Repositioning ◽  
Biological Effects ◽  
Homology Model ◽  
Receptor Activation ◽  
Toggle Switch ◽  
Binding Modes ◽  
Class B ◽  
Pacap Receptors

Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) are two neuropeptides that contribute to the regulation of intestinal motility and secretion, exocrine and endocrine secretions, and homeostasis of the immune system. Their biological effects are mediated by three receptors named VPAC1, VPAC2 and PAC1 that belong to class B GPCRs. VIP and PACAP receptors have been identified as potential therapeutic targets for the treatment of chronic inflammation, neurodegenerative diseases and cancer. However, pharmacological use of endogenous ligands for these receptors is limited by their lack of specificity (PACAP binds with high affinity to VPAC1, VPAC2 and PAC1 receptors while VIP recognizes both VPAC1 and VPAC2 receptors), their poor oral bioavailability (VIP and PACAP are 27- to 38-amino acid peptides) and their short half-life. Therefore, the development of non-peptidic small molecules or specific stabilized peptidic ligands is of high interest. Structural similarities between VIP and PACAP receptors are major causes of difficulties in the design of efficient and selective compounds that could be used as therapeutics. In this study we performed structure-based virtual screening against the subset of the ZINC15 drug library. This drug repositioning screen provided new applications for a known drug: ticagrelor, a P2Y12 purinergic receptor antagonist. Ticagrelor inhibits both VPAC1 and VPAC2 receptors which was confirmed in VIP-binding and calcium mobilization assays. A following analysis of detailed ticagrelor binding modes to all three VIP and PACAP receptors with molecular dynamics revealed its allosteric mechanism of action. Using a validated homology model of inactive VPAC1 and a recently released cryo-EM structure of active VPAC1 we described how ticagrelor could block conformational changes in the region of ‘tyrosine toggle switch’ required for the receptor activation. We also discuss possible modifications of ticagrelor comparing other P2Y12 antagonist – cangrelor, closely related to ticagrelor but not active for VPAC1/VPAC2. This comparison with inactive cangrelor could lead to further improvement of the ticagrelor activity and selectivity for VIP and PACAP receptor sub-types.

scholarly journals Structural basis for chemokine recognition and receptor activation of chemokine receptor CCR5

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hui Zhang ◽  
Kun Chen ◽  
Qiuxiang Tan ◽  
Qiang Shao ◽  
Shuo Han ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Chemokine Receptor ◽  
Immune Surveillance ◽  
Receptor Activation ◽  
Structural Basis ◽  
Tryptophan Residue ◽  
Toggle Switch ◽  
Binding Modes ◽  
Extracellular Region ◽  
Chemokine Receptor Ccr5 ◽  
Receptor Ccr5

AbstractThe chemokine receptor CCR5 plays a vital role in immune surveillance and inflammation. However, molecular details that govern its endogenous chemokine recognition and receptor activation remain elusive. Here we report three cryo-electron microscopy structures of Gi1 protein-coupled CCR5 in a ligand-free state and in complex with the chemokine MIP-1α or RANTES, as well as the crystal structure of MIP-1α-bound CCR5. These structures reveal distinct binding modes of the two chemokines and a specific accommodate pattern of the chemokine for the distal N terminus of CCR5. Together with functional data, the structures demonstrate that chemokine-induced rearrangement of toggle switch and plasticity of the receptor extracellular region are critical for receptor activation, while a conserved tryptophan residue in helix II acts as a trigger of receptor constitutive activation.

IDENTIFICATION OF SELETIVE CLAUDIN CATION CHANNEL BLOCKERS

2021 ◽  
Vol 27 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S25-S26
Author(s):  
Jingjing Ma ◽  
Emma Wu ◽  
Ye Li ◽  
William Seibel ◽  
Le Shen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Small Molecules ◽  
Homology Model ◽  
Docking Studies ◽  
Channel Blockers ◽  
Binding Modes ◽  
Barrier Dysfunction ◽  
Epithelial Barrier Function ◽  
Dynamics Simulations ◽  
In Silico Models

Abstract Compromised epithelial barrier function is known to be associated with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and may contribute to disease development. One mechanism of barrier dysfunction is increased expression of paracellular tight junction ion and water channels formed by claudins. Claudin-2 and -15 are two such channels. We hypothesize that blocking these channels could be a viable therapeutic approach to treat diarrhea. In an effort to develop blockers of these channels, we turn to our previously developed and validated in silico models of claudin-15 (Samanta et al. 2018). We reasoned that compounds that can bind with the interior of claudin pores can limit paracellular water and ion flux. Thus, we used docking algorithms to search for putative small molecules that bind in the claudin-15 pore. AutoDock Vina was initially used to assess rigid docking using small compound databases. The small molecules were analyzed based on binding affinity to the pore and visualized using VMD for their potential blockage of the channel. Clusters of binding modes were identified based on the prominent interacting residues of the protein with the small molecules. We initially screened 10,500 compounds from within the UIC Centre for Drug Discovery and a cross-section of 10,000 compounds from the NCI open compound repository. This initial screen allowed us to identify 2 first-in-class selective claudin-15 blockers with efficacy in MDCK monolayers induced to express claudin-15 and in wildtype duodenum. Next, we screened the entire NCI open compound repository for additional molecules structurally related to our best initially identified molecule and this has allowed us to identify 13 additional molecules that increase TER of claudin-15 expressing MDCK monolayers by 90–160%. Additionally, these molecules possess similar structural components that will be collected in a fragment library and explored through molecular dynamics simulations. We also developed a claudin-2 homology model on which we are performing docking studies and in vitro measurements, which we expect will result in similar candidate ligands for blocking claudin-2. Our study will provide important insight into the role of claudin-dependent cation permeability in fundamental physiology, which we believe will lead to the utility of claudin blockers as a novel and much needed approach to treat diseases such as IBD.

scholarly journals Hormone and antihormone induce distinct conformational changes which are central to steroid receptor activation.

1992 ◽  
Vol 267 (27) ◽  
pp. 19513-19520 ◽  
Author(s):  
G.F. Allan ◽  
X Leng ◽  
S.Y. Tsai ◽  
N.L. Weigel ◽  
D.P. Edwards ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Conformational Changes ◽  
Steroid Receptor ◽  
Receptor Activation

Synthesis, investigation of biological effects and in silico studies of new benzimidazole derivatives as aromatase inhibitors

2020 ◽  
Vol 75 (9-10) ◽  
pp. 353-362
Author(s):  
Begüm Nurpelin Sağlık ◽  
Ahmet Mücahit Şen ◽  
Asaf Evrim Evren ◽  
Ulviye Acar Çevik ◽  
Derya Osmaniye ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Anticancer Activity ◽  
In Silico ◽  
Biological Effects ◽  
Docking Studies ◽  
Benzimidazole Derivatives ◽  
Binding Modes ◽  
Reference Drug ◽  
In Silico Studies ◽  
New Compounds ◽  
Mcf 7

AbstractInhibition of aromatase enzymes is very important in the prevention of estrogen-related diseases and the regulation of estrogen levels. Aromatase enzyme is involved in the final stage of the biosynthesis of estrogen, in the conversion of androgens to estrogen. The development of new compounds for the inhibition of aromatase enzymes is an important area for medicinal chemists in this respect. In the present study, new benzimidazole derivatives have been designed and synthesized which have reported anticancer activity in the literature. Their anticancer activity was evaluated against human A549 and MCF-7 cell lines by MTT assay. In the series, concerning MCF-7 cell line, the most potent compounds were the 4-benzylpiperidine derivatives 2c, 2g, and 2k with IC50 values of 0.032 ± 0.001, 0.024 ± 0.001, and 0.035 ± 0.001 µM, respectively, compared to the reference drug cisplatin (IC50 = 0.021 ± 0.001 µM). Then, these compounds were subject to further in silico aromatase enzyme inhibition assays to determine the possible binding modes and interactions underlying their activity. Thanks to molecular docking studies, the effectiveness of these compounds against aromatase enzyme could be simulated. Consequently, it has been found that these compounds can be settled very properly to the active site of the aromatase enzyme.

scholarly journals Ligand recognition, unconventional activation, and G protein coupling of the prostaglandin E2 receptor EP2 subtype

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (14) ◽  
pp. eabf1268
Author(s):  
Changxiu Qu ◽  
Chunyou Mao ◽  
Peng Xiao ◽  
Qingya Shen ◽  
Ya-Ni Zhong ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
G Protein ◽  
Rational Design ◽  
Receptor Activation ◽  
Prostaglandin E ◽  
Toggle Switch ◽  
G Protein Coupling ◽  
Protein Coupling ◽  
Ligand Selectivity ◽  
Activation Mechanisms ◽  
Prostaglandin E2 Receptor

Selective modulation of the heterotrimeric G protein α S subunit–coupled prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) receptor EP2 subtype is a promising therapeutic strategy for osteoporosis, ocular hypertension, neurodegenerative diseases, and cardiovascular disorders. Here, we report the cryo–electron microscopy structure of the EP2-Gs complex with its endogenous agonist PGE2 and two synthesized agonists, taprenepag and evatanepag (CP-533536). These structures revealed distinct features of EP2 within the EP receptor family in terms of its unconventional receptor activation and G protein coupling mechanisms, including activation in the absence of a typical W6.48 “toggle switch” and coupling to Gs via helix 8. Moreover, inspection of the agonist-bound EP2 structures uncovered key motifs governing ligand selectivity. Our study provides important knowledge for agonist recognition and activation mechanisms of EP2 and will facilitate the rational design of drugs targeting the PGE2 signaling system.

scholarly journals TRPM4 Channels Couple Purinergic Receptor Mechanoactivation and Myogenic Tone Development in Cerebral Parenchymal Arterioles

2014 ◽  
Vol 34 (10) ◽  
pp. 1706-1714 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yao Li ◽  
Rachael L Baylie ◽  
Matthew J Tavares ◽  
Joseph E Brayden
Keyword(s):  
Transient Receptor Potential ◽  
Purinergic Receptor ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Receptor Potential ◽  
Transient Receptor Potential Channel ◽  
Receptor Activation ◽  
Myogenic Tone ◽  
Pial Arteries ◽  
Myogenic Regulation

Cerebral parenchymal arterioles (PAs) have a critical role in assuring appropriate blood flow and perfusion pressure within the brain. They are unique in contrast to upstream pial arteries, as defined by their critical roles in neurovascular coupling, distinct sensitivities to chemical stimulants, and enhanced myogenic tone development. The objective of the present study was to reveal some of the unique mechanisms of myogenic tone regulation in the cerebral microcirculation. Here, we report that in vivo suppression of TRPM4 (transient receptor potential) channel expression, or inhibition of TRPM4 channels with 9-phenanthrol substantially reduced myogenic tone of isolated PAs, supporting a key role of TRPM4 channels in PA myogenic tone development. Further, downregulation of TRPM4 channels inhibited vasoconstriction induced by the specific P2Y4 and P2Y6 receptor ligands (UTP γS and UDP) by 37% and 42%, respectively. In addition, 9-phenanthrol substantially attenuated purinergic ligand-induced membrane depolarization and constriction of PAs, and inhibited ligand-evoked TRPM4 channel activation in isolated PA myocytes. In concert with our previous work showing the essential contributions of P2Y4 and P2Y6 receptors to myogenic regulation of PAs, the current results point to TRPM4 channels as an important link between mechanosensitive P2Y receptor activation and myogenic constriction of cerebral PAs.

scholarly journals Simulation of P2X-mediated calcium signaling in microglia

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ben Chun ◽  
Bradley D. Stewart ◽  
Darin Vaughan ◽  
Adam D. Bachstetter ◽  
Peter M. Kekenes-Huskey
Keyword(s):  
Computational Model ◽  
Purinergic Receptor ◽  
Receptor Activation ◽  
Quantitative Model ◽  
Published Data ◽  
Transcriptional Responses ◽  
Extracellular Adenosine ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Intracellular Ca

AbstractMicroglia function is orchestrated through highly-coupled signaling pathways that depend on calcium (Ca2+). In response to extracellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP), transient increases in intracellular Ca2+ driven through the activation of purinergic receptors, P2X and P2Y, are sufficient to promote cytokine synthesis and potentially their release. While steps comprising the pathways bridging purinergic receptor activation with transcriptional responses have been probed in great detail, a quantitative model for how these steps collectively control cytokine production has not been established. Here we developed a minimal computational model that quantitatively links extracellular stimulation of two prominent ionotropic puriner-gic receptors, P2X4 and P2X7, with the graded production of a gene product, namely the tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) cytokine. In addition to Ca2+ handling mechanisms common to eukaryotic cells, our model includes microglia-specific processes including ATP-dependent P2X4 and P2X7 activation, activation of NFAT transcription factors, and TNFα production. Parameters for this model were optimized to reproduce published data for these processes, where available. With this model, we determined the propensity for TNFα production in microglia, subject to a wide range of ATP exposure amplitudes, frequencies and durations that the cells could encounter in vivo. Furthermore, we have investigated the extent to which modulation of the signal transduction pathways influence TNFα production. Our key findings are that TNFα production via P2X4 is maximized at low ATP when subject to high frequency ATP stimulation, whereas P2X7 contributes most significantly at millimolar ATPranges. Given that Ca2+ homeostasis in microglia is profoundly important to its function, this computational model provides a quantitative framework to explore hypotheses pertaining to microglial physiology.

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