OBJECTIVE Dopamine receptors(DRs) are involved in the development and treatment of many neuropsychiatric disorders.Currently available dopaminergic drugs modulate both DRD2 and DRD3,leading to side effects and uncerta...OBJECTIVE Dopamine receptors(DRs) are involved in the development and treatment of many neuropsychiatric disorders.Currently available dopaminergic drugs modulate both DRD2 and DRD3,leading to side effects and uncertainty as to the roles each DR subtype plays physiologically.Our lab employed high throughput screening paradigms to discover highly selective modulators for the DRD3.METHODS The NIH Molecular Libraries Program 400,000 + small molecule library was screened using the Discove Rx Path Hunter?β-arrestin assay for compounds that activate the DRD3 without effects on the DRD2.Confirmation and counter-screens assessed selectivity and mechanisms of action.We identified 62 potential agonists,and chose the most promising to perform a structure-activity relationship(SAR) study to increase potency while maintaining selectivity.The lead compound identified through this process,ML417,was also characterized using bioluminescence resonance energy transfer(BRET)-based β-arrestin recruitment and G-protein activation assays as well as p-ERK assays.Potential neuroprotective properties of this compound were assessed using a SHSY5 Y neuronal cell model.RESULTS ML417 displays potent,DRD3-selective agonist activity in multiple functional assays.Binding and functional GPCR screens(>165 receptors) show ML417 has limited cross-reactivity with other GPCRs.ML417 also displays superior(compared to the reference compound pramipexole),dose-dependent protection against a decrease in neurite length induced by 10 μmol·L^(-1) of the neurotoxin,6-hydroxydopamine,in the SHSY5 Y cell model.CONCLUSION We have discovered and characterized ML417,a potent and highly selective DRD3 agonist.This compound will be useful as a research tool,and may prove useful as a therapeutic drug lead.展开更多
OBJECTIVE Cannabis can be rewarding or aversive.Cannabis reward is believed to be mediated by activation of cannabinoid CB1 receptors(CB1 Rs) on GABAergic neurons that disinhibit dopaminergic neurons in the ventral te...OBJECTIVE Cannabis can be rewarding or aversive.Cannabis reward is believed to be mediated by activation of cannabinoid CB1 receptors(CB1 Rs) on GABAergic neurons that disinhibit dopaminergic neurons in the ventral tegmental area(VTA).However,little is known about the mechanisms underlying cannabis aversion in rodents.Our study aimed at dig the mechanisms underlying cannabis aversion.METHODS We first created CB1-floxed mice and then generated conditional CB1-knockout mice(VgluT2-CB1-/-) in glutamatergic neurons that express vesicular glutamate transporter 2(VgluT2).We then used immunohistochemistry and RNAscope in situ hybridization assays to examine whether CB1 Rs are expressed in VTA GABAergic neurons and glutamatergic neurons.We also used Cre-dependent viral vector to express light-sensitive channelrhodopsin-2 into VTA glutamatergic neurons.Next,conditioned place preference and intracranial self-stimulation(ICSS) maintained by optical activation of VTA glutamatergic neurons were employed to evaluate the effects of Δ9-THC on brain reward function.RESULTS CB1 Rs are found not only on VTA GABAergic neurons,but also on VTA glutamatergic neurons that express vesicular glutamate transporter 2(VgluT2).Photoactivation of VTA glutamatergic neurons produced robust intracranial self-stimulation(ICSS) behavior,which was dose-dependently blocked by DA receptor antagonists,but enhanced by cocaine.In contrast,Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol(Δ9-THC),the major psychoactive component of cannabis,produced dose-dependent conditioned place aversion and a reduction in the above optical ICSS in VgluT2-cre control mice,but not in VgluT2-CB1-/-mice.CONCLUSION Activation of CB1 Rs in VgluT2-expressing glutamate neurons produces aversive effects that might explain why cannabinoid is not rewarding in rodents and might also account for individual differences in the hedonic effects of cannabis in humans.展开更多
OBJECTIVE Wide spread abuse of synthetic cathinones found in bath salts preparations has resulted in regulation of some cathinones internationally.Chemists skirt these laws by altering the chemical structures of first...OBJECTIVE Wide spread abuse of synthetic cathinones found in bath salts preparations has resulted in regulation of some cathinones internationally.Chemists skirt these laws by altering the chemical structures of first-generation cathinones(ie,MDPV,methylone,and mephedrone),resulting in second-generation cathinones(eg,α-PVP,α-PPP,MDPPP,and MDPBP).Although MDPV is a more effective reinforcer than cocaine,little is known about the reinforcing effectiveness of secondgeneration cathinones.To test the hypothesis that synthetic cathinones with higher selectivity for DAT relative to SERT are more effective reinforcers.METHODS Monoamine transporter inhibition was determined using synaptosomes prepared from rat brains.The relative reinforcing effectiveness of intravenously self-administered MDPV,MDPBP,MDPPP,α-PVP,α-PPP,and cocaine were directly compared through evaluations of (1)dose-response curves under a progressive ratio(PR)schedule of reinforcement and (2)demand curves obtained for each drug in male Sprague-Dawley rats.RESULTS Rank order selectivity for DAT/SERT wasα-PVP>MDPV>α-PPP≈MDPBP>MDPPP>cocaine.Comparisons of the maximum number of infusions obtained under a PR schedule of reinforcement(α-PVP>MDPV>α-PPP>MDPBP≈MDPPP>cocaine)and the essential value obtained for each drug in demand analyses(α-PVP>MDPV>α-PPP≈MDPBP≈MDPPP>cocaine)suggest relative reinforcing effectiveness is related to DAT/SERT selectivity.CONCLUSION These data provide evidence that DAT/SERT selectivity accounts for select synthetic cathinones functioning as more effective reinforcers than cocaine and may predict the abuse-related effects of novel synthetic cathinones in humans.展开更多
Three recent articles published in Cell1,2 and Cell Research3 have reported multiple cryo-electron microscopy(cryo-EM)structures of the D1 dopamine receptor(DRD1)bound to either dopamine,various DRD1 agonists,or a pos...Three recent articles published in Cell1,2 and Cell Research3 have reported multiple cryo-electron microscopy(cryo-EM)structures of the D1 dopamine receptor(DRD1)bound to either dopamine,various DRD1 agonists,or a positive allosteric modulator(PAM),while in complex with the active heterotrimeric Gs protein.These studies describe for the first time active-state structures of the DRD1,an exciting advancement in the field that will allow for a better understanding of selective agonist binding,DRD1 activation,G protein selectivity,and the provision of multiple templates to facilitate future drug design and discovery for this important therapeutic target.展开更多
基金supported by National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke Intramural Research Program
文摘OBJECTIVE Dopamine receptors(DRs) are involved in the development and treatment of many neuropsychiatric disorders.Currently available dopaminergic drugs modulate both DRD2 and DRD3,leading to side effects and uncertainty as to the roles each DR subtype plays physiologically.Our lab employed high throughput screening paradigms to discover highly selective modulators for the DRD3.METHODS The NIH Molecular Libraries Program 400,000 + small molecule library was screened using the Discove Rx Path Hunter?β-arrestin assay for compounds that activate the DRD3 without effects on the DRD2.Confirmation and counter-screens assessed selectivity and mechanisms of action.We identified 62 potential agonists,and chose the most promising to perform a structure-activity relationship(SAR) study to increase potency while maintaining selectivity.The lead compound identified through this process,ML417,was also characterized using bioluminescence resonance energy transfer(BRET)-based β-arrestin recruitment and G-protein activation assays as well as p-ERK assays.Potential neuroprotective properties of this compound were assessed using a SHSY5 Y neuronal cell model.RESULTS ML417 displays potent,DRD3-selective agonist activity in multiple functional assays.Binding and functional GPCR screens(>165 receptors) show ML417 has limited cross-reactivity with other GPCRs.ML417 also displays superior(compared to the reference compound pramipexole),dose-dependent protection against a decrease in neurite length induced by 10 μmol·L^(-1) of the neurotoxin,6-hydroxydopamine,in the SHSY5 Y cell model.CONCLUSION We have discovered and characterized ML417,a potent and highly selective DRD3 agonist.This compound will be useful as a research tool,and may prove useful as a therapeutic drug lead.
文摘OBJECTIVE Cannabis can be rewarding or aversive.Cannabis reward is believed to be mediated by activation of cannabinoid CB1 receptors(CB1 Rs) on GABAergic neurons that disinhibit dopaminergic neurons in the ventral tegmental area(VTA).However,little is known about the mechanisms underlying cannabis aversion in rodents.Our study aimed at dig the mechanisms underlying cannabis aversion.METHODS We first created CB1-floxed mice and then generated conditional CB1-knockout mice(VgluT2-CB1-/-) in glutamatergic neurons that express vesicular glutamate transporter 2(VgluT2).We then used immunohistochemistry and RNAscope in situ hybridization assays to examine whether CB1 Rs are expressed in VTA GABAergic neurons and glutamatergic neurons.We also used Cre-dependent viral vector to express light-sensitive channelrhodopsin-2 into VTA glutamatergic neurons.Next,conditioned place preference and intracranial self-stimulation(ICSS) maintained by optical activation of VTA glutamatergic neurons were employed to evaluate the effects of Δ9-THC on brain reward function.RESULTS CB1 Rs are found not only on VTA GABAergic neurons,but also on VTA glutamatergic neurons that express vesicular glutamate transporter 2(VgluT2).Photoactivation of VTA glutamatergic neurons produced robust intracranial self-stimulation(ICSS) behavior,which was dose-dependently blocked by DA receptor antagonists,but enhanced by cocaine.In contrast,Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol(Δ9-THC),the major psychoactive component of cannabis,produced dose-dependent conditioned place aversion and a reduction in the above optical ICSS in VgluT2-cre control mice,but not in VgluT2-CB1-/-mice.CONCLUSION Activation of CB1 Rs in VgluT2-expressing glutamate neurons produces aversive effects that might explain why cannabinoid is not rewarding in rodents and might also account for individual differences in the hedonic effects of cannabis in humans.
基金supported by NIH and NIDA(R01DA039146T32DA031115)NIH Intramural Research Programs
文摘OBJECTIVE Wide spread abuse of synthetic cathinones found in bath salts preparations has resulted in regulation of some cathinones internationally.Chemists skirt these laws by altering the chemical structures of first-generation cathinones(ie,MDPV,methylone,and mephedrone),resulting in second-generation cathinones(eg,α-PVP,α-PPP,MDPPP,and MDPBP).Although MDPV is a more effective reinforcer than cocaine,little is known about the reinforcing effectiveness of secondgeneration cathinones.To test the hypothesis that synthetic cathinones with higher selectivity for DAT relative to SERT are more effective reinforcers.METHODS Monoamine transporter inhibition was determined using synaptosomes prepared from rat brains.The relative reinforcing effectiveness of intravenously self-administered MDPV,MDPBP,MDPPP,α-PVP,α-PPP,and cocaine were directly compared through evaluations of (1)dose-response curves under a progressive ratio(PR)schedule of reinforcement and (2)demand curves obtained for each drug in male Sprague-Dawley rats.RESULTS Rank order selectivity for DAT/SERT wasα-PVP>MDPV>α-PPP≈MDPBP>MDPPP>cocaine.Comparisons of the maximum number of infusions obtained under a PR schedule of reinforcement(α-PVP>MDPV>α-PPP>MDPBP≈MDPPP>cocaine)and the essential value obtained for each drug in demand analyses(α-PVP>MDPV>α-PPP≈MDPBP≈MDPPP>cocaine)suggest relative reinforcing effectiveness is related to DAT/SERT selectivity.CONCLUSION These data provide evidence that DAT/SERT selectivity accounts for select synthetic cathinones functioning as more effective reinforcers than cocaine and may predict the abuse-related effects of novel synthetic cathinones in humans.
基金the Intramural Research Programs of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders(ZIA-NS002263)Stroke and the National Institute on Drug Abuse(Z1A DA000609).
文摘Three recent articles published in Cell1,2 and Cell Research3 have reported multiple cryo-electron microscopy(cryo-EM)structures of the D1 dopamine receptor(DRD1)bound to either dopamine,various DRD1 agonists,or a positive allosteric modulator(PAM),while in complex with the active heterotrimeric Gs protein.These studies describe for the first time active-state structures of the DRD1,an exciting advancement in the field that will allow for a better understanding of selective agonist binding,DRD1 activation,G protein selectivity,and the provision of multiple templates to facilitate future drug design and discovery for this important therapeutic target.
