Publications by authors named "Josep Argerich"

Prolactinomas, the most common pituitary-secreting adenomas, can be effectively treated with dopamine D2 receptor (D2R) agonists. However, a subset of them (∼20%) are resistant to dopamine-based therapies and require extirpation. The molecular mechanisms underlying their escape from dopaminergic regulation are not fully elucidated and may include alterations in D2R signaling.

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The orphan G protein-coupled receptor 37 (GPR37), widely associated with Parkinson's disease (PD), undergoes proteolytic processing under physiological conditions. The N-terminus domain is proteolyzed by a disintegrin and metalloproteinase 10 (ADAM-10), which generates various membrane receptor forms and ectodomain shedding (ecto-GPR37) in the extracellular environment. We investigated the processing and density of GPR37 in several neurodegenerative conditions, including Lewy body disease (LBD), multiple system atrophy (MSA), corticobasal degeneration (CBD), progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), and Alzheimer's disease (AD).

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Objectives: Cannabidiol (CBD) is a phytocannabinoid with great potential in clinical applications. The mechanism(s) of action of CBD require further investigation. Previous studies suggested that adenosine A receptors (ARs) could play a role in CBD-induced effects.

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Article Synopsis
  • The study investigates the role of adenosine A receptors (AR) and dopamine D receptors (DR) in schizophrenia, highlighting how AR-DR interactions may impact the effectiveness and side effects of antipsychotic medications.
  • Researchers found that haloperidol and aripiprazole increased AR-DR heteromers after 16 hours, while clozapine decreased heteromerization after 2 hours.
  • The differences in how these drugs interact with AR and DR at a molecular level suggest that clozapine's unique properties may contribute to its lower risk of causing extrapyramidal side effects compared to other antipsychotics.
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Adenosine modulates neurotransmission through inhibitory adenosine A receptors (ARs) and stimulatory A receptors (ARs). These G protein-coupled receptors are involved in motor function and related to neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease (PD). An autosomal-recessive mutation (G279S) within the transmembrane helix (TM) 7 of AR (AR) has been associated with the development of early onset PD (EOPD).

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GPR37 is an orphan G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) implicated in several neurological diseases and important physiological pathways in the brain. We previously reported that its long N-terminal ectodomain undergoes constitutive metalloprotease-mediated cleavage and shedding, which have been rarely described for class A GPCRs. Here, we demonstrate that the protease that cleaves GPR37 at Glu167↓Gln168 is a disintegrin and metalloprotease 10 (ADAM10).

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Objective: α-Synuclein has been studied as a potential biomarker for Parkinson's disease (PD) with no concluding results. Accordingly, there is an urgent need to find out reliable specific biomarkers for PD. GPR37 is an orphan G protein-coupled receptor that toxically accumulates in autosomal recessive juvenile parkinsonism.

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In recent years, new drug discovery approaches based on novel pharmacological concepts have emerged. Allosteric modulators, for example, target receptors at sites other than the orthosteric binding sites and can modulate agonist-mediated activation. Interestingly, allosteric regulation may allow a fine-tuned regulation of unbalanced neurotransmitter' systems, thus providing safe and effective treatments for a number of central nervous system diseases.

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Article Synopsis
  • Endometriosis is a painful condition affecting many women, characterized by the growth of endometrial tissue outside the uterus, and there are currently limited treatment options.
  • This study investigates the effects of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), a compound found in cannabis, on mice with surgically induced endometriosis, focusing on symptoms like pain and cognitive function.
  • The results show that THC treatment significantly reduces pain and cognitive deficits and even prevents the formation of endometrial cysts, suggesting potential benefits for clinical trials in women with endometriosis.
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