Recent work on G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) has highlighted the importance of homo- and heterodimerization in all areas of GPCR function, including trafficking, signaling and desensitization. Novel GPCR dimers and even high-order oligomers are constantly being discovered. Advances in techniques such as fluorescent microscopy have improved our ability to detect these interactions. As GPCRs represent the largest class of transmembrane signaling molecules in biology, these new insights into their function could vastly improve our understanding of the complex physiological role GPCRs play in cellular signaling. Utilizing a combination of classic biochemical approaches and newer techniques such as fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) and total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy (TIRF), we recently demonstrated a novel interaction between M(2) muscarinic receptors and GABA(B) receptors. In this addendum, we address technical aspects of combining FRET and TIRF to study GPCR interactions and further discuss the physiological implications of the M(2)-GABA(B) heterodimer.
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http://dx.doi.org/10.4161/cib.3.4.11764 | DOI Listing |
J Cheminform
January 2025
School of Systems Biomedical Science, Soongsil University, 369 Sangdo-ro, Dongjak-gu, 06978, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) play vital roles in various physiological processes, making them attractive drug discovery targets. Meanwhile, deep learning techniques have revolutionized drug discovery by facilitating efficient tools for expediting the identification and optimization of ligands. However, existing models for the GPCRs often focus on single-target or a small subset of GPCRs or employ binary classification, constraining their applicability for high throughput virtual screening.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBioorg Med Chem Lett
January 2025
Contineum Therapeutics, 3565 General Atomics Court, Suite 200, San Diego, CA 92121, United States.
Novel kappa opioid receptor (KOR) agonists that preferentially activate G-protein signaling versus β-arrestin-2 recruitment are described. Starting from a literature-reported phenol-containing diphenethylamine KOR agonist, structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies revealed replacement of the phenol with various non-hydroxylated bicyclic heteroaromatics led to tertiary diarylethylamines which retained KOR agonist activity and improved metabolic stability in human liver microsomes. Further optimizations produced compound 39, a potent activator of G-protein signaling (GTPγS EC = 14 nM, 83 % E) that did not elicit a β-arrestin-2 recruitment functional response (E < 10 %).
View Article and Find Full Text PDFPharmacol Ther
January 2025
School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China; School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China.
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) can transmit signals via G protein-dependent or independent pathways due to the conformational changes of receptors and ligands, which is called biased signaling. This concept posits that ligands can selectively activate a specific signaling pathway after receptor activation, facilitating downstream signaling along a preferred pathway. Biased agonism enables the development of ligands that prioritize therapeutic signaling pathways while mitigating on-target undesired effects.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFViruses
December 2024
Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada.
Treatment options for viral infections are limited and viruses have proven adept at evolving resistance to many existing therapies, highlighting a significant vulnerability in our defenses. In response to this challenge, we explored the modulation of cellular RNA metabolic processes as an alternative paradigm to antiviral development. Previously, the small molecule 5342191 was identified as a potent inhibitor of HIV-1 replication by altering viral RNA accumulation at doses that minimally affect host gene expression.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFInt J Mol Sci
January 2025
Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan.
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), critical for cellular communication and signaling, represent the largest cell surface protein family and play important roles in numerous pathophysiological processes. Consequently, GPCRs have become a primary focus in drug discovery efforts. Beyond their traditional G protein-dependent signaling pathways, GPCRs are also capable of activating alternative signaling mechanisms, including G protein-independent signaling, biased signaling, and signaling crosstalk.
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