G-protein-coupled muscarinic receptors (mAChRs), of which there are five subtypes (M(1)-M(5)), are attractive drug targets for a number of disorders. Described in this unit are radioligand-binding assays for defining the selectivity and affinity of chemical agents at the five mAChR subtypes. Detailed methodologies and troubleshooting strategies are provided for saturation-binding studies, to estimate K(D) and B(max) values, and for competition-binding studies to estimate K(i) values. Emphasis is placed on experimental details that are critical for executing a robust and reliable assay.
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http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/0471141755.ph0133s48 | DOI Listing |
Bioorg 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 PDFJ Nat Prod
January 2025
Charlotte's Web, 700 Tech Court, Louisville, Colorado 80027, United States.
Cannabicyclol ((±)-CBL), a minor phytocannabinoid, is largely unexplored, with its biological activity previously undocumented. We studied its conversion from cannabichromene (CBC) using various acidic catalysts. Montmorillonite (K30) in chloroform at room temperature had the highest yield (60%) with minimal byproducts.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFObesity is a global health crisis, with its prevalence particularly severe in the United States, where over 42% of adults are classified as obese. Obesity is driven by complex molecular and tissue-level mechanisms that remain poorly understood. Among these, angiogenesis-primarily mediated by vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF-A)-is critical for adipose tissue expansion but presents unique challenges for therapeutic targeting due to its intricate regulation.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFJ Neurochem
January 2025
College of Pharmacy, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, Republic of Korea.
The α4β2 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR), an ionophore, has been suggested to signal through metabotropic pathways and interact with other receptor families, such as dopamine receptors. In this study, the interaction between α4β2 nAChR and dopamine receptors was investigated through in vivo and in vitro studies. Nicotine exposure in adolescent rats is known to induce a sustained increase in nicotine's rewarding effects which was assessed by conditioned place preference (CPP) assay.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBehav Brain Res
February 2025
Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, Department of Physiological Sciences. Institute of Biological Sciences. University of Brasilia, ZIP 70910-900, Brasilia-DF, Brazil.
Pathological anxiety is among the most common psychiatric disorders. Despite advancements, predominant pharmacological treatments can lead to physical, chemical, and psychological dependence. Venoms of arthropods are important sources of neuroactive peptides with potential therapeutic applications for the treatment of neurological disorders.
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