Biology subjects

Guba, W.

Publications and source records attributed to Guba, W..

4 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2024

A universal cannabinoid CB1 and CB2 receptor TR-FRET kinetic ligand binding assay.

INTRODUCTIONThe kinetics of ligand binding to G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) is an important determining factor in the preclinical evaluation of a molecule. Therefore, efforts should be made to measure this property as part of any drug development plan. The original assays used to assess ligand binding kinetics were developed using radioligands. However, these types of assays are very labor-intensive, limiting their application to the later phases of the drug discovery process. Recently, fluorescence-based ligand binding assays have been developed for multiple GPCRs, demonstrating their superiority through a homogeneous format and continuous data acquisition capabilities. The overriding aim of this study was to develop a fluorescence-based homogeneous ligand binding assay to profile the kinetics of compounds binding to human cannabinoid type 1 and 2 receptors (CB1R and CB2R). METHODSWe designed and synthesized D77, a novel universal tracer based on the lower affinity non-selective naturally occurring psychoactive cannabinoid, {Delta}8-THC. Using the TR-FRET (time-resolved Forster resonance energy transfer) technique to develop an assay to study the kinetics of ligand binding to CB1R and CB2R at physiological temperature. To establish a CB1R construct suitable for this assay, it was necessary to truncate the first 90 amino acids of the flexible CB1R N-terminal domain, in order to reduce the FRET distance between the terbium cryptate (donor) and the fluorescent ligand (acceptor), while the full length CB2R construct remained functional due to its shorter N-terminus. We then used the Motulsky-Mahan competition binding model to study the binding kinetics of non-fluorescent ligands. RESULTSD77 tracer displayed affinity for the truncated human CB1R (CB1R91-472) and full length CB2R (CB2R1-360) in the nanomolar range, and competitive binding behavior with orthosteric ligands. Crucially, D77 displayed fast dissociation kinetics from both CB1R and CB2R, comparable to those of the most rapidly dissociating reference compounds tested. This unique property of D77 proved pivotal to accurately determining the on- and off-rates of the fastest dissociating compounds. Using D77, we successfully determined the kinetic binding properties of a series of CB1R and CB2R agonists and antagonists at 37{degrees}C, including rimonabant, which was marketed for the treatment of obesity but later withdrawn due to serious neurological side effects. DISCUSSIONThe kon values of molecules binding CB1R showed a difference of three orders of magnitude from the slowest associating compound, HU308 to the most rapid, rimonabant. Interestingly, we found a strong correlation between kon and affinity for compounds binding to CB1R, suggesting that the association rate is the main parameter determining the affinity of compounds binding to CB1R. For compounds binding to CB2R, both kon and koff parameters contributed as affinity determinants. However, in contrast to CB1R, a stronger correlation was found between the dissociation constant rate parameter and the affinity of these molecules, suggesting that a combination of kon and koff dictates the overall affinity of compounds binding to CB2R. Ultimately, exploring the kinetic parameters of potential cannabinoid drug candidates could help future drug development programs targeting these receptors.

pharmacology and toxicology↗

bioRxiv2024

Multiple triggers converge to preferential effector coupling in the CB2R through a complex allosteric communication network

G protein-coupled receptors are important therapeutic drug targets for a wide range of diseases. Their ability to preferentially engage specific signaling pathways over others can be exploited to design drugs that target only disease-associated pathways leading to an improved safety profile. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms for preferential pathway engagement are complex and remain largely elusive. To elucidate the multifaceted actions at the receptor level that lead to preferential coupling, we employ a combination of techniques. Our approach integrates systematic mutagenesis of the CB2R and comprehensive profiling of Gi2 and {beta}-arrestin1 engagements with computer simulations to track mutant-induced impacts on receptor dynamics. Most importantly, our research discloses multiple triggers on a complex allosteric communication network (ACN) that converge to preferential CB2R coupling by modulating evolutionary conserved motifs (e.g., CWxP, NPxxY, sodium binding site). Potent triggers for a preferential Gi2 response exhibit high levels of connectivity and are located in proximity to connections with high information transmission. Our insights highlight the complexity of GPCR signaling and can guide the rational design of drug candidates tailored to evoke specific functional responses that can enhance the precision and efficacy of therapeutic interventions.

cell biology↗

bioRxiv2020

Structural insights into glycine reuptake inhibition

The human glycine transporter 1 (GlyT1) regulates glycine mediated neuronal excitation and inhibition through sodium- and chloride-dependent reuptake of the neurotransmitter1-3. Inhibition of glycine reuptake via GlyT1 prolongs neurotransmitter signaling and has long served as a key therapeutic development strategy for treatment of a broad range of central nervous system disorders including schizophrenia and cognitive impairments4. Using an inhibition state-selective sybody and serial synchrotron crystallography, we determined the structure of GlyT1 in complex with a benzoylpiperazine chemotype inhibitor at 3.4 [A] resolution. The inhibitor locks GlyT1 in an inward-open conformation and binds at the intracellular gate of the release pathway, overlapping with the glycine release site. The inhibitor likely reaches GlyT1 from the cytoplasmic leaflet of the plasma membrane. The study defines the mechanism of non-competitive inhibition and enables the rational design of new, clinically efficacious GlyT1 inhibitors.

neuroscience↗

bioRxiv2020

Diverse chemotypes drive biased signaling by cannabinoid receptors

Cannabinoid CB1 and CB2 receptors are members of the G protein-coupled receptor family, which is the largest class of membrane proteins in the human genome. As part of the endocannabinoid system, they have many regulatory functions in the human body. Their malfunction therefore triggers a diverse set of undesired conditions, such as pain, neuropathy, nephropathy, pruritus, osteoporosis, cachexia and Alzheimers disease. Although drugs targeting the system exist, the molecular and functional mechanisms involved are still poorly understood, preventing the development of better therapeutics with fewer undesired effects. One path toward the development of better and safer medicines targeting cannabinoid receptors relies on the ability of some compounds to activate a subset of pathways engaged by the receptor while sparing or even inhibiting the others, a phenomenon known as biased signaling. To take advantage of this phenomenon for drug development, a better profiling of the pathways engaged by the receptors is required. Using a BRET-based signaling detection platform, we systematically analyzed the primary signaling cascades activated by CB1 and CB2 receptors, including 9 G protein and 2 {beta}-arrestin subtypes. Given that biased signaling is driven by ligand-specific distinct active conformations of the receptor, establishing a link between the signaling profiles elicited by different drugs and their chemotypes may help designing compounds that selectively activate beneficial pathways while avoiding those leading to undesired effects. We screened a selection of 35 structurally diverse ligands, including endocannabinoids, phytocannabinoids and synthetic compounds structurally similar or significantly different from natural cannabinoids. Our data show that biased signaling is a prominent feature of the cannabinoid receptor system and that, as predicted, ligands with different chemotypes have distinct signaling profiles. The study therefore allows for better understanding of cannabinoid receptors signaling and provides the information about tool compounds that can now be used to link signaling pathways to biological outcomes, aiding the design of improved therapeutics.

pharmacology and toxicology↗