Unique pharmacodynamic properties and low abuse liability of the µ-opioid receptor ligand (S)-methadone.

(R,S)-methadone ((R,S)-MTD) is a µ-opioid receptor (MOR) agonist comprised of (R)-MTD and (S)-MTD enantiomers. (S)-MTD is being developed as an antidepressant and is considered an N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) antagonist. We compared the pharmacology of (R)-MTD and (S)-MTD and found they bind to MORs, but not NMDARs, and induce full analgesia. Unlike (R)-MTD, (S)-MTD was a weak reinforcer that failed to affect extracellular dopamine or induce locomotor stimulation. Furthermore, (S)-MTD antagonized motor and dopamine releasing effects of (R)-MTD. (S)-MTD acted as a partial agonist at MOR, with complete loss of efficacy at the MOR-galanin Gal1 receptor (Gal1R) heteromer, a key mediator of the dopaminergic effects of opioids. In sum, we report novel and unique pharmacodynamic properties of (S)-MTD that are relevant to its potential mechanism of action and therapeutic use. One-sentence summary: (S)-MTD, like (R)-MTD, binds to and activates MORs in vitro, but (S)-MTD antagonizes the MOR-Gal1R heteromer, decreasing its abuse liability.

Complexes of Ghrelin GHS-R1a, GHS-R1b, and Dopamine D1 Receptors Localized in the Ventral Tegmental Area as Main Mediators of the Dopaminergic Effects of Ghrelin.

Ghrelin receptor, also known as growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHS-R1a), is coexpressed with its truncated isoform GHS-R1b, which does not bind ghrelin or signal, but oligomerizes with GHS-R1a, exerting a complex modulatory role that depends on its relative expression. D1 dopamine receptor (D1R) and D5R constitute the two D1-like receptor subtypes. Previous studies showed that GHS-R1b also facilitates oligomerization of GHS-R1a with D1R, conferring GHS-R1a distinctive pharmacological properties. Those include a switch in the preferred coupling of GHS-R1a from Gq to Gs and the ability of D1R/D5R agonists and antagonists to counteract GHS-R1a signaling. Activation of ghrelin receptors localized in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) seems to play a significant role in the contribution of ghrelin to motivated behavior. In view of the evidence indicating that dopaminergic cells of the VTA express ghrelin receptors and D5R, but not D1R, we investigated the possible existence of functional GHS-R1a:GHS-R1b:D5R oligomeric complexes in the VTA. GHS-R1a:GHS-R1b:D5R oligomers were first demonstrated in mammalian transfected cells, and their pharmacological properties were found to be different from those of GHS-R1a:GHS-R1b:D1R oligomers, including weak Gs coupling and the ability of D1R/D5R antagonists, but not agonists, to counteract the effects of ghrelin. However, analyzing the effect of ghrelin in the rodent VTA on MAPK activation with ex vivo experiments, on somatodendritic dopamine release with in vivo microdialysis and on the activation of dopaminergic cells with patch-clamp electrophysiology, provided evidence for a predominant role of GHS-R1a:GHS-R1b:D1R oligomers in the rodent VTA as main mediators of the dopaminergic effects of ghrelin.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT The activation of ghrelin receptors localized in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) plays a significant role in the contribution of ghrelin to motivated behavior. We present evidence that indicates these receptors form part of oligomeric complexes that include the functional ghrelin receptor GHS-R1a, its truncated nonsignaling isoform GHS-R1b, and the dopamine D1 receptor (D1R). The binding of ghrelin to these complexes promotes activation of the dopaminergic neurons of the VTA by activation of adenylyl cyclase-protein kinase A signaling, which can be counteracted by both GHS-R1a and D1R antagonists. Our study provides evidence for a predominant role of GHS-R1a:GHS-R1b:D1R oligomers in rodent VTA as main mediators of the dopaminergic effects of ghrelin.

Identification of BiP as a CB1 Receptor-Interacting Protein That Fine-Tunes Cannabinoid Signaling in the Mouse Brain.

Cannabinoids, the bioactive constituents of cannabis, exert a wide array of effects on the brain by engaging Type 1 cannabinoid receptor (CB1R). Accruing evidence supports that cannabinoid action relies on context-dependent factors, such as the biological characteristics of the target cell, suggesting that cell population-intrinsic molecular cues modulate CB1R-dependent signaling. Here, by using a yeast two-hybrid-based high-throughput screening, we identified BiP as a potential CB1R-interacting protein. We next found that CB1R and BiP interact specifically in vitro, and mapped the interaction site within the CB1R C-terminal (intracellular) domain and the BiP C-terminal (substrate-binding) domain-α. BiP selectively shaped agonist-evoked CB1R signaling by blocking an "alternative" Gq/11 protein-dependent signaling module while leaving the "classical" Gi/o protein-dependent inhibition of the cAMP pathway unaffected. In situ proximity ligation assays conducted on brain samples from various genetic mouse models of conditional loss or gain of CB1R expression allowed to map CB1R-BiP complexes selectively on terminals of GABAergic neurons. Behavioral studies using cannabinoid-treated male BiP+/- mice supported that CB1R-BiP complexes modulate cannabinoid-evoked anxiety, one of the most frequent undesired effects of cannabis. Together, by identifying BiP as a CB1R-interacting protein that controls receptor function in a signaling pathway- and neuron population-selective manner, our findings may help to understand the striking context-dependent actions of cannabis in the brain.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Cannabis use is increasing worldwide, so innovative studies aimed to understand its complex mechanism of neurobiological action are warranted. Here, we found that cannabinoid CB1 receptor (CB1R), the primary molecular target of the bioactive constituents of cannabis, interacts specifically with an intracellular protein called BiP. The interaction between CB1R and BiP occurs selectively on terminals of GABAergic (inhibitory) neurons, and induces a remarkable shift in the CB1R-associated signaling profile. Behavioral studies conducted in mice support that CB1R-BiP complexes act as fine-tuners of anxiety, one of the most frequent undesired effects of cannabis use. Our findings open a new conceptual framework to understand the striking context-dependent pharmacological actions of cannabis in the brain.

Preferential Gs protein coupling of the galanin Gal1 receptor in the µ-opioid-Gal1 receptor heterotetramer.

Recent studies have proposed that heteromers of µ-opioid receptors (MORs) and galanin Gal1 receptors (Gal1Rs) localized in the mesencephalon mediate the dopaminergic effects of opioids. The present study reports converging evidence, using a peptide-interfering approach combined with biophysical and biochemical techniques, including total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy, for a predominant homodimeric structure of MOR and Gal1R when expressed individually, and for their preference to form functional heterotetramers when co-expressed. Results show that a heteromerization-dependent change in the Gal1R homodimeric interface leads to a switch in G-protein coupling from inhibitory Gi to stimulatory Gs proteins. The MOR-Gal1R heterotetramer, which is thus bound to Gs via the Gal1R homodimer and Gi via the MOR homodimer, provides the framework for a canonical Gs-Gi antagonist interaction at the adenylyl cyclase level. These novel results shed light on the intense debate about the oligomeric quaternary structure of G protein-coupled receptors, their predilection for heteromer formation, and the resulting functional significance.

Pharmacological targeting of G protein-coupled receptor heteromers.

A main rationale for the role of G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) heteromers as targets for drug development is the putative ability of selective ligands for specific GPCRs to change their pharmacological properties upon GPCR heteromerization. The present study provides a proof of concept for this rationale by demonstrating that heteromerization of dopamine D1 and D3 receptors (D1R and D3R) influences the pharmacological properties of three structurally similar selective dopamine D3R ligands, the phenylpiperazine derivatives PG01042, PG01037 and VK4-116. By using D1R-D3R heteromer-disrupting peptides, it could be demonstrated that the three D3R ligands display different D1R-D3R heteromer-dependent pharmacological properties: PG01042, acting as G protein-biased agonist, counteracted D1R-mediated signaling in the D1R-D3R heteromer; PG01037, acting as a D3R antagonist cross-antagonized D1R-mediated signaling in the D1R-D3R heteromer; and VK4-116 specifically acted as a ß-arrestin-biased agonist in the D1R-D3R heteromer. Molecular dynamics simulations predicted potential molecular mechanisms mediating these qualitatively different pharmacological properties of the selective D3R ligands that are dependent on D1R-D3R heteromerization. The results of in vitro experiments were paralleled by qualitatively different pharmacological properties of the D3R ligands in vivo. The results supported the involvement of D1R-D3R heteromers in the locomotor activation by D1R agonists in reserpinized mice and L-DOPA-induced dyskinesia in rats, highlighting the D1R-D3R heteromer as a main pharmacological target for L-DOPA-induced dyskinesia in Parkinson's disease. More generally, the present study implies that when suspecting its pathogenetic role, a GPCR heteromer, and not its individual GPCR units, should be considered as main target for drug development.

Therapeutic targeting of HER2-CB2R heteromers in HER2-positive breast cancer.

Although human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-targeted therapies have dramatically improved the clinical outcome of HER2-positive breast cancer patients, innate and acquired resistance remains an important clinical challenge. New therapeutic approaches and diagnostic tools for identification, stratification, and treatment of patients at higher risk of resistance and recurrence are therefore warranted. Here, we unveil a mechanism controlling the oncogenic activity of HER2: heteromerization with the cannabinoid receptor CB2R. We show that HER2 physically interacts with CB2R in breast cancer cells, and that the expression of these heteromers correlates with poor patient prognosis. The cannabinoid Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) disrupts HER2-CB2R complexes by selectively binding to CB2R, which leads to (i) the inactivation of HER2 through disruption of HER2-HER2 homodimers, and (ii) the subsequent degradation of HER2 by the proteasome via the E3 ligase c-CBL. This in turn triggers antitumor responses in vitro and in vivo. Selective targeting of CB2R transmembrane region 5 mimicked THC effects. Together, these findings define HER2-CB2R heteromers as new potential targets for antitumor therapies and biomarkers with prognostic value in HER2-positive breast cancer.

Reversible Photocontrol of Dopaminergic Transmission in Wild-Type Animals.

Understanding the dopaminergic system is a priority in neurobiology and neuropharmacology. Dopamine receptors are involved in the modulation of fundamental physiological functions, and dysregulation of dopaminergic transmission is associated with major neurological disorders. However, the available tools to dissect the endogenous dopaminergic circuits have limited specificity, reversibility, resolution, or require genetic manipulation. Here, we introduce azodopa, a novel photoswitchable ligand that enables reversible spatiotemporal control of dopaminergic transmission. We demonstrate that azodopa activates D1-like receptors in vitro in a light-dependent manner. Moreover, it enables reversibly photocontrolling zebrafish motility on a timescale of seconds and allows separating the retinal component of dopaminergic neurotransmission. Azodopa increases the overall neural activity in the cortex of anesthetized mice and displays illumination-dependent activity in individual cells. Azodopa is the first photoswitchable dopamine agonist with demonstrated efficacy in wild-type animals and opens the way to remotely controlling dopaminergic neurotransmission for fundamental and therapeutic purposes.

Heteromerization between α2A adrenoceptors and different polymorphic variants of the dopamine D4 receptor determines pharmacological and functional differences. Implications for impulsive-control disorders.

Polymorphic alleles of the human dopamine D4 receptor gene (DRD4) have been consistently associated with individual differences in personality traits and neuropsychiatric disorders, particularly between the gene encoding dopamine D4.7 receptor variant and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The α2A adrenoceptor gene has also been associated with ADHD. In fact, drugs targeting the α2A adrenoceptor (α2AR), such as guanfacine, are commonly used in ADHD treatment. In view of the involvement of dopamine D4 receptor (D4R) and α2AR in ADHD and impulsivity, their concurrent localization in cortical pyramidal neurons and the demonstrated ability of D4R to form functional heteromers with other G protein-coupled receptors, in this study we evaluate whether the α2AR forms functional heteromers with D4R and weather these heteromers show different properties depending on the D4R variant involved. Using cortical brain slices from hD4.7R knock-in and wild-type mice, here, we demonstrate that α2AR and D4R heteromerize and constitute a significant functional population of cortical α2AR and D4R. Moreover, in cortical slices from wild-type mice and in cells transfected with α2AR and D4.4R, we detect a negative crosstalk within the heteromer. This negative crosstalk is lost in cortex from hD4.7R knock-in mice and in cells expressing the D4.7R polymorphic variant. We also show a lack of efficacy of D4R ligands to promote G protein activation and signaling only within the α2AR-D4.7R heteromer. Taken together, our results suggest that α2AR-D4R heteromers play a pivotal role in catecholaminergic signaling in the brain cortex and are likely targets for ADHD pharmacotherapy.

Control of glutamate release by complexes of adenosine and cannabinoid receptors.

BACKGROUND: It has been hypothesized that heteromers of adenosine A2A receptors (A2AR) and cannabinoid CB1 receptors (CB1R) localized in glutamatergic nerve terminals mediate the integration of adenosine and endocannabinoid signaling involved in the modulation of striatal excitatory neurotransmission. Previous studies have demonstrated the existence of A2AR-CB1R heteromers in artificial cell systems. A dependence of A2AR signaling for the Gi protein-mediated CB1R signaling was described as one of its main biochemical characteristics. However, recent studies have questioned the localization of functionally significant A2AR-CB1R heteromers in striatal glutamatergic terminals. RESULTS: Using a peptide-interfering approach combined with biophysical and biochemical techniques in mammalian transfected cells and computational modeling, we could establish a tetrameric quaternary structure of the A2AR-CB1R heterotetramer. This quaternary structure was different to the also tetrameric structure of heteromers of A2AR with adenosine A1 receptors or dopamine D2 receptors, with different heteromeric or homomeric interfaces. The specific quaternary structure of the A2A-CB1R, which depended on intermolecular interactions involving the long C-terminus of the A2AR, determined a significant A2AR and Gs protein-mediated constitutive activation of adenylyl cyclase. Using heteromer-interfering peptides in experiments with striatal glutamatergic terminals, we could then demonstrate the presence of functionally significant A2AR-CB1R heteromers with the same biochemical characteristics of those studied in mammalian transfected cells. First, either an A2AR agonist or an A2AR antagonist allosterically counteracted Gi-mediated CB1R agonist-induced inhibition of depolarization-induced glutamate release. Second, co-application of both an A2AR agonist and an antagonist cancelled each other effects. Finally, a CB1R agonist inhibited glutamate release dependent on a constitutive activation of A2AR by a canonical Gs-Gi antagonistic interaction at the adenylyl cyclase level. CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrate that the well-established cannabinoid-induced inhibition of striatal glutamate release can mostly be explained by a CB1R-mediated counteraction of the A2AR-mediated constitutive activation of adenylyl cyclase in the A2AR-CB1R heteromer.

Reinterpreting anomalous competitive binding experiments within G protein-coupled receptor homodimers using a dimer receptor model.

An increasing number of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) have been reported to be expressed in the plasma membrane as dimers. Since most ligand binding data are currently fitted by classical equations developed only for monomeric receptors, the interpretation of data could be misleading in the presence of GPCR dimers. On the other hand, the equations developed from dimer receptor models assuming the existence of two orthosteric binding sites within the dimeric molecule offer the possibility to directly calculate macroscopic equilibrium dissociation constants for the two sites, an index of cooperativity (DC) that reflects the molecular communication within the dimer and, importantly, a constant of radioligand-competitor allosteric interaction (KDAB) in competitive assays. Here, we provide a practical way to fit competitive binding data that allows the interpretation of apparently anomalous results, such as competition curves that could be either bell-shaped, monophasic or biphasic depending on the assay conditions. The consideration of a radioligand-competitor allosteric interaction allows fitting these curve patterns both under simulation conditions and in real radioligand binding experiments, obtaining competitor affinity parameters closer to the actual values. Our approach is the first that, assuming the formation of receptor homodimers, is able to explain several experimental results previously considered erroneous due to their impossibility to be fitted. We also deduce the radioligand concentration responsible for the conversion of biphasic to monophasic or to bell-shaped curves in competitive radioligand binding assays. In conclusion, bell-shaped curves in competitive binding experiments constitute evidence for GPCR homodimerization.

Cross-communication between Gi and Gs in a G-protein-coupled receptor heterotetramer guided by a receptor C-terminal domain.

BACKGROUND: G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) heteromeric complexes have distinct properties from homomeric GPCRs, giving rise to new receptor functionalities. Adenosine receptors (A1R or A2AR) can form A1R-A2AR heteromers (A1-A2AHet), and their activation leads to canonical G-protein-dependent (adenylate cyclase mediated) and -independent (ß-arrestin mediated) signaling. Adenosine has different affinities for A1R and A2AR, allowing the heteromeric receptor to detect its concentration by integrating the downstream Gi- and Gs-dependent signals. cAMP accumulation and ß-arrestin recruitment assays have shown that, within the complex, activation of A2AR impedes signaling via A1R. RESULTS: We examined the mechanism by which A1-A2AHet integrates Gi- and Gs-dependent signals. A1R blockade by A2AR in the A1-A2AHet is not observed in the absence of A2AR activation by agonists, in the absence of the C-terminal domain of A2AR, or in the presence of synthetic peptides that disrupt the heteromer interface of A1-A2AHet, indicating that signaling mediated by A1R and A2AR is controlled by both Gi and Gs proteins. CONCLUSIONS: We identified a new mechanism of signal transduction that implies a cross-communication between Gi and Gs proteins guided by the C-terminal tail of the A2AR. This mechanism provides the molecular basis for the operation of the A1-A2AHet as an adenosine concentration-sensing device that modulates the signals originating at both A1R and A2AR.

Functional µ-Opioid-Galanin Receptor Heteromers in the Ventral Tegmental Area.

The neuropeptide galanin has been shown to interact with the opioid system. More specifically, galanin counteracts the behavioral effects of the systemic administration of µ-opioid receptor (MOR) agonists. Yet the mechanism responsible for this galanin-opioid interaction has remained elusive. Using biophysical techniques in mammalian transfected cells, we found evidence for selective heteromerization of MOR and the galanin receptor subtype Gal1 (Gal1R). Also in transfected cells, a synthetic peptide selectively disrupted MOR-Gal1R heteromerization as well as specific interactions between MOR and Gal1R ligands: a negative cross talk, by which galanin counteracted MAPK activation induced by the endogenous MOR agonist endomorphin-1, and a cross-antagonism, by which a MOR antagonist counteracted MAPK activation induced by galanin. These specific interactions, which represented biochemical properties of the MOR-Gal1R heteromer, could then be identified in situ in slices of rat ventral tegmental area (VTA) with MAPK activation and two additional cell signaling pathways, AKT and CREB phosphorylation. Furthermore, in vivo microdialysis experiments showed that the disruptive peptide selectively counteracted the ability of galanin to block the dendritic dopamine release in the rat VTA induced by local infusion of endomorphin-1, demonstrating a key role of MOR-Gal1R heteromers localized in the VTA in the direct control of dopamine cell function and their ability to mediate antagonistic interactions between MOR and Gal1R ligands. The results also indicate that MOR-Gal1R heteromers should be viewed as targets for the treatment of opioid use disorders. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: The µ-opioid receptor (MOR) localized in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) plays a key role in the reinforcing and addictive properties of opioids. With parallel in vitro experiments in mammalian transfected cells and in situ and in vivo experiments in rat VTA, we demonstrate that a significant population of these MORs form functional heteromers with the galanin receptor subtype Gal1 (Gal1R), which modulate the activity of the VTA dopaminergic neurons. The MOR-Gal1R heteromer can explain previous results showing antagonistic galanin-opioid interactions and offers a new therapeutic target for the treatment of opioid use disorder.

Allosteric interactions between agonists and antagonists within the adenosine A2A receptor-dopamine D2 receptor heterotetramer.

Adenosine A2A receptor (A2AR)-dopamine D2 receptor (D2R) heteromers are key modulators of striatal neuronal function. It has been suggested that the psychostimulant effects of caffeine depend on its ability to block an allosteric modulation within the A2AR-D2R heteromer, by which adenosine decreases the affinity and intrinsic efficacy of dopamine at the D2R. We describe novel unsuspected allosteric mechanisms within the heteromer by which not only A2AR agonists, but also A2AR antagonists, decrease the affinity and intrinsic efficacy of D2R agonists and the affinity of D2R antagonists. Strikingly, these allosteric modulations disappear on agonist and antagonist coadministration. This can be explained by a model that considers A2AR-D2R heteromers as heterotetramers, constituted by A2AR and D2R homodimers, as demonstrated by experiments with bioluminescence resonance energy transfer and bimolecular fluorescence and bioluminescence complementation. As predicted by the model, high concentrations of A2AR antagonists behaved as A2AR agonists and decreased D2R function in the brain.

A Significant Role of the Truncated Ghrelin Receptor GHS-R1b in Ghrelin-induced Signaling in Neurons.

The truncated non-signaling ghrelin receptor growth hormone secretagogue R1b (GHS-R1b) has been suggested to simply exert a dominant negative role in the trafficking and signaling of the full and functional ghrelin receptor GHS-R1a. Here we reveal a more complex modulatory role of GHS-R1b. Differential co-expression of GHS-R1a and GHS-R1b, both in HEK-293T cells and in striatal and hippocampal neurons in culture, demonstrates that GHS-R1b acts as a dual modulator of GHS-R1a function: low relative GHS-R1b expression potentiates and high relative GHS-R1b expression inhibits GHS-R1a function by facilitating GHS-R1a trafficking to the plasma membrane and by exerting a negative allosteric effect on GHS-R1a signaling, respectively. We found a preferential Gi/o coupling of the GHS-R1a-GHS-R1b complex in HEK-293T cells and, unexpectedly, a preferential Gs/olf coupling in both striatal and hippocampal neurons in culture. A dopamine D1 receptor (D1R) antagonist blocked ghrelin-induced cAMP accumulation in striatal but not hippocampal neurons, indicating the involvement of D1R in the striatal GHS-R1a-Gs/olf coupling. Experiments in HEK-293T cells demonstrated that D1R co-expression promotes a switch in GHS-R1a-G protein coupling from Gi/o to Gs/olf, but only upon co-expression of GHS-R1b. Furthermore, resonance energy transfer experiments showed that D1R interacts with GHS-R1a, but only in the presence of GHS-R1b. Therefore, GHS-R1b not only determines the efficacy of ghrelin-induced GHS-R1a-mediated signaling but also determines the ability of GHS-R1a to form oligomeric complexes with other receptors, promoting profound qualitative changes in ghrelin-induced signaling.

Quaternary structure of a G-protein-coupled receptor heterotetramer in complex with Gi and Gs.

BACKGROUND: G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), in the form of monomers or homodimers that bind heterotrimeric G proteins, are fundamental in the transfer of extracellular stimuli to intracellular signaling pathways. Different GPCRs may also interact to form heteromers that are novel signaling units. Despite the exponential growth in the number of solved GPCR crystal structures, the structural properties of heteromers remain unknown. RESULTS: We used single-particle tracking experiments in cells expressing functional adenosine A1-A2A receptors fused to fluorescent proteins to show the loss of Brownian movement of the A1 receptor in the presence of the A2A receptor, and a preponderance of cell surface 2:2 receptor heteromers (dimer of dimers). Using computer modeling, aided by bioluminescence resonance energy transfer assays to monitor receptor homomerization and heteromerization and G-protein coupling, we predict the interacting interfaces and propose a quaternary structure of the GPCR tetramer in complex with two G proteins. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of results points to a molecular architecture formed by a rhombus-shaped heterotetramer, which is bound to two different interacting heterotrimeric G proteins (Gi and Gs). These novel results constitute an important advance in understanding the molecular intricacies involved in GPCR function.

G protein-coupled receptor oligomerization revisited: functional and pharmacological perspectives.

Most evidence indicates that, as for family C G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), family A GPCRs form homo- and heteromers. Homodimers seem to be a predominant species, with potential dynamic formation of higher-order oligomers, particularly tetramers. Although monomeric GPCRs can activate G proteins, the pentameric structure constituted by one GPCR homodimer and one heterotrimeric G protein may provide a main functional unit, and oligomeric entities can be viewed as multiples of dimers. It still needs to be resolved if GPCR heteromers are preferentially heterodimers or if they are mostly constituted by heteromers of homodimers. Allosteric mechanisms determine a multiplicity of possible unique pharmacological properties of GPCR homomers and heteromers. Some general mechanisms seem to apply, particularly at the level of ligand-binding properties. In the frame of the dimer-cooperativity model, the two-state dimer model provides the most practical method to analyze ligand-GPCR interactions when considering receptor homomers. In addition to ligand-binding properties, unique properties for each GPCR oligomer emerge in relation to different intrinsic efficacy of ligands for different signaling pathways (functional selectivity). This gives a rationale for the use of GPCR oligomers, and particularly heteromers, as novel targets for drug development. Herein, we review the functional and pharmacological properties of GPCR oligomers and provide some guidelines for the application of discrete direct screening and high-throughput screening approaches to the discovery of receptor-heteromer selective compounds.

Orexin-corticotropin-releasing factor receptor heteromers in the ventral tegmental area as targets for cocaine.

Release of the neuropeptides corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) and orexin-A in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) play an important role in stress-induced cocaine-seeking behavior. We provide evidence for pharmacologically significant interactions between CRF and orexin-A that depend on oligomerization of CRF1 receptor (CRF1R) and orexin OX1 receptors (OX1R). CRF1R-OX1R heteromers are the conduits of a negative crosstalk between orexin-A and CRF as demonstrated in transfected cells and rat VTA, in which they significantly modulate dendritic dopamine release. The cocaine target σ1 receptor (σ1R) also associates with the CRF1R-OX1R heteromer. Cocaine binding to the σ1R-CRF1R-OX1R complex promotes a long-term disruption of the orexin-A-CRF negative crosstalk. Through this mechanism, cocaine sensitizes VTA cells to the excitatory effects of both CRF and orexin-A, thus providing a mechanism by which stress induces cocaine seeking.

Equilibrative nucleoside transporter ENT1 as a biomarker of Huntington disease.

The initial goal of this study was to investigate alterations in adenosine A2A receptor (A2AR) density or function in a rat model of Huntington disease (HD) with reported insensitivity to an A2AR antagonist. Unsuspected negative results led to the hypothesis of a low striatal adenosine tone and to the search for the mechanisms involved. Extracellular striatal concentrations of adenosine were measured with in vivo microdialysis in two rodent models of early neuropathological stages of HD disease, the Tg51 rat and the zQ175 knock-in mouse. In view of the crucial role of the equilibrative nucleoside transporter (ENT1) in determining extracellular content of adenosine, the binding properties of the ENT1 inhibitor [3H]-S-(4-Nitrobenzyl)-6-thioinosine were evaluated in zQ175 mice and the differential expression and differential coexpression patterns of the ENT1 gene (SLC29A1) were analyzed in a large human cohort of HD disease and controls. Extracellular striatal levels of adenosine were significantly lower in both animal models as compared with control littermates and striatal ENT1 binding sites were significantly upregulated in zQ175 mice. ENT1 transcript was significantly upregulated in HD disease patients at an early neuropathological severity stage, but not those with a higher severity stage, relative to non-demented controls. ENT1 transcript was differentially coexpressed (gained correlations) with several other genes in HD disease subjects compared to the control group. The present study demonstrates that ENT1 and adenosine constitute biomarkers of the initial stages of neurodegeneration in HD disease and also predicts that ENT1 could constitute a new therapeutic target to delay the progression of the disease.

Evidence for the heterotetrameric structure of the adenosine A2A-dopamine D2 receptor complex.

Heteromers of G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) have emerged as potential novel targets for drug development. Accumulating evidence indicates that GPCRs can form homodimers and heteromers, with homodimers being the predominant species and oligomeric receptors being formed as multiples of dimers. Recently, heterotetrameric structures have been proposed for dopamine D1receptor (D1R)-dopamine D3receptor (D3R) and adenosine A2Areceptor (A2AR)-dopamine D2receptor (D2R) heteromers. The structural model proposed for these complexes is a heteromer constituted by two receptor homodimers. The existence of GPCR homodimers and heteromers provides a structural basis for inter-protomer allosteric mechanisms that might account for a multiplicity of unique pharmacological properties. In this review, we focus on the A2AR-D2R heterotetramer as an example of an oligomeric structure that is key in the modulation of striatal neuronal function. We also review the interfaces involved in this and other recently reported heteromers of GPCRs. Furthermore, we discuss several published studies showing theex vivoexpression of A2AR-D2R heteromers. The ability of A2AR agonists to decrease the affinity of D2R agonists has been reported and, on the basis of this interaction, A2AR antagonists have been proposed as potential drugs for the treatment of Parkinson's disease. The heterotetrameric structure of the A2AR-D2R complex offers a novel model that can provide new clues about how to adjust the drug dosage to the expected levels of endogenous adenosine.