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Negative allosteric modulation of the metabotropic glutamate 5 (mGlu5) receptor has emerged as a potential strategy for the treatment of neurological disorders. Despite the success in preclinical studies, many mGlu5 negative allosteric modulators (NAMs) that have reached clinical trials failed due to lack of efficacy. In this study, we provide a detailed in vitro pharmacological characterization of nine clinically and preclinically tested NAMs. We evaluated inhibition of L-glutamate-induced signaling with Ca2+ mobilization, inositol monophosphate (IP1) accumulation, extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) phosphorylation, and real-time receptor internalization assays on rat mGlu5 expressed in HEK293A cells. Moreover, we determined association (kon) and dissociation (koff) rates, as well as NAM affinity with [3H]methoxy-PEPy binding experiments. kon and koff values varied greatly between the nine NAMs (34- and 139-fold, respectively) resulting in long receptor residence times (>400 min) for basimglurant and mavoglurant, medium residence times (10-30 min) for AZD2066, remeglurant and (RS)-remeglurant, and low residence time (<10 min) for dipraglurant, F169521, F1699611 and STX107. We found that all NAMs inhibited L-glutamate induced mGlu5 receptor internalization, generally with a similar potency to IP1 accumulation and ERK1/2 phosphorylation while Ca2+ mobilization was less potently inhibited. Operational model of allosterism analyses revealed that dipraglurant and (RS)-remeglurant were biased towards (affinity) receptor internalization and away (cooperativity) from the ERK1/2 phosphorylation pathway, respectively. Our study is the first to measure binding kinetics and negative allosteric modulation of mGlu5 receptor internalization, and adds significant new knowledge about the molecular pharmacology of a diverse range of clinically relevant NAMs. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: The metabotropic glutamate 5 (mGlu5) receptor is important in many brain func

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) constitute the largest family of receptors and membrane proteins in the human genome with ~800 members of which half are olfactory. GPCRs are activated by a very broad range of endogenous signalling molecules and are involved in a plethora of physiological functions. All GPCRs contain a transmembrane domain, consisting of a bundle of seven α-helices spanning the cell membrane, and forming the majority of the known ortho- or allosteric ligand binding sites. Due to their many physiological functions and the accessible and druggable transmembrane pocket, GPCRs constitute the largest family of drug targets mediating the actions of 34% of currently marketed drugs. GPCRs activate one or more of the four G protein families (Gq/11 , Gi/o , Gs and G12/13 ) and/or ß-arrestin. About a third of the non-olfactory GPCRs are referred to as orphan receptors which means that their endogenous agonist(s) have not yet been found or firmly established. In this MiniReview, we focus on the orphan GPR139 receptor, for which the aromatic amino acids L-Trp and L-Phe as well as ACTH/α-MSH-related peptides have been proposed as endogenous agonists. GPR139 has been reported to activate several G protein pathways of which Gq/11 is the primary one. The receptor shows the highest expression in the striatum, thalamus, hypothalamus, pituitary and habenula of the human, rat and mouse CNS. We review the surrogate agonists and antagonists that have been published as well as the agonist pharmacophore and binding site. Finally, the putative physiological functions and therapeutic potential are outlined.

The peptidergic system is the most abundant network of ligand-receptor-mediated signaling in humans. However, the physiological roles remain elusive for numerous peptides and more than 100 G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). Here we report the pairing of cognate peptides and receptors. Integrating comparative genomics across 313 species and bioinformatics on all protein sequences and structures of human class A GPCRs, we identify universal characteristics that uncover additional potential peptidergic signaling systems. Using three orthogonal biochemical assays, we pair 17 proposed endogenous ligands with five orphan GPCRs that are associated with diseases, including genetic, neoplastic, nervous and reproductive system disorders. We also identify additional peptides for nine receptors with recognized ligands and pathophysiological roles. This integrated computational and multifaceted experimental approach expands the peptide-GPCR network and opens the way for studies to elucidate the roles of these signaling systems in human physiology and disease. VIDEO ABSTRACT.

Cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) is a common second messenger that mediates numerous biological responses. Intracellular cAMP levels are increased by activation of G(s)-coupled G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) and decreased by activation of G(i)-coupled GPCRs via the adenylyl cyclase. Many end-point assays for quantifying GPCR-mediated changes in intracellular cAMP levels exist. More recently, fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET)-based cAMP biosensors that can quantify intracellular cAMP levels in real time have been developed. These FRET-based cAMP biosensors have been used primarily in single cell FRET microscopy to monitor and visualize changes in cAMP upon GPCR activation. Here, a similar cAMP biosensor with a more efficient mCerulean/mCitrine FRET pair is described for use in the 384-well plate format. After cloning and expression in HEK293 cells, the biosensor is characterized in the 384-well plate format and used for measuring the signaling of the G(s)-coupled ß(2)-adrenergic receptor. The procedures described may be applied for other FRET-based biosensors in terms of characterization and conversion to the 384-well plate format.

Recently, a novel type of antimicrobial and proteolytically stable peptidomimetic oligomers having an α-peptide-β-peptoid chimeric backbone was reported. The present paper describes efficient protocols for the preparation of a wide range of dimeric building blocks, displaying different types of side-chains, for use in solid-phase synthesis (SPS) of libraries of this type of oligomers. The β-peptoid monomers were obtained by microwave-assisted aza-Michael additions to acrylic esters. Subsequent solution-phase peptide coupling with suitably protected α-amino acids afforded dimeric intermediates. Even sluggish peptide couplings, involving sterically hindered N-alkyl-β-alanines or amino acids with bulky side-chains, gave high yields on multigram-scale when using microwave (MW) irradiation. Protecting group and side-chain manipulations were performed as one-pot solution-phase procedures to afford ten different building blocks in good to excellent yields. Finally, the efficiency of SPS oligomerization of a representative dimer was demonstrated by preparing 10- to 16-residue homomers and by the assembly of four different building blocks to give a diversely functionalized octamer., Recently, a novel type of antimicrobial and proteolytically stable peptidomimetic oligomers having an α-peptide-β-peptoid chimeric backbone was reported. The present paper describes efficient protocols for the preparation of a wide range of dimeric building blocks, displaying different types of side-chains, for use in solid-phase synthesis (SPS) of libraries of this type of oligomers. The β-peptoid monomers were obtained by microwave-assisted aza-Michael additions to acrylic esters. Subsequent solution-phase peptide coupling with suitably protected α-amino acids afforded dimeric intermediates. Even sluggish peptide couplings, involving sterically hindered N-alkyl-β-alanines or amino acids with bulky side-chains, gave high yields on multigram-scale when using microwave (MW) irradiation. Protecting group and side-chain manipulations were performed as one-pot solution-phase procedures to afford ten different building blocks in good to excellent yields. Finally, the efficiency of SPS oligomerization of a representative dimer was demonstrated by preparing 10- to 16-residue homomers and by the assembly of four different building blocks to give a diversely functionalized octamer.