Structure of the δ-opioid receptor bound to naltrindole

The opioid receptor family comprises three members, the μ-, δ- and κ-opioid receptors, which respond to classical opioid alkaloids such as morphine and heroin as well as to endogenous peptide ligands like endorphins. They belong to the G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) superfamily, and are excellent therapeutic targets for pain control. The δ-opioid receptor (δ-OR) has a role in analgesia, as well as in other neurological functions that remain poorly understood. The structures of the μ-OR and κ-OR have recently been solved. Here we report the crystal structure of the mouse δ-OR, bound to the subtype-selective antagonist naltrindole. Together with the structures of the μ-OR and κ-OR, the δ-OR structure provides insights into conserved elements of opioid ligand recognition while also revealing structural features associated with ligand-subtype selectivity. The binding pocket of opioid receptors can be divided into two distinct regions. Whereas the lower part of this pocket is highly conserved among opioid receptors, the upper part contains divergent residues that confer subtype selectivity. This provides a structural explanation and validation for the 'message-address' model of opioid receptor pharmacology, in which distinct 'message' (efficacy) and 'address' (selectivity) determinants are contained within a single ligand. Comparison of the address region of the δ-OR with other GPCRs reveals that this structural organization may be a more general phenomenon, extending to other GPCR families as well.     

Reduced antinociception and plasma extravasation in mice lacking a neuropeptide Y receptor

Neuropeptide Y (NPY) is believed to exert antinociceptive actions by inhibiting the release of substance P and other 'pain neurotransmitters' in the spinal cord dorsal horn. However, the physiological significance and potential therapeutic value of NPY remain obscure. It is also unclear which receptor subtype(s) are involved. To identify a possible physiological role for the NPY Y1 receptor in pain transmission, we generated NPY Y1 receptor null mutant (Y1-/-) mice by homologous recombination techniques. Here we show that Y1-/- mice develop hyperalgesia to acute thermal, cutaneous and visceral chemical pain, and exhibit mechanical hypersensitivity. Neuropathic pain is increased, and the mice show a complete absence of the pharmacological analgesic effects of NPY. In the periphery, Y1 receptor activation is sufficient and required for substance P release and the subsequent development of neurogenic inflammation and plasma leakage. We conclude that the Y1 receptor is required for central physiological and pharmacological NPY-induced analgesia and that its activation is both sufficient and required for the release of substance P and initiation of neurogenic inflammation.     

Structure of the nociceptin/orphanin FQ receptor in complex with a peptide mimetic

Members of the opioid receptor family of G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are found throughout the peripheral and central nervous system, where they have key roles in nociception and analgesia. Unlike the 'classical' opioid receptors, δ, κ and μ (δ-OR, κ-OR and μ-OR), which were delineated by pharmacological criteria in the 1970s and 1980s, the nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) peptide receptor (NOP, also known as ORL-1) was discovered relatively recently by molecular cloning and characterization of an orphan GPCR. Although it shares high sequence similarity with classical opioid GPCR subtypes (～60%), NOP has a markedly distinct pharmacology, featuring activation by the endogenous peptide N/OFQ, and unique selectivity for exogenous ligands. Here we report the crystal structure of human NOP, solved in complex with the peptide mimetic antagonist compound-24 (C-24) (ref. 4), revealing atomic details of ligand-receptor recognition and selectivity. Compound-24 mimics the first four amino-terminal residues of the NOP-selective peptide antagonist UFP-101, a close derivative of N/OFQ, and provides important clues to the binding of these peptides. The X-ray structure also shows substantial conformational differences in the pocket regions between NOP and the classical opioid receptors κ (ref. 5) and μ (ref. 6), and these are probably due to a small number of residues that vary between these receptors. The NOP-compound-24 structure explains the divergent selectivity profile of NOP and provides a new structural template for the design of NOP ligands.     

Crystal structure of the µ-opioid receptor bound to a morphinan antagonist

Opium is one of the world's oldest drugs, and its derivatives morphine and codeine are among the most used clinical drugs to relieve severe pain. These prototypical opioids produce analgesia as well as many undesirable side effects (sedation, apnoea and dependence) by binding to and activating the G-protein-coupled μ-opioid receptor (μ-OR) in the central nervous system. Here we describe the 2.8?? crystal structure of the mouse μ-OR in complex with an irreversible morphinan antagonist. Compared to the buried binding pocket observed in most G-protein-coupled receptors published so far, the morphinan ligand binds deeply within a large solvent-exposed pocket. Of particular interest, the μ-OR crystallizes as a two-fold symmetrical dimer through a four-helix bundle motif formed by transmembrane segments 5 and 6. These high-resolution insights into opioid receptor structure will enable the application of structure-based approaches to develop better drugs for the management of pain and addiction.     

Structure of the human κ-opioid receptor in complex with JDTic

Opioid receptors mediate the actions of endogenous and exogenous opioids on many physiological processes, including the regulation of pain, respiratory drive, mood, and--in the case of κ-opioid receptor (κ-OR)--dysphoria and psychotomimesis. Here we report the crystal structure of the human κ-OR in complex with the selective antagonist JDTic, arranged in parallel dimers, at 2.9?? resolution. The structure reveals important features of the ligand-binding pocket that contribute to the high affinity and subtype selectivity of JDTic for the human κ-OR. Modelling of other important κ-OR-selective ligands, including the morphinan-derived antagonists norbinaltorphimine and 5'-guanidinonaltrindole, and the diterpene agonist salvinorin A analogue RB-64, reveals both common and distinct features for binding these diverse chemotypes. Analysis of site-directed mutagenesis and ligand structure-activity relationships confirms the interactions observed in the crystal structure, thereby providing a molecular explanation for κ-OR subtype selectivity, and essential insights for the design of compounds with new pharmacological properties targeting the human κ-OR.     

Excitatory transmission from the amygdala to nucleus accumbens facilitates reward seeking

The basolateral amygdala (BLA) has a crucial role in emotional learning irrespective of valence. The BLA projection to the nucleus accumbens (NAc) is thought to modulate cue-triggered motivated behaviours, but our understanding of the interaction between these two brain regions has been limited by the inability to manipulate neural-circuit elements of this pathway selectively during behaviour. To circumvent this limitation, we used in vivo optogenetic stimulation or inhibition of glutamatergic fibres from the BLA to the NAc, coupled with intracranial pharmacology and ex vivo electrophysiology. Here we show that optical stimulation of the pathway from the BLA to the NAc in mice reinforces behavioural responding to earn additional optical stimulation of these synaptic inputs. Optical stimulation of these glutamatergic fibres required intra-NAc dopamine D1-type receptor signalling, but not D2-type receptor signalling. Brief optical inhibition of fibres from the BLA to the NAc reduced cue-evoked intake of sucrose, demonstrating an important role of this specific pathway in controlling naturally occurring reward-related behaviour. Moreover, although optical stimulation of glutamatergic fibres from the medial prefrontal cortex to the NAc also elicited reliable excitatory synaptic responses, optical self-stimulation behaviour was not observed by activation of this pathway. These data indicate that whereas the BLA is important for processing both positive and negative affect, the glutamatergic pathway from the BLA to the NAc, in conjunction with dopamine signalling in the NAc, promotes motivated behavioural responding. Thus, optogenetic manipulation of anatomically distinct synaptic inputs to the NAc reveals functionally distinct properties of these inputs in controlling reward-seeking behaviours.     

Gut hormone PYY(3-36) physiologically inhibits food intake

Food intake is regulated by the hypothalamus, including the melanocortin and neuropeptide Y (NPY) systems in the arcuate nucleus. The NPY Y2 receptor (Y2R), a putative inhibitory presynaptic receptor, is highly expressed on NPY neurons in the arcuate nucleus, which is accessible to peripheral hormones. Peptide YY(3-36) (PYY(3-36)), a Y2R agonist, is released from the gastrointestinal tract postprandially in proportion to the calorie content of a meal. Here we show that peripheral injection of PYY(3-36) in rats inhibits food intake and reduces weight gain. PYY(3-36) also inhibits food intake in mice but not in Y2r-null mice, which suggests that the anorectic effect requires the Y2R. Peripheral administration of PYY(3-36) increases c-Fos immunoreactivity in the arcuate nucleus and decreases hypothalamic Npy messenger RNA. Intra-arcuate injection of PYY(3-36) inhibits food intake. PYY(3-36) also inhibits electrical activity of NPY nerve terminals, thus activating adjacent pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) neurons. In humans, infusion of normal postprandial concentrations of PYY(3-36) significantly decreases appetite and reduces food intake by 33% over 24 h. Thus, postprandial elevation of PYY(3-36) may act through the arcuate nucleus Y2R to inhibit feeding in a gut-hypothalamic pathway.     

Genetic variation in human NPY expression affects stress response and emotion

Understanding inter-individual differences in stress response requires the explanation of genetic influences at multiple phenotypic levels, including complex behaviours and the metabolic responses of brain regions to emotional stimuli. Neuropeptide Y (NPY) is anxiolytic and its release is induced by stress. NPY is abundantly expressed in regions of the limbic system that are implicated in arousal and in the assignment of emotional valences to stimuli and memories. Here we show that haplotype-driven NPY expression predicts brain responses to emotional and stress challenges and also inversely correlates with trait anxiety. NPY haplotypes predicted levels of NPY messenger RNA in post-mortem brain and lymphoblasts, and levels of plasma NPY. Lower haplotype-driven NPY expression predicted higher emotion-induced activation of the amygdala, as well as diminished resiliency as assessed by pain/stress-induced activations of endogenous opioid neurotransmission in various brain regions. A single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP rs16147) located in the promoter region alters NPY expression in vitro and seems to account for more than half of the variation in expression in vivo. These convergent findings are consistent with the function of NPY as an anxiolytic peptide and help to explain inter-individual variation in resiliency to stress, a risk factor for many diseases.     

波纹唇鱼神经肽Y基因的克隆及原核表达

以波纹唇鱼为实验对象,采用同源基因克隆技术和RACE技术得到神经肽Y基因的cDNA全长序列.波纹唇鱼npy的cDNA全长序列为645 bp,包含59 bp的5'UTR、300 bp的ORF和286 bp的3'UTR.分子进化的比对分析表明,波纹唇鱼NPY前体与斜带石斑鱼和锯隆头鱼的亲缘关系最近.波纹唇鱼ORF编码99个氨基酸,NPY前体多肽包括:信号肽、成熟肽、Gly-Lys-Arg翻译后加工位点和羧基末端侧翼肽段(CPON).该NPY前体的预测分子质量为11.27 kD,理论等电点为5.51.采用pET-32a(+)原核表达系统构建波纹唇鱼npy基因的原核表达重组子pET-32a(+)-NPY,并获得重组菌株.对重组蛋白表达菌株进行培养条件优化,结果表明:该菌株在30℃,0.6 mmol/L IPTG,培养时间8 h的条件下,重组蛋白的表达效率最高.     

Neuropeptide Y functions as a neuroproliferative factor

Neuropeptide Y (NPY) has a number of functions in mammalian physiology. Here we identify a role for NPY in promoting proliferation of postnatal neuronal precursor cells. NPY is synthesized in the postnatal olfactory epithelium by sustentacular cells, previously proposed to function only in structural support. Mice with a targeted deletion of NPY contain half as many dividing olfactory neuronal precursor cells as do controls. Furthermore, NPY-deficient mice develop significantly fewer olfactory neurons by adulthood. NPY acts on multipotent neuronal precursor or basal cells to activate rapidly and transiently the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)1/2 subgroup of mitogen-activated protein kinases. The NPY Y1 receptor subtype appears to mediate this effect. The ability of NPY to induce neuronal precursor proliferation is mediated by protein kinase C (PKC), indicating an upstream PKC-dependent activation of ERK1/2. These results indicate that NPY may regulate neuronal precursor proliferation in the adult mammal.     

NPY基因SNPs与鸡屠体性状的关联分析

利用PCR-SSCP法对AA肉鸡、仙居鸡(兼用型)和罗曼蛋鸡神经肽Y(NPY)基因全序列进行了单核苷酸多态(SNPs)检测.在基因内含子2中发现了5个紧密连锁的碱基变异位点:T2623C,C2704T,T2776G,T2787C和A2821G,这5个位点以单倍型的方式在突变基因型个体中遗传;各品种间NPY 基因AA野生型、AB杂合型和BB突变型基因及基因型频率分布差异极显著(P<0.01);基因型对鸡腹脂率、腿肌率及肝重有显著影响,BB基因型个体的腹脂率、腿肌率显著高于AA型和AB型,AB型个体的肝重显著高于AA型和BB型.因此,NPY基因可能是影响鸡脂肪沉积和屠体性状的主效基因或与主效基因相连锁.     

Influence of magnetic field on nitric oxide and neuropeptide Y in rat adrenal gland

We have investigated the effects of magnetic fields on nitric acid (NO) and neuropeptide Y (NPY) on adrenal glands of the rat using NO nitric acid reductase-spectrophotometry ↭d histochemistry techniques. We found that all cellular layers of the adrenal cortex, including zona glomerulosa, zona fasciculata and zona reticularis were stained by NADPH-d, and some chromaffin cells of the medulla were positive for NPY. Furthermore, magnetic fields increased NO so strongly that high NO levels could be maintained for several hours, as well as some neuroganglion cells in medulla that were double-stained for NPY and NADPH-d. Our data showed that the magnetic field can regulate endocrine and neuroendocrine directly by some action on parenchyma cells, or indirectly by action to NO-ergic, NPY-ergic neurons in the adrenal gland.     

铸态Mg-2Nd-0.2Zn-0.4Zr-xY镁合金组织及力学性能

采用光学显微镜(OM)、扫描电子显微镜(SEM)、X线衍射分析(XRD)及力学性能测试等手段,研究不同含量稀土元素Y(4%,6%,8%,质量分数)对Mg-2%Nd-0.2%Zn-0.4%Zr镁合金铸态显微组织及力学性能的影响。结果表明:在Mg-2%Nd-0.2%Zn-0.4%Zr镁合金中添加Y可以明显细化合金晶粒,其中加入6%Y时效果最佳;合金晶粒粒径由100μm细化至35μm。未添加稀土元素的Mg-2%Nd-0.2%Zn-0.4Zr铸态合金中主要存在Mg12Nd相;加入稀土元素Y后,Nd和Y分别以Mg41Nd5和Mg24Y5化合物形式存在,合金的力学性能得到提高。其中加入6%Y的合金综合力学性能最好,抗拉强度和屈服强度分别提高至245 MPa和150 MPa,而伸长率大幅提高至16%,较未加稀土元素Y的合金提高191%;当Y含量达到8%时,合金综合力学性能下降。     

乳胞素诱导帕金森病大鼠模型行为学及病理学观察

目的用乳胞素诱导SD大鼠建立帕金森病(Parkinson’s Disease,PD)模型,并进行行为学及病理学观察。方法乳胞素/DMSO(8μg/2μL)定向注射模型组大鼠左侧脑黑质内,DMSO组注射DMSO。于手术后第6、13和20天采用阿朴吗啡旋转实验检测行为学改变,用免疫组织化学法检测脑组织切片,进行TH阳性细胞计数及观察α突触核蛋白(α-synuclein,α-syn)聚集情况。结果模型组中SD大鼠向右旋转速度大于7 r/min;脑组织切片中可见α-syn聚集。与对照组相比,模型大鼠脑组织切片中TH阳性细胞数显著减少(P<0.05),模型组第10天处死大鼠与第20天处死大鼠相比,TH阳性细胞数差异具有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论乳胞素单侧黑质内注射可以诱导大鼠PD模型。     

Y2O3：Er纳米透明陶瓷的制备及其显微结构研究

以甘氨酸为燃烧剂,采用低温燃烧法制备了Y2O3：Er纳米前驱体粉末,采用XRD和TEM对纳米粉末的物相结构及其形貌进行了表征,结果表明前驱纳米粉末为分散均匀、轻微硬团聚、粒径均一、Y2O3立方晶相。前驱纳米粉末经研磨、高压钢模成型和1570℃真空烧结6h得到Y2O3：Er透明陶瓷。通过光学显微镜对陶瓷表面及断裂面观察和分析,定性讨论了低温燃烧法制备的纳米粉体的特性对陶瓷透光性的影响。     

A role for ghrelin in the central regulation of feeding

Ghrelin is an acylated peptide that stimulates the release of growth hormone from the pituitary. Ghrelin-producing neurons are located in the hypothalamus, whereas ghrelin receptors are expressed in various regions of the brain, which is indicative of central-and as yet undefined-physiological functions. Here we show that ghrelin is involved in the hypothalamic regulation of energy homeostasis. Intracerebroventricular injections of ghrelin strongly stimulated feeding in rats and increased body weight gain. Ghrelin also increased feeding in rats that are genetically deficient in growth hormone. Anti-ghrelin immunoglobulin G robustly suppressed feeding. After intracerebroventricular ghrelin administration, Fos protein, a marker of neuronal activation, was found in regions of primary importance in the regulation of feeding, including neuropeptide Y6 (NPY) neurons and agouti-related protein (AGRP) neurons. Antibodies and antagonists of NPY and AGRP abolished ghrelin-induced feeding. Ghrelin augmented NPY gene expression and blocked leptin-induced feeding reduction, implying that there is a competitive interaction between ghrelin and leptin in feeding regulation. We conclude that ghrelin is a physiological mediator of feeding, and probably has a function in growth regulation by stimulating feeding and release of growth hormone.     

Identification of nesfatin-1 as a satiety molecule in the hypothalamus

The brain hypothalamus contains certain secreted molecules that are important in regulating feeding behaviour. Here we show that nesfatin, corresponding to NEFA/nucleobindin2 (NUCB2), a secreted protein of unknown function, is expressed in the appetite-control hypothalamic nuclei in rats. Intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) injection of NUCB2 reduces feeding. Rat cerebrospinal fluid contains nesfatin-1, an amino-terminal fragment derived from NUCB2, and its expression is decreased in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus under starved conditions. I.c.v. injection of nesfatin-1 decreases food intake in a dose-dependent manner, whereas injection of an antibody neutralizing nesfatin-1 stimulates appetite. In contrast, i.c.v. injection of other possible fragments processed from NUCB2 does not promote satiety, and conversion of NUCB2 to nesfatin-1 is necessary to induce feeding suppression. Chronic i.c.v. injection of nesfatin-1 reduces body weight, whereas rats gain body weight after chronic i.c.v. injection of antisense morpholino oligonucleotide against the gene encoding NUCB2. Nesfatin-1-induced anorexia occurs in Zucker rats with a leptin receptor mutation, and an anti-nesfatin-1 antibody does not block leptin-induced anorexia. In contrast, central injection of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone elevates NUCB2 gene expression in the paraventricular nucleus, and satiety by nesfatin-1 is abolished by an antagonist of the melanocortin-3/4 receptor. We identify nesfatin-1 as a satiety molecule that is associated with melanocortin signalling in the hypothalamus.     

Naloxone-reversible effect of opioids on pinocytosis in Amoeba proteus

A characteristic feature of induced pinocytosis in Amoeba proteus is the formation of broad channels by invagination of the cell membrane. This process, which requires Ca2+, occurs in response to depolarising cations. High Ca2+ levels reduce pinocytosis induced by cations such as Na+ and Tris+, whereas pinocytosis induced by K+ is less affected by Ca2+ (ref. 4). Agents which interfere with the calcium metabolism of the amoeba will therefore either stimulate or inhibit pinocytosis induced by Na+ (ref. 5). Among the agents which are supposed to reduce Ca2+ influx across cell membranes or otherwise decrease cellular availability of Ca2+ are the opiates and opioid peptides, high doses of which have been reported to affect the amoeba. Accordingly, Met-enkephalin, morphine and codeine potentiate the inhibition of pinocytosis caused by Ca2+-binding agents and reverse the calcium blockade of pinocytosis mediated by caffeine. In this report we show that pinocytosis induced by Na+ or Tris+ is suppressed by beta-endorphin, Metenkephalin and morphine. These effects were abolished or diminished by an opiate receptor antagonist, (-)naloxone, by increasing the Na+ concentration, or by addition of Ca2+.     

海洛因依赖大鼠VTA突触传递可塑性的研究

目的观察海洛因依赖大鼠中脑腹侧被盖区（vental tegment area,VTA）-伏隔核（nucleu accumbens,NAc）突触传递可塑性的变化。方法 SD雄性大鼠40只（180～220 g）,随机分成对照组、海洛因依赖组（以下称依赖组）。按剂量递增原则,皮下注射海洛因,2次/d（9：00 am,16：00 pm）,连续9 d（首日海洛因剂量3 mg/kg,逐日递增3 mg/kg）,第10天用纳络酮催促戒断,确定大鼠海洛因成瘾模型成功建立。对照组按同样方式注射等量0.9%NaCl水溶液。海洛因依赖模型建立后,每天继续给海洛因维持量（27 mg/kg）。按大鼠脑立体定位图谱分别刺激VTA和NAc,并分别在NAc和VTA引导群体峰电位（Population spike,PS）（刺激参数：5 V,200 HZ,波宽300μs）。结果 1）建立的海洛因依赖模型组大鼠催促戒断症状的评分符合成瘾模型评分标准;2）海洛因依赖组分别高频刺激VTA和NAc,并分别在NAc和VTA引导长时程增强（long-term potentiation,LTP）,其LTP的PS低于对照组（P〈0.05）。结论 1）提示VTA和NAc之间存在着突触传递的通路;2）提示在海洛因的作用下,该通路的突触传递发生了可塑性的变化。