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Updated: May 17, 2026

Drug-induced Sensitization of Adenylyl Cyclase: Assay Streamlining and Miniaturization for Small Molecule and siRNA Screening Applications
Published on: January 27, 2014
EGFR dependent subcellular communication was responsible for morphine mediated AC superactivation
Hui Zhao1, Gencheng Wu, Xiaoding Cao
1Department of Integrative Medicine and Neurobiology, National Key lab of Medical Neurobiology, Institute of Brain Research Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, PR China. zhaohui07054@fudan.edu.cn
Abstract:
Compensatory adenylyl cyclase (AC) superactivation has been postulated to be responsible for the development of morphine tolerance and dependence, the underlying mechanism was demonstrated to comprise c-Src-dependent upregulation of AC5 within the lipid rafts. In the present study, we demonstrated that chronic morphine treatment sensitized EGFR signaling by augmenting EGFR phosphorylation and translocation into ER, which was essential for CRT-MOR tethering within the lipid rafts and AC5 superactivation. Intriguingly, synaptic clustering of CRT-MOR was dependent on EGFR phosphorylation and presumed to implicate in alignment and organization of synaptic compartments. Taken together, our data raised the possibility that an adaptive change in MOR and EGFR signal systems might establish CRT related subcellular communication, the signaling network within brain synaptic zone was proposed to implicate in morphine tolerance and dependence.
Insights
Morphine tolerance and dependence involve EGFR-mediated signaling. Chronic morphine sensitizes EGFR, promoting CRT-MOR tethering and adenylyl cyclase superactivation, crucial for synaptic organization and drug adaptation.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Compensatory adenylyl cyclase (AC) superactivation is linked to morphine tolerance and dependence.
- This mechanism involves c-Src-dependent upregulation of AC5 within lipid rafts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of EGFR signaling in morphine tolerance and dependence.
- To elucidate the mechanism of CRT-MOR tethering and AC5 superactivation.
Main Methods:
- Examined EGFR phosphorylation and translocation into the ER following chronic morphine treatment.
- Investigated the role of EGFR phosphorylation in CRT-MOR tethering within lipid rafts.
- Assessed the impact of EGFR signaling on AC5 superactivation and synaptic clustering.
Main Results:
- Chronic morphine treatment sensitized EGFR signaling, increasing EGFR phosphorylation and ER translocation.
- EGFR phosphorylation was essential for CRT-MOR tethering in lipid rafts, leading to AC5 superactivation.
- Synaptic clustering of CRT-MOR depended on EGFR phosphorylation, suggesting a role in synaptic organization.
Conclusions:
- Adaptive changes in MOR and EGFR signaling establish CRT-related subcellular communication.
- The proposed signaling network within the brain synaptic zone implicates in morphine tolerance and dependence.
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