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Dihydromunduletone Is a Small-Molecule Selective Adhesion G Protein-Coupled Receptor Antagonist
Hannah M Stoveken1, Laura L Bahr1, M W Anders1
1Department of Pharmacology and Physiology (H.M.S., L.L.B., M.W.A., A.P.W., A.V.S.), and Department of Anesthesiology (L.L.B., A.P.W.), University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York; and Department of Pharmacology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan (G.G.T.).
Researchers identified dihydromunduletone (DHM) as a novel antagonist for adhesion G protein-coupled receptors (aGPCRs). This small molecule shows potential for developing new therapeutics targeting these cancer-associated receptors.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Adhesion G protein-coupled receptors (aGPCRs) are crucial in development and tissue maintenance, and frequently mutated in cancers.
- Currently, no drugs target aGPCRs, despite their prevalence and disease association.
- aGPCRs activate via self-cleavage, exposing a tethered-peptide agonist upon ligand binding.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a screening method for identifying small-molecule inhibitors of GPR56/ADGRG1.
- To discover novel chemical probes and potential therapeutics for aGPCRs.
Main Methods:
- A serum response element (SRE)-luciferase-based screen was employed using a 2000-compound library.
- Inhibitors were selected based on GPR56-dependent SRE activation and lack of inhibition on constitutively active Gα13.
- Dihydromunduletone (DHM) was validated through cell-free binding assays and tested against various GPCRs.
Main Results:
- Dihydromunduletone (DHM) was identified as a potent inhibitor of GPR56 and GPR114/ADGRG5.
- DHM specifically antagonizes the tethered peptide agonist-stimulated activity of GPR56, not basal activity.
- DHM demonstrated selectivity, inhibiting specific aGPCRs but not other GPCR types like M3 or β2 adrenergic receptors.
Conclusions:
- Dihydromunduletone (DHM) is a novel antagonist for adhesion G protein-coupled receptors.
- DHM serves as a valuable chemical probe for aGPCR research.
- DHM represents a promising lead compound for future aGPCR-targeted therapeutic development.
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