Drugs - new Flashcards
(137 cards)
Name the 6 drug types of interest that interact with GPCRs
- Mescalin
- Psilocybin
- Opiates (enkephalins)
- Muscarin (Acetylcholine)
- Caffeine (Adenosine)
- Cannabis (THC)
Describe the 6 steps of the G-protein activation/deactivation cycle (can be a drawing if you want)
- Binding of hormone induces a conformational change in receptor
- Activated receptor binds Gα subunit
- Activated receptor causes conformational change in Gα’ triggering dissociation of GDP
- Binding of GTP to Gα triggers dissociation of Gα both from the receptor and from Gβγ
- Hormone dissociates from receptor; Gα binds to effector, activating it
- Hydrolysis of GTP to GDP causes Gα to dissociate from effector and re-associate with Gβγ

What is a GPCR?
- G-protein-coupled-receptor
- 7TM receptor protein
- Upon ligand binding, it sets off a G-protein activation/deactivation cycle that can set off signaling pathways
Describe a heterotrimeric G-protein
- Made up of 3 subunits:
- GTPases that hydrolyze GTP
- Molecular switches
- Gβ and Gγ = Gα must dissociate from these two to work
- Gα = The really important one
- when GTP bound (on form) will bind effector protein, leading to stimulation or inhibition of target enzyme
Name 4 ways in which G-proteins may be modified by lipids
- G αS Palmitoylation at N-terminus: Palmitic acid on cysteine thioester linkage – reversible – Palmitic acid (Palm oil)
- G αi Myristoylation and Palmitoylation – Mysteric acid (nutmeg)
- G γ Prenylation – prenyl group
- Farnesylation or geranylageranylation to CAAX-Box at C-terminus
Name 2 ways in which G-proteins may be modifed via pathogenic ADP-ribosylation
- Vibrio cholera: produces ADP-ribosyltransferase specific for Gsα
- Bordella pertussis produces ADP-ribosyltransferase specific for Gi
What is the purpose of adenylate cyclase?
also known as adenylyl cyclase
Catalyzes the conversion of ATP to cAMP + pyrophosphate
Name 3 major pathways of cAMP signaling
- protein Kinase A (PKA) activation
- -Regulation of ion channels
- -Cross Talk with growth factor receptor signalling
What role does PKA play in glycogen breakdown?
targets enzymes, leading to glycogen breakdown
- PKA phosphorylates Glycogen synthase - deacctivates it
- PKA phosphorylates Phosphorylase kinase - activates it, leading to breakdown of glycogen
What role does PKA play in activation of CREB?
- PKA phosphorylates KID box
- CBP (CREB binding protein) - CREB coactivator
- CBP recognizes and binds to CREB after KID box is phosphorylated.
What molecule is:
- Is a transcription factor
- immediate early genes are targets
- Activates genes very quickly (within minutes)
- Neuronal rapid response genes - plays a major role in stabilizing memory (especially long term memory)
- Role of CREB (cAMP response element binding protein)
Name the 3 classes of phosphlipid modification enzymes
- Phospholipases
- lipid kinases
- lipid phosphatases
What 2 secondary messengers are created by phospholipase C, and where are they localized?
- DAG: remains in membrane
- IP3: moves to ER to open Ca2+ channels
What are the 3 steps to Phospholipase C (PLC) activation?
- -GSα activates AC (adenylyl Cyclase)
- -Giα inactivates AC
- Gq activates PLC (phospholipase C)
Name 3 tools in the Ca2+ signaling toolkit
- ATP driven Ca2+ pumps: remove Ca2+ from cytoplasm
- Ca2+ release channels: release Ca2+ in response to stimuli
- -Voltage gated channels
- -Receptor operated channels
- -Second messenger operated channels (IP3)
- Buffers: bind free Ca2+ in cytoplasm and ER
- -Calmodulin
- -Careticulin
Group of terpeno-phenolic compounds produced by plants of the genus Cannabis, such as Cannabis indica or Cannabis sativa
Phytocannabinoids
What are teh 2 main cannabinoids?
- Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC): anti-nociception and psychoactivity (hallcinations and other unwanted effects)
- Cannabidiol (CBD): anti-anxiety, anti-epileptic, anti-bactterial, anti-inflammatory. Little or no psychoactivity. Can potentially treat neuropathic pain.
Why can cannabinoids persist in the body for a long time?
Are highly lipid soluble
Where are cannabinoids concentrated in the plant?
Glandular trichomes of female plant
Why do plants synthesize cannabinoids?
- THC is assumed to be involved in self defense, potentially against herbivores
- THC posseses high UV-B absorption properties
- protects plants from UV radiation?
CB1 receptor:
What is its ligand?
where is it localized?
Where is it coupled to?
What is its action?
- What is its ligand?
- cannabinoids
- where is it localized?
- presynapses
- Where is it coupled to?
- mainly Gi
- What is its action?
- inhibition of adenylate cyclase
CB2
What is its ligand?
where is it localized?
Where is it coupled to?
What is its action?
- What is its ligand?
- Cannabinoids
- where is it localized?
- outside CNS (Spleen)
- Where is it coupled to?
- mainly coupled to Gi
- What is its action?
- can be upregulated in response to injury and inflammation
Name 4 functions of both CB1 and CB2 upon activation
- Mediate inhibition of neurotransmitter release
- Block Ca2+ channels
- Activate K+ channels
- Activate MAP kinase
AT which two synapses is neurotransmission inhibited upon activation of CB1?
Inhibition of synaptic neurotransmission at both:
- -inhibitory synapses (GABA)
- -Excitatory synapses (glutamate)






