Lysophosphatidic Acid Receptor Research Articles

Pharmacokinetics of Fipaxalparant, a Small-Molecule Selective Negative Allosteric Modulatorof Lysophosphatidic Acid Receptor 1, and the Effect of Food in Healthy Volunteers.

Dysregulated lysophosphatidic acid receptor 1 (LPAR1) signaling is implicated in fibrotic diseases, including systemic sclerosis (SSc) and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Fipaxalparant (HZN-825) is a small molecule acting as a negative allosteric modulator of LPAR1 and is in phase 2 clinical evaluations for treating diffuse cutaneous SSc and IPF. This open-label, phase 1 study examined the pharmacokinetics (PKs), food effect, and safety of fipaxalparant in healthy volunteers. Dose proportionality was evaluated for fipaxalparant single doses of 150, 300, and 450mg under fasted conditions. Food effect was tested with a 450-mg single dose under fasted conditions or with a high-fat meal. Multiple-dose PKs for twice-daily dosing of either 300 or 450mg with low- or high-fat meals was also assessed. Fipaxalparant was safe and well tolerated in healthy volunteers (n = 36) under all conditions. Fipaxalparant exposure increased in a less than dose-proportional manner from 150 to 450mg. At 450mg, a high-fat meal increased the maximum observed concentration and area under the curve by approximately 1.9- and 2.1-fold, respectively. These results, combined with prior preclinical and phase 2a data, informed dose selection of fipaxalparant 300mg once and twice daily with a meal for phase 2b studies.

Case report: Exploring autosomal recessive woolly hair: genetic and scanning electron microscopic perspectives on a Japanese patient

Woolly hair (WH) is a hair shaft anomaly characterized by tightly curled hair that typically stops growing at a few inches. Autosomal recessive WH (ARWH; OMIM no. 278150/604379/616760) has been reported to be caused by variants in genes coding lysophosphatidic acid receptor 6 (LPAR6), lipase H (LIPH), or keratin 25 (KRT25). In this study, we conducted a scanning electron microscopic (SEM) examination of the hair of a 3-year-old Japanese ARWH patient. The SEM revealed that her affected hair had an irregular and rough cuticle compared to her mother’s hair. Many irregular small projections and longitudinal grooves were seen on the surface of the patient’s hair shaft, and some free margins of the hair cortex were raised or serrated. Her hairs were oval-shaped on the cross-section. Mutation analysis revealed a homozygous pathogenic variant (c.736 T > A; Cys246Ser) in exon 6 in LIPH. In our clinic, we identified three additional cases with the homozygous Cys246Ser variant and one case with compound heterozygous variants in LIPH: Cys246Ser and c.671C > G (Pro224Arg). Consequently, genetic analyses, including genotype–phenotype correlation involving rare LIPH variants, have become more crucial in the Japanese population.

Discovery of a brain penetrant small molecule antagonist targeting LPA1 receptors to reduce neuroinflammation and promote remyelination in multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurological disease characterized by inflammatory demyelination that disrupts neuronal transmission resulting in neurodegeneration progressive disability. While current treatments focus on immunosuppression to limit inflammation and further myelin loss, no approved therapies effectively promote remyelination to mitigate the progressive disability associated with chronic demyelination. Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) is a pro-inflammatory lipid that is upregulated in MS patient plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). LPA activates the LPA1 receptor, resulting in elevated CNS cytokine and chemokine levels, infiltration of immune cells, and microglial/astrocyte activation. This results in a neuroinflammatory response leading to demyelination and suppressed remyelination. A medicinal chemistry effort identified PIPE-791, an oral, brain-penetrant, LPA1 antagonist. PIPE-791 was characterized in vitro and in vivo and was found to be a potent, selective LPA1 antagonist with slow receptor off-rate kinetics. In vitro, PIPE-791 induced OPC differentiation and promoted remyelination following a demyelinating insult. PIPE-791 further mitigated the macrophage-mediated inhibition of OPC differentiation and inhibited microglial and fibroblast activation. In vivo, the compound readily crossed the blood–brain barrier and blocked LPA1 in the CNS after oral dosing. Direct dosing of PIPE-791 in vivo increased oligodendrocyte number, and in the mouse experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) model of MS, we observed that PIPE-791 promoted myelination, reduced neuroinflammation, and restored visual evoked potential latencies (VEP). These findings support targeting LPA1 for remyelination and encourage development of PIPE-791 for treating MS patients with advantages not seen with current immunosuppressive disease modifying therapies.

CYRI-B mediated macropinocytosis drives metastasis via lysophosphatidic acid receptor uptake.

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma carries a dismal prognosis, with high rates of metastasis and few treatment options. Hyperactivation of KRAS in almost all tumours drives RAC1 activation, conferring enhanced migratory and proliferative capacity as well as macropinocytosis. Macropinocytosis is well understood as a nutrient scavenging mechanism, but little is known about its functions in trafficking of signaling receptors. We find that CYRI-B is highly expressed in pancreatic tumours in a mouse model of KRAS and p53-driven pancreatic cancer. Deletion of Cyrib (the gene encoding CYRI-B protein) accelerates tumourigenesis, leading to enhanced ERK and JNK-induced proliferation in precancerous lesions, indicating a potential role as a buffer of RAC1 hyperactivation in early stages. However, as disease progresses, loss of CYRI-B inhibits metastasis. CYRI-B depleted tumour cells show reduced chemotactic responses to lysophosphatidic acid, a major driver of tumour spread, due to impaired macropinocytic uptake of the lysophosphatidic acid receptor-1. Overall, we implicate CYRI-B as a mediator of growth and signaling in pancreatic cancer, providing new insights into pathways controlling metastasis.

LPA-induced expression of CCN2 in muscular fibro/adipogenic progenitors (FAPs): Unraveling cellular communication networks

Cellular Communication Network Factor 2, CCN2, is a profibrotic cytokine implicated in physiological and pathological processes in mammals. The expression of CCN2 is markedly increased in dystrophic muscles. Interestingly, diminishing CCN2 genetically or inhibiting its function improves the phenotypes of chronic muscular fibrosis in rodent models. Elucidating the cell-specific mechanisms behind the induction of CCN2 is a fundamental step in understanding its relevance in muscular dystrophies. Here, we show that the small lipids LPA and 2S-OMPT induce CCN2 expression in fibro/adipogenic progenitors (FAPs) through the activation of the LPA1 receptor and, to a lower extent, by also the LPA6 receptor. These cells show a stronger induction than myoblasts or myotubes. We show that the LPA/LPARs axis requires ROCK kinase activity and organized actin cytoskeleton upstream of YAP/TAZ signaling effectors to upregulate CCN2 levels, suggesting that mechanical signals are part of the mechanism behind this process. In conclusion, we explored the role of the LPA/LPAR axis on CCN2 expression, showing a strong cytoskeletal-dependent response in muscular FAPs.

Integration of multi-omics analysis reveals metabolic alterations of B lymphocytes in systemic lupus erythematosus

ObjectiveTo link changes in the B-cell transcriptome from systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients with those in their macroenvironment, including cellular and fluidic components. MethodsAnalysis was performed on 363 patients and 508 controls, encompassing transcriptomics, metabolomics, and clinical data. B-cell and whole-blood transcriptomes were analysed using DESeq and GSEA. Plasma and urine metabolomics peak changes were quantified and annotated using Ceu Mass Mediator database. Common sources of variation were identified using MOFA integration analysis. ResultsCellular macroenvironment was enriched in cytokines, stress responses, lipidic synthesis/mobility pathways and nucleotide degradation. B cells shared these pathways, except nucleotide degradation diverted to nucleotide salvage pathway, and distinct glycosylation, LPA receptors and Schlafen proteins. ConclusionsB cells showed metabolic changes shared with their macroenvironment and unique changes directly or indirectly induced by IFN-α signalling. This study underscores the importance of understanding the interplay between B cells and their macroenvironment in SLE pathology.

Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) receptor-mediated signaling regulates hypoxia-induced biological functions of lymphatic endothelial cells

The tumor microenvironment is an extremely complex composed of cancer cells and various non-cancer cells, including lymphatic endothelial cells. Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) receptors (LPA1 to LPA6) activate a variety of malignant properties in human malignancies. In the present study, we examined the roles of LPA receptor-mediated signaling in biological responses of lymphatic endothelial SVEC4-10 cells induced by hypoxia. Lpar1, Lpar2 and Lpar3 expressions were decreased in SVEC4-10 cells cultured at hypoxic conditions (1 % O2). LPA had no impact on the cell growth activity of SVEC4-10 cells in 21 % O2 culture conditions. Conversely, the cell growth activity of SVEC4-10 cells in 1 % O2 culture conditions was reduced by LPA. The cell motile activity of SVEC4-10 cells was elevated by 1 % O2 culture conditions. GRI-977143 (LPA2 agonist) and (2S)-OMPT (LPA3 agonist) stimulated SVEC4-10 cell motility as well as AM966 (LPA1 antagonist). In tube formation assay, the tube formation of SVEC4-10 cells in 1 % O2 culture conditions was markedly increased, in comparison with 21 % O2. GRI-977143 and (2S)-OMPT elevated the tube formation of SVEC4-10 cells. Furthermore, the tube formation of SVEC4-10 cells was increased by AM966. These results suggest that LPA receptor-mediated signaling contributes to the modulation of hypoxic-induced biological functions of lymphatic endothelial cells.

Lysophosphatidic acid receptor 1 (LPA1) antagonists as potential migrastatics for triple negative breast cancer.

Metastasis is responsible for about 90% of cancer deaths. Anti-metastatic drugs, termed as migrastatics, offer a distinctive therapeutic approach to address cancer migration and invasion. However, therapeutic exploitation of metastasis-specific targets remains limited, and the effective prevention and suppression of metastatic cancer continue to be elusive. Lysophosphatidic acid receptor 1 (LPA1) is activated by an endogenous lipid molecule LPA, leading to a diverse array of cellular activities. Previous studies have shown that the LPA/LPA1 axis supports the progression of metastasis for many types of cancer. In this study, we report the synthesis and biological evaluation of fluorine-containing triazole derivatives as potent LPA1 antagonists, offering potential as migrastatic drugs for triple negative breast cancer (TNBC). In particular, compound 12f, the most potent and highly selective in this series with an IC50 value of 16.0 nM in the cAMP assay and 18.4 nM in the calcium mobilization assay, inhibited cell survival, migration, and invasion in the TNBC cell line. Interestingly, the compound did not induce apoptosis in TNBC cells and demonstrated no cytotoxic effects. These results highlight the potential of LPA1 as a migrastatic target. Consequently, the LPA1 antagonists developed in this study hold promise as potential migrastatic candidates for TNBC.

Lysophosphatidic Acid Receptor 1 Plays a Pathogenic Role in Permanent Brain Ischemic Stroke by Modulating Neuroinflammatory Responses.

Lysophosphatidic acid receptor 1 (LPA1) plays a critical role in brain injury following a transient brain ischemic stroke. However, its role in permanent brain ischemic stroke remains unknown. To address this, we investigated whether LPA1 could contribute to brain injury of mice challenged by permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion (pMCAO). A selective LPA1 antagonist (AM152) was used as a pharmacological tool for this investigation. When AM152 was given to pMCAO-challenged mice one hour after occlusion, pMCAO-induced brain damage such as brain infarction, functional neurological deficits, apoptosis, and blood-brain barrier disruption was significantly attenuated. Histological analyses demonstrated that AM152 administration attenuated microglial activation and proliferation in injured brain after pMCAO challenge. AM152 administration also attenuated abnormal neuroinflammatory responses by decreasing expression levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines while increasing expression levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines in the injured brain. As underlying effector pathways, NF-κB, MAPKs (ERK1/2, p38, and JNKs), and PI3K/Akt were found to be involved in LPA1-dependent pathogenesis. Collectively, these results demonstrate that LPA1 can contribute to brain injury by permanent ischemic stroke, along with relevant pathogenic events in an injured brain.

LPA5-Dependent signaling regulates regeneration of the intestinal epithelium following irradiation.

Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) is a bioactive lipid molecule that regulates a wide array of cellular functions, including proliferation, differentiation, and survival, via activation of cognate receptors. The LPA5 receptor is highly expressed in the intestinal epithelium, but its function in restoring intestinal epithelial integrity following injury has not been examined. Here, we use a radiation-induced injury model to study the role of LPA5 in regulating intestinal epithelial regeneration. Control mice (Lpar5f/f) and mice with an inducible, epithelial cell-specific deletion of Lpar5 in the small intestine (Lpar5IECKO) were subjected to 10 Gy total body X-ray irradiation and analyzed during recovery. Repair of the intestinal mucosa was delayed in Lpar5IECKO mice with reduced epithelial proliferation and increased crypt cell apoptosis. These effects were accompanied by reduced numbers of OLFM4+ intestinal stem cells (ISCs). The effects of LPA5 on ISCs were corroborated by studies using organoids derived from Lgr5-lineage tracking reporter mice with deletion of Lpar5 in Lgr5+-stem cells (Lgr5Cont or Lgr5ΔLpar5). Irradiation of organoids resulted in fewer numbers of Lgr5ΔLpar5 organoids retaining Lgr5+-derived progenitor cells compared with Lgr5Cont organoids. Finally, we observed that impaired regeneration in Lpar5IECKO mice was associated with reduced numbers of Paneth cells and decreased expression of Yes-associated protein (YAP), a critical factor for intestinal epithelial repair. Our study highlights a novel role for LPA5 in regeneration of the intestinal epithelium following irradiation and its effect on the maintenance of Paneth cells that support the stem cell niche.NEW & NOTEWORTHY We used mice lacking expression of the lysophosphatidic acid receptor 5 (LPA5) in intestinal epithelial cells and intestinal organoids to show that the LPA5 receptor protects intestinal stem cells and progenitors from radiation-induced injury. We show that LPA5 induces YAP signaling and regulates Paneth cells.

Regulation of cellular responses to X-ray irradiation through the activation of lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) receptor-3 (LPA3) and LPA2 in osteosarcoma cells

Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) binds to its specific G protein-coupled LPA receptors (LPA1 to LPA6), resulting in the activation of various cellular functions. LPA receptor-mediated signaling facilitates tumor progression in human malignancies. In the present study, we investigated whether LPA receptor-mediated signaling contributes to cellular responses to X-ray irradiation in osteosarcoma MG-63 cells. After X-ray irradiation (2, 4 and 8 Gy), LPAR2 and LPAR3 expression levels in MG-63 cells were significantly elevated in a dose-dependent manner, but no change of LPAR1 expression level was observed. The cell growth activities of MG-63 cells irradiated with X-rays (2, 4 and 8 Gy) were reduced by LPA. Conversely, LPA3 agonist (2 S)-OMPT enhanced the cell growth activities of X-ray irradiated MG-63 cells. The cell movement of MG-63 cells exposed to X-ray irradiation (8 Gy) was inhibited by (2 S)OMPT. In cell survival assay, (2 S)-OMPT suppressed the cell survival to cisplatin (CDDP) of MG-63 cells irradiated with X-rays (8 Gy). The cell survival to CDDP of X-ray irradiated cells was elevated by LPA3 knockdown. Moreover, we evaluated the effects of LPA2 on the cell survival to CDDP of MG-63 cells exposed to X-ray irradiation (8 Gy). The cell survival to CDDP of X-ray irradiated cells was increased by LPA2 agonist GRI-977143 and reduced by LPA2 knockdown. These results suggest that LPA receptor-signaling participates in the modulation of cellular functions induced by X-ray irradiation in osteosarcoma cells.

Design, synthesis and evaluation of new thiazolidin-4-ones as LPA1 receptor antagonists for breast cancer therapy.

Aim: Breast cancer has been a leading cause of mortality among women worldwide in recent years. Targeting the lysophosphatidic acid(LPA)-LPA1 pathway using small molecules could improve breast cancer therapy. Materials & methods: Thiazolidin-4-ones were developed and tested on MCF-7 cancer cells, and active compounds were analyzed for their effects on apoptosis, migrationangiogenesisand LPA1 protein and gene expression. Results & conclusion: Compounds TZ-4 and TZ-6 effectively reduced the migration of MCF-7 cells, and induced apoptosis. TZ-4, TZ-6, TZ-8 and TZ-14 significantly reduced the LPA1 protein, LPA1 and angiogenesis gene expression in treated MCF-7 cells. Molecular docking and molecular dynamic simulation studies reveal the ligand interactions and stability of the LPA1-ligand complex. Developed thiazolidin-4-ones showed great potential as an LPA1-targeted approach to combating breast cancer.

Identification of a Curtius Rearrangement Byproduct in LPA1 Antagonist (BMS-986020) Synthesis

BMS-986020 was developed as an antagonist of the LPA1 receptor for the treatment of lung fibrosis (Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF)). During the development of BMS-986020, a high percentage byproduct was observed in the mother liquor of a Curtius rearrangement reaction. The structure identification and formation mechanism of this unknown byproduct was deemed necessary to understand for further the reaction optimization and knowledge generation for the project. The characterization process required a multifaceted approach utilizing LC-HRMS, VT-NMR, and HPLC isolation. The investigation’s final result implicated the reaction base as the root cause of the byproduct formation and indicated a nitrene-iminium reaction pathway to form the byproduct.

Lysophosphatidic acid and itsreceptors: Role in bronchial asthma pathogenesis

Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) is a biologically active lipid mediator that regulates a number ofsignaling pathways involved in the pathogenesis of bronchial asthma. Attention to studying the relationship of LPA with LPA receptors (LPARs) and ion channels with transient receptor potential (TRP) is caused by their role in the initiation and development of bronchial obstruction, which suggests the development of new effective strategies for the treatment of bronchial asthma through blocking LPA synthesis and/or regulation of the activity of the ligand-receptor relationship.The aim of the review. To summarize ideas on the role of lysophosphatidic acid and its receptors in the pathogenesis of bronchial asthma based on the analysis of articles published in English in 2020–2023 from the PubMed database.Conclusion. The review summarizes recent literature data on the chemical structure, biosynthetic pathways and LPA receptors. It presents the information on the role of LPA, LPARs andTRP channels inthepathogenesis of bronchial asthma; summarizes the bronchial asthma therapeutic strategies targeting LPA, LPARs, andTRP channels. The review highlights not only a new perspective on understanding the mechanisms of initiation of asthmatic reactions, but also possible ways to manage them at the stage of correction of their development.

Abstract 5843: Exploring the implications of LPAR-1 expression in TKI-resistant NSCLC

Abstract Introduction: Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most common type of lung cancer in the United States with a 5-year survival rate hovering between 20-30%. Mutations in EGFR can initially cause the tumors to respond to tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI). Osimertinib, a third generation TKI, is the preferred first or second line of treatment and despite being effective, recent reports indicate that patients develop resistance within 10-18 months of treatment. TKI resistance limits therapeutic options for patients and therefore, alternative strategies are being explored. In this context, Lysophosphatidic acid receptors (LPARs), a family of G-protein coupled receptors consisting of LPARs 1-6 expressed differentially in prostate, breast, ovarian, pancreatic, and brain cancers are being explored as potential targets for drug resistant cancers. Specifically, LPAR-1 has been shown to play a role in tumor cell clonogenicity, migration, and response to therapy in EGFR mutant NSCLC cells. Pharmacological inhibition or CRIPSR based deletion of LPAR-1 in EGFR mutant NSCLC cell lines HCC827 and NCI-H3255, increased TKI sensitivity by reducing clonogenic potential. Further, detailed pathway analysis in TKI sensitive and resistant EGFR mutant cell lines suggests that LPAR-1 expression influences drug sensitivity. Surprisingly, the role of LPAR-1 in TKI sensitivity is not well understood. In the present study, we have performed detailed investigation on the implications of LPAR-1 expression in the development of Osimertinib resistance. Methods: Osimertinib resistant EGFR mutant cell lines (OR) were generated using dose-escalation method and drug-tolerant persisters (DTPs) were generated using a short-term high exposure method. Gene and protein expressions were examined using qPCR and western blotting. Subcutaneous tumor cell derived xenografts were generated for in vivo studies. Results: LPAR-1 is downregulated in Osimertinib resistant NSCLC cells. Further, we also observe that LPAR-1 levels are lower in DTP cells, confirming a progressive loss of LPAR-1 with Osimertinib treatment. In vivo studies in cell derived xenografts correlated with the in vitro studies. Conclusion: Our studies indicate LPAR-1 downregulation correlates to Osimertinib resistance in EGFR mutant NSCLC cell lines. LPAR-1 downregulation has a key role in development of Osimertinib resistance. Future studies will focus on delineating LPAR-1 signaling pathways related to TKI resistance and investigating the effect of LPAR-1 overexpression using CRISPR technology. Citation Format: Varsha Srinivasan, Zhaohui Li, Raghuraman Kannan, Anandhi Upendran. Exploring the implications of LPAR-1 expression in TKI-resistant NSCLC [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 5843.

Abstract 2979: Pancreatic cancer cells upregulate LPAR4 in response to isolation stress to create a fibronectin-rich extracellular matrix niche and promote tumor initiation

Abstract Tumor initiation is an inefficient process in which tumor cells must develop cell-autonomous mechanisms to survive harsh microenvironments, establish colonies, and thereby overcome “isolation stress.” We report that pancreatic cancer cells transiently upregulate lysophosphatidic acid receptor 4 (LPAR4), a G-protein coupled receptor, in response to microenvironmental stress or chemotherapy, which promotes stress tolerance, drug resistance, and tumor initiation. Even without exogenous LPA, LPAR4 drives the expression of a subset of extracellular matrix (ECM) genes via an AKT/CREB axis, including fibronectin and versican, which are established drivers of cancer stemness. The upregulation of fibronectin is indispensable for LPAR4-induced tumor initiation in vivo and anchorage-independent growth in vitro. Furthermore, the ligation of this fibronectin-containing ECM created by LPAR4-positive cells via integrins α5β1 or αvβ3 can transfer cancer stemness and stress tolerance to LPAR4-negative cells by activating Yes-associated protein 1 (YAP). Our findings reveal that in response to isolation stress, pancreatic tumor cells that upregulate LPAR4 can autonomously generate a fibronectin-enriched ECM niche and thereby initiate tumor formation. Citation Format: Chengsheng Wu, Taha Rakhshandehroo, Hiromi I. Wettersten, Alejandro Campos, Tami Von Schalscha, Shashi Jain, Ziqi Yu, Jiali Tan, Evangeline Mose, Betzaira G. Childers, Andrew M. Lowy, Sara M. Weis, David A. Cheresh. Pancreatic cancer cells upregulate LPAR4 in response to isolation stress to create a fibronectin-rich extracellular matrix niche and promote tumor initiation [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 2979.

LPAR6 Participates in Neuropathic Pain by Mediating Astrocyte Cells via ROCK2/NF-κB Signal Pathway.

Neuropathic pain (NPP) is a common type of chronic pain. Glial cells, including astrocytes (AS), are believed to play an important role in the progression of NPP. AS cells can be divided into various types based on their expression profiles, among which A1 and A2 types have clear functions. A1-type AS cells are neurotoxic, while A2-type AS cells exert neuroprotective functions. Some types of lysophosphatidic acid receptors (LPAR) have been shown to play a role in NPP. However, it remains unclear how AS cells and LPAR6 affect the occurrence and progression of NPP. In this study, we established a mouse model of chronic constriction injury (CCI) to simulate NPP. It was found that the expression of LPAR6 in AS cells of the spinal dorsal horn was increased in the CCI model, and the thresholds of mechanical and thermal pain were elevated after knocking out LPAR6, indicating that LPAR6 and AS cells participated in the occurrence of NPP. The experiment involved culturing primary AS cells and knocking down LPAR6 by Lentivirus. The results showed that the NF-κB signal pathway was activated and the number of A1-type AS cells increased in the CCI model. However, LPAR6 knockdown inhibited the NF-κB signal pathway and A1-type AS cells. The results of the mRNA sequencing and immunoprecipitation test indicate an interaction between LPAR6 and ROCK2. Inhibiting ROCK2 by Y-27632 increased mechanical and thermal pain thresholds and alleviated NPP at the molecular level. The study presents evidence that LPAR6 activates the NF-κB pathway through ROCK2 and contributes to the progression of NPP by increasing A1-type AS and decreasing A2-type AS. This suggests that LPAR6 could be a potential therapeutic target for alleviating NPP. Clinical applications that are successful can offer new therapeutic options, enhance the quality of life for patients, and potentially uncover new mechanisms for pain modulation.

Linking the Autotaxin-LPA Axis to Medicinal Cannabis and the Endocannabinoid System.

Over the past few decades, many current uses for cannabinoids have been described, ranging from controlling epilepsy to neuropathic pain and anxiety treatment. Medicines containing cannabinoids have been approved by both the FDA and the EMA for the control of specific diseases for which there are few alternatives. However, the molecular-level mechanism of action of cannabinoids is still poorly understood. Recently, cannabinoids have been shown to interact with autotaxin (ATX), a secreted lysophospholipase D enzyme responsible for catalyzing lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) to lysophosphatidic acid (LPA), a pleiotropic growth factor that interacts with LPA receptors. In addition, a high-resolution structure of ATX in complex with THC has recently been published, accompanied by biochemical studies investigating this interaction. Due to their LPA-like structure, endocannabinoids have been shown to interact with ATX in a less potent manner. This finding opens new areas of research regarding cannabinoids and endocannabinoids, as it could establish the effect of these compounds at the molecular level, particularly in relation to inflammation, which cannot be explained by the interaction with CB1 and CB2 receptors alone. Further research is needed to elucidate the mechanism behind the interaction between cannabinoids and endocannabinoids in humans and to fully explore the therapeutic potential of such approaches.

The Role of Lysophosphatidic Acid in Neuropsychiatric and Neurodegenerative Disorders

Individuals suffering from diverse neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders often have comparable symptoms, which may underline the implication of shared hereditary influences and the same biological processes. Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) is a bioactive phospholipid and a crucial regulator of the development of adult neuronal systems; hence, it may play an important role in the onset of certain diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s disease, and schizophrenia. During development, LPA signaling regulates many cellular processes such as proliferation, survival, migration, differentiation, cytoskeleton reorganization, and DNA synthesis. So far, six lysophosphatidic acid receptors that respond to LPA have been discovered and categorized based on their homology. Despite the abundance of evidence relating LPA cellular activities to different pathological conditions, little is known about the involvement of LPA in the field of neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative diseases. The purpose of this review is to define LPA activities related to the illnesses stated above in order to better understand these pathologies and provide future novel treatment strategies based on the latest data.

Network analysis-guided drug repurposing strategies targeting LPAR receptor in the interplay of COVID, Alzheimer’s, and diabetes

The COVID-19 pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus has greatly affected global health. Emerging evidence suggests a complex interplay between Alzheimer’s disease (AD), diabetes (DM), and COVID-19. Given COVID-19’s involvement in the increased risk of other diseases, there is an urgent need to identify novel targets and drugs to combat these interconnected health challenges. Lysophosphatidic acid receptors (LPARs), belonging to the G protein-coupled receptor family, have been implicated in various pathological conditions, including inflammation. In this regard, the study aimed to investigate the involvement of LPARs (specifically LPAR1, 3, 6) in the tri-directional relationship between AD, DM, and COVID-19 through network analysis, as well as explore the therapeutic potential of selected anti-AD, anti-DM drugs as LPAR, SPIKE antagonists. We used the Coremine Medical database to identify genes related to DM, AD, and COVID-19. Furthermore, STRING analysis was used to identify the interacting partners of LPAR1, LPAR3, and LPAR6. Additionally, a literature search revealed 78 drugs on the market or in clinical studies that were used for treating either AD or DM. We carried out docking analysis of these drugs against the LPAR1, LPAR3, and LPAR6. Furthermore, we modeled the LPAR1, LPAR3, and LPAR6 in a complex with the COVID-19 spike protein and performed a docking study of selected drugs with the LPAR-Spike complex. The analysis revealed 177 common genes implicated in AD, DM, and COVID-19. Protein–protein docking analysis demonstrated that LPAR (1,3 & 6) efficiently binds with the viral SPIKE protein, suggesting them as targets for viral infection. Furthermore, docking analysis of the anti-AD and anti-DM drugs against LPARs, SPIKE protein, and the LPARs-SPIKE complex revealed promising candidates, including lupron, neflamapimod, and nilotinib, stating the importance of drug repurposing in the drug discovery process. These drugs exhibited the ability to bind and inhibit the LPAR receptor activity and the SPIKE protein and interfere with LPAR-SPIKE protein interaction. Through a combined network and targeted-based therapeutic intervention approach, this study has identified several drugs that could be repurposed for treating COVID-19 due to their expected interference with LPAR(1, 3, and 6) and spike protein complexes. In addition, it can also be hypothesized that the co-administration of these identified drugs during COVID-19 infection may not only help mitigate the impact of the virus but also potentially contribute to the prevention or management of post-COVID complications related to AD and DM.