RGS4 negatively modulates Nociceptin/Orphanin FQ opioid receptor
signaling: implication for L-Dopa induced dyskinesia
Abstract
Background and purpose: Regulator of G-protein signal 4 (RGS4) is a
signal transduction protein that accelerates intrinsic GTPase activity
of Gαi/o and Gαq subunits, suppressing GPCR signaling. Here we
investigate whether RGS4 modulates nociceptin/orphanin FQ opioid (NOP)
receptor signaling and whether this modulation has relevance for L-Dopa
induced dyskinesia. Experimental approach: HEK293T cells transfected
with NOP, NOP/RGS4 or NOP/RGS19 were challenged with N/OFQ and the small
molecule NOP agonist AT-403, using D1-stimulated cAMP levels as a
readout. Primary rat striatal neurons and adult mouse striatal slices
were challenged with N/OFQ or AT-403 in the presence of the RGS4
inhibitor, CCG-203920, and D1-stimulated cAMP or pERK responses were
monitored. In vivo, CCG-203920 was co-administered with AT-403 and
levodopa to 6-hydroxydopamine hemilesioned rats, and dyskinetic
movements, striatal biochemical correlates of dyskinesia (pERK and
pGluR1 levels) and striatal RGS4 levels were measured. Key results: RGS4
expression reduced NOFQ and AT-403 potency and efficacy in HEK293T
cells. CCG-203920 increased N/OFQ potency in primary rat striatal
neurons, and potentiated AT-403 response in mouse striatal slices.
CCG-203920 enhanced AT-403 mediated inhibition of dyskinesia and its
biochemical correlates, without compromising its motor-improving
effects. Unilateral dopamine depletion caused bilateral reduction of
RGS4 levels which was reversed by levodopa. Levodopa acutely upregulated
RGS4 in the lesioned striatum. Conclusions and Implications: RGS4
physiologically inhibits NOP receptor signaling and an RGS4 inhibitor
enhances NOP responses. Furthermore, an RGS4 inhibitor improved the
antidyskinetic potential of NOP receptor agonists, mitigating the
effects of upregulation of striatal RGS4 levels occurring during
dyskinesia expression.