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CellMay 2025 DOI:
10.1016/j.cell.2025.04.038

Arrestin-biased allosteric modulator of neurotensin receptor 1 alleviates acute and chronic pain

Guo, Ran; Chen, Ouyang; Zhou, Yang; Bang, Sangsu; Chandra, Sharat; Li, Yize; Chen, Gang; Xie, Rou-Gang; He, Wei; Xu, Jing; Zhou, Richard; Song, Shaoyong; Person, Kelsey L; Moore, Madelyn N; Alwin, Abigail R; Spasojevic, Ivan; Jackson, Michael R; Olson, Steven H; Caron, Marc G; Slosky, Lauren M; Wetsel, William C; Barak, Lawrence S; Ji, Ru-Rong
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Abstract
G-protein-biased agonists have been shown to enhance opioid analgesia by circumventing β-arrestin-2 (βarr2) signaling. We previously reported that SBI-553, a neurotensin receptor 1 (NTSR1)-positive allosteric modulator biased toward βarr2 signaling, attenuates psychostimulant effects in mice. Here, we demonstrate that its analog, SBI-810, exhibits potent antinociceptive properties in rodent models of postoperative pain, inflammatory pain, and neuropathic pain via systemic and local administration. SBI-810's analgesic effects require NTSR1 and βarr2 but not NTSR2 or βarr1. Mechanistically, SBI-810 suppresses excitatory synaptic transmission, inhibits NMDA receptor and extracellular-regulated signal kinase (ERK) signaling in spinal cord nociceptive neurons, reduces Nav1.7 surface expression and action potential firing in primary sensory neurons, and dampens C-fiber responses. Behaviorally, it reduces opioid-induced conditioned place preference, alleviates constipation, and mitigates chronic opioid withdrawal symptoms. These findings highlight NTSR1-biased allosteric modulators as a promising, non-addictive therapeutic strategy for acute and chronic pain management, acting through both peripheral and central mechanisms.
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