CMPD101 is a potent, highly selective and membrane-permeable small-molecule inhibitor of G protein-coupled receptor kinase 2 (GRK2) and GRK3 (IC50s=18 and 5.4nM, respectively)[1]. GRKs phosphorylate GPCRs, regulate their desensitization, internalization, and signaling, are crucial for cellular and physiological regulation[2]. CMPD101 can be used for the research of GPCR desensitization and internalization, opioid tolerance, heart failure, signal transduction mechanisms, and drug development[3][4].
In vitro, treatment of HEK293 cells with CMPD101 (30µM; 30min) completely blocked histamine H1 receptor–mediated ERK1/2 phosphorylation (IC50=6µM)[5]. CMPD101 (3-30µM; 30min) inhibits the desensitization of µ-opioid receptors (MOPr) induced by agonists such as Met-Enk and DAMGO in locus coeruleus (LC) neurons of rats and mice, with an IC50 of approximately 6µM. In HEK293 cells, CMPD101 (30µM; 30min) almost completely inhibits [D-Ala2, N-MePhe4, Gly-ol5]-enkephalin(DAMGO)-induced m-opioid receptor (MOPr) phosphorylation at Ser375, arrestin translocation, and MOPr internalization[6].
In vivo, pretreatment with CMPD101(0.3mg/kg, i.p.) 15min before the drinking session enhanced the effect of nalfurafine on reducing alcohol intake in mice by inhibiting GRK2/3 activity[7].
References:
[1] Okawa T, Aramaki Y, Yamamoto M, et al. Design, Synthesis, and Evaluation of the Highly Selective and Potent G-Protein-Coupled Receptor Kinase 2 (GRK2) Inhibitor for the Potential Treatment of Heart Failure. J Med Chem. 2017;60(16):6942-6990.
[2] Mayor F Jr, Murga C. G Protein-Coupled Receptor Kinases Take Central Stage. Cells. 2022;12(1):23.
[3] Mann A, Keen AC, Mark H, et al. New phosphosite-specific antibodies to unravel the role of GRK phosphorylation in dopamine D2 receptor regulation and signaling. Sci Rep. 2021;11(1):8288.
[4] Thal DM, Yeow RY, Schoenau C, Huber J, Tesmer JJ. Molecular mechanism of selectivity among G protein-coupled receptor kinase 2 inhibitors. Mol Pharmacol. 2011;80(2):294-303.
[5] Michinaga S, Nagata A, Ogami R, Ogawa Y, Hishinuma S. Differential regulation of histamine H1 receptor-mediated ERK phosphorylation by Gq proteins and arrestins. Biochem Pharmacol. 2023;213:115595.
[6] Lowe JD, Sanderson HS, Cooke AE, et al. Role of G Protein-Coupled Receptor Kinases 2 and 3 in μ-Opioid Receptor Desensitization and Internalization. Mol Pharmacol. 2015;88(2):347-356.
[7] Zhou Y, Liang Y. Involvement of GRK2 in modulating nalfurafine-induced reduction of excessive alcohol drinking in mice. Neurosci Lett. 2021;760:136092.
















