FDA Drug Repurposing Uncovers Modulators of Dopamine D 2 Receptor Localization via Disruption of the NCS-1 Interaction.
Munoz-Reyes, D., Aguado, L., Arroyo-Urea, S., Requena, C., Perez-Suarez, S., Sanchez-Yepes, S., Argerich, J., Miro-Rodriguez, C., Ulzurrun, E., Rodriguez-Martin, E., Garcia-Nafria, J., Campillo, N.E., Mansilla, A., Sanchez-Barrena, M.J.(2025) J Med Chem 
- PubMed: 41211723 
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jmedchem.5c01626
- Primary Citation of Related Structures:  
9GTO, 9GU6, 9GU8 - PubMed Abstract: 
Dopamine D 2 receptor (D 2 R) regulates key aspects of motor control, cognition, and reward. Its function depends not only on ligand binding and signaling efficacy but also on the dynamic control of receptor localization at the cell surface. Neuronal calcium sensor 1 (NCS-1) interacts with D 2 R in a Ca 2+ -dependent manner. Using in vitro and cellular assays, we found that NCS-1 promotes D 2 R trafficking to the plasma membrane through active exocytosis while preserving canonical receptor pharmacology. A screen of FDA-approved drugs identified protein-protein interaction (PPI) modulators targeting the NCS-1/D 2 R interface. Azilsartan medoxomil, atorvastatin, and vilazodone disrupt this interaction, reducing D 2 R surface expression. Structural studies revealed that these compounds target NCS-1, overlap the D 2 R binding site, and perturb the dynamics of the regulatory helix H10. These findings reveal an unexploited intracellular mechanism to modulate D 2 R function via PPI modulation, offering a novel strategy to fine-tune dopaminergic tone beyond receptor blockade or direct agonism.
- Department of Crystallography and Structural Biology, Institute of Physical-Chemistry "Blas Cabrera", CSIC, Serrano 119, 28006 Madrid, Spain.
Organizational Affiliation: 
















