Cholecystokinin (CCK) is a physiologically important gastrointestinal and neuronal peptide hormone, with roles in stimulating gallbladder contraction, pancreatic secretion, gastrointestinal motility and satiety. CCK exerts its effects via interactions with two structurally related class I guanine nucleotide-binding protein (G protein)-coupled receptors (GPCRs), the CCK1 receptor and the CCK2 receptor. Here, we focus on the CCK1 receptor, with particular relevance to the broad spectrum of signalling initiated by activation with the natural full agonist peptide ligand, CCK. Distinct ligand-binding pockets have been defined for the natural peptide ligand and for some non-peptidyl small molecule ligands. While many CCK1 receptor ligands have been developed and have had their pharmacology well described, their clinical potential has not yet been fully explored. The case is built for the potential importance of developing more selective partial agonists and allosteric modulators of this receptor that could have important roles in the treatment of common clinical syndromes. (2010) , 90-kDa ribosomal S6 protein kinase; PI3K, class I phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase; PIP2, phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate; PKC, protein kinase C; PLA2, phospholipase A2; PLC, phospholipase C; SAR, drug structure-activity relationship; Shc, Src homology/ collagen related; SOS, Drosophila homolog, Son of Sevenless
British Journal of PharmacologyThe main purpose of this report is to explore the therapeutic potential of highly selective partial agonists and allosteric modulators of the type 1 cholecystokinin (CCK) receptor (CCK1 receptor). To more fully appreciate this selective role, the normal physiology and pathophysiology of this receptor and of its natural, full agonist ligand, CCK, must first be reviewed.Cholecystokinin is one of the earliest gastrointestinal hormones to be discovered, identified more than 90 years ago based on its ability to stimulate gallbladder contraction (Ivy and Oldberg, 1928). It was soon recognized to be identical to the factor responsible for stimulating pancreatic exocrine secretion (Harper and Raper, 1943). This hormone has subsequently been shown to have effects on enteric smooth muscle and on nerves at various locations in the peripheral and central nervous system (Rehfeld, 2004). One of its most important neural effects is post-cibal satiety (Kissileff et al.,