Fasiglifam (TAK-875), a G Protein-Coupled Receptor 40 (GPR40) Agonist, May Induce Hepatotoxicity through Reactive Oxygen Species Generation in a GPR40-Dependent Manner

Fasiglifam (TAK-875) a G-protein coupled receptor 40 (GPR40) agonist, significantly improves hyperglycemia without hypoglycemia and weight gain, the major side effects of conventional anti-diabetics. Unfortunately, during multi-center Phase 3 clinical trials, unexpected liver toxicity resulted in premature termination of its development. Here, we investigated whether TAK-875 directly inflicts toxicity on hepatocytes and explored its underlying mechanism of toxicity. TAK-875 decreased viability of 2D and 3D cultures of HepG2, a human hepatocarcinoma cell line, in concentration- (>50 μM) and time-dependent manners, both of which corresponded with ROS generation. An antioxidant, N-acetylcysteine, attenuated TAK-875-mediated hepatotoxicity, which confirmed the role of ROS generation. Of note, knockdown of GPR40 using siRNA abolished the hepatotoxicity of TAK-875 and attenuated ROS generation. In contrast, TAK-875 induced no cytotoxicity in fibroblasts up to 500 μM. Supporting the hepatotoxic potential of TAK-875, exposure to TAK-875 resulted in increased mortality of zebrafish larvae at 25 μM. Histopathological examination of zebrafish exposed to TAK-875 revealed severe hepatotoxicity as manifested by degenerated hypertrophic hepatocytes with cytoplasmic vacuolation and acentric nuclei, confirming that TAK-875 may induce direct hepatotoxicity and that ROS generation may be involved in a GPR40-dependent manner.

Combiphore (Structure and Ligand Based Pharmacophore) - Approach for the Design of GPR40 Modulators in the Management of Diabetes

BACKGROUND

Pharmacophore mapping and molecular docking can be synergistically integrated to improve the drug design and discovery process. A rational strategy, combiphore approach, derived from the combined study of Structure and Ligand based pharmacophore has been described to identify novel GPR40 modulators.

METHODS

DISCOtech module from Discovery studio was used for the generation of the Structure and Ligand based pharmacophore models which gave hydrophobic aromatic, ring aromatic and negative ionizable as essential pharmacophoric features. The generated models were validated by screening active and inactive datasets, GH scoring and ROC curve analysis. The best model was exposed as a 3D query to screen the hits from databases like GLASS (GPCR-Ligand Association), GPCR SARfari and Mini-Maybridge. Various filters were applied to retrieve the hit molecules having good drug-like properties. A known protein structure of hGPR40 (pdb: 4PHU) having TAK-875 as ligand complex was used to perform the molecular docking studies; using SYBYL-X 1.2 software.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

Clustering both the models gave RMSD of 0.89. Therefore, the present approach explored the maximum features by combining both ligand and structure based pharmacophore models. A common structural motif as identified in combiphore for GPR40 modulation consists of the para-substituted phenyl propionic acid scaffold. Therefore, the combiphore approach, whereby maximum structural information (from both ligand and biological protein) is explored, gives maximum insights into the plausible protein-ligand interactions and provides potential lead candidates as exemplified in this study.

GPR40 receptor activation promotes tight junction assembly in airway epithelial cells via AMPK-dependent mechanisms

Tight junctions play key roles in the regulation of airway epithelial barrier function and promotion of tight junction integrity is beneficial to lung health. G-protein coupled receptor (GPR) 40 has been identified as a receptor of polyunsaturated fatty acids. This study aimed to investigate the function of GPR40 in regulating tight junction assembly in human airway epithelial cells (Calu-3 cells) using GW9508, a GPR40 agonist. Immunoblotting and immunofluorescence analyses showed that Calu-3 cells expressed both types of polyunsaturated fatty acid receptors including GPR40 and GPR120. Intracellular Ca²⁺ measurements confirmed that GW9508 stimulated GPR40, but not GPR120. In Ca²⁺ switch assays, GW9508 promoted the recovery of transepithelial electrical resistance and re-localization of zonula occludens (ZO)-1 to intercellular areas. These effects were suppressed by inhibitors of GPR40 and phospholipase C (PLC). Interestingly, GW9508 enhanced tight junction assembly in an AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)-dependent manner. The effect of GW9508 on inducing tight junction assembly was also confirmed in 16HBE14o- cells. Our results indicate that GPR40 stimulation by GW9508 leads to AMPK activation via calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase kinase β (CaMKKβ). Collectively, this study reveals an unprecedented role of GPR40 in facilitating airway epithelial tight junction assembly via PLC-CaMKKβ-AMPK pathways. GPR40 represents a novel regulator of airway epithelial integrity and its stimulation may be beneficial in the treatment of airway diseases.

Lauric Acid Alleviates Neuroinflammatory Responses by Activated Microglia: Involvement of the GPR40-Dependent Pathway

In several neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), microglia are hyperactivated and release nitric oxide (NO) and proinflammatory cytokines, resulting its neuropathology. Mounting evidence indicates that dietary supplementation with coconut oil (CNO) reduces the cognitive deficits associated with AD; however, the precise mechanism(s) underlying the beneficial effect of CNO are unknown. In the present study, we examined the effects of lauric acid (LA), a major constituent of CNO, on microglia activated experimentally by lipopolysaccharide (LPS), using primary cultured rat microglia and the mouse microglial cell line, BV-2. LA attenuated LPS-stimulated NO production and the expression of inducible NO synthase protein without affecting cell viability. In addition, LA suppressed LPS-induced reactive oxygen species and proinflammatory cytokine production, as well as phosphorylation of p38-mitogen activated protein kinase and c-Jun N-terminal kinase. LA-induced suppression of NO production was partially but significantly reversed in the presence of GW1100, an antagonist of G protein-coupled receptor (GPR) 40, which is an LA receptor on the plasma membrane. LA also decreased LPS-induced phagocytosis, which was completely reversed by co-treatment with GW1100. Moreover, LA alleviated amyloid-β-induced enhancement of phagocytosis. These results suggest that attenuation of microglial activation by LA may occur via the GPR40-dependent pathway. Such effects of LA may reduce glial activation and the subsequent neuronal damage in AD patients who consume CNO.

Fatty Acid-Stimulated Insulin Secretion vs. Lipotoxicity

Fatty acid (FA)-stimulated insulin secretion (FASIS) is reviewed here in contrast to type 2 diabetes etiology, resulting from FA overload, oxidative stress, intermediate hyperinsulinemia, and inflammation, all converging into insulin resistance. Focusing on pancreatic islet β-cells, we compare the physiological FA roles with the pathological ones. Considering FAs not as mere amplifiers of glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS), but as parallel insulin granule exocytosis inductors, partly independent of the K_ATP channel closure, we describe the FA initiating roles in the prediabetic state that is induced by retardations in the glycerol-3-phosphate (glucose)-promoted glycerol/FA cycle and by the impaired GPR40/FFA1 (free FA1) receptor pathway, specifically in its amplification by the redox-activated mitochondrial phospholipase, iPLA2γ. Also, excessive dietary FAs stimulate intestine enterocyte incretin secretion, further elevating GSIS, even at low glucose levels, thus contributing to diabetic hyperinsulinemia. With overnutrition and obesity, the FA overload causes impaired GSIS by metabolic dysbalance, paralleled by oxidative and metabolic stress, endoplasmic reticulum stress and numerous pro-apoptotic signaling, all leading to decreased β-cell survival. Lipotoxicity is exerted by saturated FAs, whereas ω-3 polyunsaturated FAs frequently exert antilipotoxic effects. FA-facilitated inflammation upon the recruitment of excess M1 macrophages into islets (over resolving M2 type), amplified by cytokine and chemokine secretion by β-cells, leads to an inevitable failure of pancreatic β-cells.

Design, synthesis and structure-activity relationship studies of GPR40 agonists containing amide linker

Free fatty acid receptor 1 (FFAR1/GPR40) attracted significant attention as a potential target for developing novel antidiabetic drugs because of its unique mechanism in glucose homeostasis. Several reports have expressed concerns about central nervous system (CNS) penetration of GPR40 agonists, which is possibly attributed to their high lipophilicity and low total polar surface area. Herein, we report our efforts to improve the physicochemical properties and pharmacokinetic profiles of LY2881835, a GPR40 agonist that had undergone Phase I clinical trial, through a series of structural optimizations. We identified an orally efficacious compound, 15k, which possessed increased plasma exposure, prolonged half-life and reduced CNS exposure and liver to plasma distribution ratio compared with LY2881835. 15k is a potentially valuable lead compound in the development of safe and efficacious GPR40-targeted drugs to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Coordination of GPR40 and Ketogenesis Signaling by Medium Chain Fatty Acids Regulates Beta Cell Function

Diabetes prevalence increases with age, and β-cell dysfunction contributes to the incidence of the disease. Dietary lipids have been recognized as contributory factors in the development and progression of the disease. Unlike long chain triglycerides, medium chain triglycerides (MCT) increase fat burning in animal and human subjects as well as serum C-peptide in type 2 diabetes patients. We evaluated the beneficial effects of MCT on β-cells in vivo and in vitro. MCT improved glycemia in aged rats via β-cell function assessed by measuring insulin secretion and content. In β-cells, medium chain fatty acid (MCFA)-C10 activated fatty acid receptor 1 FFAR1/GPR40, while MCFA-C8 induced mitochondrial ketogenesis and the C8:C10 mixture improved β cell function. We showed that GPR40 signaling positively impacts ketone body production in β-cells, and chronic treatment with β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) improves β-cell function. We also showed that BHB and MCFA help β-cells recover from lipotoxic stress by improving mitochondrial function and increasing the expression of genes involved in β-cell function and insulin biogenesis, such as Glut2, MafA, and NeuroD1 in primary human islets. MCFA offers a therapeutic advantage in the preservation of β-cell function as part of a preventative strategy against diabetes in at risk populations.

Expression of long-chain fatty acid receptor GPR40 is associated with cancer progression in colorectal cancer: A retrospective study

An increased risk of colorectal cancer (CRC) is associated with a western style diet, particularly hyperlipidemia. The expression of G-protein coupled receptor 40 (GPR40), a membrane-bound receptor for long-chain fatty acids (LCFAs), was examined in 36 cases of subserosal-invading CRC and compared with clinicopathological parameters as well as triglyceride (TG) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels in the blood. All patients with CRC expressed GPR40, which was positively associated with blood TG levels (P<0.0001) but not with blood LDL levels. GPR40 expression was positively associated with nodal metastasis, distant metastasis (particularly to the liver), stage and poor prognosis. Patients with high GPR40 expression and high TG levels had comparatively worse survival outcomes compared with patients with low GPR40 expression and low TG levels. The results of the present study suggest that activation of GPR40 may be associated with the progression and prognosis of CRCs. High levels of GPR40 and/or concurrent high levels of GPR40 and TG may be a risk for CRC progression.

Discovery of N-arylpyrroles as agonists of GPR120 for the treatment of type II diabetes

The discovery of a novel series of N-arylpyrroles as agonists of GPR120 (FFAR4) is discussed. One lead compound is a potent GPR120 agonist, has good selectivity for related receptor GPR40 (FFAR1), has acceptable PK properties, and is active in 2 models of Type 2 Diabetes in mice.

Palmitic Acid Hydroxystearic Acids Activate GPR40, Which Is Involved in Their Beneficial Effects on Glucose Homeostasis

Palmitic acid hydroxystearic acids (PAHSAs) are endogenous lipids with anti-diabetic and anti-inflammatory effects. PAHSA levels are reduced in serum and adipose tissue of insulin-resistant people and high-fat diet (HFD)-fed mice. Here, we investigated whether chronic PAHSA treatment enhances insulin sensitivity and which receptors mediate PAHSA effects. Chronic PAHSA administration in chow- and HFD-fed mice raises serum and tissue PAHSA levels ∼1.4- to 3-fold. This improves insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance without altering body weight. PAHSA administration in chow-fed, but not HFD-fed, mice augments insulin and glucagon-like peptide (GLP-1) secretion. PAHSAs are selective agonists for GPR40, increasing Ca⁺² flux, but not intracellular cyclic AMP. Blocking GPR40 reverses improvements in glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity in PAHSA-treated chow- and HFD-fed mice and directly inhibits PAHSA augmentation of glucose-stimulated insulin secretion in human islets. In contrast, GLP-1 receptor blockade in PAHSA-treated chow-fed mice reduces PAHSA effects on glucose tolerance, but not on insulin sensitivity. Thus, PAHSAs activate GPR40, which is involved in their beneficial metabolic effects.

Design, Synthesis and in Combo Antidiabetic Bioevaluation of Multitarget Phenylpropanoic Acids

We have synthesized a small series of five 3-[4-arylmethoxy)phenyl]propanoic acids employing an easy and short synthetic pathway. The compounds were tested in vitro against a set of four protein targets identified as key elements in diabetes: G protein-coupled receptor 40 (GPR40), aldose reductase (AKR1B1), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gama (PPARγ) and solute carrier family 2 (facilitated glucose transporter), member 4 (GLUT-4). Compound 1 displayed an EC₅₀ value of 0.075 μM against GPR40 and was an AKR1B1 inhibitor, showing IC₅₀ = 7.4 μM. Compounds 2 and 3 act as slightly AKR1B1 inhibitors, potent GPR40 agonists and showed an increase of 2 to 4-times in the mRNA expression of PPARγ, as well as the GLUT-4 levels. Docking studies were conducted in order to explain the polypharmacological mode of action and the interaction binding mode of the most active molecules on these targets, showing several coincidences with co-crystal ligands. Compounds 1–3 were tested in vivo at an explorative 100 mg/kg dose, being 2 and 3 orally actives, reducing glucose levels in a non-insulin-dependent diabetes mice model. Compounds 2 and 3 displayed robust in vitro potency and in vivo efficacy, and could be considered as promising multitarget antidiabetic candidates. This is the first report of a single molecule with these four polypharmacological target action.

Recent Advances in Development of GPR40 Modulators (FFA1/FFAR1): An Emerging Target for Type 2 Diabetes

BACKGROUND

GPR40, an orphan G-protein coupled receptor that is activated by medium and long-chain fatty acids and is highly expressed in pancreatic islets, adipose depots and the gastrointestinal tract are involved in energy source recognition, absorption, storage and/or metabolism. Since its deorphanization in 2003, G-protein-coupled receptor GPR40 has emerged as a potential target for type II diabetes because it has been hypothesized to participate in the adverse effects of chronic fatty acid exposure on function of β-cell.

RESULTS

This signifies that G-protein-coupled receptors have recently emerged as novel therapeutic targets in metabolic diseases, such as diabetes, obesity and the metabolic syndrome. Therefore it seems natural that GPR40 represents a potentially attractive target to best meet the need for novel treatments for Type II diabetes.

CONCLUSION

This review describes recent advances and novel drug discovery approaches in the antidiabetic area, focusing on GPR40 modulators which have been synthesized till date and their Structure-Activity Relationship (SAR).

Toward molecular imaging of the free fatty acid receptor 1

AIMS

Molecular imaging of the free fatty acid receptor 1 (FFAR1) would be a valuable tool for drug development by enabling in vivo target engagement studies in human. It has also been suggested as a putative target for beta cell imaging, but the inherent lipophilicity of most FFAR1 binders produces high off-target binding, which has hampered progress in this area. The aim of this study was to generate a suitable lead compound for further PET labeling.

METHODS

In order to identify a lead compound for future PET labeling for quantitative imaging of FFAR1 in human, we evaluated tritiated small molecule FFAR1 binding probes ([³H]AZ1, [³H]AZ2 and [³H]TAK-875) for their off-target binding, receptor density and affinity in human pancreatic tissue (islets and exocrine) and rodent insulinoma.

RESULTS

[³H]AZ1 showed improved specificity to FFAR1, with decreased off-target binding compared to [³H]AZ2 and [³H]TAK-875, while retaining high affinity in the nanomolar range. FFAR1 density in human islets was approximately 50% higher than in exocrine tissue.

CONCLUSIONS

AZ1 is a suitable lead compound for PET labeling for molecular imaging of FFAR1 in humans, due to high affinity and reduced off-target binding.

Polyunsaturated fatty acid receptors, GPR40 and GPR120, are expressed in the hypothalamus and control energy homeostasis and inflammation

BACKGROUND

The consumption of large amounts of dietary fats is one of the most important environmental factors contributing to the development of obesity and metabolic disorders. GPR120 and GPR40 are polyunsaturated fatty acid receptors that exert a number of systemic effects that are beneficial for metabolic and inflammatory diseases. Here, we evaluate the expression and potential role of hypothalamic GPR120 and GPR40 as targets for the treatment of obesity.

METHODS

Male Swiss (6-weeks old), were fed with a high fat diet (HFD, 60% of kcal from fat) for 4 weeks. Next, mice underwent stereotaxic surgery to place an indwelling cannula into the right lateral ventricle. intracerebroventricular (icv)-cannulated mice were treated twice a day for 6 days with 2.0 μL saline or GPR40 and GPR120 agonists: GW9508, TUG1197, or TUG905 (2.0 μL, 1.0 mM). Food intake and body mass were measured during the treatment period. At the end of the experiment, the hypothalamus was collected for real-time PCR analysis.

RESULTS

We show that both receptors are expressed in the hypothalamus; GPR120 is primarily present in microglia, whereas GPR40 is expressed in neurons. Upon intracerebroventricular treatment, GW9508, a non-specific agonist for both receptors, reduced energy efficiency and the expression of inflammatory genes in the hypothalamus. Reducing GPR120 hypothalamic expression using a lentivirus-based approach resulted in the loss of the anti-inflammatory effect of GW9508 and increased energy efficiency. Intracerebroventricular treatment with the GPR120- and GPR40-specific agonists TUG1197 and TUG905, respectively, resulted in milder effects than those produced by GW9508.

CONCLUSIONS

GPR120 and GPR40 act in concert in the hypothalamus to reduce energy efficiency and regulate the inflammation associated with obesity. The combined activation of both receptors in the hypothalamus results in better metabolic outcomes than the isolated activation of either receptor alone.

Delphinidin Reduces Glucose Uptake in Mice Jejunal Tissue and Human Intestinal Cells Lines through FFA1/GPR40

Anthocyanins are pigments with antihyperglycemic properties, and they are potential candidates for developing functional foods for the therapy or prevention of Diabetes mellitus type 2 (DM2). The mechanism of these beneficial effects of anthocyanins are, however, hard to explain, given their very low bioavailability due to poor intestinal absorption. We propose that free fatty acid receptor 1 (FFA1, also named GPR40), is involved in an inhibitory effect of the anthocyanidin delphinidin over intestinal glucose absorption. We show the direct effects of delphinidin on the intestine using jejunum samples from RF/J mice, and the human intestinal cell lines HT-29, Caco-2, and NCM460. By the use of specific pharmacological antagonists, we determined that delphinidin inhibits glucose absorption in both mouse jejunum and a human enterocytic cell line in a FFA1-dependent manner. Delphinidin also affects the function of sodium-glucose cotransporter 1 (SGLT1). Intracellular signaling after FFA1 activation involved cAMP increase and cytosolic Ca²⁺ oscillations originated from intracellular Ca²⁺ stores and were followed by store-operated Ca²⁺ entry. Taken together, our results suggest a new GPR-40 mediated local mechanism of action for delphinidin over intestinal cells that may in part explain its antidiabetic effect. These findings are promising for the search for new prevention and pharmacological treatment strategies for DM2 management.

Discovery of new dual PPARγ-GPR40 agonists with robust antidiabetic activity: Design, synthesis and in combo drug evaluation

The design of compounds 1 and 2 was based on the similar scaffold of pharmacophoric groups for PPARγ and GPR40 agonists. In order to find new compounds with improved biological activity, the current manuscript describes a new dual PPARγ-GPR40 agonist. We synthesized two compounds, which were prepared following a multistep synthetic route, and the relative mRNA expression levels of PPARγ, GLUT4, and GPR40 were quantified in cell culture, as well as insulin secretion and [Ca²⁺] intracellular levels. Compound 1 showed a 7-times increase in the mRNA expression of PPARγ, which in turn enhanced the expression levels of GLUT4 respect to control and pioglitazone. It also showed an increase of 2-fold in the [Ca²⁺]_i level allowing an increment on insulin release, being as active as the positive control (glibenclamide), causing also an increase of 2-fold in mRNA expression of GPR40. Furthermore, the compound 2 showed lower activity than the compound 1. The ester of 1 showed antidiabetic activity at a 50mg/kg single dose in streptozotocin-nicotinamide-induced diabetic mice model. In addition, we achieved a molecular docking study of compound 1 on PPARγ and GPR40 receptors, showing a great affinity for both targets. We observed important polar interactions between the carboxylic group and main residues into the binding pocket. Therefore, the compound 1 has a potential for the development of antidiabetic agents with newfangled dual action.

Fatty acid 16:4(n-3) stimulates a GPR120-induced signaling cascade in splenic macrophages to promote chemotherapy resistance

Although chemotherapy is designed to eradicate tumor cells, it also has significant effects on normal tissues. The platinum-induced fatty acid 16:4(n-3) (hexadeca-4,7,10,13-tetraenoic acid) induces systemic resistance to a broad range of DNA-damaging chemotherapeutics. We show that 16:4(n-3) exerts its effect by activating splenic F4/80⁺/CD11b^low macrophages, which results in production of chemoprotective lysophosphatidylcholines (LPCs). Pharmacologic studies, together with analysis of expression patterns, identified GPR120 on F4/80⁺/CD11b^low macrophages as the relevant receptor for 16:4(n-3). Studies that used splenocytes from GPR120-deficient mice have confirmed this conclusion. Activation of the 16:4(n-3)-GPR120 axis led to enhanced cPLA₂ activity in these splenic macrophages and secretion of the resistance-inducing lipid mediator, lysophosphatidylcholine(24:1). These studies identify a novel and unexpected function for GPR120 and suggest that antagonists of this receptor might be effective agents to limit development of chemotherapy resistance.—Houthuijzen, J. M., Oosterom, I., Hudson, B. D., Hirasawa, A., Daenen, L. G. M., McLean, C. M., Hansen, S. V. F., van Jaarsveld, M. T. M., Peeper, D. S., Jafari Sadatmand, S., Roodhart, J. M. L., van de Lest, C. H. A., Ulven, T., Ishihara, K., Milligan, G., Voest, E. E. Fatty acid 16:4(n-3) stimulates a GPR120-induced signaling cascade in splenic macrophages to promote chemotherapy resistance.

Design and Synthesis of Novel, Selective GPR40 AgoPAMs

GPR40 is a G-protein-coupled receptor expressed primarily in pancreatic islets and intestinal L-cells that has been a target of significant recent therapeutic interest for type II diabetes. Activation of GPR40 by partial agonists elicits insulin secretion only in the presence of elevated blood glucose levels, minimizing the risk of hypoglycemia. GPR40 agoPAMs have shown superior efficacy to partial agonists as assessed in a glucose tolerability test (GTT). Herein, we report the discovery and optimization of a series of potent, selective GPR40 agoPAMs. Compound 24 demonstrated sustained glucose lowering in a chronic study of Goto Kakizaki rats, showing no signs of tachyphylaxis for this mechanism.

Potential of GPCRs to modulate MAPK and mTOR pathways in Alzheimer's disease

Despite efforts to understand the mechanism of neuronal cell death, finding effective therapies for neurodegenerative diseases is still a challenge. Cognitive deficits are often associated with neurodegenerative diseases. Remarkably, in the absence of consensus biomarkers, diagnosis of diseases such as Alzheimer's still relies on cognitive tests. Unfortunately, all efforts to translate findings in animal models to the patients have been unsuccessful. Alzheimer's disease may be addressed from two different points of view, neuroprotection or cognitive enhancement. Based on recent data, the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway arises as a versatile player whose modulation may impact on mechanisms of both neuroprotection and cognition. Whereas direct targeting of mTOR does not seem to constitute a convenient approach in drug discovery, its indirect modulation by other signaling pathways seems promising. In fact, G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) remain the most common 'druggable' targets and as such pharmacological manipulation of GPCRs with selective ligands may modulate phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase (PI3K), mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase and mTOR signaling pathways. Thus, GPCRs become important targets for potential drug treatments in different neurodegenerative disorders including, but not limited to, Alzheimer's disease. GPCR-mediated modulation of mTOR may take advantage of different GPCRs coupled to different G-dependent and G-independent signal transduction routes, of functional selectivity and/or of biased agonism. Signals mediated by GPCRs may act as coincidence detectors to achieve different benefits in different stages of the neurodegenerative disease.

Different effects of G-protein-coupled receptor 120 (GPR120) and GPR40 on cell motile activity of highly migratory osteosarcoma cells

G-protein-coupled receptor 120 (GPR120) and GPR40 are members of free fatty acid (FFA) receptors and mediate a variety of biological responses through binding of medium- and long-chain FFAs. Recently, it has been reported that GPR120 and GPR40 regulated cellular functions of cancer cells. In the present study, to assess whether GPR120 and GPR40 are involved in the enhancement of cell motile activity of osteosarcoma cells, we established highly migratory (MG63-R7) cells from osteosarcoma MG-63 cells. The expression level of GPR120 gene was significantly higher in MG63-R7 cells than in MG-63 cells, while no change of GPR40 expression was observed. In cell motility assay, the cell motile activity of MG63-R7 cells was approximately 200 times higher than that of MG-63 cells. The cell motile activity of MG63-R7 cells was stimulated by GW9508, which is an agonist of GPR120 and GPR40. Moreover, a GPR40 antagonist GW1100 elevated the cell motile activity of MG63-R7 cells in the presence of GW9508. To confirm the effects of GPR120 and GPR40 on the cell motile activity of MG63-R7 cells, GPR120 knockdown cells were generated from MG63-R7 cells. The cell motile activity of MG63-R7 cells was markedly suppressed by GPR120 knockdown. These results indicated that GPR120 enhanced and GPR40 inhibited the cell motile activity of highly migratory osteosarcoma cells.

Key Questions for Translation of FFA Receptors: From Pharmacology to Medicines

The identification of fatty acids as ligands for the G-protein coupled free fatty acid (FFA) receptor family over 10 years ago led to intensive chemistry efforts to find small-molecule ligands for this class of receptors. Identification of potent, selective modulators of the FFA receptors and their utility in medicine has proven challenging, in part due to their complex pharmacology. Nevertheless, ligands have been identified that are sufficient for exploring the therapeutic potential of this class of receptors in rodents and, in the case of FFA1, FFA2, FFA4, and GPR84, also in humans. Expression profiling, the phenotyping of FFA receptor knockout mice, and the results of studies exploring the effects of these ligands in rodents have uncovered a number of indications where engagement of one or a combination of FFA receptors might provide some clinical benefit in areas including diabetes, inflammatory bowel syndrome, Alzheimer's, pain, and cancer. In this chapter, we will review the clinical potential of modulating FFA receptors based on preclinical and in some cases clinical studies with synthetic ligands. In particular, key aspects and challenges associated with small-molecule ligand identification and FFA receptor pharmacology will be addressed with a view of the hurdles that need to be overcome to fully understand the potential of the receptors as therapeutic targets.

Identification of an Orally Efficacious GPR40/FFAR1 Receptor Agonist

GPR40/FFAR1 is a G protein-coupled receptor predominantly expressed in pancreatic β-cells and activated by long-chain free fatty acids, mediating enhancement of glucose-stimulated insulin secretion. A novel series of substituted 3-(4-aryloxyaryl)propanoic acid derivatives were prepared and evaluated for their activities as GPR40 agonists, leading to the identification of compound 5, which is highly potent in in vitro assays and exhibits robust glucose lowering effects during an oral glucose tolerance test in nSTZ Wistar rat model of diabetes (ED50 = 0.8 mg/kg; ED90 = 3.1 mg/kg) with excellent pharmacokinetic profile, and devoid of cytochromes P450 isoform inhibitory activity.

A selective GPR40 (FFAR1) agonist LY2881835 provides immediate and durable glucose control in rodent models of type 2 diabetes

LY2881835 is a selective, potent, and efficacious GPR40 agonist. The objective of the studies described here was to examine the pharmacological properties of LY2881835 in preclinical models of T2D. Significant increases in insulin secretion were detected when LY2881835 was tested in primary islets from WT mice but not in islets from GPR40 KO mice. Furthermore, LY2881835 potentiated glucose stimulated insulin secretion in normal lean mice. Acute administration of LY2881835 lowered glucose during OGTTs in WT mice but not in GPR40 KO mice. These findings demonstrate that LY2881835 induces GPR40‐mediated activity ex vivo and in vivo. LY2881835 was administered orally at 10 mg/kg to diet‐induced obese (DIO) mice (an early model of T2D due to insulin resistance) for 14 days. Statistically significant reductions in glucose were seen during OGTTs performed on days 1 and 15. When a study was done for 3 weeks in Zucker fa/fa rats, a rat model of insulin resistance, normalization of blood glucose levels equivalent to those seen in lean rats was observed. A similar study was performed in streptozotocin (STZ)‐treated DIO mice to explore glucose control in a late model of T2D. In this model, pancreatic insulin content was reduced ~80% due to STZ‐treatment plus the mice were insulin resistant due to their high fat diet. Glucose AUCs were significantly reduced during OGTTs done on days 1, 7, and 14 compared to control mice. In conclusion, these results demonstrate that LY2881835 functions as a GPR40‐specific insulin secretagogue mediating immediate and durable glucose control in rodent models of early‐ and late‐stage T2D.

GPR40 mediates potential positive effects of a saturated fatty acid enriched diet on bone

SCOPE

The stimulation of the free fatty acid receptor G-protein coupled receptor (GPR) 40 by GW9508 prevents bone loss by inhibiting osteoclast activity, both in vitro and in vivo. Here, we questioned whether the stimulation of the GPR40 receptor by dietary fatty acids may lead to the same beneficial effect on bone.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We investigated (i) the impact of a fatty acid enriched diet (high-fat diet [HFD]) on bone health in C57/BL6 female mice depending on (ii) the estrogen status (ovariectomy) and (iii) the genotype (GPR40^+/+ or GPR40^-/- ). Bone mineral density (BMD), body composition, weight, inflammation and bone remodeling parameters were monitored. HFD decreased BMD in HFD-SH-GPR40^+/+ mice but OVX failed to further impact BMD in HFD-OVX-GPR40^+/+ mice, while additional bone loss was observed in HFD-OVX-GPR40^-/- animals. These data suggest that when stimulated by fatty acid enriched diets GPR40 contributes to counteract ovariectomy-induced bone alteration. The sparing effect is supported by the modulation of both the osteoprotegerin/receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (OPG/RANKL) ratio in blood stream and the expression level of inflammatory markers in adipose tissues. Bone preservation by GPR40 stimulation is dependent on the presence of long-chain saturated fatty acids.

CONCLUSION

GPR40 contributes to counter ovariectomy-induced bone loss in a context of saturated fatty acid enrichment.

Novel FFA1 (GPR40) agonists containing spirocyclic periphery: polar azine periphery as a driver of potency

A series of nine compounds based on 3-[4-(benzyloxy)phenyl]propanoic acid core containing a 1-oxa-9-azaspiro[5.5]undecane periphery was designed, synthesized and evaluated as free fatty acid 1 (FFA1 or GPR40) agonists. The spirocyclic appendages included in these compounds were inspired by LY2881835, Eli Lilly’s advanced drug candidate for type II diabetes mellitus that was in phase I clinical trials. These polar spirocyclic, fully saturated appendages (that are themselves uncharacteristic of the known FFA1 ligand space) were further decorated with diverse polar groups (such as basic heterocycles or secondary amides). To our surprise, while seven of nine compounds were found to be inactive (likely due to the decrease in lipophilicity, which is known to be detrimental to FFA1 ligand affinity), two compounds containing 2-pyridyloxy and 2-pyrimidinyloxy groups were found to have EC₅₀ of 1.621 and 0.904 µM, respectively. This result is significant in the context of the worldwide quest for more polar FFA1 agonists, which would be devoid of liver toxicity effects earlier observed for a FFA1 agonist fasiglifam (TAk-875) in clinical studies.