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Woyach V, Sherman K, Hillard CJ, Hopp FA, Hogan QH, Dean C. Fatty acid amide hydrolase activity in the dorsal periaqueductal gray attenuates neuropathic pain and associated dysautonomia. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2022; 323:R749-R762. [PMID: 36154489 PMCID: PMC9639763 DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00073.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
The complexity of neuropathic pain and its associated comorbidities, including dysautonomia, make it difficult to treat. Overlap of anatomical regions and pharmacology of sympathosensory systems in the central nervous system (CNS) provide targets for novel treatment strategies. The dorsal periaqueductal gray (dPAG) is an integral component of both the descending pain modulation system and the acute stress response and is critically involved in both analgesia and the regulation of sympathetic activity. Local manipulation of the endocannabinoid signaling system holds great promise to provide analgesia without excessive adverse effects and also influence autonomic output. Inhibition of fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) increases brain concentrations of the endocannabinoid N-arachidonoylethanolamine (AEA) and reduces pain-related behaviors in neuropathic pain models. Neuropathic hyperalgesia and reduced sympathetic tone are associated with increased FAAH activity in the dPAG, which suggests the hypothesis that inhibition of FAAH in the dPAG will normalize pain sensation and autonomic function in neuropathic pain. To test this hypothesis, the effects of systemic or intra-dPAG FAAH inhibition on hyperalgesia and dysautonomia developed after spared nerve injury (SNI) were assessed in male and female rats. Administration of the FAAH inhibitor PF-3845 into the dPAG reduces hyperalgesia behavior and the decrease in sympathetic tone induced by SNI. Prior administration of the CB1 receptor antagonist AM281, attenuated the antihyperalgesic and sympathetic effects of FAAH inhibition. No sex differences were identified. These data support an integrative role for AEA/CB1 receptor signaling in the dPAG contributing to the regulation of both hyperalgesia behavior and altered sympathetic tone in neuropathic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Woyach
- Department of Anesthesiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- Research Service, Zablocki Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Milwaukee Wisconsin
| | - Katherine Sherman
- Research Service, Zablocki Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Milwaukee Wisconsin
| | - Cecilia J Hillard
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology and Neuroscience Research Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | - Francis A Hopp
- Research Service, Zablocki Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Milwaukee Wisconsin
| | - Quinn H Hogan
- Department of Anesthesiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- Research Service, Zablocki Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Milwaukee Wisconsin
| | - Caron Dean
- Department of Anesthesiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- Research Service, Zablocki Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Milwaukee Wisconsin
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Practical Considerations for the Use of Cannabis in Cancer Pain Management—What a Medical Oncologist Should Know. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11175036. [PMID: 36078963 PMCID: PMC9457511 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11175036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Revised: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Pain is a highly debilitating emotional and sensory experience that significantly affects quality of life (QoL). Numerous chronic conditions, including cancer, are associated with chronic pain. In the setting of malignancy, pain can be a consequence of the tumor itself or of life-saving interventions, including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. Despite significant pharmacological advances and awareness campaigns, pain remains undertreated in one-third of patients. To date, opioids have been the mainstay of cancer pain management. The problematic side effects and unsatisfactory pain relief of opioids have revived patients’ and physicians’ interest in finding new solutions, including cannabis and cannabinoids. The medical use of cannabis has been prohibited for decades, and it remains in Schedule 1 of the Misuse of Drugs Regulations. Currently, the legal context for its usage has become more permissive. Various preclinical and observational studies have aimed to prove that cannabinoids could be effective in cancer pain management. However, their clinical utility must be further supported by high-quality clinical trials.
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Targeting G protein coupled receptors for alleviating neuropathic pain. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2022; 193:99-117. [PMID: 36357081 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2022.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Pain sensation is a normal physiological response to alert and prevent further tissue damage. It involves the perception of external stimuli by somatosensory neurons, then transmission of the message to various other types of neurons present in the spinal cord and brain to generate an appropriate response. Currently available analgesics exhibit very modest efficacy, and that too in only a subset of patients with chronic pain conditions, particularly neuropathic pain. The G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are expressed on presynaptic, postsynaptic terminals, and soma of somatosensory neurons, which binds to various types of ligands to modulate neuronal activity and thus pain sensation in both directions. Fundamentally, neuropathic pain arises due to aberrant neuronal plasticity, which includes the sensitization of peripheral primary afferents (dorsal root ganglia and trigeminal ganglia) and the sensitization of central nociceptive neurons in the spinal cord or trigeminal nucleus or brain stem and cortex. Owing to the expression profiles of GPCRs in somatosensory neurons and other neuroanatomical regions involved in pain processing and transmission, this article shall focus only on four families of GPCRs: 1- Opioid receptors, 2-Cannabinoid receptors, 3-Adenosine receptors, and 4-Chemokine receptors.
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Cerqueira NMFSA, Neves M, Rocha J, Soares-da Silva P, Palma PN. Inactivation Mechanism of the Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolase Inhibitor BIA 10-2474. Chembiochem 2022; 23:e202200166. [PMID: 35843872 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202200166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Revised: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
BIA 10-2474 is a time-dependent inhibitor of fatty acid amide hydrolase(FAAH) that was under clinical development for the treatment of neurological conditions when the program was terminated after one subject died and four were hospitalized with neurological symptoms during a first-in-human clinical study. The present manuscript describes the mechanism of FAAH inhibition by BIA 10-2474 as a target-specific covalent inhibition, supported by quantum mechanics and molecular modelling studies. The inhibitor incorporates a weakly reactive electrophile which, upon specific binding to the enzyme's active site, is positioned to react readily with the catalytic residues. The reactivity is enhanced on-site by the increased molarity at the reaction site and by specific inductive interactions with FAAH. In the second stage, the inhibitor reacts with the enzyme's catalytic nucleophile to form a covalent enzyme-inhibitor adduct. The hydrolysis of this adduct is shown to be unlikely under physiological conditions, therefore leading to irreversible inactivation of FAAH. The results also reveal the important role played by FAAH Thr236 in the reaction with BIA 10-2474, which is specific to FAAH and is not present in other serine hydrolases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nuno M F S A Cerqueira
- Department of Research & Development BIAL, Portela & Cª. S.A., S. Mamede do Coronado, Portugal
| | - Marco Neves
- Department of Research & Development BIAL, Portela & Cª. S.A., S. Mamede do Coronado, Portugal
| | - Juliana Rocha
- BioSIM, Department of Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Patrício Soares-da Silva
- Department of Research & Development BIAL, Portela & Cª. S.A., S. Mamede do Coronado, Portugal
- Department of Biomedicine, Unit of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- MedInUP - Center for Drug Discovery and Innovative Medicines, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - P Nuno Palma
- Department of Research & Development BIAL, Portela & Cª. S.A., S. Mamede do Coronado, Portugal
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Bajaj S, Jain S, Vyas P, Bawa S, Vohora D. The role of endocannabinoid pathway in the neuropathology of Alzheimer's disease: Can the inhibitors of MAGL and FAAH prove to be potential therapeutic targets against the cognitive impairment associated with Alzheimer's disease? Brain Res Bull 2021; 174:305-322. [PMID: 34217798 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2021.06.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive decline of cognitive function in combination with neuronal death. Current approved treatment target single dysregulated pathway instead of multiple mechanism, resulting in lack of efficacy in slowing down disease progression. The proclivity of endocannabinoid system to exert neuroprotective action and mitigate symptoms of neurodegeneration condition has received substantial interest. Growing evidence suggest the endocannabinoids (eCB) system, viz. anadamide (AEA) and arachidonoyl glycerol (2-AG), as potential therapeutic targets with the ability to modify Alzheimer's pathology by targeting the inflammatory, neurodegenerative and cognitive aspects of the disease. In order to modulate endocannabinoid system, number of agents have been reported amongst which are inhibitors of the monoacylglycerol (MAGL) and fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), the enzymes that hydrolyses 2-AG and AEA respectively. However, little is known regarding the exact mechanistic signalling and their effects on pathophysiology and cognitive decline associated with Alzheimer's disease. Both MAGL and FAAH inhibitors possess fascinating properties that may offer a multi-faceted approach for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease such as potential to protect neurons from deleterious effect of amyloid-β, reducing phosphorylation of tau, reducing amyloid-β induced oxidative stress, stimulating neurotrophin to support brain intrinsic repair mechanism etc. Based on empirical evidence, MAGL and FAAH inhibitors might have potential for therapeutic efficacy against cognitive impairment associated with Alzheimer's disease. The aim of this review is to summarize the experimental studies demonstrating the polyvalent properties of MAGL or FAAH inhibitor compounds for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, and also effect of these on learning and types of memories, which together encourage to study these compounds over other therapeutics targets. Further research in this direction would enhance the molecular mechanisms and development of applicable interventions for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, which nevertheless stay as the primary unmet need.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shivanshu Bajaj
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi, India
| | - Shreshta Jain
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi, India
| | - Preeti Vyas
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi, India
| | - Sandhya Bawa
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi, India
| | - Divya Vohora
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi, India.
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6
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Abstract
In this review, the state of the art for compounds affecting the endocannabinoid (eCB) system is described with a focus on the treatment of pain. Amongst directly acting CB receptor ligands, clinical experience with ∆9 -tetrahydracannabinol and medical cannabis in chronic non-cancer pain indicates that there are differences between the benefits perceived by patients and the at best modest effect seen in meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials. The reason for this difference is not known but may involve differences in the type of patients that are recruited, the study conditions that are chosen and the degree to which biases such as reporting bias are operative. Other directly acting CB receptor ligands such as biased agonists and allosteric receptor modulators have not yet reached the clinic. Amongst indirectly acting compounds targeting the enzymes responsible for the synthesis and catabolism of the eCBs anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol, fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) inhibitors have been investigated clinically but were per se not useful for the treatment of pain, although they may be useful for the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder and cannabis use disorder. Dual-acting compounds targeting this enzyme and other targets such as cyclooxygenase-2 or transient potential vanilloid receptor 1 may be a way forward for the treatment of pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- C J Fowler
- From the, Department of Integrative Medical Biology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
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7
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Keith JM, Jones W, Pierce JM, Seierstad M, Palmer JA, Webb M, Karbarz M, Scott BP, Wilson SJ, Luo L, Wennerholm M, Chang L, Rizzolio M, Rynberg R, Chaplan S, Guy Breitenbucher J. Heteroarylureas with fused bicyclic diamine cores as inhibitors of fatty acid amide hydrolase. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2020; 30:127463. [PMID: 32784090 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2020.127463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Revised: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 08/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
A series of mechanism-based heteroaryl urea fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) inhibitors with fused bicyclic diamine cores is described. In contrast to compounds built around a piperazine core, most of the fused bicyclic diamine bearing analogs prepared exhibited greater potency against rFAAH than the human enzyme. Several compounds equipotent against both species were identified and profiled in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- John M Keith
- Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson, L.L.C., 3210 Merryfield Row, San Diego, CA 92121, USA.
| | - William Jones
- Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson, L.L.C., 3210 Merryfield Row, San Diego, CA 92121, USA
| | - Joan M Pierce
- Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson, L.L.C., 3210 Merryfield Row, San Diego, CA 92121, USA
| | - Mark Seierstad
- Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson, L.L.C., 3210 Merryfield Row, San Diego, CA 92121, USA
| | - James A Palmer
- Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson, L.L.C., 3210 Merryfield Row, San Diego, CA 92121, USA
| | - Michael Webb
- Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson, L.L.C., 3210 Merryfield Row, San Diego, CA 92121, USA
| | - Mark Karbarz
- Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson, L.L.C., 3210 Merryfield Row, San Diego, CA 92121, USA
| | - Brian P Scott
- Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson, L.L.C., 3210 Merryfield Row, San Diego, CA 92121, USA
| | - Sandy J Wilson
- Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson, L.L.C., 3210 Merryfield Row, San Diego, CA 92121, USA
| | - Lin Luo
- Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson, L.L.C., 3210 Merryfield Row, San Diego, CA 92121, USA
| | - Michelle Wennerholm
- Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson, L.L.C., 3210 Merryfield Row, San Diego, CA 92121, USA
| | - Leon Chang
- Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson, L.L.C., 3210 Merryfield Row, San Diego, CA 92121, USA
| | - Michele Rizzolio
- Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson, L.L.C., 3210 Merryfield Row, San Diego, CA 92121, USA
| | - Raymond Rynberg
- Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson, L.L.C., 3210 Merryfield Row, San Diego, CA 92121, USA
| | - Sandra Chaplan
- Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson, L.L.C., 3210 Merryfield Row, San Diego, CA 92121, USA
| | - J Guy Breitenbucher
- Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson, L.L.C., 3210 Merryfield Row, San Diego, CA 92121, USA
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8
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Endo T, Takeuchi T, Maehara S. Pharmacological characterization of a novel, potent, selective, and orally active fatty acid amide hydrolase inhibitor, PKM-833 [(R)-N-(pyridazin-3-yl)-4-(7-(trifluoromethyl)chroman-4-yl)piperazine-1-carboxamide] in rats: Potential for the treatment of inflammatory pain. Pharmacol Res Perspect 2020; 8:e00569. [PMID: 32101384 PMCID: PMC7043261 DOI: 10.1002/prp2.569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2019] [Revised: 01/31/2020] [Accepted: 02/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Recently, we identified a novel fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) inhibitor, PKM-833 [(R)-N-(pyridazin-3-yl)-4-(7-(trifluoromethyl)chroman-4-yl)piperazine-1-carboxamide]. The aim of the present study is to characterize the pharmacological profile of PKM-833 in vitro and in vivo. PKM-833 showed potent inhibitory activities against human and rat FAAH with IC50 values of 8.8 and 10 nmol/L, respectively, 200-fold more selectivity against other 137 molecular targets, and irreversible mode of action. In pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic studies, PKM-833 showed excellent brain penetration and good oral bioavailability, and elevated anandamide (AEA) concentrations in the rat brain. These data indicate that PKM-833 is a potent, selective, orally active, and brain-penetrable FAAH inhibitor. In behavioral studies using rat models, PKM-833 significantly attenuated formalin-induced pain responses (3 mg/kg) and improved mechanical allodynia in complete freund's adjuvant (CFA)-induced inflammatory pain (0.3-3 mg/kg). On the other hand, PKM-833 did not show the analgesic effects against mechanical allodynia in chronic constriction injury (CCI)-induced neuropathic pain up to 30 mg/kg. Regarding side effects, PKM-833 had no significant effects on catalepsy and motor coordination up to 30 mg/kg. These results indicate that PKM-833 is a useful pharmacological agent that can be used to investigate the role of FAAH and may have therapeutic potential for the treatment of inflammatory pain without undesirable side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toshiya Endo
- Biology LaboratoryDiscovery ResearchMochida Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.GotembaShizuokaJapan
| | - Takashi Takeuchi
- Biology LaboratoryDiscovery ResearchMochida Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.GotembaShizuokaJapan
| | - Shunsuke Maehara
- Biology LaboratoryDiscovery ResearchMochida Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.GotembaShizuokaJapan
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Ligresti A, Silvestri C, Vitale RM, Martos JL, Piscitelli F, Wang JW, Allarà M, Carling RW, Luongo L, Guida F, Illiano A, Amoresano A, Maione S, Amodeo P, Woodward DF, Di Marzo V, Marino G. FAAH-Catalyzed C-C Bond Cleavage of a New Multitarget Analgesic Drug. ACS Chem Neurosci 2019; 10:424-437. [PMID: 30226747 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.8b00315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The discovery of extended catalytic versatilities is of great importance in both the chemistry and biotechnology fields. Fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) belongs to the amidase signature superfamily and is a major endocannabinoid inactivating enzyme using an atypical catalytic mechanism involving hydrolysis of amide and occasionally ester bonds. FAAH inhibitors are efficacious in experimental models of neuropathic pain, inflammation, and anxiety, among others. We report a new multitarget drug, AGN220653, containing a carboxyamide-4-oxazole moiety and endowed with efficacious analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities, which are partly due to its capability of achieving inhibition of FAAH, and subsequently increasing the tissue concentrations of the endocannabinoid anandamide. This inhibitor behaves as a noncompetitive, slowly reversible inhibitor. Autoradiography of purified FAAH incubated with AGN220653, opportunely radiolabeled, indicated covalent binding followed by fragmentation of the molecule. Molecular docking suggested a possible nucleophilic attack by FAAH-Ser241 on the carbonyl group of the carboxyamide-4-oxazole moiety, resulting in the cleavage of the C-C bond between the oxazole and the carboxyamide moieties, instead of either of the two available amide bonds. MRM-MS analyses only detected the Ser241-assisted formation of the carbamate intermediate, thus confirming the cleavage of the aforementioned C-C bond. Quantum mechanics calculations were fully consistent with this mechanism. The study exemplifies how FAAH structural features and mechanism of action may override the binding and reactivity propensities of substrates. This unpredicted mechanism could pave the way to the future development of a completely new class of amidase inhibitors, of potential use against pain, inflammation, and mood disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Ligresti
- Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, Endocannabinoid Research Group, National Research Council of Italy, Pozzuoli 80078, Italy
| | - Cristoforo Silvestri
- Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, Endocannabinoid Research Group, National Research Council of Italy, Pozzuoli 80078, Italy
| | - Rosa Maria Vitale
- Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, Endocannabinoid Research Group, National Research Council of Italy, Pozzuoli 80078, Italy
| | - Jose L. Martos
- Discovery Department, Selcia Limited, Ongar CM5 0GS, United Kingdom
| | - Fabiana Piscitelli
- Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, Endocannabinoid Research Group, National Research Council of Italy, Pozzuoli 80078, Italy
| | - Jenny W. Wang
- Department of Biological Sciences, Allergan Inc., Irvine, California 92623, United States
| | - Marco Allarà
- Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, Endocannabinoid Research Group, National Research Council of Italy, Pozzuoli 80078, Italy
| | | | - Livio Luongo
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Pharmacology Division, University of Campania, Naples 80138, Italy
| | - Francesca Guida
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Pharmacology Division, University of Campania, Naples 80138, Italy
| | - Anna Illiano
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples “Federico II”, Naples 80126, Italy
| | - Angela Amoresano
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples “Federico II”, Naples 80126, Italy
| | - Sabatino Maione
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Pharmacology Division, University of Campania, Naples 80138, Italy
| | - Pietro Amodeo
- Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, Endocannabinoid Research Group, National Research Council of Italy, Pozzuoli 80078, Italy
| | - David F. Woodward
- Department of Biological Sciences, Allergan Inc., Irvine, California 92623, United States
| | - Vincenzo Di Marzo
- Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, Endocannabinoid Research Group, National Research Council of Italy, Pozzuoli 80078, Italy
- Canada Excellence Research Chair on the Microbiome-Endocannabinoidome Axis in Metabolic Health, Universitè Laval, Quebec City G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Gennaro Marino
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples “Federico II”, Naples 80126, Italy
- University “Suor Orsola Benincasa”, Naples 80132, Italy
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10
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Enhanced endocannabinoid tone as a potential target of pharmacotherapy. Life Sci 2018; 204:20-45. [PMID: 29729263 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2018.04.054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2018] [Revised: 04/19/2018] [Accepted: 04/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system is up-regulated in numerous pathophysiological states such as inflammatory, neurodegenerative, gastrointestinal, metabolic and cardiovascular diseases, pain, and cancer. It has been suggested that this phenomenon primarily serves an autoprotective role in inhibiting disease progression and/or diminishing signs and symptoms. Accordingly, enhancement of endogenous endocannabinoid tone by inhibition of endocannabinoid degradation represents a promising therapeutic approach for the treatment of many diseases. Importantly, this allows for the avoidance of unwanted psychotropic side effects that accompany exogenously administered cannabinoids. The effects of endocannabinoid metabolic pathway modulation are complex, as endocannabinoids can exert their actions directly or via numerous metabolites. The two main strategies for blocking endocannabinoid degradation are inhibition of endocannabinoid-degrading enzymes and inhibition of endocannabinoid cellular uptake. To date, the most investigated compounds are inhibitors of fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), an enzyme that degrades the endocannabinoid anandamide. However, application of FAAH inhibitors (and consequently other endocannabinoid degradation inhibitors) in medicine became questionable due to a lack of therapeutic efficacy in clinical trials and serious adverse effects evoked by one specific compound. In this paper, we discuss multiple pathways of endocannabinoid metabolism, changes in endocannabinoid levels across numerous human diseases and corresponding experimental models, pharmacological strategies for enhancing endocannabinoid tone and potential therapeutic applications including multi-target drugs with additional targets outside of the endocannabinoid system (cyclooxygenase-2, cholinesterase, TRPV1, and PGF2α-EA receptors), and currently used medicines or medicinal herbs that additionally enhance endocannabinoid levels. Ultimately, further clinical and preclinical studies are warranted to develop medicines for enhancing endocannabinoid tone.
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11
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Donvito G, Nass SR, Wilkerson JL, Curry ZA, Schurman LD, Kinsey SG, Lichtman AH. The Endogenous Cannabinoid System: A Budding Source of Targets for Treating Inflammatory and Neuropathic Pain. Neuropsychopharmacology 2018; 43:52-79. [PMID: 28857069 PMCID: PMC5719110 DOI: 10.1038/npp.2017.204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 181] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2017] [Revised: 08/24/2017] [Accepted: 08/27/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
A great need exists for the development of new medications to treat pain resulting from various disease states and types of injury. Given that the endogenous cannabinoid (that is, endocannabinoid) system modulates neuronal and immune cell function, both of which play key roles in pain, therapeutics targeting this system hold promise as novel analgesics. Potential therapeutic targets include the cannabinoid receptors, type 1 and 2, as well as biosynthetic and catabolic enzymes of the endocannabinoids N-arachidonoylethanolamine and 2-arachidonoylglycerol. Notably, cannabinoid receptor agonists as well as inhibitors of endocannabinoid-regulating enzymes fatty acid amide hydrolase and monoacylglycerol lipase produce reliable antinociceptive effects, and offer opioid-sparing antinociceptive effects in myriad preclinical inflammatory and neuropathic pain models. Emerging clinical studies show that 'medicinal' cannabis or cannabinoid-based medications relieve pain in human diseases such as cancer, multiple sclerosis, and fibromyalgia. However, clinical data have yet to demonstrate the analgesic efficacy of inhibitors of endocannabinoid-regulating enzymes. Likewise, the question of whether pharmacotherapies aimed at the endocannabinoid system promote opioid-sparing effects in the treatment of pain reflects an important area of research. Here we examine the preclinical and clinical evidence of various endocannabinoid system targets as potential therapeutic strategies for inflammatory and neuropathic pain conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Donvito
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Virginia Campus, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Sara R Nass
- Department of Psychology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Jenny L Wilkerson
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Virginia Campus, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Zachary A Curry
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Virginia Campus, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Lesley D Schurman
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Virginia Campus, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Steven G Kinsey
- Department of Psychology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Aron H Lichtman
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Virginia Campus, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
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12
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Woodhams SG, Chapman V, Finn DP, Hohmann AG, Neugebauer V. The cannabinoid system and pain. Neuropharmacology 2017; 124:105-120. [PMID: 28625720 PMCID: PMC5785108 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2017.06.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 182] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2017] [Revised: 05/31/2017] [Accepted: 06/14/2017] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Chronic pain states are highly prevalent and yet poorly controlled by currently available analgesics, representing an enormous clinical, societal, and economic burden. Existing pain medications have significant limitations and adverse effects including tolerance, dependence, gastrointestinal dysfunction, cognitive impairment, and a narrow therapeutic window, making the search for novel analgesics ever more important. In this article, we review the role of an important endogenous pain control system, the endocannabinoid (EC) system, in the sensory, emotional, and cognitive aspects of pain. Herein, we briefly cover the discovery of the EC system and its role in pain processing pathways, before concentrating on three areas of current major interest in EC pain research; 1. Pharmacological enhancement of endocannabinoid activity (via blockade of EC metabolism or allosteric modulation of CB1receptors); 2. The EC System and stress-induced modulation of pain; and 3. The EC system & medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) dysfunction in pain states. Whilst we focus predominantly on the preclinical data, we also include extensive discussion of recent clinical failures of endocannabinoid-related therapies, the future potential of these approaches, and important directions for future research on the EC system and pain. This article is part of the Special Issue entitled "A New Dawn in Cannabinoid Neurobiology".
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen G Woodhams
- Arthritis UK Pain Centre, School of Life Sciences, Queen's Medical Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom.
| | - Victoria Chapman
- Arthritis UK Pain Centre, School of Life Sciences, Queen's Medical Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - David P Finn
- Pharmacology & Therapeutics, School of Medicine, Galway Neuroscience Centre and Centre for Pain Research, NCBES, National University of Ireland Galway, University Road, Galway, Ireland
| | - Andrea G Hohmann
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA; Program in Neuroscience, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA; Interdisciplinary Biochemistry Graduate Program, Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA; Gill Center for Biomolecular Science, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Volker Neugebauer
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Center of Excellence for Translational Neuroscience and Therapeutics, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA
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Fowler CJ, Doherty P, Alexander SPH. Endocannabinoid Turnover. ADVANCES IN PHARMACOLOGY (SAN DIEGO, CALIF.) 2017; 80:31-66. [PMID: 28826539 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apha.2017.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
In this review, we consider the biosynthetic, hydrolytic, and oxidative metabolism of the endocannabinoids anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol. We describe the enzymes associated with these events and their characterization. We identify the inhibitor profile for these enzymes and the status of therapeutic exploitation, which to date has been limited to clinical trials for fatty acid amide hydrolase inhibitors. To bring the review to a close, we consider whether point block of a single enzyme is likely to be the most successful approach for therapeutic exploitation of the endocannabinoid system.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Patrick Doherty
- Wolfson Centre for Age-Related Disease, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
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Burma NE, Leduc-Pessah H, Fan CY, Trang T. Animal models of chronic pain: Advances and challenges for clinical translation. J Neurosci Res 2016; 95:1242-1256. [PMID: 27376591 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.23768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2016] [Revised: 04/25/2016] [Accepted: 04/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Chronic pain is a global problem that has reached epidemic proportions. An estimated 20% of adults suffer from pain, and another 10% are diagnosed with chronic pain each year (Goldberg and McGee, ). Despite the high prevalence of chronic pain (an estimated 1.5 billion people are afflicted worldwide), much remains to be understood about the underlying causes of this condition, and there is an urgent requirement for better pain therapies. The discovery of novel targets and the development of better analgesics rely on an assortment of preclinical animal models; however, there are major challenges to translating discoveries made in animal models to realized pain therapies in humans. This review discusses common animal models used to recapitulate clinical chronic pain conditions (such as neuropathic, inflammatory, and visceral pain) and the methods for assessing the sensory and affective components of pain in animals. We also discuss the advantages and limitations of modeling chronic pain in animals as well as highlighting strategies for improving the predictive validity of preclinical pain studies. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole E Burma
- Departments of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, and Physiology and Pharmacology, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Heather Leduc-Pessah
- Departments of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, and Physiology and Pharmacology, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Churmy Y Fan
- Departments of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, and Physiology and Pharmacology, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Tuan Trang
- Departments of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, and Physiology and Pharmacology, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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Keith JM, Tichenor MS, Apodaca RL, Xiao W, Jones WM, Seierstad M, Pierce JM, Palmer JA, Webb M, Karbarz MJ, Scott BP, Wilson SJ, Wennerholm ML, Rizzolio M, Rynberg R, Chaplan SR, Breitenbucher JG. The SAR of brain penetration for a series of heteroaryl urea FAAH inhibitors. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2016; 26:3109-3114. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2016.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2016] [Revised: 04/29/2016] [Accepted: 05/02/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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16
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Lowin T, Apitz M, Anders S, Straub RH. Anti-inflammatory effects of N-acylethanolamines in rheumatoid arthritis synovial cells are mediated by TRPV1 and TRPA1 in a COX-2 dependent manner. Arthritis Res Ther 2015; 17:321. [PMID: 26567045 PMCID: PMC4644337 DOI: 10.1186/s13075-015-0845-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2015] [Accepted: 10/29/2015] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction The endocannabinoid system modulates function of immune cells and mesenchymal cells such as fibroblasts, which contribute to cartilage destruction in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The aim of the study was to determine the influence of N-acylethanolamines anandamide (AEA), palmitoylethanolamine (PEA) and oleylethanolamine (OEA) on several features of arthritic inflammation in vitro (human material) and in vivo (a mouse model). Methods Immunofluorescence and western blotting were used to detect cannabinoid receptors and related enzymes. Cytokines and MMP-3 were measured by ELISA. Intracellular signaling proteins were detected by proteome profiling. Proliferation was quantified by CTB reagent. Adhesion was assessed by the xCELLigence system. After onset of collagen type II arthritis, mice were treated daily with the FAAH inhibitor JNJ1661010 (20 mg/kg) or vehicle. Results IL-6, IL-8 and MMP-3 (determined only in synovial fibroblasts (SFs)) were downregulated in primary synoviocytes and SFs of RA and OA after AEA, PEA and OEA treatment. In SFs, this was due to activation of TRPV1 and TRPA1 in a COX-2-dependent fashion. FAAH inhibition increased the efficacy of AEA in primary synoviocytes but not in SFs. The effects of OEA and PEA on SFs were diminished by FAAH inhibition. Adhesion to fibronectin was increased in a CB1-dependent manner by AEA in OASFs. Furthermore, elevation of endocannabinoids ameliorated collagen-induced arthritis in mice. Conclusions N-acylethanolamines exert anti-inflammatory effects in SFs. A dual FAAH/COX-2 inhibitor, increasing N-acylethanolamine levels with concomitant TRP channel desensitization, might be a good candidate to inhibit the production of proinflammatory mediators of synovial cells and to reduce erosions. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13075-015-0845-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Torsten Lowin
- Laboratory of Experimental Rheumatology and Neuroendocrine Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Regensburg, Franz Josef Strauss Allee 11, 93042, Regensburg, Germany.
| | - Martin Apitz
- Laboratory of Experimental Rheumatology and Neuroendocrine Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Regensburg, Franz Josef Strauss Allee 11, 93042, Regensburg, Germany.
| | - Sven Anders
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University Hospital Regensburg, Asklepios Clinic Bad Abbach, Kaiser Karl V Allee 3, 93077, Bad Abbach, Germany.
| | - Rainer H Straub
- Laboratory of Experimental Rheumatology and Neuroendocrine Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Regensburg, Franz Josef Strauss Allee 11, 93042, Regensburg, Germany.
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Lodola A, Castelli R, Mor M, Rivara S. Fatty acid amide hydrolase inhibitors: a patent review (2009-2014). Expert Opin Ther Pat 2015; 25:1247-66. [PMID: 26413912 DOI: 10.1517/13543776.2015.1067683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) is a key enzyme responsible for the degradation of the endocannabinoid anandamide. FAAH inactivation is emerging as a strategy to treat several CNS and peripheral diseases, including inflammation and pain. The search for effective FAAH inhibitors has thus become a key focus in present drug discovery. AREAS COVERED Patents and patent applications published from 2009 to 2014 in which novel chemical classes are claimed to inhibit FAAH. EXPERT OPINION FAAH is a promising target for treating many disease conditions including pain, inflammation and mood disorders. In the last few years, remarkable efforts have been made to develop new FAAH inhibitors (either reversible and irreversible) characterized by excellent potency and selectivity, to complete the arsenal of tools for modulating FAAH activity. The failure of PF-04457845 in a Phase II study on osteoarthritis pain has not flattened the interest in FAAH inhibitors. New clinical trials on 'classical' FAAH inhibitors are now ongoing, and new strategies based on compounds with peculiar in vivo distribution (e.g., peripheral) or with multiple pharmacological activities (e.g., FAAH and COX) are under investigation and could boost the therapeutic potential of this class in the next future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessio Lodola
- a 1 Università degli Studi di Parma, Dipartimento di Farmacia , Parco Area delle Scienze 27/A, Parma, Italy
| | - Riccardo Castelli
- b 2 Università degli Studi di Parma, Dipartimento di Farmacia , Parco Area delle Scienze 27/A, Parma, Italy
| | - Marco Mor
- c 3 Università degli Studi di Parma, Dipartimento di Farmacia , Parco Area delle Scienze 27/A, Parma, Italy +39 0521 905059 ; +39 0521 905006 ;
| | - Silvia Rivara
- a 1 Università degli Studi di Parma, Dipartimento di Farmacia , Parco Area delle Scienze 27/A, Parma, Italy
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The Potential of Inhibitors of Endocannabinoid Metabolism for Drug Development: A Critical Review. Handb Exp Pharmacol 2015; 231:95-128. [PMID: 26408159 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-20825-1_4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The endocannabinoids anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol are metabolised by both hydrolytic enzymes (primarily fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) and monoacylglycerol lipase (MGL)) and oxygenating enzymes (e.g. cyclooxygenase-2, COX-2). In the present article, the in vivo data for compounds inhibiting endocannabinoid metabolism have been reviewed, focussing on inflammation and pain. Potential reasons for the failure of an FAAH inhibitor in a clinical trial in patients with osteoarthritic pain are discussed. It is concluded that there is a continued potential for compounds inhibiting endocannabinoid metabolism in terms of drug development, but that it is wise not to be unrealistic in terms of expectations of success.
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Ogawa S, Kunugi H. Inhibitors of Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolase and Monoacylglycerol Lipase: New Targets for Future Antidepressants. Curr Neuropharmacol 2015; 13:760-75. [PMID: 26630956 PMCID: PMC4759315 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x13666150612225212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2015] [Revised: 03/16/2015] [Accepted: 03/18/2015] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Cannabis and analogs of Δ<sup>9</sup>-tetrahydrocannabinol have been used for therapeutic purposes, but their therapeutic use remains limited because of various adverse effects. Endogenous cannabinoids have been discovered, and dysregulation of endocannabinoid signaling is implicated in the pathophysiology of major depressive disorder (MDD). Recently, endocannabinoid hydrolytic enzymes such as fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) and monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) have become new therapeutic targets in the treatment of MDD. Several FAAH or MAGL inhibitors are reported to have no cannabimimetic side effects and, therefore, are new potential therapeutic options for patients with MDD who are resistant to first-line antidepressants (selective serotonin and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors). In this review, we focus on the possible relationships between MDD and the endocannabinoid system as well as the inhibitors' therapeutic potential. MAGL inhibitors may reduce inflammatory responses through activation of cannabinoid receptor type 2. In the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, repeated FAAH inhibitor administration may be beneficial for reducing circulating glucocorticoid levels. Both FAAH and MAGL inhibitors may contribute to dopaminergic system regulation. Recently, several new inhibitors have been developed with strong potency and selectivity. FAAH inhibitor, MAGL inhibitor, or dual blocker use would be promising new treatments for MDD. Further pre-clinical studies and clinical trials using these inhibitors are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hiroshi Kunugi
- Department of Mental Disorder Research, National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Kodaira, Tokyo, Japan.
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20
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Palermo G, Rothlisberger U, Cavalli A, De Vivo M. Computational insights into function and inhibition of fatty acid amide hydrolase. Eur J Med Chem 2014; 91:15-26. [PMID: 25240419 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2014.09.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2014] [Revised: 09/01/2014] [Accepted: 09/11/2014] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
The Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolase (FAAH) enzyme is a membrane-bound serine hydrolase responsible for the deactivating hydrolysis of a family of naturally occurring fatty acid amides. FAAH is a critical enzyme of the endocannabinoid system, being mainly responsible for regulating the level of its main cannabinoid substrate anandamide. For this reason, pharmacological inhibition of FAAH, which increases the level of endogenous anandamide, is a promising strategy to cure a variety of diseases including pain, inflammation, and cancer. Much structural, mutagenesis, and kinetic data on FAAH has been generated over the last couple of decades. This has prompted several informative computational investigations to elucidate, at the atomic-level, mechanistic details on catalysis and inhibition of this pharmaceutically relevant enzyme. Here, we review how these computational studies - based on classical molecular dynamics, full quantum mechanics, and hybrid QM/MM methods - have clarified the binding and reactivity of some relevant substrates and inhibitors of FAAH. We also discuss the experimental implications of these computational insights, which have provided a thoughtful elucidation of the complex physical and chemical steps of the enzymatic mechanism of FAAH. Finally, we discuss how computations have been helpful for building structure-activity relationships of potent FAAH inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Palermo
- Department of Drug Discovery and Development, Italian Institute of Technology, Via Morego 30, 16163 Genova, Italy; Laboratory of Computational Chemistry and Biochemistry, Institute of Chemical Sciences and Engineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Ursula Rothlisberger
- Laboratory of Computational Chemistry and Biochemistry, Institute of Chemical Sciences and Engineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Andrea Cavalli
- Department of Drug Discovery and Development, Italian Institute of Technology, Via Morego 30, 16163 Genova, Italy; Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Via Belmeloro 6, I-40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Marco De Vivo
- Department of Drug Discovery and Development, Italian Institute of Technology, Via Morego 30, 16163 Genova, Italy.
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Otrubova K, Srinivasan V, Boger DL. Discovery libraries targeting the major enzyme classes: the serine hydrolases. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2014; 24:3807-13. [PMID: 25037918 PMCID: PMC4130767 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2014.06.063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2014] [Revised: 06/19/2014] [Accepted: 06/20/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Two libraries of modestly reactive ureas containing either electron-deficient acyl anilines or acyl pyrazoles were prepared and are reported as screening libraries for candidate serine hydrolase inhibitors. Within each library is a small but powerful subset of compounds that serve as a chemotype fragment screening library capable of subsequent structural diversification. Elaboration of the pyrazole-based ureas provided remarkably potent irreversible inhibitors of fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH, apparent Ki=100-200 pM) complementary to those previously disclosed enlisting electron-deficient aniline-based ureas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katerina Otrubova
- Department of Chemistry and the Skaggs Institute for Chemical Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla CA 92037, United States
| | - Venkat Srinivasan
- Department of Chemistry and the Skaggs Institute for Chemical Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla CA 92037, United States
| | - Dale L Boger
- Department of Chemistry and the Skaggs Institute for Chemical Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla CA 92037, United States.
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22
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Hama AT, Germano P, Varghese MS, Cravatt BF, Milne GT, Pearson JP, Sagen J. Fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) inhibitors exert pharmacological effects, but lack antinociceptive efficacy in rats with neuropathic spinal cord injury pain. PLoS One 2014; 9:e96396. [PMID: 24788435 PMCID: PMC4008577 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0096396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2014] [Accepted: 04/07/2014] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Amelioration of neuropathic spinal cord injury (SCI) pain is a clinical challenge. Increasing the endocannabinoid anandamide and other fatty acid amides (FAA) by blocking fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) has been shown to be antinociceptive in a number of animal models of chronic pain. However, an antinociceptive effect of blocking FAAH has yet to be demonstrated in a rat model of neuropathic SCI pain. Four weeks following a SCI, rats developed significantly decreased hind paw withdrawal thresholds, indicative of below-level cutaneous hypersensitivity. A group of SCI rats were systemically treated (i.p.) with either the selective FAAH inhibitor URB597 or vehicle twice daily for seven days. A separate group of SCI rats received a single dose (p.o.) of either the selective FAAH inhibitor PF-3845 or vehicle. Following behavioral testing, levels of the FAA N-arachidonoylethanolamide, N-oleoyl ethanolamide and N-palmitoyl ethanolamide were quantified in brain and spinal cord from SCI rats. Four weeks following SCI, FAA levels were markedly reduced in spinal cord tissue. Although systemic treatment with URB597 significantly increased CNS FAA levels, no antinociceptive effect was observed. A significant elevation of CNS FAA levels was also observed following oral PF-3845 treatment, but only a modest antinociceptive effect was observed. Increasing CNS FAA levels alone does not lead to robust amelioration of below-level neuropathic SCI pain. Perhaps utilizing FAAH inhibition in conjunction with other analgesic mechanisms could be an effective analgesic therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aldric T. Hama
- Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, United States of America
| | - Peter Germano
- Ironwood Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Matthew S. Varghese
- Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, United States of America
| | - Benjamin F. Cravatt
- Department of Chemical Physiology, The Skaggs Institute for Chemical Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - G. Todd Milne
- Ironwood Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - James P. Pearson
- Ironwood Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Jacqueline Sagen
- Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, United States of America
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Okura D, Horishita T, Ueno S, Yanagihara N, Sudo Y, Uezono Y, Sata T. The endocannabinoid anandamide inhibits voltage-gated sodium channels Nav1.2, Nav1.6, Nav1.7, and Nav1.8 in Xenopus oocytes. Anesth Analg 2014; 118:554-62. [PMID: 24557103 DOI: 10.1213/ane.0000000000000070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anandamide is an endocannabinoid that regulates multiple physiological functions by pharmacological actions, in a manner similar to marijuana. Recently, much attention has been paid to the analgesic effect of endocannabinoids in terms of identifying new pharmacotherapies for refractory pain management, but the mechanisms of the analgesic effects of anandamide are still obscure. Voltage-gated sodium channels are believed to play important roles in inflammatory and neuropathic pain. We investigated the effects of anandamide on 4 neuronal sodium channel α subunits, Nav1.2, Nav1.6, Nav1.7, and Nav1.8, to explore the mechanisms underlying the antinociceptive effects of anandamide. METHODS We studied the effects of anandamide on Nav1.2, Nav1.6, Nav1.7, and Nav1.8 α subunits with β1 subunits by using whole-cell, 2-electrode, voltage-clamp techniques in Xenopus oocytes. RESULTS Anandamide inhibited sodium currents of all subunits at a holding potential causing half-maximal current (V1/2) in a concentration-dependent manner. The half-maximal inhibitory concentration values for Nav1.2, Nav1.6, Nav1.7, and Nav1.8 were 17, 12, 27, and 40 μmol/L, respectively, indicating an inhibitory effect on Nav1.6, which showed the highest potency. Anandamide raised the depolarizing shift of the activation curve as well as the hyperpolarizing shift of the inactivation curve in all α subunits, suggesting that sodium current inhibition was due to decreased activation and increased inactivation. Moreover, anandamide showed a use-dependent block in Nav1.2, Nav1.6, and Nav1.7 but not Nav1.8. CONCLUSION Anandamide inhibited the function of α subunits in neuronal sodium channels Nav1.2, Nav1.6, Nav1.7, and Nav1.8. These results help clarify the mechanisms of the analgesic effects of anandamide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Okura
- From the *Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine; †Department of Occupational Toxicology, Institute of Industrial Ecological Sciences, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, ‡Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Fukuoka; §Department of Molecular Pathology & Metabolic Disease, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tokyo university of Science, Chiba; and ‖Cancer Pathophysiology Division, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Tokyo, Japan
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Keith JM, Hawryluk N, Apodaca RL, Chambers A, Pierce JM, Seierstad M, Palmer JA, Webb M, Karbarz MJ, Scott BP, Wilson SJ, Luo L, Wennerholm ML, Chang L, Rizzolio M, Chaplan SR, Breitenbucher JG. 1-Aryl-2-((6-aryl)pyrimidin-4-yl)amino)ethanols as competitive inhibitors of fatty acid amide hydrolase. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2014; 24:1280-4. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2014.01.064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2013] [Revised: 01/15/2014] [Accepted: 01/21/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Otrubova K, Cravatt BF, Boger DL. Design, synthesis, and characterization of α-ketoheterocycles that additionally target the cytosolic port Cys269 of fatty acid amide hydrolase. J Med Chem 2014; 57:1079-89. [PMID: 24456116 PMCID: PMC3940414 DOI: 10.1021/jm401820q] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
![]()
A series
of α-ketooxazoles incorporating electrophiles at
the C5 position of the pyridyl ring of 2 (OL-135) and
related compounds were prepared and examined as inhibitors of fatty
acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) that additionally target the cytosolic
port Cys269. From this series, a subset of the candidate inhibitors
exhibited time-dependent FAAH inhibition and noncompetitive irreversible
inactivation of the enzyme, consistent with the targeted Cys269 covalent
alkylation or addition, and maintained or enhanced the intrinsic selectivity
for FAAH versus other serine hydrolases. A preliminary in vivo assessment
demonstrates that these inhibitors raise endogenous brain levels of
anandamide and other FAAH substrates upon intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration
to mice, with peak levels achieved within 1.5–3 h, and that
the elevations of the signaling lipids were maintained >6 h, indicating
that the inhibitors effectively reach and remain active in the brain,
inhibiting FAAH for a sustained period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katerina Otrubova
- Department of Chemistry, ‡Chemical Physiology, and §The Skaggs Institute for Chemical Biology, The Scripps Research Institute , 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
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Otrubova K, Brown M, McCormick MS, Han GW, O’Neal ST, Cravatt BF, Stevens RC, Lichtman AH, Boger DL. Rational design of fatty acid amide hydrolase inhibitors that act by covalently bonding to two active site residues. J Am Chem Soc 2013; 135:6289-99. [PMID: 23581831 PMCID: PMC3678763 DOI: 10.1021/ja4014997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The design and characterization of α-ketoheterocycle fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) inhibitors are disclosed that additionally and irreversibly target a cysteine (Cys269) found in the enzyme cytosolic port while maintaining the reversible covalent Ser241 attachment responsible for their rapid and initially reversible enzyme inhibition. Two α-ketooxazoles (3 and 4) containing strategically placed electrophiles at the C5 position of the pyridyl substituent of 2 (OL-135) were prepared and examined as inhibitors of FAAH. Consistent with the observed time-dependent noncompetitive inhibition, the cocrystal X-ray structure of 3 bound to a humanized variant of rat FAAH revealed that 3 was not only covalently bound to the active site catalytic nucleophile Ser241 as a deprotonated hemiketal, but also to Cys269 through the pyridyl C5-substituent, thus providing an inhibitor with dual covalent attachment in the enzyme active site. In vivo characterization of the prototypical inhibitors in mice demonstrates that they raise endogenous brain levels of FAAH substrates to a greater extent and for a much longer duration (>6 h) than the reversible inhibitor 2, indicating that the inhibitors accumulate and persist in the brain to completely inhibit FAAH for a prolonged period. Consistent with this behavior and the targeted irreversible enzyme inhibition, 3 reversed cold allodynia in the chronic constriction injury model of neuropathic pain in mice for a sustained period (>6 h) beyond that observed with the reversible inhibitor 2, providing effects that were unchanged over the 1-6 h time course monitored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katerina Otrubova
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, California 92037
- The Skaggs Institute for Chemical Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, California 92037
| | - Monica Brown
- Department of Molecular Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, California 92037
| | - Michael S. McCormick
- Department of Molecular Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, California 92037
| | - Gye W. Han
- Department of Molecular Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, California 92037
| | - Scott T. O’Neal
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298
| | - Benjamin F. Cravatt
- Department of Chemical Physiology, The Scripps Research Institute, 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, California 92037
- The Skaggs Institute for Chemical Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, California 92037
| | - Raymond C. Stevens
- Department of Molecular Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, California 92037
- The Skaggs Institute for Chemical Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, California 92037
| | - Aron H. Lichtman
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298
| | - Dale L. Boger
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, California 92037
- The Skaggs Institute for Chemical Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, California 92037
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Abstract
The endocannabinoid signaling system regulates diverse physiologic processes and has attracted considerable attention as a potential pharmaceutical target for treating diseases, such as pain, anxiety/depression, and metabolic disorders. The principal ligands of the endocannabinoid system are the lipid transmitters N-arachidonoylethanolamine (anandamide) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), which activate the two major cannabinoid receptors, CB1 and CB2. Anandamide and 2-AG signaling pathways in the nervous system are terminated by enzymatic hydrolysis mediated primarily by the serine hydrolases fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) and monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL), respectively. In this review, we will discuss the development of FAAH and MAGL inhibitors and their pharmacological application to investigate the function of anandamide and 2-AG signaling pathways in preclinical models of neurobehavioral processes, such as pain, anxiety, and addiction. We will place emphasis on how these studies are beginning to discern the different roles played by anandamide and 2-AG in the nervous system and the resulting implications for advancing endocannabinoid hydrolase inhibitors as next-generation therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline L Blankman
- Institute for Chemical Biology and Department of Chemical Physiology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California 92037, USA.
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28
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Bisogno T, Maccarrone M. Latest advances in the discovery of fatty acid amide hydrolase inhibitors. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2013; 8:509-22. [PMID: 23488865 DOI: 10.1517/17460441.2013.780021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) is the major catabolic enzyme of the endocannabinoid N-arachidonoylethanolamine (anandamide) that, with different degrees of efficiency, also hydrolyzes other endogenous fatty acid ethanolamides. FAAH is increasingly being considered a relevant therapeutic target, especially in models of inflammatory pain. The opportunity to selectively increase the endocannabinoid tone only in those tissues where such an enhancement can be beneficial might result in a therapeutic benefit with more limited side effects, compared to the use of direct agonists of anandamide-binding receptors. Thus the research for selective FAAH inhibitors has become a hot topic in current drug discovery. AREAS COVERED This review highlights the advances in the development of different compounds belonging to different chemical families that have been proposed as FAAH inhibitors. Several classes of inhibitors have been reported so far, and they may be classified into two major classes: reversible and irreversible compounds. These inhibitors are reviewed herein with an emphasis on their potency and selectivity. EXPERT OPINION In recent years, tremendous efforts have been made to develop the FAAH inhibitors, and consequently many novel chemical templates have been discovered. It is still a major challenge to identify the first inhibitor of FAAH suitable for clinical exploitation that satisfies the requirements of potency, selectivity versus proteins related to anandamide activity as well as other potential off-targets, reversibility versus irreversibility, and efficacy toward rat versus human FAAH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiziana Bisogno
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry/Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, 80078 Pozzuoli, Italy
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29
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Lodola A, Capoferri L, Rivara S, Tarzia G, Piomelli D, Mulholland A, Mor M. Quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics modeling of fatty acid amide hydrolase reactivation distinguishes substrate from irreversible covalent inhibitors. J Med Chem 2013; 56:2500-12. [PMID: 23425199 DOI: 10.1021/jm301867x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Carbamate and urea derivatives are important classes of fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) inhibitors that carbamoylate the active-site nucleophile Ser241. In the present work, the reactivation mechanism of carbamoylated FAAH is investigated by means of a quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics (QM/MM) approach. The potential energy surfaces for decarbamoylation of FAAH covalent adducts, derived from the O-aryl carbamate URB597 and from the N-piperazinylurea JNJ1661610, were calculated and compared to that for deacylation of FAAH acylated by the substrate oleamide. Calculations show that a carbamic group bound to Ser241 prevents efficient stabilization of transition states of hydrolysis, leading to large increments in the activation barrier. Moreover, the energy barrier for the piperazine carboxylate was significantly lower than that for the cyclohexyl carbamate derived from URB597. This is consistent with experimental data showing slowly reversible FAAH inhibition for the N-piperazinylurea inhibitor and irreversible inhibition for URB597.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessio Lodola
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Parma, I-43124 Parma, Italy
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30
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Zogopoulos P, Vasileiou I, Patsouris E, Theocharis S. The neuroprotective role of endocannabinoids against chemical-induced injury and other adverse effects. J Appl Toxicol 2013; 33:246-64. [DOI: 10.1002/jat.2828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2012] [Revised: 08/31/2012] [Accepted: 09/01/2012] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Panagiotis Zogopoulos
- 1st Department of Pathology, Medical School; National and Kapodistrian University of Athens; Athens; Greece
| | - Ioanna Vasileiou
- 1st Department of Pathology, Medical School; National and Kapodistrian University of Athens; Athens; Greece
| | - Efstratios Patsouris
- 1st Department of Pathology, Medical School; National and Kapodistrian University of Athens; Athens; Greece
| | - Stamatios Theocharis
- 1st Department of Pathology, Medical School; National and Kapodistrian University of Athens; Athens; Greece
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31
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Zogopoulos P, Vasileiou I, Patsouris E, Theocharis SE. The role of endocannabinoids in pain modulation. Fundam Clin Pharmacol 2013; 27:64-80. [PMID: 23278562 DOI: 10.1111/fcp.12008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2011] [Revised: 09/03/2012] [Accepted: 09/21/2012] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system (ES) is comprised of cannabinoid (CB) receptors, their endogenous ligands (endocannabinoids), and proteins responsible for their metabolism. Endocannabinoids serve as retrograde signaling messengers in GABAergic and glutamatergic synapses, as well as modulators of postsynaptic transmission, that interact with other neurotransmitters. Physiological stimuli and pathological conditions lead to differential increases in brain endocannabinoids that regulate distinct biological functions. Furthermore, endocannabinoids modulate neuronal, glial, and endothelial cell function and exert neuromodulatory, anti-excitotoxic, anti-inflammatory, and vasodilatory effects. Analgesia is one of the principal therapeutic targets of cannabinoids. Cannabinoid analgesia is based on the suppression of spinal and thalamic nociceptive neurons, but peripheral sites of action have also been identified. The chronic pain that occasionally follows peripheral nerve injury differs fundamentally from inflammatory pain and is an area of considerable unmet therapeutic need. Over the last years, considerable progress has been made in understanding the role of the ES in the modulation of pain. Endocannabinoids have been shown to behave as analgesics in models of both acute nociception and clinical pain such as inflammation and painful neuropathy. The framework for such analgesic effects exists in the CB receptors, which are found in areas of the nervous system important for pain processing and in immune cells that regulate the neuro-immune interactions that mediate the inflammatory hyperalgesia. The purpose of this review is to present the available research and clinical data, up to date, regarding the ES and its role in pain modulation, as well as its possible therapeutic perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panagiotis Zogopoulos
- First Department of Pathology, Medical School, University of Athens, Goudi, Athens, Greece
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32
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N-(4-Methoxy-2-nitrophenyl)hexadecanamide, a palmitoylethanolamide analogue, reduces formalin-induced nociception. Life Sci 2012; 91:1288-94. [DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2012.09.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2012] [Revised: 09/21/2012] [Accepted: 09/27/2012] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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33
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Heteroaryl urea inhibitors of fatty acid amide hydrolase: Structure–mutagenicity relationships for arylamine metabolites. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2012; 22:7357-62. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2012.10.076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2012] [Revised: 10/08/2012] [Accepted: 10/15/2012] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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34
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Keith JM, Apodaca R, Tichenor M, Xiao W, Jones W, Pierce J, Seierstad M, Palmer J, Webb M, Karbarz M, Scott B, Wilson S, Luo L, Wennerholm M, Chang L, Brown S, Rizzolio M, Rynberg R, Chaplan S, Breitenbucher JG. Aryl Piperazinyl Ureas as Inhibitors of Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolase (FAAH) in Rat, Dog, and Primate. ACS Med Chem Lett 2012; 3:823-7. [PMID: 24900385 DOI: 10.1021/ml300186g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2012] [Accepted: 08/22/2012] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
A series of aryl piperazinyl ureas that act as covalent inhibitors of fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) is described. A potent and selective (does not inhibit FAAH-2) member of this class, JNJ-40355003, was found to elevate the plasma levels of three fatty acid amides: anandamide, oleoyl ethanolamide, and palmitoyl ethanolamide, in the rat, dog, and cynomolgous monkey. The elevation of the levels of these lipids in the plasma of monkeys suggests that FAAH-2 may not play a significant role in regulating plasma levels of fatty acid ethanolamides in primates.
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Affiliation(s)
- John M. Keith
- Janssen Pharmaceutical Research and Development, LLC, 3210 Merryfield Row, San Diego, California 92121,
United States
| | - Rich Apodaca
- Janssen Pharmaceutical Research and Development, LLC, 3210 Merryfield Row, San Diego, California 92121,
United States
| | - Mark Tichenor
- Janssen Pharmaceutical Research and Development, LLC, 3210 Merryfield Row, San Diego, California 92121,
United States
| | - Wei Xiao
- Janssen Pharmaceutical Research and Development, LLC, 3210 Merryfield Row, San Diego, California 92121,
United States
| | - William Jones
- Janssen Pharmaceutical Research and Development, LLC, 3210 Merryfield Row, San Diego, California 92121,
United States
| | - Joan Pierce
- Janssen Pharmaceutical Research and Development, LLC, 3210 Merryfield Row, San Diego, California 92121,
United States
| | - Mark Seierstad
- Janssen Pharmaceutical Research and Development, LLC, 3210 Merryfield Row, San Diego, California 92121,
United States
| | - James Palmer
- Janssen Pharmaceutical Research and Development, LLC, 3210 Merryfield Row, San Diego, California 92121,
United States
| | - Michael Webb
- Janssen Pharmaceutical Research and Development, LLC, 3210 Merryfield Row, San Diego, California 92121,
United States
| | - Mark Karbarz
- Janssen Pharmaceutical Research and Development, LLC, 3210 Merryfield Row, San Diego, California 92121,
United States
| | - Brian Scott
- Janssen Pharmaceutical Research and Development, LLC, 3210 Merryfield Row, San Diego, California 92121,
United States
| | - Sandy Wilson
- Janssen Pharmaceutical Research and Development, LLC, 3210 Merryfield Row, San Diego, California 92121,
United States
| | - Lin Luo
- Janssen Pharmaceutical Research and Development, LLC, 3210 Merryfield Row, San Diego, California 92121,
United States
| | - Michelle Wennerholm
- Janssen Pharmaceutical Research and Development, LLC, 3210 Merryfield Row, San Diego, California 92121,
United States
| | - Leon Chang
- Janssen Pharmaceutical Research and Development, LLC, 3210 Merryfield Row, San Diego, California 92121,
United States
| | - Sean Brown
- Janssen Pharmaceutical Research and Development, LLC, 3210 Merryfield Row, San Diego, California 92121,
United States
| | - Michele Rizzolio
- Janssen Pharmaceutical Research and Development, LLC, 3210 Merryfield Row, San Diego, California 92121,
United States
| | - Raymond Rynberg
- Janssen Pharmaceutical Research and Development, LLC, 3210 Merryfield Row, San Diego, California 92121,
United States
| | - Sandra Chaplan
- Janssen Pharmaceutical Research and Development, LLC, 3210 Merryfield Row, San Diego, California 92121,
United States
| | - J. Guy Breitenbucher
- Janssen Pharmaceutical Research and Development, LLC, 3210 Merryfield Row, San Diego, California 92121,
United States
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35
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Okine BN, Norris LM, Woodhams S, Burston J, Patel A, Alexander SPH, Barrett DA, Kendall DA, Bennett AJ, Chapman V. Lack of effect of chronic pre-treatment with the FAAH inhibitor URB597 on inflammatory pain behaviour: evidence for plastic changes in the endocannabinoid system. Br J Pharmacol 2012; 167:627-40. [PMID: 22595021 PMCID: PMC3449266 DOI: 10.1111/j.1476-5381.2012.02028.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2012] [Revised: 04/19/2012] [Accepted: 04/25/2012] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Elevating levels of endocannabinoids with inhibitors of fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) is a major focus of pain research, purported to be a safer approach devoid of cannabinoid receptor-mediated side effects. Here, we have determined the effects of sustained pharmacological inhibition of FAAH on inflammatory pain behaviour and if pharmacological inhibition of FAAH was as effective as genetic deletion of FAAH on pain behaviour. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Effects of pre-treatment with a single dose, versus 4 day repeated dosing with the selective FAAH inhibitor, URB597 (i.p. 0.3 mg·kg⁻¹), on carrageenan-induced inflammatory pain behaviour and spinal pro-inflammatory gene induction were determined in rats. Effects of pain induction and of the drug treatments on levels of arachidonoyl ethanolamide (AEA), palmitoyl ethanolamide (PEA) and oleolyl ethanolamide (OEA) in the spinal cord were determined. KEY RESULTS Single, but not repeated, URB597 treatment significantly attenuated the development of inflammatory hyperalgesia (P < 0.001, vs. vehicle-treated animals). Neither mode of URB597 treatment altered levels of AEA, PEA and OEA in the hind paw, or carrageenan-induced paw oedema. Single URB597 treatment produced larger increases in AEA, PEA and OEA in the spinal cord, compared with those after repeated administration. Single and repeated URB597 treatment decreased levels of immunoreactive N-acylphosphatidylethanolamine phospholipase D (NAPE-PLD) in the spinal cord and attenuated carrageenan-induced spinal pro-inflammatory gene induction. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS Changes in the endocannabinoid system may contribute to the loss of analgesic effects following repeated administration of low dose URB597 in this model of inflammatory pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bright N Okine
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Nottingham, Queen's Medical CentreNottingham, UK
| | - Leonie M Norris
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Nottingham, Queen's Medical CentreNottingham, UK
- Centre for Analytical Bioscience, School of Pharmacy, University of NottinghamNottingham, UK
| | - Stephen Woodhams
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Nottingham, Queen's Medical CentreNottingham, UK
| | - James Burston
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Nottingham, Queen's Medical CentreNottingham, UK
- Arthritis Research UK Pain Centre, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of NottinghamNottingham, UK
| | - Annie Patel
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Nottingham, Queen's Medical CentreNottingham, UK
| | - Stephen PH Alexander
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Nottingham, Queen's Medical CentreNottingham, UK
| | - David A Barrett
- Centre for Analytical Bioscience, School of Pharmacy, University of NottinghamNottingham, UK
| | - David A Kendall
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Nottingham, Queen's Medical CentreNottingham, UK
| | - Andrew J Bennett
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Nottingham, Queen's Medical CentreNottingham, UK
| | - Victoria Chapman
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Nottingham, Queen's Medical CentreNottingham, UK
- Arthritis Research UK Pain Centre, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of NottinghamNottingham, UK
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36
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Landry RP, Martinez E, DeLeo JA, Romero-Sandoval EA. Spinal cannabinoid receptor type 2 agonist reduces mechanical allodynia and induces mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphatases in a rat model of neuropathic pain. THE JOURNAL OF PAIN 2012; 13:836-48. [PMID: 22901764 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpain.2012.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2012] [Revised: 05/07/2012] [Accepted: 05/10/2012] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Peripheral nerve injury generally results in spinal neuronal and glial plastic changes associated with chronic behavioral hypersensitivity. Spinal mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), eg, p38 or extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERKs), are instrumental in the development of chronic allodynia in rodents, and new p38 inhibitors have shown potential in acute and neuropathic pain patients. We have previously shown that the cannabinoid type 2 receptor agonist JWH015 inhibits ERK activity by inducing MAPK phosphatase (MKP)-1 and MKP-3 (the major regulators of MAPKs) in vitro in microglial cells. Therefore, we decided to investigate the role of these phosphatases in the mechanisms of action of JWH015 in vivo using the rat L5 nerve transection model of neuropathic pain. We observed that peripheral nerve injury reduced spinal MKP-1/3 expression and activity and that intrathecal JWH015 reduced established L5 nerve injury-induced allodynia, enhanced spinal MKP-1/3 expression and activity, and reduced the phosphorylated form of p38 and ERK-1/2. Triptolide, a pharmacological blocker of MKP-1 and MKP-3 expression, inhibited JWH015's effects, suggesting that JWH015 exerts its antinociceptive effects by modulating MKP-1 and MKP-3. JWH015-induced antinociception and MKP-1 and MKP-3 expression were inhibited by the cannabinoid type 2 receptor antagonist AM630. Our data suggest that MKP-1 and MKP-3 are potential targets for novel analgesic drugs. PERSPECTIVE MAPKs are pivotal in the development of chronic allodynia in rodent models of neuropathic pain. A cannabinoid type 2 receptor agonist, JWH015, reduced neuropathic allodynia in rats by reducing MAPK phosphorylation and inducing spinal MAPK phosphatases 1 and 3, the major regulators of MAPKs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Russell P Landry
- Dartmouth Medical School, Department of Anesthesiology, Lebanon, New Hampshire, USA
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37
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Stone VM, Dhayal S, Smith DM, Lenaghan C, Brocklehurst KJ, Morgan NG. The cytoprotective effects of oleoylethanolamide in insulin-secreting cells do not require activation of GPR119. Br J Pharmacol 2012; 165:2758-70. [PMID: 22029844 DOI: 10.1111/j.1476-5381.2011.01755.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE β-cells express a range of fatty acid-responsive G protein-coupled receptors, including GPR119, which regulates insulin secretion and is seen as a potential therapeutic target in type 2 diabetes. The long-chain unsaturated fatty acid derivative oleoylethanolamide (OEA) is an endogenous agonist of GPR119 and, under certain conditions, some long-chain unsaturated fatty acids can promote β-cell cytoprotection. It is not known, however, if OEA is cytoprotective in β-cells. The present study has examined this and determined whether GPR119 is involved. METHODS Clonal rat insulin-secreting cell lines, BRIN-BD11 or INS-1E, were exposed to fatty acids complexed with BSA. cAMP levels, insulin release and cell viability were measured. Protein expression was studied by Western blotting and receptor expression by RT-PCR. KEY RESULTS GPR119 was expressed in both BRIN-BD11 and INS-1E cells and OEA was cytoprotective in these cells. However, cytoprotection was not reproduced by any of a range of selective, synthetic ligands of GPR119. The cytoprotective response to OEA was lost during exposure to inhibitors of fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) suggesting that OEA per se is not the cytoprotective species but that release of free oleate is required. Similar data were obtained with anandamide, which was cytoprotective only under conditions favouring release of free arachidonate. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Activation of GPR119 is not required to mediate the cytoprotective actions of OEA in BRIN-BD11 or INS-1E cells. Rather, OEA is internalised and subjected to hydrolysis by FAAH to release free oleate, which then mediates the cytoprotection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virginia M Stone
- Institute of Biomedical & Clinical Sciences, Peninsula Medical School, University of Exeter, Plymouth, Devon, UK
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38
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Inhibiting the breakdown of endogenous opioids and cannabinoids to alleviate pain. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2012; 11:292-310. [DOI: 10.1038/nrd3673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 139] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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39
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Estiarte MA, Johnson RJ, Kaub CJ, Gowlugari S, O'Mahony DJR, Nguyen MT, Emerling DE, Kelly MG, Kincaid J, Vincent F, Duncton MAJ. 2-Amino-5-arylbenzoxazole derivatives as potent inhibitors of fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH). MEDCHEMCOMM 2012. [DOI: 10.1039/c2md00307d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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40
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Polymodal activation of the endocannabinoid system in the extended amygdala. Nat Neurosci 2011; 14:1542-7. [PMID: 22057189 DOI: 10.1038/nn.2974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 134] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2011] [Accepted: 08/16/2011] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
The reason why neurons synthesize more than one endocannabinoid (eCB) and how this is involved in the regulation of synaptic plasticity in a single neuron is not known. We found that 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) and anandamide mediate different forms of plasticity in the extended amygdala of rats. Dendritic L-type Ca(2+) channels and the subsequent release of 2-AG acting on presynaptic CB1 receptors triggered retrograde short-term depression. Long-term depression was mediated by postsynaptic mGluR5-dependent release of anandamide acting on postsynaptic TRPV1 receptors. In contrast, 2-AG/CB1R-mediated retrograde signaling mediated both forms of plasticity in the striatum. These data illustrate how the eCB system can function as a polymodal signal integrator to allow the diversification of synaptic plasticity in a single neuron.
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41
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Chen Y, Wang G, Xu X, Liu BF, Li J, Zhang G. Design, synthesis and biological activity evaluation of arylpiperazine derivatives for the treatment of neuropathic pain. Molecules 2011; 16:5785-806. [PMID: 21738106 PMCID: PMC6264349 DOI: 10.3390/molecules16075785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2011] [Revised: 06/24/2011] [Accepted: 06/27/2011] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In this work, a series of arylpiperazine derivatives were synthesized and screened by in vivo pharmacological trials. Among the tested compounds, 2-(4-(3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)piperazin-1-yl)-1-phenylethanone (18) and 2-(4-(2,3-dimethylphenyl)piperazin-1-yl)-1-phenylethanone (19) exhibited potent analgesic activities in both the mice writhing and mice hot plate tests. They showed more than 70% inhibition relative to controls in the writhing test, and increased latency by 116.0% and 134.4%, respectively, in the hot plate test. Furthermore, compound 18 was also active in the models of formalin pain and neuropathic pain without sedative side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yin Chen
- Department of Systems Biology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1037 Luoyu Road, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Guan Wang
- Shanghai Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry, 1111 North Zhongshan Road, Shanghai, 200437, China
| | - Xiangqing Xu
- Jiangsu Nhwa Pharmaceutical Corporation, Ltd. 69# Minzhu South Road Xuzhou City, Jiangsu, 221009, China
| | - Bi-Feng Liu
- Department of Systems Biology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1037 Luoyu Road, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Jianqi Li
- Shanghai Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry, 1111 North Zhongshan Road, Shanghai, 200437, China
| | - Guisen Zhang
- Department of Systems Biology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1037 Luoyu Road, Wuhan, 430074, China
- Jiangsu Nhwa Pharmaceutical Corporation, Ltd. 69# Minzhu South Road Xuzhou City, Jiangsu, 221009, China
- Author to whom correspondence should be addressed; ; Tel.: +86-27-87792235; Fax: +86-27-87792170
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Dumlao DS, Buczynski MW, Norris PC, Harkewicz R, Dennis EA. High-throughput lipidomic analysis of fatty acid derived eicosanoids and N-acylethanolamines. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Cell Biol Lipids 2011; 1811:724-36. [PMID: 21689782 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbalip.2011.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2011] [Revised: 05/26/2011] [Accepted: 06/02/2011] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Fatty acid-derived eicosanoids and N-acylethanolamines (NAE) are important bioactive lipid mediators involved in numerous biological processes including cell signaling and disease progression. To facilitate research on these lipid mediators, we have developed a targeted high-throughput mass spectrometric based methodology to monitor and quantitate both eicosanoids and NAEs, and can be analyzed separately or together in series. Each methodology utilizes scheduled multiple reaction monitoring (sMRM) pairs in conjunction with a 25 min reverse-phase HPLC separation. The eicosanoid methodology monitors 141 unique metabolites and quantitative amounts can be determined for over 100 of these metabolites against standards. The analysis covers eicosanoids generated from cycloxygenase, lipoxygenase, cytochrome P450 enzymes, and those generated from non-enzymatic pathways. The NAE analysis monitors 36 metabolites and quantitative amounts can be determined for 33 of these metabolites against standards. The NAE method contains metabolites derived from saturated fatty acids, unsaturated fatty acids, and eicosanoids. The lower limit of detection for eicosanoids ranges from 0.1pg to 1pg, while NAEs ranges from 0.1pg to 1000pg. The rationale and design of the methodology is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darren S Dumlao
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
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Scott CW, Tian G, Yu XH, Paschetto KA, Wilkins DE, Meury L, Cao CQ, Varnes J, Edwards PD. Biochemical characterization and in vitro activity of AZ513, a noncovalent, reversible, and noncompetitive inhibitor of fatty acid amide hydrolase. Eur J Pharmacol 2011; 667:74-9. [PMID: 21645511 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2011.05.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2011] [Revised: 05/16/2011] [Accepted: 05/23/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) hydrolyzes several bioactive lipids including the endocannabinoid anandamide. Synthetic FAAH inhibitors are being generated to help define the biological role(s) of this enzyme, the lipids it degrades in vivo, and the disease states that might benefit from its pharmacological modulation. AZ513 inhibits human FAAH (IC(50)=551 nM), is 20-fold more potent against rat FAAH (IC(50)=27 nM), and is inactive at 10 μM against the serine hydrolases acetylcholinesterase, thrombin, and trypsin. In contrast to most other potent FAAH inhibitors, AZ513 showed no evidence of covalently modifying the enzyme and displayed reversible inhibition. In an enzyme cross-competition assay, AZ513 did not compete with OL-135, an inhibitor that binds to the catalytic site in FAAH, which indicates that AZ513 does not bind to the catalytic site and is therefore noncompetitive with respect to substrate. AZ513 has good cell penetration as demonstrated by inhibition of anandamide hydrolysis in human FAAH-transfected HEK293 cells (IC(50)=360 nM). AZ513 was tested in a rat spinal cord slice preparation where CB(1) activation reduces excitatory post-synaptic currents (EPSCs). In this native tissue assay of synaptic activity, AZ513 reduced EPSCs, which is consistent with inhibiting endogenous FAAH and augmenting endocannabinoid tone. AZ513 has a unique biochemical profile compared with other published FAAH inhibitors and will be a useful tool compound to further explore the role of FAAH in various biological processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clay W Scott
- CNS Discovery Research, AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals, 1800 Concord Pike, Wilmington, DE 19803, USA.
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44
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Ezzili C, Mileni M, McGlinchey N, Long JZ, Kinsey SG, Hochstatter DG, Stevens RC, Lichtman AH, Cravatt BF, Bilsky EJ, Boger DL. Reversible competitive α-ketoheterocycle inhibitors of fatty acid amide hydrolase containing additional conformational constraints in the acyl side chain: orally active, long-acting analgesics. J Med Chem 2011; 54:2805-22. [PMID: 21428410 PMCID: PMC3085948 DOI: 10.1021/jm101597x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
A series of α-ketooxazoles containing conformational constraints in the C2 acyl side chain of 2 (OL-135) were examined as inhibitors of fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH). Only one of the two possible enantiomers displayed potent FAAH inhibition (S vs R enantiomer), and their potency is comparable or improved relative to 2, indicating that the conformational restriction in the C2 acyl side chain is achievable. A cocrystal X-ray structure of the α-ketoheterocycle 12 bound to a humanized variant of rat FAAH revealed its binding details, confirmed that the (S)-enantiomer is the bound active inhibitor, shed light on the origin of the enantiomeric selectivity, and confirmed that the catalytic Ser241 is covalently bound to the electrophilic carbonyl as a deprotonated hemiketal. Preliminary in vivo characterization of the inhibitors 12 and 14 is reported demonstrating that they raise brain anandamide levels following either intraperitoneal (ip) or oral (po) administration indicative of effective in vivo FAAH inhibition. Significantly, the oral administration of 12 caused dramatic accumulation of anandamide in the brain, with peak levels achieved between 1.5 and 3 h, and these elevations were maintained over 9 h. Additional studies of these two representative members of the series (12 and 14) in models of thermal hyperalgesia and neuropathic pain are reported, including the demonstration that 12 administered orally significantly attenuated mechanical (>6 h) and cold (>9 h) allodynia for sustained periods consistent with its long-acting effects in raising the endogenous concentration of anandamide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cyrine Ezzili
- Department of Chemistry, 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, California 92037
| | - Mauro Mileni
- Department of Molecular Biology, 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, California 92037
| | - Nicholas McGlinchey
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Osteopathic Medicine, University of New England, Biddeford, ME 04005
| | - Jonathan Z. Long
- Department of Chemical Physiology, 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, California 92037
| | - Steven G. Kinsey
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298
| | | | - Raymond C. Stevens
- Department of Molecular Biology, 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, California 92037
- The Skaggs Institute for Chemical Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, California 92037
| | - Aron H. Lichtman
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298
| | - Benjamin F. Cravatt
- Department of Chemical Physiology, 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, California 92037
- The Skaggs Institute for Chemical Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, California 92037
| | - Edward J. Bilsky
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Osteopathic Medicine, University of New England, Biddeford, ME 04005
| | - Dale L. Boger
- Department of Chemistry, 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, California 92037
- The Skaggs Institute for Chemical Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, California 92037
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45
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Mileni M, Garfunkle J, Ezzili C, Cravatt BF, Stevens RC, Boger DL. Fluoride-mediated capture of a noncovalent bound state of a reversible covalent enzyme inhibitor: X-ray crystallographic analysis of an exceptionally potent α-ketoheterocycle inhibitor of fatty acid amide hydrolase. J Am Chem Soc 2011; 133:4092-100. [PMID: 21355555 PMCID: PMC3060301 DOI: 10.1021/ja110877y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Two cocrystal X-ray structures of the exceptionally potent α-ketoheterocycle inhibitor 1 (K(i) = 290 pM) bound to a humanized variant of rat fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) are disclosed, representing noncovalently and covalently bound states of the same inhibitor with the enzyme. Key to securing the structure of the noncovalently bound state of the inhibitor was the inclusion of fluoride ion in the crystallization conditions that is proposed to bind the oxyanion hole precluding inhibitor covalent adduct formation with stabilization of the tetrahedral hemiketal. This permitted the opportunity to detect important noncovalent interactions stabilizing the binding of the inhibitor within the FAAH active site independent of the covalent reaction. Remarkably, noncovalently bound 1 in the presence of fluoride appears to capture the active site in the same "in action" state with the three catalytic residues Ser241-Ser217-Lys142 occupying essentially identical positions observed in the covalently bound structure of 1, suggesting that this technique of introducing fluoride may have important applications in structural studies beyond inhibiting substrate or inhibitor oxyanion hole binding. Key insights to emerge from the studies include the observations that noncovalently bound 1 binds in its ketone (not gem diol) form, that the terminal phenyl group in the acyl side chain of the inhibitor serves as the key anchoring interaction overriding the intricate polar interactions in the cytosolic port, and that the role of the central activating heterocycle is dominated by its intrinsic electron-withdrawing properties. These two structures are also briefly compared with five X-ray structures of α-ketoheterocycle-based inhibitors bound to FAAH recently disclosed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mauro Mileni
- Department of Molecular Biology, The Scripps Research
Institute, 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, California 92037
| | - Joie Garfunkle
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute,
10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, California 92037
- The Skaggs Institute for Chemical Biology, The Scripps
Research Institute, 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, California 92037
| | - Cyrine Ezzili
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute,
10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, California 92037
- The Skaggs Institute for Chemical Biology, The Scripps
Research Institute, 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, California 92037
| | - Benjamin F. Cravatt
- Department of Chemical Physiology, The Scripps Research
Institute, 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, California 92037
- The Skaggs Institute for Chemical Biology, The Scripps
Research Institute, 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, California 92037
| | - Raymond C. Stevens
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute,
10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, California 92037
- Department of Molecular Biology, The Scripps Research
Institute, 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, California 92037
| | - Dale L. Boger
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute,
10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, California 92037
- The Skaggs Institute for Chemical Biology, The Scripps
Research Institute, 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, California 92037
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46
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A new group of oxime carbamates as reversible inhibitors of fatty acid amide hydrolase. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2010; 20:4406-11. [PMID: 20591666 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2010.06.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2010] [Revised: 06/09/2010] [Accepted: 06/09/2010] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
A series of oxime carbamates have been identified as potent inhibitors of fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), an important regulatory enzyme of the endocannabinoid signaling system. Kinetic analysis indicates that they behave as non-competitive, reversible inhibitors, and show remarkable selectivity for FAAH over the other components of the endocannabinoid system.
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47
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Johnson DS, Weerapana E, Cravatt BF. Strategies for discovering and derisking covalent, irreversible enzyme inhibitors. Future Med Chem 2010; 2:949-64. [PMID: 20640225 PMCID: PMC2904065 DOI: 10.4155/fmc.10.21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 289] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
This article presents several covalent inhibitors, including examples of successful drugs, as well as highly selective, irreversible inhibitors of emerging therapeutic targets, such as fatty acid amide hydolase. Covalent inhibitors have many desirable features, including increased biochemical efficiency of target disruption, less sensitivity toward pharmacokinetic parameters and increased duration of action that outlasts the pharmacokinetics of the compound. Safety concerns that must be mitigated include lack of specificity and the potential immunogenicity of protein-inhibitor adduct(s). Particular attention will be given to recent technologies, such as activity-based protein profiling, which allow one to define the proteome-wide selectivity patterns for covalent inhibitors in vitro and in vivo. For instance, any covalent inhibitor can, in principle, be modified with a 'clickable' tag to generate an activity probe that is almost indistinguishable from the original agent. These probes can be applied to any living system across a broad dose range to fully inventory their on and off targets. The substantial number of drugs on the market today that act by a covalent mechanism belies historical prejudices against the development of irreversibly acting therapeutic small molecules. Emerging proteomic technologies offer a means to systematically discriminate safe (selective) versus deleterious (nonselective) covalent inhibitors and thus should inspire their future design and development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Eranthie Weerapana
- The Skaggs Institute for Chemical Biology and Department of Chemical Physiology, The Scripps Research Institute, 10550 N. Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Benjamin F Cravatt
- The Skaggs Institute for Chemical Biology and Department of Chemical Physiology, The Scripps Research Institute, 10550 N. Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
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48
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Buczynski MW, Parsons LH. Quantification of brain endocannabinoid levels: methods, interpretations and pitfalls. Br J Pharmacol 2010; 160:423-42. [PMID: 20590555 PMCID: PMC2931546 DOI: 10.1111/j.1476-5381.2010.00787.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2010] [Revised: 03/12/2010] [Accepted: 03/20/2010] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Endocannabinoids play an important role in a diverse range of neurophysiological processes including neural development, neuroimmune function, synaptic plasticity, pain, reward and affective state. This breadth of influence and evidence for altered endocannabinoid signalling in a variety of neuropathologies has fuelled interest in the accurate quantification of these lipids in brain tissue. Established methods for endocannabinoid quantification primarily employ solvent-based lipid extraction with further sample purification by solid phase extraction. In recent years in vivo microdialysis methods have also been developed for endocannabinoid sampling from the brain interstitial space. However, considerable variability in estimates of endocannabinoid content has led to debate regarding the physiological range of concentrations present in various brain regions. This paper provides a critical review of factors that influence the quantification of brain endocannabinoid content as determined by lipid extraction from bulk tissue and by in vivo microdialysis. A variety of methodological issues are discussed including analytical approaches, endocannabinoid extraction and purification, post-mortem changes in brain endocannabinoid content, cellular reactions to microdialysis probe implantation and caveats related to lipid sampling from the extracellular space. The application of these methods for estimating brain endocannabinoid content and the effects of endocannabinoid clearance inhibition are discussed. The benefits, limitations and pitfalls associated with each approach are emphasized, with an eye toward the appropriate interpretation of data gathered by each method.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew W Buczynski
- Committee on the Neurobiology of Addictive Disorders, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
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49
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Mileni M, Kamtekar S, Wood DC, Benson TE, Cravatt BF, Stevens RC. Crystal structure of fatty acid amide hydrolase bound to the carbamate inhibitor URB597: discovery of a deacylating water molecule and insight into enzyme inactivation. J Mol Biol 2010; 400:743-54. [PMID: 20493882 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2010.05.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2010] [Revised: 05/13/2010] [Accepted: 05/14/2010] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system regulates a wide range of physiological processes including pain, inflammation, and cognitive/emotional states. URB597 is one of the best characterized covalent inhibitors of the endocannabinoid-degrading enzyme fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH). Here, we report the structure of the FAAH-URB597 complex at 2.3 A resolution. The structure provides insights into mechanistic details of enzyme inactivation and experimental evidence of a previously uncharacterized active site water molecule that likely is involved in substrate deacylation. This water molecule is part of an extensive hydrogen-bonding network and is coordinated indirectly to residues lining the cytosolic port of the enzyme. In order to corroborate our hypothesis concerning the role of this water molecule in FAAH's catalytic mechanism, we determined the structure of FAAH conjugated to a urea-based inhibitor, PF-3845, to a higher resolution (2.4 A) than previously reported. The higher-resolution structure confirms the presence of the water molecule in a virtually identical location in the active site. Examination of the structures of serine hydrolases that are non-homologous to FAAH, such as elastase, trypsin, or chymotrypsin, shows a similarly positioned hydrolytic water molecule and suggests a functional convergence between the amidase signature enzymes and serine proteases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mauro Mileni
- Department of Molecular Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
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50
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Gattinoni S, De Simone C, Dallavalle S, Fezza F, Nannei R, Amadio D, Minetti P, Quattrociocchi G, Caprioli A, Borsini F, Cabri W, Penco S, Merlini L, Maccarrone M. Enol Carbamates as Inhibitors of Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolase (FAAH) Endowed with High Selectivity for FAAH over the Other Targets of the Endocannabinoid System. ChemMedChem 2010; 5:357-60. [DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.200900472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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