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Sink A, Gerwe H, Hübner H, Boivin-Jahns V, Fender J, Lorenz K, Gmeiner P, Decker M. "Photo-Adrenalines": Photoswitchable β 2 -Adrenergic Receptor Agonists as Molecular Probes for the Study of Spatiotemporal Adrenergic Signaling. Chemistry 2024; 30:e202303506. [PMID: 38212242 DOI: 10.1002/chem.202303506] [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: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
β2 -adrenergic receptor (β2 -AR) agonists are used for the treatment of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, but also play a role in other complex disorders including cancer, diabetes and heart diseases. As the cellular and molecular mechanisms in various cells and tissues of the β2 -AR remain vastly elusive, we developed tools for this investigation with high temporal and spatial resolution. Several photoswitchable β2 -AR agonists with nanomolar activity were synthesized. The most potent agonist for β2 -AR with reasonable switching is a one-digit nanomolar active, trans-on arylazopyrazole-based adrenaline derivative and comprises valuable photopharmacological properties for further biological studies with high structural accordance to the native ligand adrenaline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Sink
- Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry Institute for Pharmacy and Food Chemistry, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Hubert Gerwe
- Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry Institute for Pharmacy and Food Chemistry, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Harald Hübner
- Medicinal Chemistry Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Nikolaus-Fiebiger-Straße 10, 91058, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Valerie Boivin-Jahns
- Institute for Pharmacology and Toxicology, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Versbacher Straße 9, 97078, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Julia Fender
- Institute for Pharmacology and Toxicology, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Versbacher Straße 9, 97078, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Kristina Lorenz
- Institute for Pharmacology and Toxicology, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Versbacher Straße 9, 97078, Würzburg, Germany
- Leibniz-Institut für Analytische Wissenschaften - ISAS-e.V., Bunsen-Kirchhoff-Str. 11, 44139, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Peter Gmeiner
- Medicinal Chemistry Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Nikolaus-Fiebiger-Straße 10, 91058, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Michael Decker
- Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry Institute for Pharmacy and Food Chemistry, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074, Würzburg, Germany
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2
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Steinmüller SAM, Fender J, Deventer MH, Tutov A, Lorenz K, Stove CP, Hislop JN, Decker M. Visible-Light Photoswitchable Benzimidazole Azo-Arenes as β-Arrestin2-Biased Selective Cannabinoid 2 Receptor Agonists. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2023; 62:e202306176. [PMID: 37269130 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202306176] [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: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
The cannabinoid 2 receptor (CB2 R) has high therapeutic potential for multiple pathogenic processes, such as neuroinflammation. Pathway-selective ligands are needed to overcome the lack of clinical success and to elucidate correlations between pathways and their respective therapeutic effects. Herein, we report the design and synthesis of a photoswitchable scaffold based on the privileged structure of benzimidazole and its application as a functionally selective CB2 R "efficacy-switch". Benzimidazole azo-arenes offer huge potential for the broad extension of photopharmacology to a wide range of optically addressable biological targets. We used this scaffold to develop compound 10 d, a "trans-on" agonist, which serves as a molecular probe to study the β-arrestin2 (βarr2) pathway at CB2 R. βΑrr2 bias was observed in CB2 R internalization and βarr2 recruitment, while no activation occurred when looking at Gα16 or mini-Gαi . Overall, compound 10 d is the first light-dependent functionally selective agonist to investigate the complex mechanisms of CB2 R-βarr2 dependent endocytosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie A M Steinmüller
- Pharmazeutische und Medizinische Chemie, Institut für Pharmazie und Lebensmittelchemie, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Julia Fender
- Institut für Pharmakologie und Toxikologie, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Versbacher Str. 9, 97078, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Marie H Deventer
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Anna Tutov
- Pharmazeutische und Medizinische Chemie, Institut für Pharmazie und Lebensmittelchemie, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Kristina Lorenz
- Institut für Pharmakologie und Toxikologie, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Versbacher Str. 9, 97078, Würzburg, Germany
- Leibniz-Institut für Analytische Wissenschaften - ISAS-e.V., Bunsen-Kirchhoff-Straße 11, 44139, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Christophe P Stove
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - James N Hislop
- School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen Foresterhill, Aberdeen, AB25 2ZD, UK
| | - Michael Decker
- Pharmazeutische und Medizinische Chemie, Institut für Pharmazie und Lebensmittelchemie, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074, Würzburg, Germany
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3
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Steinmüller SAM, Tutov A, Hislop JN, Decker M. Bridging the Binding Sites 2.0: Photoswitchable Dualsteric Ligands for the Cannabinoid 2 Receptor. ACS Chem Neurosci 2023; 14:3737-3744. [PMID: 37792463 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.3c00509] [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] [Indexed: 10/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2R) has high, unexploited therapeutic potential in several central nervous system disorders due to its involvement in neuroinflammatory processes and pathologies like neurodegeneration. Dualsteric/bitopic ligands are currently developed to achieve receptor subtype selectivity and biased signaling. To obtain a molecular tool compound with photoswitchable potential dualsteric properties, we applied two different approaches to link a positive allosteric modulator with an orthosteric agonist via a photochromic unit. We characterized the photophysical properties of all compounds and determined efficacy in internalization, calcium mobilization, and BRET studies. We report the first potentially dualsteric photoswitchable ligand for studying molecular mechanisms of CB2R-associated pathologies. Compound 17-para is a submicromolar "cis-on" agonist with >10-fold higher potency compared to its trans photoisomer and allows high spatiotemporal control of CB2R activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie A M Steinmüller
- Pharmazeutische und Medizinische Chemie, Institut für Pharmazie und Lebensmittelchemie, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Am Hubland, D-97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Anna Tutov
- Pharmazeutische und Medizinische Chemie, Institut für Pharmazie und Lebensmittelchemie, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Am Hubland, D-97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - James N Hislop
- School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, United Kingdom
| | - Michael Decker
- Pharmazeutische und Medizinische Chemie, Institut für Pharmazie und Lebensmittelchemie, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Am Hubland, D-97074 Würzburg, Germany
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4
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Spatz P, Steinmüller SAM, Tutov A, Poeta E, Morilleau A, Carles A, Deventer MH, Hofmann J, Stove CP, Monti B, Maurice T, Decker M. Dual-Acting Small Molecules: Subtype-Selective Cannabinoid Receptor 2 Agonist/Butyrylcholinesterase Inhibitor Hybrids Show Neuroprotection in an Alzheimer's Disease Mouse Model. J Med Chem 2023; 66:6414-6435. [PMID: 37127287 PMCID: PMC10184129 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c00541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
We present the synthesis and characterization of merged human butyrylcholinesterase (hBChE) inhibitor/cannabinoid receptor 2 (hCB2R) ligands for the treatment of neurodegeneration. In total, 15 benzimidazole carbamates were synthesized and tested for their inhibition of human cholinesterases, also with regard to their pseudoirreversible binding mode and affinity toward both cannabinoid receptors in radioligand binding studies. After evaluation in a calcium mobilization assay as well as a β-arrestin 2 (βarr2) recruitment assay, two compounds with balanced activities on both targets were tested for their immunomodulatory effect on microglia activation and regarding their pharmacokinetic properties and blood-brain barrier penetration. Compound 15d, containing a dimethyl carbamate motif, was further evaluated in vivo, showing prevention of Aβ25-35-induced learning impairments in a pharmacological mouse model of Alzheimer's disease for both short- and long-term memory responses. Additional combination studies proved a synergic effect of BChE inhibition and CB2R activation in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Spatz
- Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Food Chemistry, Julius Maximilian University Würzburg, Am Hubland, D-97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Sophie A M Steinmüller
- Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Food Chemistry, Julius Maximilian University Würzburg, Am Hubland, D-97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Anna Tutov
- Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Food Chemistry, Julius Maximilian University Würzburg, Am Hubland, D-97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Eleonora Poeta
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Via Belmeloro 6, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Axelle Morilleau
- MMDN, University of Montpellier, EPHE, INSERM, 34095 Montpellier, France
| | - Allison Carles
- MMDN, University of Montpellier, EPHE, INSERM, 34095 Montpellier, France
| | - Marie H Deventer
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Julian Hofmann
- Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Food Chemistry, Julius Maximilian University Würzburg, Am Hubland, D-97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Christophe P Stove
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Barbara Monti
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Via Belmeloro 6, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Tangui Maurice
- MMDN, University of Montpellier, EPHE, INSERM, 34095 Montpellier, France
| | - Michael Decker
- Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Food Chemistry, Julius Maximilian University Würzburg, Am Hubland, D-97074 Würzburg, Germany
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5
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Rodríguez-Soacha DA, Steinmüller SAM, Işbilir A, Fender J, Deventer MH, Ramírez YA, Tutov A, Sotriffer C, Stove CP, Lorenz K, Lohse MJ, Hislop JN, Decker M. Development of an Indole-Amide-Based Photoswitchable Cannabinoid Receptor Subtype 1 (CB 1R) "Cis-On" Agonist. ACS Chem Neurosci 2022; 13:2410-2435. [PMID: 35881914 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.2c00160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Activation of the human cannabinoid receptor type 1 (hCB1R) with high spatiotemporal control is useful to study processes involved in different pathologies related to nociception, metabolic alterations, and neurological disorders. To synthesize new agonist ligands for hCB1R, we have designed different classes of photoswitchable molecules based on an indole core. The modifications made to the central core have allowed us to understand the molecular characteristics necessary to design an agonist with optimal pharmacological properties. Compound 27a shows high affinity for CB1R (Ki (cis-form) = 0.18 μM), with a marked difference in affinity with respect to its inactive "trans-off" form (CB1R Ki trans/cis ratio = 5.4). The novel compounds were evaluated by radioligand binding studies, receptor internalization, sensor receptor activation (GRABeCB2.0), Western blots for analysis of ERK1/2 activation, NanoBiT βarr2 recruitment, and calcium mobilization assays, respectively. The data show that the novel agonist 27a is a candidate for studying the optical modulation of cannabinoid receptors (CBRs), serving as a new molecular tool for investigating the involvement of hCB1R in disorders associated with the endocannabinoid system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego A Rodríguez-Soacha
- Pharmazeutische und Medizinische Chemie, Institut für Pharmazie und Lebensmittelchemie, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Sophie A M Steinmüller
- Pharmazeutische und Medizinische Chemie, Institut für Pharmazie und Lebensmittelchemie, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Ali Işbilir
- Institut für Pharmakologie und Toxikologie, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Versbacher Str. 9, D-97078 Würzburg, Germany.,Receptor Signaling Group, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, 13125 Berlin, Germany
| | - Julia Fender
- Institut für Pharmakologie und Toxikologie, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Versbacher Str. 9, D-97078 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Marie H Deventer
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Yesid A Ramírez
- Pharmazeutische und Medizinische Chemie, Institut für Pharmazie und Lebensmittelchemie, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074 Würzburg, Germany.,Departamento de Ciencias Farmacéuticas, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad Icesi, Valle del Cauca, 760031 Cali, Colombia
| | - Anna Tutov
- Pharmazeutische und Medizinische Chemie, Institut für Pharmazie und Lebensmittelchemie, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Christoph Sotriffer
- Pharmazeutische und Medizinische Chemie, Institut für Pharmazie und Lebensmittelchemie, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Christophe P Stove
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Kristina Lorenz
- Institut für Pharmakologie und Toxikologie, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Versbacher Str. 9, D-97078 Würzburg, Germany.,Leibniz-Institut für Analytische Wissenschaften─ISAS e.V., Bunsen-Kirchhoff-Str. 11, 44139 Dortmund, Germany
| | - Martin J Lohse
- Institut für Pharmakologie und Toxikologie, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Versbacher Str. 9, D-97078 Würzburg, Germany.,Receptor Signaling Group, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, 13125 Berlin, Germany.,ISAR Bioscience Institut, 82152 Planegg/Munich, Germany
| | - James N Hislop
- School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, United Kingdom
| | - Michael Decker
- Pharmazeutische und Medizinische Chemie, Institut für Pharmazie und Lebensmittelchemie, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
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6
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Gerwe H, He F, Pottie E, Stove C, Decker M. Enlightening the “Spirit Molecule”: Photomodulation of the 5‐HT
2A
Receptor by a Light‐Controllable
N
,
N
‐Dimethyltryptamine Derivative. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2022; 61:e202203034. [PMID: 35349196 PMCID: PMC9324199 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202203034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hubert Gerwe
- Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry Institute of Pharmacy and Food Chemistry Julius Maximilian University of Würzburg Am Hubland 97074 Würzburg Germany
| | - Feng He
- Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry Institute of Pharmacy and Food Chemistry Julius Maximilian University of Würzburg Am Hubland 97074 Würzburg Germany
| | - Eline Pottie
- Laboratory of Toxicology Department of Bioanalysis Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences Ghent University Ottergemsesteenweg 460 9000 Ghent Belgium
| | - Christophe Stove
- Laboratory of Toxicology Department of Bioanalysis Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences Ghent University Ottergemsesteenweg 460 9000 Ghent Belgium
| | - Michael Decker
- Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry Institute of Pharmacy and Food Chemistry Julius Maximilian University of Würzburg Am Hubland 97074 Würzburg Germany
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7
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Die Erhellung des “Bewusstseinsmoleküls”: Photomodulation des 5‐HT
2A
Rezeptors durch ein licht‐steuerbares N,N‐Dimethyltryptamin‐Derivat. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.202203034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
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8
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Tobias JM, Rajic G, Viray AEG, Icka-Araki D, Frank JA. Genetically-targeted photorelease of endocannabinoids enables optical control of GPR55 in pancreatic β-cells. Chem Sci 2021; 12:13506-13512. [PMID: 34777770 PMCID: PMC8528030 DOI: 10.1039/d1sc02527a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Fatty acid amides (FAAs) are a family of second-messenger lipids that target cannabinoid receptors, and are known mediators of glucose-stimulated insulin secretion from pancreatic β-cells. Due to the diversity observed in FAA structure and pharmacology, coupled with the expression of at least 3 different cannabinoid G protein-coupled receptors in primary and model β-cells, our understanding of their role is limited by our inability to control their actions in time and space. To investigate the mechanisms by which FAAs regulate β-cell excitability, we developed the Optically-Cleavable Targeted (OCT)-ligand approach, which combines the spatial resolution of self-labeling protein (SNAP-) tags with the temporal control of photocaged ligands. By linking a photocaged FAA to an o-benzylguanine (BG) motif, FAA signalling can be directed towards genetically-defined cellular membranes. We designed a probe to release palmitoylethanolamide (PEA), a GPR55 agonist known to stimulate glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS). When applied to β-cells, OCT-PEA revealed that plasma membrane GPR55 stimulates β-cell Ca2+ activity via phospholipase C. Moving forward, the OCT-ligand approach can be translated to other ligands and receptors, and will open up new experimental possibilities in targeted pharmacology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janelle M Tobias
- Vollum Institute, Oregon Health & Science University Portland OR USA
- Department of Chemical Physiology & Biochemistry, Oregon Health & Science University Portland OR USA
- Graduate Program in Physiology & Pharmacology, Oregon Health & Science University Portland OR USA
| | - Gabriela Rajic
- Vollum Institute, Oregon Health & Science University Portland OR USA
| | - Alexander E G Viray
- Vollum Institute, Oregon Health & Science University Portland OR USA
- Department of Chemical Physiology & Biochemistry, Oregon Health & Science University Portland OR USA
| | - David Icka-Araki
- Vollum Institute, Oregon Health & Science University Portland OR USA
- Department of Chemical Physiology & Biochemistry, Oregon Health & Science University Portland OR USA
- Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences, Oregon Health & Science University Portland OR USA
| | - James A Frank
- Vollum Institute, Oregon Health & Science University Portland OR USA
- Department of Chemical Physiology & Biochemistry, Oregon Health & Science University Portland OR USA
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9
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Hu T, Zheng G, Xue D, Zhao S, Li F, Zhou F, Zhao F, Xie L, Tian C, Hua T, Zhao S, Xu Y, Zhong G, Liu ZJ, Makriyannis A, Stevens RC, Tao H. Rational Remodeling of Atypical Scaffolds for the Design of Photoswitchable Cannabinoid Receptor Tools. J Med Chem 2021; 64:13752-13765. [PMID: 34477367 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c01088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Azobenzene-embedded photoswitchable ligands are the widely used chemical tools in photopharmacological studies. Current approaches to azobenzene introduction rely mainly on the isosteric replacement of typical azologable groups. However, atypical scaffolds may offer more opportunities for photoswitch remodeling, which are chemically in an overwhelming majority. Herein, we investigate the rational remodeling of atypical scaffolds for azobenzene introduction, as exemplified in the development of photoswitchable ligands for the cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2). Based on the analysis of residue-type clusters surrounding the binding pocket, we conclude that among the three representative atypical arms of the CB2 antagonist, AM10257, the adamantyl arm is the most appropriate for azobenzene remodeling. The optimizing spacer length and attachment position revealed AzoLig 9 with excellent thermal bistability, decent photopharmacological switchability between its two configurations, and high subtype selectivity. This structure-guided approach gave new impetus in the extension of new chemical spaces for tool customization for increasingly diversified photo-pharmacological studies and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Hu
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Pudong, Shanghai 201210, China.,School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Pudong, Shanghai 201210, China.,CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Guoxun Zheng
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Pudong, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Dongxiang Xue
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Pudong, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Simeng Zhao
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Pudong, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Fei Li
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Pudong, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Fang Zhou
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Pudong, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Fei Zhao
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Pudong, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Linshan Xie
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Pudong, Shanghai 201210, China.,School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Pudong, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Cuiping Tian
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Pudong, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Tian Hua
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Pudong, Shanghai 201210, China.,School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Pudong, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Suwen Zhao
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Pudong, Shanghai 201210, China.,School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Pudong, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Yueming Xu
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Pudong, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Guisheng Zhong
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Pudong, Shanghai 201210, China.,School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Pudong, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Zhi-Jie Liu
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Pudong, Shanghai 201210, China.,School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Pudong, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Alexandros Makriyannis
- Center for Drug Discovery, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Raymond C Stevens
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Pudong, Shanghai 201210, China.,School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Pudong, Shanghai 201210, China.,Departments of Biological Sciences and Chemistry, Bridge Institute, USC Michelson Center for Convergent Bioscience, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90089, United States
| | - Houchao Tao
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Pudong, Shanghai 201210, China
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10
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Rodríguez-Soacha DA, Fender J, Ramírez YA, Collado JA, Muñoz E, Maitra R, Sotriffer C, Lorenz K, Decker M. "Photo-Rimonabant": Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Novel Photoswitchable Molecules Derived from Rimonabant Lead to a Highly Selective and Nanomolar " Cis-On" CB 1R Antagonist. ACS Chem Neurosci 2021; 12:1632-1647. [PMID: 33856764 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.1c00086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Human cannabinoid receptor type 1 (hCB1R) plays important roles in the regulation of appetite and development of addictive behaviors. Herein, we describe the design, synthesis, photocharacterization, molecular docking, and in vitro characterization of "photo-rimonabant", i.e., azo-derivatives of the selective hCB1R antagonist SR1411716A (rimonabant). By applying azo-extension strategies, we yielded compound 16a, which shows marked affinity for CB1R (Ki (cis form) = 29 nM), whose potency increases by illumination with ultraviolet light (CB1R Kitrans/cis ratio = 15.3). Through radioligand binding, calcium mobilization, and cell luminescence assays, we established that 16a is highly selective for hCB1R over hCB2R. These selective antagonists can be valuable molecular tools for optical modulation of CBRs and better understanding of disorders associated with the endocannabinoid system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego A. Rodríguez-Soacha
- Pharmazeutische und Medizinische Chemie, Institut für Pharmazie und Lebensmittelchemie, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Am Hubland, D-97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Julia Fender
- Institut für Pharmakologie und Toxikologie, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Versbacher Straße 9, D-97078 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Yesid A. Ramírez
- Pharmazeutische und Medizinische Chemie, Institut für Pharmazie und Lebensmittelchemie, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Am Hubland, D-97074 Würzburg, Germany
- Departmento de Ciencias Farmacéuticas, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad Icesi, 760031 Cali, Valle del Cauca, Colombia
| | - Juan Antonio Collado
- Instituto Maimónides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba, Departamento de Biología Celular, Fisiología e Inmunología, Universidad de Córdoba, Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía, Avda Menendez Pidal s/n, 14004 Córdoba, Spain
| | - Eduardo Muñoz
- Instituto Maimónides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba, Departamento de Biología Celular, Fisiología e Inmunología, Universidad de Córdoba, Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía, Avda Menendez Pidal s/n, 14004 Córdoba, Spain
| | - Rangan Maitra
- Discovery Science and Technology, RTI International, 3040 Cornwallis Road, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709-2194, United States
| | - Christoph Sotriffer
- Pharmazeutische und Medizinische Chemie, Institut für Pharmazie und Lebensmittelchemie, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Am Hubland, D-97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Kristina Lorenz
- Institut für Pharmakologie und Toxikologie, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Versbacher Straße 9, D-97078 Würzburg, Germany
- Leibniz-Institut für Analytische Wissenschaften—ISAS e.V., Bunsen-Kirchhoff-Straße 11, 44139 Dortmund, Germany
| | - Michael Decker
- Pharmazeutische und Medizinische Chemie, Institut für Pharmazie und Lebensmittelchemie, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Am Hubland, D-97074 Würzburg, Germany
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11
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Sarott RC, Viray AEG, Pfaff P, Sadybekov A, Rajic G, Katritch V, Carreira EM, Frank JA. Optical Control of Cannabinoid Receptor 2-Mediated Ca2+ Release Enabled by Synthesis of Photoswitchable Probes. J Am Chem Soc 2021; 143:736-743. [DOI: 10.1021/jacs.0c08926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Roman C. Sarott
- Laboratorium für Organische Chemie, Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zürich, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 3, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Alexander E. G. Viray
- Vollum Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, Oregon 97239-3098, United States
| | - Patrick Pfaff
- Laboratorium für Organische Chemie, Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zürich, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 3, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Anastasiia Sadybekov
- Department of Quantitative and Computational Biology and Department of Chemistry, Bridge Institute, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90089, United States
| | - Gabriela Rajic
- Vollum Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, Oregon 97239-3098, United States
| | - Vsevolod Katritch
- Department of Quantitative and Computational Biology and Department of Chemistry, Bridge Institute, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90089, United States
| | - Erick M. Carreira
- Laboratorium für Organische Chemie, Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zürich, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 3, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - James A. Frank
- Vollum Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, Oregon 97239-3098, United States
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12
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Basagni F, Rosini M, Decker M. Functionalized Cannabinoid Subtype 2 Receptor Ligands: Fluorescent, PET, Photochromic and Covalent Molecular Probes. ChemMedChem 2020; 15:1374-1389. [PMID: 32578963 PMCID: PMC7497013 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202000298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Cannabinoid subtype 2 receptors (CB2 Rs) are G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) belonging to the endocannabinoid system, a complex network of signalling pathways leading to the regulation of key physiological processes. Interestingly, CB2 Rs are strongly up-regulated in pathological conditions correlated with the onset of inflammatory events like cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. Therefore, CB2 Rs represent an important biological target for therapeutic as well as diagnostic purposes. No CB2 R-selective drugs are yet on the market, thus underlining a that deeper comprehension of CB2 Rs' complex activation pathways and their role in the regulation of diseases is needed. Herein, we report an overview of pharmacological and imaging tools such as fluorescent, positron emission tomography (PET), photochromic and covalent selective CB2 R ligands. These molecular probes can be used in vitro as well as in vivo to investigate and explore the unravelled role(s) of CB2 Rs, and they can help to design suitable CB2 R-targeted drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filippo Basagni
- Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry Institute of Pharmacy and Food ChemistryJulius Maximilian University of WürzburgAm Hubland97074WürzburgGermany
- Department of Pharmacy and BiotechnologyUniversity of BolognaVia Belmeloro 640126BolognaItaly
| | - Michela Rosini
- Department of Pharmacy and BiotechnologyUniversity of BolognaVia Belmeloro 640126BolognaItaly
| | - Michael Decker
- Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry Institute of Pharmacy and Food ChemistryJulius Maximilian University of WürzburgAm Hubland97074WürzburgGermany
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13
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Scheiner M, Dolles D, Gunesch S, Hoffmann M, Nabissi M, Marinelli O, Naldi M, Bartolini M, Petralla S, Poeta E, Monti B, Falkeis C, Vieth M, Hübner H, Gmeiner P, Maitra R, Maurice T, Decker M. Dual-Acting Cholinesterase-Human Cannabinoid Receptor 2 Ligands Show Pronounced Neuroprotection in Vitro and Overadditive and Disease-Modifying Neuroprotective Effects in Vivo. J Med Chem 2019; 62:9078-9102. [PMID: 31609608 PMCID: PMC7640639 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.9b00623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
We have designed and synthesized a series of 14 hybrid molecules out of the cholinesterase (ChE) inhibitor tacrine and a benzimidazole-based human cannabinoid receptor subtype 2 (hCB2R) agonist and investigated them in vitro and in vivo. The compounds are potent ChE inhibitors, and for the most promising hybrids, the mechanism of human acetylcholinesterase (hAChE) inhibition as well as their ability to interfere with AChE-induced aggregation of β-amyloid (Aβ), and Aβ self-aggregation was assessed. All hybrids were evaluated for affinity and selectivity for hCB1R and hCB2R. To ensure that the hybrids retained their agonist character, the expression of cAMP-regulated genes was quantified, and potency and efficacy were determined. Additionally, the effects of the hybrids on microglia activation and neuroprotection on HT-22 cells were investigated. The most promising in vitro hybrids showed pronounced neuroprotection in an Alzheimer's mouse model at low dosage (0.1 mg/kg, i.p.), lacking hepatotoxicity even at high dose (3 mg/kg, i.p.).
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Scheiner
- Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Food Chemistry, Julius Maximilian University of Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Dominik Dolles
- Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Food Chemistry, Julius Maximilian University of Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Sandra Gunesch
- Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Food Chemistry, Julius Maximilian University of Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Matthias Hoffmann
- Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Food Chemistry, Julius Maximilian University of Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Massimo Nabissi
- School of Pharmacy, University of Camerino, Via Madonna delle Carceri 9, 62032 Camerino, Italy
| | - Oliviero Marinelli
- School of Pharmacy, University of Camerino, Via Madonna delle Carceri 9, 62032 Camerino, Italy
| | - Marina Naldi
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Via Belmeloro 6, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Manuela Bartolini
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Via Belmeloro 6, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Sabrina Petralla
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Via Selmi 3, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Eleonora Poeta
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Via Selmi 3, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Barbara Monti
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Via Selmi 3, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Christina Falkeis
- Pathology, Clinical Center Bayreuth, Preuschwitzer Straße 101, 95445 Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Michael Vieth
- Pathology, Clinical Center Bayreuth, Preuschwitzer Straße 101, 95445 Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Harald Hübner
- Medicinal Chemistry, Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Schuhstraße 19, 91052 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Peter Gmeiner
- Medicinal Chemistry, Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Schuhstraße 19, 91052 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Rangan Maitra
- Center for Drug Discovery, Research Triangle Institute, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709, United States
| | - Tangui Maurice
- MMDN, University of Montpellier, INSERM, EPHE, UMR-S1198, 34095 Montpellier, France
| | - Michael Decker
- Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Food Chemistry, Julius Maximilian University of Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
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14
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Agnetta L, Bermudez M, Riefolo F, Matera C, Claro E, Messerer R, Littmann T, Wolber G, Holzgrabe U, Decker M. Fluorination of Photoswitchable Muscarinic Agonists Tunes Receptor Pharmacology and Photochromic Properties. J Med Chem 2019; 62:3009-3020. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.8b01822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Luca Agnetta
- Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Food Chemistry, Julius Maximilian University of Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Marcel Bermudez
- Institute of Pharmacy, Freie Universität Berlin, Königin-Luise-Straße 2 + 4, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Fabio Riefolo
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), Barcelona Institute for Science and Technology, Carrer Baldiri Reixac 15-21, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
- Network Biomedical Research Center in Bioengineering, Biomaterials, and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), 50018 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Carlo Matera
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), Barcelona Institute for Science and Technology, Carrer Baldiri Reixac 15-21, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
- Network Biomedical Research Center in Bioengineering, Biomaterials, and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), 50018 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Enrique Claro
- Institut de Neurociències (INc) and Departament de Bioquímica i Biologia Molecular, Unitat de Bioquímica de Medicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Regina Messerer
- Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Food Chemistry, Julius Maximilian University of Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Timo Littmann
- Institute of Pharmacy, University of Regensburg, Universitätstraße 31, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Gerhard Wolber
- Institute of Pharmacy, Freie Universität Berlin, Königin-Luise-Straße 2 + 4, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Ulrike Holzgrabe
- Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Food Chemistry, Julius Maximilian University of Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Michael Decker
- Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Food Chemistry, Julius Maximilian University of Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
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15
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Crespi S, Simeth NA, Bellisario A, Fagnoni M, König B. Unraveling the Thermal Isomerization Mechanisms of Heteroaryl Azoswitches: Phenylazoindoles as Case Study. J Phys Chem A 2019; 123:1814-1823. [PMID: 30741541 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpca.8b11734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
The research on heteroaromatic azoswitches has been blossoming in recent years due to their astonishingly broad range of properties. Minimal chemical modifications can drastically change the demeanor of these switches, regarding photophysical and (photo)chemical properties, promoting them as ideal scaffolds for a vast variety of applications based on bistable light-addressable systems. However, most of the characteristics exhibited by heteroaryl azoswitches were found empirically, and only a few works focus on their rationalization. Herein we report on a mechanistic study employing phenylazoindoles as a model reference, combining spectroscopic experiments with comprehensive computational analysis. This approach will elucidate the intrinsic correlations between the molecular structure of the switch and its thermal behavior, allowing a more rational design transferable to various heteroaryl azoswitches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Crespi
- Institut für Organische Chemie , Universität Regensburg , Universitätsstrasse 31 , 93040 Regensburg , Germany
| | - Nadja A Simeth
- Stratingh Institute for Chemistry , University of Groningen , Nijenborgh 7 , 9747 AG Groningen , The Netherlands
| | - Alfredo Bellisario
- Department of Physics , University of Pavia , Via Bassi 6 , 27100 Pavia , Italy
| | - Maurizio Fagnoni
- PhotoGreen Lab, Department of Chemistry , University of Pavia , Via Taramelli 12 , 27100 Pavia , Italy
| | - Burkhard König
- Institut für Organische Chemie , Universität Regensburg , Universitätsstrasse 31 , 93040 Regensburg , Germany
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