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López-Canul M, He Q, Sasson T, Ettaoussi M, Gregorio DD, Ochoa-Sanchez R, Catoire H, Posa L, Rouleau G, Beaulieu JM, Comai S, Gobbi G. Selective Enhancement of REM Sleep in Male Rats through Activation of Melatonin MT 1 Receptors Located in the Locus Ceruleus Norepinephrine Neurons. J Neurosci 2024; 44:e0914232024. [PMID: 38744530 PMCID: PMC11255427 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0914-23.2024] [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: 05/11/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Sleep disorders affect millions of people around the world and have a high comorbidity with psychiatric disorders. While current hypnotics mostly increase non-rapid eye movement sleep (NREMS), drugs acting selectively on enhancing rapid eye movement sleep (REMS) are lacking. This polysomnographic study in male rats showed that the first-in-class selective melatonin MT1 receptor partial agonist UCM871 increases the duration of REMS without affecting that of NREMS. The REMS-promoting effects of UCM871 occurred by inhibiting, in a dose-response manner, the firing activity of the locus ceruleus (LC) norepinephrine (NE) neurons, which express MT1 receptors. The increase of REMS duration and the inhibition of LC-NE neuronal activity by UCM871 were abolished by MT1 pharmacological antagonism and by an adeno-associated viral (AAV) vector, which selectively knocked down MT1 receptors in the LC-NE neurons. In conclusion, MT1 receptor agonism inhibits LC-NE neurons and triggers REMS, thus representing a novel mechanism and target for REMS disorders and/or psychiatric disorders associated with REMS impairments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martha López-Canul
- Neurobiological Psychiatry Unit, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 1A1, Canada
| | - Qianzi He
- Neurobiological Psychiatry Unit, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 1A1, Canada
| | - Tania Sasson
- Neurobiological Psychiatry Unit, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 1A1, Canada
| | - Mohamed Ettaoussi
- Neurobiological Psychiatry Unit, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 1A1, Canada
| | - Danilo De Gregorio
- Neurobiological Psychiatry Unit, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 1A1, Canada
- IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan 20132, Italy
| | - Rafael Ochoa-Sanchez
- Neurobiological Psychiatry Unit, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 1A1, Canada
| | - Helene Catoire
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 2B4, Canada
| | - Luca Posa
- Neurobiological Psychiatry Unit, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 1A1, Canada
| | - Guy Rouleau
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 2B4, Canada
| | - Jean Martin Beaulieu
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5G 2C8, Canada
| | - Stefano Comai
- Neurobiological Psychiatry Unit, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 1A1, Canada
- IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan 20132, Italy
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padua, Padua 35131, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padua, Padua 35131, Italy
| | - Gabriella Gobbi
- Neurobiological Psychiatry Unit, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 1A1, Canada
- Research Institute, McGill University Health Center, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 1A1, Canada
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Bedini A, Boutin JA, Legros C, Zlotos DP, Spadoni G. Industrial and academic approaches to the search for alternative melatonin receptor ligands: An historical survey. J Pineal Res 2024; 76:e12953. [PMID: 38682544 DOI: 10.1111/jpi.12953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
The search for melatonin receptor agonists formed the main part of melatonin medicinal chemistry programs for the last three decades. In this short review, we summarize the two main aspects of these programs: the development of all the necessary tools to characterize the newly synthesized ligands at the two melatonin receptors MT1 and MT2, and the medicinal chemist's approaches to find chemically diverse ligands at these receptors. Both strategies are described. It turns out that the main source of tools were industrial laboratories, while the medicinal chemistry was mainly carried out in academia. Such complete accounts are interesting, as they delineate the spirits in which the teams were working demonstrating their strength and innovative character. Most of the programs were focused on nonselective agonists and few of them reached the market. In contrast, discovery of MT1-selective agonists and melatonergic antagonists with proven in vivo activity and MT1 or MT2-selectivity is still in its infancy, despite the considerable interest that subtype selective compounds may bring in the domain, as the physiological respective roles of the two subtypes of melatonin receptors, is still poorly understood. Poly-pharmacology applications and multitarget ligands have also been considered.
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MESH Headings
- Ligands
- Humans
- Animals
- Receptor, Melatonin, MT2/metabolism
- Receptor, Melatonin, MT2/agonists
- Receptor, Melatonin, MT1/metabolism
- Receptor, Melatonin, MT1/agonists
- Receptor, Melatonin, MT1/antagonists & inhibitors
- Receptors, Melatonin/metabolism
- Receptors, Melatonin/agonists
- Melatonin/metabolism
- History, 20th Century
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Affiliation(s)
- Annalida Bedini
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Urbino Carlo Bo, Urbino, Italy
| | - Jean A Boutin
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrine Endocrine and Germinal Differentiation and Communication (NorDiC), Univ Rouen Normandie, Inserm, NorDiC, Rouen, France
| | | | - Darius P Zlotos
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, The German University in Cairo, New Cairo City, Egypt
| | - Gilberto Spadoni
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Urbino Carlo Bo, Urbino, Italy
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Okamoto HH, Cecon E, Nureki O, Rivara S, Jockers R. Melatonin receptor structure and signaling. J Pineal Res 2024; 76:e12952. [PMID: 38587234 DOI: 10.1111/jpi.12952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/24/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
Melatonin (5-methoxy-N-acetyltryptamine) binds with high affinity and specificity to membrane receptors. Several receptor subtypes exist in different species, of which the mammalian MT1 and MT2 receptors are the best-characterized. They are members of the G protein-coupled receptor superfamily, preferentially coupling to Gi/o proteins but also to other G proteins in a cell-context-depending manner. In this review, experts on melatonin receptors will summarize the current state of the field. We briefly report on the discovery and classification of melatonin receptors, then focus on the molecular structure of human MT1 and MT2 receptors and highlight the importance of molecular simulations to identify new ligands and to understand the structural dynamics of these receptors. We then describe the state-of-the-art of the intracellular signaling pathways activated by melatonin receptors and their complexes. Brief statements on the molecular toolbox available for melatonin receptor studies and future perspectives will round-up this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroyuki H Okamoto
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Erika Cecon
- Université Paris Cité, Institut Cochin, INSERM, CNRS, Paris, France
| | - Osamu Nureki
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Silvia Rivara
- Department of Food and Drug, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Ralf Jockers
- Université Paris Cité, Institut Cochin, INSERM, CNRS, Paris, France
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Tassan Mazzocco M, Pisanu C, Russo L, Acconcia C, Cambiaghi M, De Girolamo S, Squassina A, Cherchi L, Monzani E, Scebba F, Angeloni D, De Gregorio D, Nasini S, Dall'Acqua S, Sut S, Suprani F, Garzilli M, Guiso B, Pulcinelli V, Iaselli MN, Pinna I, Somaini G, Arru L, Corrias C, Paribello P, Pinna F, Gobbi G, Valtorta F, Carpiniello B, Manchia M, Comai S. Melatonin MT 1 receptors as a target for the psychopharmacology of bipolar disorder: A translational study. Pharmacol Res 2023; 198:106993. [PMID: 37972722 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2023.106993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
The treatment of bipolar disorder (BD) still remains a challenge. Melatonin (MLT), acting through its two receptors MT1 and MT2, plays a key role in regulating circadian rhythms which are dysfunctional in BD. Using a translational approach, we examined the implication and potential of MT1 receptors in the pathophysiology and psychopharmacology of BD. We employed a murine model of the manic phase of BD (Clock mutant (ClockΔ19) mice) to study the activation of MT1 receptors by UCM871, a selective partial agonist, in behavioral pharmacology tests and in-vivo electrophysiology. We then performed a high-resolution Nuclear Magnetic Resonance study on isolated membranes to characterize the molecular mechanism of interaction of UCM871. Finally, in a cohort of BD patients, we investigated the link between clinical measures of BD and genetic variants located in the MT1 receptor and CLOCK genes. We demonstrated that: 1) UCM871 can revert behavioral and electrophysiological abnormalities of ClockΔ19 mice; 2) UCM871 promotes the activation state of MT1 receptors; 3) there is a significant association between the number of severe manic episodes and MLT levels, depending on the genetic configuration of the MT1 rs2165666 variant. Overall, this work lends support to the potentiality of MT1 receptors as target for the treatment of BD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margherita Tassan Mazzocco
- IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy; School of Medicine, Vita Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Claudia Pisanu
- Department of Biomedical Science, Section of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Luigi Russo
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Caserta, Italy
| | - Clementina Acconcia
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Caserta, Italy
| | - Marco Cambiaghi
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Sofia De Girolamo
- IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy; School of Medicine, Vita Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessio Squassina
- Department of Biomedical Science, Section of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Laura Cherchi
- IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy; School of Medicine, Vita Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Elena Monzani
- IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesca Scebba
- Health Science Interdisciplinary Center, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Via G. Moruzzi, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Debora Angeloni
- Health Science Interdisciplinary Center, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Via G. Moruzzi, 56124 Pisa, Italy; The Institute of Biorobotics, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Via G. Moruzzi, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Danilo De Gregorio
- IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy; School of Medicine, Vita Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Sofia Nasini
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Stefano Dall'Acqua
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Stefania Sut
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Federico Suprani
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy; Unit of Clinical Psychiatry, University Hospital Agency of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Mario Garzilli
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy; Unit of Clinical Psychiatry, University Hospital Agency of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Beatrice Guiso
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy; Unit of Clinical Psychiatry, University Hospital Agency of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Vittoria Pulcinelli
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy; Unit of Clinical Psychiatry, University Hospital Agency of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Maria Novella Iaselli
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy; Unit of Clinical Psychiatry, University Hospital Agency of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Ilaria Pinna
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy; Unit of Clinical Psychiatry, University Hospital Agency of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Giulia Somaini
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy; Unit of Clinical Psychiatry, University Hospital Agency of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Laura Arru
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy; Unit of Clinical Psychiatry, University Hospital Agency of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Carolina Corrias
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy; Unit of Clinical Psychiatry, University Hospital Agency of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Pasquale Paribello
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy; Unit of Clinical Psychiatry, University Hospital Agency of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Federica Pinna
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy; Unit of Clinical Psychiatry, University Hospital Agency of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Gabriella Gobbi
- Neurobiological Psychiatry Unit, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Flavia Valtorta
- IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy; School of Medicine, Vita Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Bernardo Carpiniello
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy; Unit of Clinical Psychiatry, University Hospital Agency of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Mirko Manchia
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy; Unit of Clinical Psychiatry, University Hospital Agency of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy; Department of Pharmacology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada.
| | - Stefano Comai
- IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy; Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padua, Padua, Italy; Neurobiological Psychiatry Unit, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada; Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padua, Padua, Italy.
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Vicente JM, Lescano CH, Bordin S, Mónica FZ, Gobbi G, Anhê GF. Agomelatine inhibits platelet aggregation through melatonin receptor-dependent and independent mechanisms. Life Sci 2023:121906. [PMID: 37394096 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2023.121906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Melatonin is known to inhibit platelet aggregation induced by arachidonic acid (AA). In the present study we investigated whether agomelatine (Ago), an antidepressant with agonist activity at melatonin receptor 1 (MT1) and MT2 could reduce platelets aggregation and adhesion. MAIN METHODS Human platelets from healthy donors were used to test the in vitro effects of Ago in the presence of different platelet activators. We performed aggregation and adhesion assays, thromboxane B2 (TxB2), cAMP and cGMP measurements, intra-platelet calcium registration and flow cytometry assays. KEY FINDINGS Our data revealed that different concentrations of Ago reduced AA- and collagen-induced human platelet aggregation in vitro. Ago also reduced AA-induced increase in thromboxane B2 (TxB2) production, intracellular calcium levels and P-selectin expression at plasma membrane. The effects of Ago in AA-activated platelets were likely dependent on MT1 as they were blocked by luzindole (a MT1/MT2 antagonist) and mimicked by the MT1 agonist UCM871 in a luzindole-sensitive manner. The MT2 agonist UCM924 was also able to inhibit platelet aggregation, but this response was not affected by luzindole. On the other hand, although UCM871 and UCM924 reduced collagen-induced platelet aggregation and adhesion, inhibition of collagen-induced platelet aggregation by Ago was not mediated by melatonin receptors because it was not affected by luzindole. SIGNIFICANCE The present data show that Ago suppresses human platelet aggregation and suggest that this antidepressant may have the potential to prevent atherothrombotic ischemic events by reducing thrombus formation and vessel occlusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Modesto Vicente
- Department of Translational Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, State University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
| | - Caroline Honaiser Lescano
- Department of Translational Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, State University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
| | - Silvana Bordin
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Fabiola Zakia Mónica
- Department of Translational Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, State University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
| | - Gabriella Gobbi
- Neurobiological Psychiatry Unit, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Gabriel Forato Anhê
- Department of Translational Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, State University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil.
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Elisi GM, Scalvini L, Lodola A, Bedini A, Spadoni G, Rivara S. In silico drug discovery of melatonin receptor ligands with therapeutic potential. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2022; 17:343-354. [PMID: 35255751 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2022.2043846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The neurohormone melatonin (N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine) regulates circadian rhythms exerting a variety of effects in the central nervous system and in periphery. These activities are mainly mediated by activation of MT1 and MT2 GPCRs. MT1/MT2 agonist compounds are used clinically for insomnia, depression, and circadian rhythm disturbances. AREA COVERED The following review describes the design strategies that have led to the identification of melatonin receptor ligands, guided by in silico approaches and molecular modeling. Initial ligand-based design, mainly relying on pharmacophore modeling and 3D-QSAR, has been flanked by structure-based virtual screening, given the recent availability of MT1 and MT2 crystal structures. Receptor ligands with different activity profiles, agonist/antagonist and subtype-selective compounds, are available. EXPERT OPINION An insight on the pharmacological characterization and therapeutic perspectives for relevant ligands is provided. In silico drug discovery has been instrumental in the design of novel ligands targeting melatonin receptors. Ligand-based approaches has led to the construction of a solid framework defining structure-activity relationships to obtain compounds with a tailored pharmacological profile. Structure-based techniques could integrate previous knowledge and provide compounds with novel chemotypes and pharmacological activity as drug candidates for disease conditions in which melatonin receptor ligands are currently being investigated, including cancer and pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gian Marco Elisi
- Dipartimento di Scienze degli Alimenti e del Farmaco, Università degli Studi di Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Laura Scalvini
- Dipartimento di Scienze degli Alimenti e del Farmaco, Università degli Studi di Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Alessio Lodola
- Dipartimento di Scienze degli Alimenti e del Farmaco, Università degli Studi di Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Annalida Bedini
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Urbino "Carlo Bo", Urbino, Italy
| | - Gilberto Spadoni
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Urbino "Carlo Bo", Urbino, Italy
| | - Silvia Rivara
- Dipartimento di Scienze degli Alimenti e del Farmaco, Università degli Studi di Parma, Parma, Italy
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Identification of a Quinone Derivative as a YAP/TEAD Activity Modulator from a Repurposing Library. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14020391. [PMID: 35214125 PMCID: PMC8878929 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14020391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The transcriptional regulators YAP (Yes-associated protein) and TAZ (transcriptional co-activator with PDZ-binding motif) are the major downstream effectors in the Hippo pathway and are involved in cancer progression through modulation of the activity of TEAD (transcriptional enhanced associate domain) transcription factors. To exploit the advantages of drug repurposing in the search of new drugs, we developed a similar approach for the identification of new hits interfering with TEAD target gene expression. In our study, a 27-member in-house library was assembled, characterized, and screened for its cancer cell growth inhibition effect. In a secondary luciferase-based assay, only seven compounds confirmed their specific involvement in TEAD activity. IA5 bearing a p-quinoid structure reduced the cytoplasmic level of phosphorylated YAP and the YAP–TEAD complex transcriptional activity and reduced cancer cell growth. IA5 is a promising hit compound for TEAD activity modulator development.
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Boutin JA, Witt-Enderby PA, Sotriffer C, Zlotos DP. Melatonin receptor ligands: A pharmaco-chemical perspective. J Pineal Res 2020; 69:e12672. [PMID: 32531076 DOI: 10.1111/jpi.12672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2020] [Revised: 05/19/2020] [Accepted: 06/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Melatonin MT1 and MT2 receptor ligands have been vigorously explored for the last 4 decades. Inspection of approximately 80 publications in the field revealed that most melatonergic ligands were structural analogues of melatonin combining three essential features of the parent compound: an aromatic ring bearing a methoxy group and an amide side chain in a relative arrangement similar to that present in melatonin. While several series of MT2 -selective agents-agonists, antagonists, or partial agonists-were reported, the field was lacking MT1 -selective agents. Herein, we describe various approaches toward the development of melatonergic ligands, keeping in mind that most of the molecules/pharmacophores obtained were essentially melatonin copies, even though diverse tri- or tetra-cyclic compounds were explored. In addition to lack of structural diversity, only few studies examined the activity of the reported melatonergic ligands in vivo. Moreover, an extensive pharmacological characterization including biopharmaceutical stability, pharmacokinetic properties, specificity toward other major receptors to name a few remained scarce. For example, many of the antagonists described were not stable in vivo, were not selective for the melatonin receptor subtype of interest, and were not fully characterized from a pharmacological standpoint. Indeed, virtual screening of large compound libraries has led to the recent discovery of potent and selective melatonin receptor agonists and partial agonists of new chemotypes. Having said this, the melatonergic field is still lacking subtype-selective melatonin receptor antagonists "active" in vivo, which are critical to our understanding of melatonin and melatonin receptors' role in basic physiology and disease.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Humans
- Ligands
- Melatonin/chemistry
- Receptor, Melatonin, MT1/agonists
- Receptor, Melatonin, MT1/antagonists & inhibitors
- Receptor, Melatonin, MT1/chemistry
- Receptor, Melatonin, MT2/agonists
- Receptor, Melatonin, MT2/antagonists & inhibitors
- Receptor, Melatonin, MT2/chemistry
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean A Boutin
- Institut de Recherches Internationales SERVIER, Suresnes, France
| | - Paula A Witt-Enderby
- School of Pharmacy & Graduate School of Pharmaceutical, Administrative and Social Sciences, Duquesne University, Pittsburg, PA, USA
| | - Christoph Sotriffer
- Institute of Pharmacy and Food Chemistry, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Darius P Zlotos
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, The German University in Cairo, New Cairo City, Egypt
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Melatonin MT1 receptor as a novel target in neuropsychopharmacology: MT1 ligands, pathophysiological and therapeutic implications, and perspectives. Pharmacol Res 2019; 144:343-356. [DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2019.04.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2019] [Revised: 03/06/2019] [Accepted: 04/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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10
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Melatonin MT 1 and MT 2 Receptors Exhibit Distinct Effects in the Modulation of Body Temperature across the Light/Dark Cycle. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20102452. [PMID: 31108968 PMCID: PMC6566544 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20102452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2019] [Revised: 05/06/2019] [Accepted: 05/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Melatonin (MLT) is a neurohormone that regulates many physiological functions including sleep, pain, thermoregulation, and circadian rhythms. MLT acts mainly through two G-protein-coupled receptors named MT1 and MT2, but also through an MLT type-3 receptor (MT3). However, the role of MLT receptor subtypes in thermoregulation is still unknown. We have thus investigated the effects of selective and non-selective MLT receptor agonists/antagonists on body temperature (Tb) in rats across the 12/12-h light-dark cycle. Rectal temperature was measured every 15 min from 4:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. and from 4:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., following subcutaneous injection of each compound at either 5:00 a.m. or 5:00 p.m. MLT (40 mg/kg) had no effect when injected at 5 a.m., whereas it decreased Tb during the light phase only when injected at 5:00 p.m. This effect was blocked by the selective MT2 receptor antagonist 4P-PDOT and the non-selective MT1/MT2 receptor antagonist, luzindole, but not by the α1/MT3 receptors antagonist prazosin. However, unlike MLT, neither the selective MT1 receptor partial agonist UCM871 (14 mg/kg) nor the selective MT2 partial agonist UCM924 (40 mg/kg) altered Tb during the light phase. In contrast, UCM871 injected at 5:00 p.m. increased Tb at the beginning of the dark phase, whereas UCM924 injected at 5:00 a.m. decreased Tb at the end of the dark phase. These effects were blocked by luzindole and 4P-PDOT, respectively. The MT3 receptor agonist GR135531 (10 mg/kg) did not affect Tb. These data suggest that the simultaneous activation of both MT1 and MT2 receptors is necessary to regulate Tb during the light phase, whereas in a complex but yet unknown manner, they regulate Tb differently during the dark phase. Overall, MT1 and MT2 receptors display complementary but also distinct roles in modulating circadian fluctuations of Tb.
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11
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Luthra T, Nayak AK, Bose S, Chakrabarti S, Gupta A, Sen S. Indole based antimalarial compounds targeting the melatonin pathway: Their design, synthesis and biological evaluation. Eur J Med Chem 2019; 168:11-27. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2019.02.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2018] [Revised: 02/06/2019] [Accepted: 02/06/2019] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
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12
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Spadoni G, Bedini A, Furiassi L, Mari M, Mor M, Scalvini L, Lodola A, Ghidini A, Lucini V, Dugnani S, Scaglione F, Piomelli D, Jung KM, Supuran CT, Lucarini L, Durante M, Sgambellone S, Masini E, Rivara S. Identification of Bivalent Ligands with Melatonin Receptor Agonist and Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolase (FAAH) Inhibitory Activity That Exhibit Ocular Hypotensive Effect in the Rabbit. J Med Chem 2018; 61:7902-7916. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.8b00893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Gilberto Spadoni
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Urbino “Carlo Bo”, Piazza Rinascimento 6, I-61029 Urbino, Italy
| | - Annalida Bedini
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Urbino “Carlo Bo”, Piazza Rinascimento 6, I-61029 Urbino, Italy
| | - Lucia Furiassi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Urbino “Carlo Bo”, Piazza Rinascimento 6, I-61029 Urbino, Italy
| | - Michele Mari
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Urbino “Carlo Bo”, Piazza Rinascimento 6, I-61029 Urbino, Italy
| | - Marco Mor
- Dipartimento di Scienze degli Alimenti e del Farmaco, Università degli Studi di Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 27/A I-43124 Parma, Italy
| | - Laura Scalvini
- Dipartimento di Scienze degli Alimenti e del Farmaco, Università degli Studi di Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 27/A I-43124 Parma, Italy
| | - Alessio Lodola
- Dipartimento di Scienze degli Alimenti e del Farmaco, Università degli Studi di Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 27/A I-43124 Parma, Italy
| | - Andrea Ghidini
- Dipartimento di Scienze degli Alimenti e del Farmaco, Università degli Studi di Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 27/A I-43124 Parma, Italy
| | - Valeria Lucini
- Dipartimento di Oncologia ed Emato-Oncologia, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Vanvitelli 32, I-20129 Milano, Italy
| | - Silvana Dugnani
- Dipartimento di Oncologia ed Emato-Oncologia, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Vanvitelli 32, I-20129 Milano, Italy
| | - Francesco Scaglione
- Dipartimento di Oncologia ed Emato-Oncologia, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Vanvitelli 32, I-20129 Milano, Italy
| | - Daniele Piomelli
- Dipartimento di Scienze degli Alimenti e del Farmaco, Università degli Studi di Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 27/A I-43124 Parma, Italy
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, California 92697, United States
| | - Kwang-Mook Jung
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, California 92697, United States
| | - Claudiu T. Supuran
- Dipartimento NEUROFARBA, Sezione di Scienze Farmaceutiche e Nutraceutiche, Università degli Studi di Firenze, via Ugo Shiff 6, I-50019 Sesto Fiorentino (FI), Italy
| | - Laura Lucarini
- Dipartimento NEUROFARBA, Sezione di Farmacologia e Tossicologia, Università degli Studi di Firenze, Viale G. Pieraccini 6, I-50019 Firenze, Italy
| | - Mariaconcetta Durante
- Dipartimento NEUROFARBA, Sezione di Farmacologia e Tossicologia, Università degli Studi di Firenze, Viale G. Pieraccini 6, I-50019 Firenze, Italy
| | - Silvia Sgambellone
- Dipartimento NEUROFARBA, Sezione di Farmacologia e Tossicologia, Università degli Studi di Firenze, Viale G. Pieraccini 6, I-50019 Firenze, Italy
| | - Emanuela Masini
- Dipartimento NEUROFARBA, Sezione di Farmacologia e Tossicologia, Università degli Studi di Firenze, Viale G. Pieraccini 6, I-50019 Firenze, Italy
| | - Silvia Rivara
- Dipartimento di Scienze degli Alimenti e del Farmaco, Università degli Studi di Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 27/A I-43124 Parma, Italy
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13
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Popovska-Gorevski M, Dubocovich ML, Rajnarayanan RV. Carbamate Insecticides Target Human Melatonin Receptors. Chem Res Toxicol 2017; 30:574-582. [PMID: 28027439 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrestox.6b00301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Carbaryl (1-naphthyl methylcarbamate) and carbofuran (2,3-dihydro-2,2-dimethyl-7-benzofuranyl methylcarbamate) are among the most toxic insecticides, implicated in a variety of diseases including diabetes and cancer among others. Using an integrated pharmacoinformatics based screening approach, we have identified these insecticides to be structural mimics of the neurohormone melatonin and were able to bind to the putative melatonin binding sites in MT1 and MT2 melatonin receptors in silico. Carbaryl and carbofuran then were tested for competition with 2-[125I]-iodomelatonin (300 pM) binding to hMT1 or hMT2 receptors stably expressed in CHO cells. Carbaryl and carbofuran showed higher affinity for competition with 2-[125I]-iodomelatonin binding to the hMT2 compared to the hMT1 melatonin receptor (33 and 35-fold difference, respectively) as predicted by the molecular modeling. In the presence of GTP (100 μM), which decouples the G-protein linked receptors to modulate signaling, the apparent efficacy of carbaryl and carbofuran for 2-[125I]-iodomelatonin binding for the hMT1 melatonin receptor was not affected but significantly decreased for the hMT2 melatonin receptor compatible with receptor antagonist/inverse agonist and agonist efficacy, respectively. Altogether, our data points to a potentially new mechanism through which carbamate insecticides carbaryl and carbofuran could impact human health by altering the homeostatic balance of key regulatory processes by directly binding to melatonin receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Popovska-Gorevski
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo , Buffalo, New York 14221, United States
| | - Margarita L Dubocovich
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo , Buffalo, New York 14221, United States
| | - Rajendram V Rajnarayanan
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo , Buffalo, New York 14221, United States
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14
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Jockers R, Delagrange P, Dubocovich ML, Markus RP, Renault N, Tosini G, Cecon E, Zlotos DP. Update on melatonin receptors: IUPHAR Review 20. Br J Pharmacol 2016; 173:2702-25. [PMID: 27314810 DOI: 10.1111/bph.13536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 272] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2016] [Revised: 05/15/2016] [Accepted: 05/19/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Melatonin receptors are seven transmembrane-spanning proteins belonging to the GPCR superfamily. In mammals, two melatonin receptor subtypes exist - MT1 and MT2 - encoded by the MTNR1A and MTNR1B genes respectively. The current review provides an update on melatonin receptors by the corresponding subcommittee of the International Union of Basic and Clinical Pharmacology. We will highlight recent developments of melatonin receptor ligands, including radioligands, and give an update on the latest phenotyping results of melatonin receptor knockout mice. The current status and perspectives of the structure of melatonin receptor will be summarized. The physiological importance of melatonin receptor dimers and biologically important and type 2 diabetes-associated genetic variants of melatonin receptors will be discussed. The role of melatonin receptors in physiology and disease will be further exemplified by their functions in the immune system and the CNS. Finally, antioxidant and free radical scavenger properties of melatonin and its relation to melatonin receptors will be critically addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ralf Jockers
- Inserm, U1016, Institut Cochin, Paris, France.,CNRS UMR 8104, Paris, France.,University Paris Descartes, Paris, France
| | | | - Margarita L Dubocovich
- Department Pharmacology and Toxicology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Science, University at Buffalo (SUNY), Buffalo, USA
| | - Regina P Markus
- Institute of Biosciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Gianluca Tosini
- Neuroscience Institute and Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Erika Cecon
- Inserm, U1016, Institut Cochin, Paris, France.,CNRS UMR 8104, Paris, France.,University Paris Descartes, Paris, France
| | - Darius P Zlotos
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, The German University in Cairo, New Cairo City, Cairo, Egypt
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15
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Liu J, Clough SJ, Hutchinson AJ, Adamah-Biassi EB, Popovska-Gorevski M, Dubocovich ML. MT1 and MT2 Melatonin Receptors: A Therapeutic Perspective. Annu Rev Pharmacol Toxicol 2015; 56:361-83. [PMID: 26514204 PMCID: PMC5091650 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-pharmtox-010814-124742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 374] [Impact Index Per Article: 41.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Melatonin, or 5-methoxy-N-acetyltryptamine, is synthesized and released by the pineal gland and locally in the retina following a circadian rhythm, with low levels during the day and elevated levels at night. Melatonin activates two high-affinity G protein-coupled receptors, termed MT1 and MT2, to exert beneficial actions in sleep and circadian abnormality, mood disorders, learning and memory, neuroprotection, drug abuse, and cancer. Progress in understanding the role of melatonin receptors in the modulation of sleep and circadian rhythms has led to the discovery of a novel class of melatonin agonists for treating insomnia, circadian rhythms, mood disorders, and cancer. This review describes the pharmacological properties of a slow-release melatonin preparation (i.e., Circadin®) and synthetic ligands (i.e., agomelatine, ramelteon, tasimelteon), with emphasis on identifying specific therapeutic effects mediated through MT1 and MT2 receptor activation. Discovery of selective ligands targeting the MT1 or the MT2 melatonin receptors may promote the development of novel and more efficacious therapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiabei Liu
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, New York 14214; , , , , ,
| | - Shannon J Clough
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, New York 14214; , , , , ,
| | - Anthony J Hutchinson
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, New York 14214; , , , , ,
| | - Ekue B Adamah-Biassi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, New York 14214; , , , , ,
| | - Marina Popovska-Gorevski
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, New York 14214; , , , , ,
| | - Margarita L Dubocovich
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, New York 14214; , , , , ,
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16
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Spadoni G, Bedini A, Lucarini S, Mari M, Caignard DH, Boutin JA, Delagrange P, Lucini V, Scaglione F, Lodola A, Zanardi F, Pala D, Mor M, Rivara S. Highly Potent and Selective MT2 Melatonin Receptor Full Agonists from Conformational Analysis of 1-Benzyl-2-acylaminomethyl-tetrahydroquinolines. J Med Chem 2015; 58:7512-25. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.5b01066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Gilberto Spadoni
- Dipartimento
di Scienze Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Urbino “Carlo Bo”, Piazza Rinascimento 6, I-61029 Urbino, Italy
| | - Annalida Bedini
- Dipartimento
di Scienze Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Urbino “Carlo Bo”, Piazza Rinascimento 6, I-61029 Urbino, Italy
| | - Simone Lucarini
- Dipartimento
di Scienze Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Urbino “Carlo Bo”, Piazza Rinascimento 6, I-61029 Urbino, Italy
| | - Michele Mari
- Dipartimento
di Scienze Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Urbino “Carlo Bo”, Piazza Rinascimento 6, I-61029 Urbino, Italy
| | - Daniel-Henri Caignard
- Institut de Recherches Servier, 125 Chemin de Ronde, F-78290 Croissy sur Seine, France
| | - Jean A. Boutin
- Institut de Recherches Servier, 125 Chemin de Ronde, F-78290 Croissy sur Seine, France
| | - Philippe Delagrange
- Institut de Recherches Servier, 125 Chemin de Ronde, F-78290 Croissy sur Seine, France
| | - Valeria Lucini
- Dipartimento
di Biotecnologie Mediche e Medicina Traslazionale, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Vanvitelli 32, I-20129 Milano, Italy
| | - Francesco Scaglione
- Dipartimento
di Biotecnologie Mediche e Medicina Traslazionale, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Vanvitelli 32, I-20129 Milano, Italy
| | - Alessio Lodola
- Dipartimento
di Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Parma, Parco Area
delle Scienze 27/A, I-43124 Parma, Italy
| | - Franca Zanardi
- Dipartimento
di Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Parma, Parco Area
delle Scienze 27/A, I-43124 Parma, Italy
| | - Daniele Pala
- Dipartimento
di Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Parma, Parco Area
delle Scienze 27/A, I-43124 Parma, Italy
| | - Marco Mor
- Dipartimento
di Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Parma, Parco Area
delle Scienze 27/A, I-43124 Parma, Italy
| | - Silvia Rivara
- Dipartimento
di Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Parma, Parco Area
delle Scienze 27/A, I-43124 Parma, Italy
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17
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Zlotos DP, Riad NM, Osman MB, Dodda BR, Witt-Enderby PA. Novel difluoroacetamide analogues of agomelatine and melatonin: probing the melatonin receptors for MT1selectivity. MEDCHEMCOMM 2015. [DOI: 10.1039/c5md00190k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The difluoroacetamide analogue of the standard MT1-selective ligand, the dimeric (CH2)3-linked agomelatine, shows higher affinity and selectivity toward MT1receptors than the parent compound.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darius P. Zlotos
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry
- The German University in Cairo
- New Cairo City
- Egypt
| | - Noura M. Riad
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry
- The German University in Cairo
- New Cairo City
- Egypt
| | - Mai B. Osman
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry
- The German University in Cairo
- New Cairo City
- Egypt
| | - Bala R. Dodda
- Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences
- School of Pharmacy
- Duquesne University
- 421 Mellon Hall
- Pittsburgh
| | - Paula A. Witt-Enderby
- Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences
- School of Pharmacy
- Duquesne University
- 421 Mellon Hall
- Pittsburgh
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18
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Abstract
Melatonin (N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine) is widely known as "the darkness hormone". It is a major chronobiological regulator involved in circadian phasing and sleep-wake cycle in humans. Numerous other functions, including cyto/neuroprotection, immune modulation, and energy metabolism have been ascribed to melatonin. A variety of studies have revealed a role for melatonin and its receptors in different pathophysiological conditions. However, the suitability of melatonin as a drug is limited because of its short half-life, poor oral bioavailability, and ubiquitous action. Due to the therapeutic potential of melatonin in a wide variety of clinical conditions, the development of new agents able to interact selectively with melatonin receptors has become an area of great interest during the last decade. Therefore, the field of melatonergic receptor agonists comprises a great number of structurally different chemical entities, which range from indolic to nonindolic compounds. Melatonergic agonists are suitable for sleep disturbances, neuropsychiatric disorders related to circadian dysphasing, and metabolic diseases associated with insulin resistance. The results of preclinical studies on animal models show that melatonin receptor agonists can be considered promising agents for the treatment of central nervous system-related pathologies. An overview of recent advances in the field of investigational melatonergic drugs will be presented in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Carocci
- Department of Pharmacy–Drug Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Alessia Catalano
- Department of Pharmacy–Drug Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
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19
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Synthesis and characterization of new bivalent agents as melatonin- and histamine H3-ligands. Int J Mol Sci 2014; 15:16114-33. [PMID: 25222552 PMCID: PMC4200786 DOI: 10.3390/ijms150916114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2014] [Revised: 09/03/2014] [Accepted: 09/04/2014] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Melatonin is an endogenous molecule involved in many pathophysiological processes. In addition to the control of circadian rhythms, its antioxidant and neuroprotective properties have been widely described. Thus far, different bivalent compounds composed by a melatonin molecule linked to another neuroprotective agent were synthesized and tested for their ability to block neurodegenerative processes in vitro and in vivo. To identify a novel class of potential neuroprotective compounds, we prepared a series of bivalent ligands, in which a prototypic melatonergic ligand is connected to an imidazole-based H3 receptor antagonist through a flexible linker. Four imidazolyl-alkyloxy-anilinoethylamide derivatives, characterized by linkers of different length, were synthesized and their binding affinity for human MT1, MT2 and H3 receptor subtypes was evaluated. Among the tested compounds, 14c and 14d, bearing a pentyl and a hexyl linker, respectively, were able to bind to all receptor subtypes at micromolar concentrations and represent the first bivalent melatonergic/histaminergic ligands reported so far. These preliminary results, based on binding affinity evaluation, pave the way for the future development of new dual-acting compounds targeting both melatonin and histamine receptors, which could represent promising therapeutic agents for the treatment of neurodegenerative pathologies.
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20
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Synthetic melatoninergic ligands: achievements and prospects. ISRN BIOCHEMISTRY 2014; 2014:843478. [PMID: 25937968 PMCID: PMC4393004 DOI: 10.1155/2014/843478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2013] [Accepted: 01/16/2014] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Pineal hormone melatonin is widely used in the treatment of disorders of circadian rhythms. The presence of melatonin receptors in various animal tissues motivates the use of this hormone in some other diseases. For this reason, in recent years investigators continued the search for synthetic analogues of melatonin which are metabolically stable and selective to receptors. This review includes recent information about the most famous melatonin analogues, their structure, properties, and physiological features of the interaction with melatonin receptors.
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21
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Comai S, Gobbi G. Unveiling the role of melatonin MT2 receptors in sleep, anxiety and other neuropsychiatric diseases: a novel target in psychopharmacology. J Psychiatry Neurosci 2014; 39:6-21. [PMID: 23971978 PMCID: PMC3868666 DOI: 10.1503/jpn.130009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Melatonin (MLT) is a pleiotropic neurohormone controlling many physiological processes and whose dysfunction may contribute to several different diseases, such as neurodegenerative diseases, circadian and mood disorders, insomnia, type 2 diabetes and pain. Melatonin is synthesized by the pineal gland during the night and acts through 2 G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs), MT1 (MEL1a) and MT2 (MEL1b). Although a bulk of research has examined the physiopathological effects of MLT, few studies have investigated the selective role played by MT1 and MT2 receptors. Here we have reviewed current knowledge about the implications of MT2 receptors in brain functions. METHODS We searched PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Google Scholar and articles' reference lists for studies on MT2 receptor ligands in sleep, anxiety, neuropsychiatric diseases and psychopharmacology, including genetic studies on the MTNR1B gene, which encodes the melatonin MT2 receptor. RESULTS These studies demonstrate that MT2 receptors are involved in the pathophysiology and pharmacology of sleep disorders, anxiety, depression, Alzheimer disease and pain and that selective MT2 receptor agonists show hypnotic and anxiolytic properties. LIMITATIONS Studies examining the role of MT2 receptors in psychopharmacology are still limited. CONCLUSION The development of novel selective MT2 receptor ligands, together with further preclinical in vivo studies, may clarify the role of this receptor in brain function and psychopharmacology. The superfamily of GPCRs has proven to be among the most successful drug targets and, consequently, MT2 receptors have great potential for pioneer drug discovery in the treatment of mental diseases for which limited therapeutic targets are currently available.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gabriella Gobbi
- Correspondence to: G. Gobbi, Neurobiological Psychiatry Unit, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, 1033 Pine Ave. W, room 220, Montréal QC H3A 1A1;
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22
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Zlotos DP, Jockers R, Cecon E, Rivara S, Witt-Enderby PA. MT1 and MT2 Melatonin Receptors: Ligands, Models, Oligomers, and Therapeutic Potential. J Med Chem 2013; 57:3161-85. [DOI: 10.1021/jm401343c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Darius. P. Zlotos
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, The German University in Cairo, New Cairo City, 11835 Cairo, Egypt
| | - Ralf Jockers
- Inserm, U1016,
Institut Cochin, Paris, France
- CNRS UMR
8104, Paris, France
- Univ. Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cite, Paris, France
| | - Erika Cecon
- Department
of Physiology, Institute of Bioscience, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo 05508-090, Brazil
| | - Silvia Rivara
- Dipartimento
di Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Parma, Parco Area
delle Scienze 27/A, 43124 Parma, Italy
| | - Paula A. Witt-Enderby
- Division
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Duquesne University, 421 Mellon Hall, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15282, United States
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23
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Chan KH, Wong YH. A molecular and chemical perspective in defining melatonin receptor subtype selectivity. Int J Mol Sci 2013; 14:18385-406. [PMID: 24018885 PMCID: PMC3794785 DOI: 10.3390/ijms140918385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2013] [Revised: 07/16/2013] [Accepted: 08/26/2013] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Melatonin is primarily synthesized and secreted by the pineal gland during darkness in a normal diurnal cycle. In addition to its intrinsic antioxidant property, the neurohormone has renowned regulatory roles in the control of circadian rhythm and exerts its physiological actions primarily by interacting with the G protein-coupled MT1 and MT2 transmembrane receptors. The two melatonin receptor subtypes display identical ligand binding characteristics and mediate a myriad of signaling pathways, including adenylyl cyclase inhibition, phospholipase C stimulation and the regulation of other effector molecules. Both MT1 and MT2 receptors are widely expressed in the central nervous system as well as many peripheral tissues, but each receptor subtype can be linked to specific functional responses at the target tissue. Given the broad therapeutic implications of melatonin receptors in chronobiology, immunomodulation, endocrine regulation, reproductive functions and cancer development, drug discovery and development programs have been directed at identifying chemical molecules that bind to the two melatonin receptor subtypes. However, all of the melatoninergics in the market act on both subtypes of melatonin receptors without significant selectivity. To facilitate the design and development of novel therapeutic agents, it is necessary to understand the intrinsic differences between MT1 and MT2 that determine ligand binding, functional efficacy, and signaling specificity. This review summarizes our current knowledge in differentiating MT1 and MT2 receptors and their signaling capacities. The use of homology modeling in the mapping of the ligand-binding pocket will be described. Identification of conserved and distinct residues will be tremendously useful in the design of highly selective ligands.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Humans
- Melatonin/metabolism
- Receptor, Melatonin, MT1/chemistry
- Receptor, Melatonin, MT1/metabolism
- Receptor, Melatonin, MT2/chemistry
- Receptor, Melatonin, MT2/metabolism
- Receptors, Melatonin/chemistry
- Receptors, Melatonin/metabolism
- Signal Transduction
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Affiliation(s)
- King Hang Chan
- Biotechnology Research Institute, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, Division of Life Science, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong.
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24
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Legros C, Matthey U, Grelak T, Pedragona-Moreau S, Hassler W, Yous S, Thomas E, Suzenet F, Folleas B, Lefoulon F, Berthelot P, Caignard DH, Guillaumet G, Delagrange P, Brayer JL, Nosjean O, Boutin JA. New radioligands for describing the molecular pharmacology of MT1 and MT2 melatonin receptors. Int J Mol Sci 2013; 14:8948-62. [PMID: 23698757 PMCID: PMC3676766 DOI: 10.3390/ijms14058948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2013] [Revised: 04/14/2013] [Accepted: 04/15/2013] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Melatonin receptors have been studied for several decades. The low expression of the receptors in tissues led the scientific community to find a substitute for the natural hormone melatonin, the agonist 2-[125I]-iodomelatonin. Using the agonist, several hundreds of studies were conducted, including the discovery of agonists and antagonists for the receptors and minute details about their molecular behavior. Recently, we attempted to expand the panel of radioligands available for studying the melatonin receptors by using the newly discovered compounds SD6, DIV880, and S70254. These compounds were characterized for their affinities to the hMT1 and hMT2 recombinant receptors and their functionality in the classical GTPS system. SD6 is a full agonist, equilibrated between the receptor isoforms, whereas S70254 and DIV880 are only partial MT2 agonists, with Ki in the low nanomolar range while they have no affinity to MT1 receptors. These new tools will hopefully allow for additions to the current body of information on the native localization of the receptor isoforms in tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Céline Legros
- BPMC, Institut de Recherches SERVIER, 125 chemin de Ronde, Croissy-sur-Seine 78290, France; E-Mails: (C.L.); (O.N.)
| | - Ulrich Matthey
- Celerion Switzerland AG Allmendstrasse 32, Fehraltorf CH-8320, Switzerland; E-Mails: (U.M.); (T.G.)
| | - Teresa Grelak
- Celerion Switzerland AG Allmendstrasse 32, Fehraltorf CH-8320, Switzerland; E-Mails: (U.M.); (T.G.)
| | | | - Werner Hassler
- ANAWA Trading SA, Unterdorfstrasse 21, Wangen CH-8602, Switzerland; E-Mail:
| | - Saïd Yous
- Université Lille Nord de France, F-59000 Lille, France & UDSL, EA GRIIOT, UFR Pharmacie, Lille F-59000, France; E-Mail: (S.Y.); (P.B.)
| | - Emmanuel Thomas
- DIVERCHIM, 6 Rue du Noyer, Roissy 95700, France; E-Mails: (E.T.); (B.F.); (J.-L.B.)
| | - Franck Suzenet
- Institut de Chimie Organique et Analytique, UMR CNRS 7311, Université d’Orléans, rue de Chartres, Orléans 45067, France; E-Mails: (F.S.); (G.G.)
| | - Benoît Folleas
- DIVERCHIM, 6 Rue du Noyer, Roissy 95700, France; E-Mails: (E.T.); (B.F.); (J.-L.B.)
| | - François Lefoulon
- Technologie SERVIER, 27 rue Vignat, Orléans 45000, France; E-Mails: (S.P.-M.); (F.L.)
| | - Pascal Berthelot
- Université Lille Nord de France, F-59000 Lille, France & UDSL, EA GRIIOT, UFR Pharmacie, Lille F-59000, France; E-Mail: (S.Y.); (P.B.)
| | - Daniel-Henri Caignard
- Unité de Recherches et Découvertes en Neurosciences, Institut de Recherches SERVIER, 125 chemin de Ronde, Croissy-sur-Seine 78290, France; E-Mails: (D.-H.C.); (P.D.)
| | - Gérald Guillaumet
- Institut de Chimie Organique et Analytique, UMR CNRS 7311, Université d’Orléans, rue de Chartres, Orléans 45067, France; E-Mails: (F.S.); (G.G.)
| | - Philippe Delagrange
- Unité de Recherches et Découvertes en Neurosciences, Institut de Recherches SERVIER, 125 chemin de Ronde, Croissy-sur-Seine 78290, France; E-Mails: (D.-H.C.); (P.D.)
| | - Jean-Louis Brayer
- DIVERCHIM, 6 Rue du Noyer, Roissy 95700, France; E-Mails: (E.T.); (B.F.); (J.-L.B.)
| | - Olivier Nosjean
- BPMC, Institut de Recherches SERVIER, 125 chemin de Ronde, Croissy-sur-Seine 78290, France; E-Mails: (C.L.); (O.N.)
| | - Jean A. Boutin
- BPMC, Institut de Recherches SERVIER, 125 chemin de Ronde, Croissy-sur-Seine 78290, France; E-Mails: (C.L.); (O.N.)
- Author to whom correspondence should be addressed; E-Mail: ; Tel.: +33-0155-722-748; Fax: +33-0155-722-810
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Homology models of melatonin receptors: challenges and recent advances. Int J Mol Sci 2013; 14:8093-121. [PMID: 23584026 PMCID: PMC3645733 DOI: 10.3390/ijms14048093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2013] [Revised: 03/28/2013] [Accepted: 03/28/2013] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Melatonin exerts many of its actions through the activation of two G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), named MT1 and MT2. So far, a number of different MT1 and MT2 receptor homology models, built either from the prototypic structure of rhodopsin or from recently solved X-ray structures of druggable GPCRs, have been proposed. These receptor models differ in the binding modes hypothesized for melatonin and melatonergic ligands, with distinct patterns of ligand-receptor interactions and putative bioactive conformations of ligands. The receptor models will be described, and they will be discussed in light of the available information from mutagenesis experiments and ligand-based pharmacophore models. The ability of these ligand-receptor complexes to rationalize structure-activity relationships of known series of melatonergic compounds will be commented upon.
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Pala D, Beuming T, Sherman W, Lodola A, Rivara S, Mor M. Structure-based virtual screening of MT2 melatonin receptor: influence of template choice and structural refinement. J Chem Inf Model 2013; 53:821-35. [PMID: 23541165 DOI: 10.1021/ci4000147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Developing GPCR homology models for structure-based virtual screening requires the choice of a suitable template and refinement of binding site residues. We explored this systematically for the MT2 melatonin receptor, with the aim to build a receptor homology model that is optimized for the enrichment of active melatoninergic ligands. A set of 12 MT2 melatonin receptor models was built using different GPCR X-ray structural templates and submitted to a virtual screening campaign on a set of compounds composed of 29 known melatonin receptor ligands and 2560 drug-like decoys. To evaluate the effect of including a priori information in receptor models, 12 representative melatonin receptor ligands were placed into the MT2 receptor models in poses consistent with known mutagenesis data and with assessed pharmacophore models. The receptor structures were then adapted to the ligands by induced-fit docking. Most of the 144 ligand-adapted MT2 receptor models showed significant improvements in screening enrichments compared to the unrefined homology models, with some template/refinement combinations giving excellent enrichment factors. The discriminating ability of the models was further tested on the 29 active ligands plus a set of 21 inactive or low-affinity compounds from the same chemical classes. Rotameric states of side chains for some residues, presumed to be involved in the binding process, were correlated with screening effectiveness, suggesting the existence of specific receptor conformations able to recognize active compounds. The top MT2 receptor model was able to identify 24 of 29 active ligands among the first 2% of the screened database. This work provides insights into the use of refined GPCR homology models for virtual screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Pala
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 27/A, I-43124 Parma, Italy
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