1
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Festa C, De Marino S, Zampella A, Fiorucci S. Theonella: A Treasure Trove of Structurally Unique and Biologically Active Sterols. Mar Drugs 2023; 21:md21050291. [PMID: 37233485 DOI: 10.3390/md21050291] [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: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The marine environment is considered a vast source in the discovery of structurally unique bioactive secondary metabolites. Among marine invertebrates, the sponge Theonella spp. represents an arsenal of novel compounds ranging from peptides, alkaloids, terpenes, macrolides, and sterols. In this review, we summarize the recent reports on sterols isolated from this amazing sponge, describing their structural features and peculiar biological activities. We also discuss the total syntheses of solomonsterols A and B and the medicinal chemistry modifications on theonellasterol and conicasterol, focusing on the effect of chemical transformations on the biological activity of this class of metabolites. The promising compounds identified from Theonella spp. possess pronounced biological activity on nuclear receptors or cytotoxicity and result in promising candidates for extended preclinical evaluations. The identification of naturally occurring and semisynthetic marine bioactive sterols reaffirms the utility of examining natural product libraries for the discovery of new therapeutical approach to human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Festa
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples, Via Domenico Montesano, 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Simona De Marino
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples, Via Domenico Montesano, 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Angela Zampella
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples, Via Domenico Montesano, 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Stefano Fiorucci
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Piazza L. Severi, 1, 06132 Perugia, Italy
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2
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Luxenburger A, Harris LD, Ure EM, Jiao W, Woolhouse AD, Cameron SA, Weymouth-Wilson A, Furneaux RH, Pitman JL, Hinkley SFR. The discovery of 12β-methyl-17-epi-18-nor-bile acids as potent and selective TGR5 agonists. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 250:115143. [PMID: 36841086 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Recent discoveries have demonstrated that the physiological function of bile acids extends to the regulation of diverse signaling processes through interactions with nuclear and G protein-coupled receptors, most notably the Farnesoid-X nuclear receptor (FXR) and the G protein-coupled bile acid receptor 1 (GPBAR1, also known as TGR5). Targeting such signaling pathways pharmacologically, i.e. with bile acid-derived therapeutics, presents great potential for the treatment of various metabolic, inflammatory immune, liver, and neurodegenerative diseases. Here we report the discovery of two potent and selective TGR5 agonists (NZP196 and 917). These compounds are the taurine conjugates of 6α-ethyl-substituted 12β-methyl-18-nor-bile acids with the side chain being located on the α-face of the steroid scaffold. The compounds emerged from a screening effort of a diverse library of 12β-methyl-18-nor-bile acids that were synthesized from 12β-methyl-18-nor-chenodeoxycholic acid and its C17-epimer. Upon testing for FXR activity, both compounds were found to be inactive, thus revealing selectivity for TGR5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Luxenburger
- Ferrier Research Institute, Victoria University of Wellington, 69 Gracefield Rd, Lower Hutt, 5040, New Zealand.
| | - Lawrence D Harris
- Ferrier Research Institute, Victoria University of Wellington, 69 Gracefield Rd, Lower Hutt, 5040, New Zealand
| | - Elizabeth M Ure
- Ferrier Research Institute, Victoria University of Wellington, 69 Gracefield Rd, Lower Hutt, 5040, New Zealand
| | - Wanting Jiao
- Ferrier Research Institute, Victoria University of Wellington, 69 Gracefield Rd, Lower Hutt, 5040, New Zealand
| | - Anthony D Woolhouse
- Ferrier Research Institute, Victoria University of Wellington, 69 Gracefield Rd, Lower Hutt, 5040, New Zealand
| | - Scott A Cameron
- Ferrier Research Institute, Victoria University of Wellington, 69 Gracefield Rd, Lower Hutt, 5040, New Zealand
| | | | - Richard H Furneaux
- Ferrier Research Institute, Victoria University of Wellington, 69 Gracefield Rd, Lower Hutt, 5040, New Zealand
| | - Janet L Pitman
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Kelburn Parade, Wellington, 6012, New Zealand
| | - Simon F R Hinkley
- Ferrier Research Institute, Victoria University of Wellington, 69 Gracefield Rd, Lower Hutt, 5040, New Zealand
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3
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Hernández-Huerta E, Flores-Álamo M, Iglesias-Arteaga MA. A straightforward one-pot two-step conversion of bile acids into dehomologated alcohols. Steroids 2021; 176:108917. [PMID: 34520798 DOI: 10.1016/j.steroids.2021.108917] [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: 07/16/2021] [Revised: 08/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Irradiation of dichloroethane solutions of different bile acids with diacetoxy(iodobenzene) and iodine followed by treatment of the resulting raw mixture with MCPBA led to the 41-50% yields of the corresponding dehomologated alcohols in an uncomplicated one-pot protocol that can be completed in less than one day of work.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marcos Flores-Álamo
- Facultad de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, CDMX 04510, Mexico
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4
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Luxenburger A, Harris LD, Ure EM, Landaeta Aponte RA, Woolhouse AD, Cameron SA, Ling CD, Piltz RO, Lewis AR, Gainsford GJ, Weymouth-Wilson A, Furneaux RH. Synthesis of 12β-Methyl-18- nor-bile Acids. ACS OMEGA 2021; 6:25019-25039. [PMID: 34604682 PMCID: PMC8482778 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.1c04199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Decoupling the roles of the farnesoid X nuclear receptor and Takeda G-protein-coupled bile acid receptor 5 is essential for the development of novel bile acid therapeutics targeting metabolic and neurodegenerative diseases. Herein, we describe the synthesis of 12β-methyl-18-nor-bile acids which may serve as probes in the search for new bile acid analogues with clinical applicability. A Nametkin-type rearrangement was applied to protected cholic acid derivatives, giving rise to tetra-substituted Δ13,14- and Δ13,17-unsaturated 12β-methyl-18-nor-bile acid intermediates (24a and 25a). Subsequent catalytic hydrogenation and deprotection yielded 12β-methyl-18-nor-chenodeoxycholic acid (27a) and its 17-epi-epimer (28a) as the two major reaction products. Optimization of the synthetic sequence enabled a chromatography-free route to prepare these bile acids at a multi-gram scale. In addition, the first cis-C-D ring-junctured bile acid and a new 14(13 → 12)-abeo-bile acid are described. Furthermore, deuteration experiments were performed to provide mechanistic insights into the formation of the formal anti-hydrogenation product 12β-methyl-18-nor-chenodeoxycholic acid (27a).
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Luxenburger
- Ferrier
Research Institute, Victoria University
of Wellington, 69 Gracefield
Rd, Lower Hutt 5040, New Zealand
| | - Lawrence D. Harris
- Ferrier
Research Institute, Victoria University
of Wellington, 69 Gracefield
Rd, Lower Hutt 5040, New Zealand
| | - Elizabeth M. Ure
- Ferrier
Research Institute, Victoria University
of Wellington, 69 Gracefield
Rd, Lower Hutt 5040, New Zealand
| | - Roselis A. Landaeta Aponte
- Ferrier
Research Institute, Victoria University
of Wellington, 69 Gracefield
Rd, Lower Hutt 5040, New Zealand
| | - Anthony D. Woolhouse
- Ferrier
Research Institute, Victoria University
of Wellington, 69 Gracefield
Rd, Lower Hutt 5040, New Zealand
| | - Scott A. Cameron
- Ferrier
Research Institute, Victoria University
of Wellington, 69 Gracefield
Rd, Lower Hutt 5040, New Zealand
| | - Chris D. Ling
- School
of Chemistry, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Ross O. Piltz
- Australian
Centre for Neutron Scattering, New Illawarra Rd, Lucas Heights, Sydney, New South Wales 2234, Australia
| | - Andrew R. Lewis
- Callaghan
Innovation, P.O. Box 31 310, Lower
Hutt 5040, New Zealand
| | - Graeme J. Gainsford
- Ferrier
Research Institute, Victoria University
of Wellington, 69 Gracefield
Rd, Lower Hutt 5040, New Zealand
| | - Alex Weymouth-Wilson
- New
Zealand Pharmaceuticals Ltd, 68 Weld Street, RD2, Palmerston North 4472, New Zealand
| | - Richard H. Furneaux
- Ferrier
Research Institute, Victoria University
of Wellington, 69 Gracefield
Rd, Lower Hutt 5040, New Zealand
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5
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Chai SC, Lin W, Li Y, Chen T. Drug discovery technologies to identify and characterize modulators of the pregnane X receptor and the constitutive androstane receptor. Drug Discov Today 2019; 24:906-915. [PMID: 30731240 PMCID: PMC6421094 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2019.01.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2018] [Revised: 12/27/2018] [Accepted: 01/30/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The pregnane X receptor (PXR) and the constitutive androstane receptor (CAR) are ligand-activated nuclear receptors (NRs) that are notorious for their role in drug metabolism, causing unintended drug-drug interactions and decreasing drug efficacy. They control the xenobiotic detoxification system by regulating the expression of an array of drug-metabolizing enzymes and transporters that excrete exogenous chemicals and maintain homeostasis of endogenous metabolites. Much effort has been invested in recognizing potential drugs for clinical use that can activate PXR and CAR to enhance the expression of their target genes, and in identifying PXR and CAR inhibitors that can be used as co-therapeutics to prevent adverse effects. Here, we present current technologies and assays used in the quest to characterize PXR and CAR modulators, which range from biochemical to cell-based and animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio C Chai
- Department of Chemical Biology & Therapeutics, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Wenwei Lin
- Department of Chemical Biology & Therapeutics, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Yongtao Li
- Department of Chemical Biology & Therapeutics, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Taosheng Chen
- Department of Chemical Biology & Therapeutics, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105, USA.
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6
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Hyodeoxycholic acid derivatives as liver X receptor α and G-protein-coupled bile acid receptor agonists. Sci Rep 2017; 7:43290. [PMID: 28233865 PMCID: PMC5324103 DOI: 10.1038/srep43290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2016] [Accepted: 01/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Bile acids are extensively investigated for their potential in the treatment of human disorders. The liver X receptors (LXRs), activated by oxysterols and by a secondary bile acid named hyodeoxycholic acid (HDCA), have been found essential in the regulation of lipid homeostasis in mammals. Unfortunately, LXRα activates lipogenic enzymes causing accumulation of lipid in the liver. In addition to LXRs, HDCA has been also shown to function as ligand for GPBAR1, a G protein coupled receptor for secondary bile acids whose activation represents a promising approach to liver steatosis. In the present study, we report a library of HDCA derivatives endowed with modulatory activity on the two receptors. The lead optimization of HDCA moiety was rationally driven by the structural information on the binding site of the two targets and results from pharmacological characterization allowed the identification of hyodeoxycholane derivatives with selective agonistic activity toward LXRα and GPBAR1 and notably to the identification of the first example of potent dual LXRα/GPBAR1 agonists. The new chemical entities might hold utility in the treatment of dyslipidemic disorders.
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7
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De Marino S, Carino A, Masullo D, Finamore C, Sepe V, Marchianò S, Di Leva FS, Limongelli V, Fiorucci S, Zampella A. Epoxide functionalization on cholane side chains in the identification of G-protein coupled bile acid receptor (GPBAR1) selective agonists. RSC Adv 2017. [DOI: 10.1039/c7ra04922f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Decoration of the bile acid side chain with an epoxide ring afforded potent and selective GPBAR1 agonists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona De Marino
- Department of Pharmacy
- University of Naples “Federico II”
- Naples
- Italy
| | - Adriana Carino
- Department of Surgery and Biomedical Sciences
- Nuova Facoltà di Medicina
- Perugia
- Italy
| | - Dario Masullo
- Department of Pharmacy
- University of Naples “Federico II”
- Naples
- Italy
| | - Claudia Finamore
- Department of Pharmacy
- University of Naples “Federico II”
- Naples
- Italy
| | - Valentina Sepe
- Department of Pharmacy
- University of Naples “Federico II”
- Naples
- Italy
| | - Silvia Marchianò
- Department of Surgery and Biomedical Sciences
- Nuova Facoltà di Medicina
- Perugia
- Italy
| | | | - Vittorio Limongelli
- Department of Pharmacy
- University of Naples “Federico II”
- Naples
- Italy
- Università della Svizzera Italiana (USI)
| | - Stefano Fiorucci
- Department of Surgery and Biomedical Sciences
- Nuova Facoltà di Medicina
- Perugia
- Italy
| | - Angela Zampella
- Department of Pharmacy
- University of Naples “Federico II”
- Naples
- Italy
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8
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Characterization of the radiolabeled metabolite of tau PET tracer 18F-THK5351. Eur J Nucl Med Mol Imaging 2016; 43:2211-2218. [DOI: 10.1007/s00259-016-3453-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2016] [Accepted: 06/23/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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9
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Zhou T, Feng F, Shi Y, Tian WS. Synthesis Toward and Stereochemical Assignment of Clathsterol: Exploring Diverse Strategies to Polyoxygenated Sterols. Org Lett 2016; 18:2308-11. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.orglett.6b01029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Tao Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Synthetic
Chemistry of Natural Substances, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 345 Lingling Road, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Feng Feng
- Key Laboratory of Synthetic
Chemistry of Natural Substances, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 345 Lingling Road, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Yong Shi
- Key Laboratory of Synthetic
Chemistry of Natural Substances, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 345 Lingling Road, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Wei-Sheng Tian
- Key Laboratory of Synthetic
Chemistry of Natural Substances, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 345 Lingling Road, Shanghai 200032, China
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10
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Sepe V, Renga B, Festa C, Finamore C, Masullo D, Carino A, Cipriani S, Distrutti E, Fiorucci S, Zampella A. Investigation on bile acid receptor regulators. Discovery of cholanoic acid derivatives with dual G-protein coupled bile acid receptor 1 (GPBAR1) antagonistic and farnesoid X receptor (FXR) modulatory activity. Steroids 2016; 105:59-67. [PMID: 26607331 DOI: 10.1016/j.steroids.2015.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2015] [Revised: 11/12/2015] [Accepted: 11/17/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Bile acids, the end products of cholesterol metabolism, activate multiple mechanisms through the interaction with membrane G-protein coupled receptors including the bile acid receptor GPBAR1 and nuclear receptors such as the bile acid sensor, farnesoid X receptor (FXR). Even if dual FXR/GPBAR1 agonists are largely considered a novel opportunity in the treatment of several liver and metabolic diseases, selective targeting of one of these receptors represents an attractive therapeutic approach for a wide range of disorders in which dual modulation is associated to severe side effects. In the present study we have investigated around the structure of LCA generating a small library of cholane derivatives, endowed with dual FXR agonism/GPBAR1 antagonism. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of bile acid derivatives able to antagonize GPBAR1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Sepe
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples "Federico II", Via D. Montesano, 49, I-80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Barbara Renga
- Department of Surgery and Biomedical Sciences, Nuova Facoltà di Medicina, P.zza L. Severi, 1-06132 Perugia, Italy
| | - Carmen Festa
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples "Federico II", Via D. Montesano, 49, I-80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Claudia Finamore
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples "Federico II", Via D. Montesano, 49, I-80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Dario Masullo
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples "Federico II", Via D. Montesano, 49, I-80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Adriana Carino
- Department of Surgery and Biomedical Sciences, Nuova Facoltà di Medicina, P.zza L. Severi, 1-06132 Perugia, Italy
| | - Sabrina Cipriani
- Department of Surgery and Biomedical Sciences, Nuova Facoltà di Medicina, P.zza L. Severi, 1-06132 Perugia, Italy
| | - Eleonora Distrutti
- Hospital S. Maria della Misericordia, S. Andrea delle Fratte, 06126 Perugia, Italy
| | - Stefano Fiorucci
- Department of Surgery and Biomedical Sciences, Nuova Facoltà di Medicina, P.zza L. Severi, 1-06132 Perugia, Italy
| | - Angela Zampella
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples "Federico II", Via D. Montesano, 49, I-80131 Naples, Italy.
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11
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Hodnik Ž, Tomašič T, Smodiš D, D'Amore C, Mašič LP, Fiorucci S, Kikelj D. Diethylstilbestrol-scaffold-based pregnane X receptor modulators. Eur J Med Chem 2015; 103:551-62. [PMID: 26408814 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2015.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2015] [Revised: 07/21/2015] [Accepted: 09/04/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Due to its function as a regulator of drug-metabolizing enzymes and transporters, pregnane X receptor (PXR) represents an important factor involved in drug metabolism. In this work, we describe the discovery of diethylstilbestrol-based PXR modulators, which were designed from marine sulfated steroids with PXR agonistic activity, solomonsterols A and B, and our recently reported bazedoxifene scaffold-derived PXR antagonists. The methylated diethylstilbestrol derivative 1 displayed potent PXR agonistic activity with an EC50 value of 10.5 μM, whereas compounds 3, 4 and 6 (IC50 for 6 = 27.4 μM) and diethylstilbestrol (2) itself (IC50 = 14.6 μM) exhibited PXR antagonistic effects in HepG2 cells. The PXR modulatory effects of the synthesized diethylstilbestrol derivatives were further confirmed by the induction of PXR-regulated CYP3A4 expression with compound 1, as well as by the inhibition of the rifaximin-promoted up-regulation of CYP3A4 expression with 2 and its derivative 6.
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Affiliation(s)
- Žiga Hodnik
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Pharmacy, Aškerčeva 7, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Tihomir Tomašič
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Pharmacy, Aškerčeva 7, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Domen Smodiš
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Pharmacy, Aškerčeva 7, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Claudio D'Amore
- University of Perugia, Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Sperimentale, Nuova Facultàdi Medicina e Chirurgia, S. Andrea delle Fratte, 06132 Perugia, Italy
| | | | - Stefano Fiorucci
- University of Perugia, Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Sperimentale, Nuova Facultàdi Medicina e Chirurgia, S. Andrea delle Fratte, 06132 Perugia, Italy
| | - Danijel Kikelj
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Pharmacy, Aškerčeva 7, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
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12
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Sepe V, Renga B, Festa C, D'Amore C, Masullo D, Cipriani S, Di Leva FS, Monti MC, Novellino E, Limongelli V, Zampella A, Fiorucci S. Modification on ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) scaffold. discovery of bile acid derivatives as selective agonists of cell-surface G-protein coupled bile acid receptor 1 (GP-BAR1). J Med Chem 2014; 57:7687-701. [PMID: 25162837 DOI: 10.1021/jm500889f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Bile acids are signaling molecules interacting with the nuclear receptor FXR and the G-protein coupled receptor 1 (GP-BAR1/TGR5). GP-BAR1 is a promising pharmacological target for the treatment of steatohepatitis, type 2 diabetes, and obesity. Endogenous bile acids and currently available semisynthetic bile acids are poorly selective toward GP-BAR1 and FXR. Thus, in the present study we have investigated around the structure of UDCA, a clinically used bile acid devoid of FXR agonist activity, to develop a large family of side chain modified 3α,7β-dihydroxyl cholanoids that selectively activate GP-BAR1. In vivo and in vitro pharmacological evaluation demonstrated that administration of compound 16 selectively increases the expression of pro-glucagon 1, a GP-BAR1 target, in the small intestine, while it had no effect on FXR target genes in the liver. Further, compound 16 results in a significant reshaping of bile acid pool in a rodent model of cholestasis. These data demonstrate that UDCA is a useful scaffold to generate novel and selective steroidal ligands for GP-BAR1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Sepe
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples "Federico II" , Via D. Montesano, 49, 80131 Napoli, Italy
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13
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Hodnik Ž, Peterlin Mašič L, Tomašić T, Smodiš D, D'Amore C, Fiorucci S, Kikelj D. Bazedoxifene-scaffold-based mimetics of solomonsterols A and B as novel pregnane X receptor antagonists. J Med Chem 2014; 57:4819-33. [PMID: 24828006 DOI: 10.1021/jm500351m] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Pregnane X receptor (PXR), a member of the NR1I nuclear receptor family, acts as a xenobiotic sensor and a paramount transcriptional regulator of drug-metabolizing enzymes and transporters. The overexpression of PXR in various cancer cells indicates the importance of PXR as a drug target for countering multidrug resistance in anticancer treatments. We describe the discovery of novel bazedoxifene-scaffold-based PXR antagonists inspired by the marine sulfated steroids solomonsterol A and B as natural leads. A luciferase reporter assay on a PXR-transfected HepG2 cell line identified compounds 19-24 as promising PXR antagonists. Further structure-activity relationship studies of the most active PXR antagonist from the series (compound 20, IC50 = 11 μM) revealed the importance of hydroxyl groups as hydrogen-bond donors for PXR antagonistic activity. PXR antagonists 20 and 24 (IC50 = 14 μM), in addition to the downregulation of PXR expression, exhibited inhibition of PXR-induced CYP3A4 expression, which illustrates their potential to suppress PXR-regulated phase-I drug metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Žiga Hodnik
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana , Aškerčeva 7, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
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14
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Abstract
This review covers the literature published in 2012 for marine natural products, with 1035 citations (673 for the period January to December 2012) referring to compounds isolated from marine microorganisms and phytoplankton, green, brown and red algae, sponges, cnidarians, bryozoans, molluscs, tunicates, echinoderms, mangroves and other intertidal plants and microorganisms. The emphasis is on new compounds (1241 for 2012), together with the relevant biological activities, source organisms and country of origin. Biosynthetic studies, first syntheses, and syntheses that lead to the revision of structures or stereochemistries, have been included.
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Affiliation(s)
- John W Blunt
- Department of Chemistry, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand.
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15
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D’Amore C, Di Leva FS, Sepe V, Renga B, Del Gaudio C, D’Auria MV, Zampella A, Fiorucci S, Limongelli V. Design, Synthesis, and Biological Evaluation of Potent Dual Agonists of Nuclear and Membrane Bile Acid Receptors. J Med Chem 2014; 57:937-54. [DOI: 10.1021/jm401873d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Claudio D’Amore
- Dipartimento
di Medicina Clinica e Sperimentale, Nuova Facoltà di Medicina, Università degli Studi di Perugia, Via Gambuli, 1-06132 Perugia, Italy
| | | | - Valentina Sepe
- Dipartimento
di Farmacia, Università di Napoli “Federico II”, Via D. Montesano, 49, I-80131 Napoli, Italy
| | - Barbara Renga
- Dipartimento
di Medicina Clinica e Sperimentale, Nuova Facoltà di Medicina, Università degli Studi di Perugia, Via Gambuli, 1-06132 Perugia, Italy
| | - Chiara Del Gaudio
- Dipartimento
di Farmacia, Università di Napoli “Federico II”, Via D. Montesano, 49, I-80131 Napoli, Italy
| | - Maria Valeria D’Auria
- Dipartimento
di Farmacia, Università di Napoli “Federico II”, Via D. Montesano, 49, I-80131 Napoli, Italy
| | - Angela Zampella
- Dipartimento
di Farmacia, Università di Napoli “Federico II”, Via D. Montesano, 49, I-80131 Napoli, Italy
| | - Stefano Fiorucci
- Dipartimento
di Medicina Clinica e Sperimentale, Nuova Facoltà di Medicina, Università degli Studi di Perugia, Via Gambuli, 1-06132 Perugia, Italy
| | - Vittorio Limongelli
- Dipartimento
di Farmacia, Università di Napoli “Federico II”, Via D. Montesano, 49, I-80131 Napoli, Italy
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Preliminary structure-activity relationship on theonellasterol, a new chemotype of FXR antagonist, from the marine sponge Theonella swinhoei. Mar Drugs 2012. [PMID: 23203270 PMCID: PMC3509528 DOI: 10.3390/md10112448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Using theonellasterol as a novel FXR antagonist hit, we prepared a series of semi-synthetic derivatives in order to gain insight into the structural requirements for exhibiting antagonistic activity. These derivatives are characterized by modification at the exocyclic carbon-carbon double bond at C-4 and at the hydroxyl group at C-3 and were prepared from theonellasterol using simple reactions. Pharmacological investigation showed that the introduction of a hydroxyl group at C-4 as well as the oxidation at C-3 with or without concomitant modification at the exomethylene functionality preserve the ability of theonellasterol to inhibit FXR transactivation caused by CDCA. Docking analysis showed that the placement of these molecules in the FXR-LBD is well stabilized when on ring A functional groups, able to form hydrogen bonds and π interactions, are present.
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Marine sponge steroids as nuclear receptor ligands. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2012; 33:591-601. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2012.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2012] [Revised: 08/14/2012] [Accepted: 08/20/2012] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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