1
|
Costa F, Ocello R, Guardiani C, Giacomello A, Masetti M. Integrated Approach Including Docking, MD Simulations, and Network Analysis Highlights the Action Mechanism of the Cardiac hERG Activator RPR260243. J Chem Inf Model 2023; 63:4888-4899. [PMID: 37504578 PMCID: PMC10428221 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.3c00596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
hERG is a voltage-gated potassium channel involved in the heart contraction whose defections are associated with the cardiac arrhythmia Long QT Syndrome type 2. The activator RPR260243 (RPR) represents a possible candidate to pharmacologically treat LQTS2 because it enhances the opening of the channel. However, the molecular detail of its action mechanism remains quite elusive. Here, we address the problem using a combination of docking, molecular dynamics simulations, and network analysis. We show that the drug preferably binds at the interface between the voltage sensor and the pore, enhancing the canonical activation path and determining a whole-structure rearrangement of the channel that slightly impairs inactivation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Flavio Costa
- Dipartimento
di Ingegneria Meccanica e Aerospaziale, Sapienza Università di Roma, via Eudossiana 18, 00184 Rome, Italy
| | - Riccardo Ocello
- Department
of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater
Studiorum−Università di Bologna, via Belmeloro 6, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Carlo Guardiani
- Dipartimento
di Ingegneria Meccanica e Aerospaziale, Sapienza Università di Roma, via Eudossiana 18, 00184 Rome, Italy
| | - Alberto Giacomello
- Dipartimento
di Ingegneria Meccanica e Aerospaziale, Sapienza Università di Roma, via Eudossiana 18, 00184 Rome, Italy
| | - Matteo Masetti
- Department
of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater
Studiorum−Università di Bologna, via Belmeloro 6, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Scholz O, Huß E, Otter S, Herebian D, Hamacher A, Levy LM, Hristeva S, Sanz M, Ajani H, Puentes AR, Hoffmann T, Hogeback J, Unger A, Terheyden S, Reina do Fundo M, Dewidar B, Roden M, Lammert E. Protection of pancreatic islets from oxidative cell death by a peripherally-active morphinan with increased drug safety. Mol Metab 2023:101775. [PMID: 37451343 PMCID: PMC10403733 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmet.2023.101775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Dextromethorphan (DXM) is a commonly used antitussive medication with positive effects in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus, since it increases glucose tolerance and protects pancreatic islets from cell death. However, its use as an antidiabetic medication is limited due to its central nervous side effects and potential use as a recreational drug. Therefore, we recently modified DXM chemically to reduce its blood-brain barrier (BBB) penetration and central side effects. However, our best compound interacted with the cardiac potassium channel hERG (human ether-à-go-go-related gene product) and the μ-opioid receptor (MOR). Thus, the goal of this study was to reduce the interaction of our compound with these targets, while maintaining its beneficial properties. METHODS Receptor and channel binding assays were conducted to evaluate the drug safety of our DXM derivative. Pancreatic islets were used to investigate the effect of the compound on insulin secretion and islet cell survival. Via liquor collection from the brain and a behavioral assay, we analyzed the BBB permeability. By performing intraperitoneal and oral glucose tolerance tests as well as pharmacokinetic analyses, the antidiabetic potential and elimination half-life were investigated, respectively. To analyze the islet cell-protective effect, we used fluorescence microscopy as well as flow cytometric analyses. RESULTS Here, we report the design and synthesis of an optimized, orally available BBB-impermeable DXM derivative with lesser binding to hERG and MOR than previous ones. We also show that the new compound substantially enhances glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) from mouse and human islets and glucose tolerance in mice as well as protects pancreatic islets from cell death induced by reactive oxygen species and that it amplifies the effects of tirzepatide on GSIS and islet cell viability. CONCLUSIONS We succeeded to design and synthesize a novel morphinan derivative that is BBB-impermeable, glucose-lowering and islet cell-protective and has good drug safety despite its morphinan and imidazole structures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Okka Scholz
- Institute of Metabolic Physiology, Heinrich Heine University, D-40225 Düsseldorf, Germany; Institute for Vascular and Islet Cell Biology, German Diabetes Center (DDZ), Leibniz Center for Diabetes Research at Heinrich Heine University, D-40225 Düsseldorf, Germany; German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD e.V.), Partner Düsseldorf, Neuherberg, D-85764 Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Elena Huß
- Institute of Metabolic Physiology, Heinrich Heine University, D-40225 Düsseldorf, Germany; Institute for Vascular and Islet Cell Biology, German Diabetes Center (DDZ), Leibniz Center for Diabetes Research at Heinrich Heine University, D-40225 Düsseldorf, Germany; German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD e.V.), Partner Düsseldorf, Neuherberg, D-85764 Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Silke Otter
- Institute of Metabolic Physiology, Heinrich Heine University, D-40225 Düsseldorf, Germany; Institute for Vascular and Islet Cell Biology, German Diabetes Center (DDZ), Leibniz Center for Diabetes Research at Heinrich Heine University, D-40225 Düsseldorf, Germany; German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD e.V.), Partner Düsseldorf, Neuherberg, D-85764 Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Diran Herebian
- Department of General Pediatrics, Neonatology and Pediatric Cardiology, Medical Faculty and University Hospital, Heinrich Heine University, D-40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Anna Hamacher
- Institute of Metabolic Physiology, Heinrich Heine University, D-40225 Düsseldorf, Germany; Institute for Vascular and Islet Cell Biology, German Diabetes Center (DDZ), Leibniz Center for Diabetes Research at Heinrich Heine University, D-40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | | | | | - Miguel Sanz
- Taros Chemicals GmbH & Co. KG, D-44227 Dortmund, Germany
| | - Haresh Ajani
- Taros Chemicals GmbH & Co. KG, D-44227 Dortmund, Germany
| | | | | | - Jens Hogeback
- A&M Labor für Analytik und Metabolismusforschung Service GmbH, D-50126 Bergheim, Germany
| | - Anke Unger
- Lead Discovery Center GmbH & Co. KG, D-44227 Dortmund, Germany
| | | | - Michelle Reina do Fundo
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD e.V.), Partner Düsseldorf, Neuherberg, D-85764 Neuherberg, Germany; Institute for Clinical Diabetology, German Diabetes Center (DDZ), Leibniz Center for Diabetes Research at Heinrich Heine University, D-40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Bedair Dewidar
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD e.V.), Partner Düsseldorf, Neuherberg, D-85764 Neuherberg, Germany; Institute for Clinical Diabetology, German Diabetes Center (DDZ), Leibniz Center for Diabetes Research at Heinrich Heine University, D-40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Michael Roden
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD e.V.), Partner Düsseldorf, Neuherberg, D-85764 Neuherberg, Germany; Institute for Clinical Diabetology, German Diabetes Center (DDZ), Leibniz Center for Diabetes Research at Heinrich Heine University, D-40225 Düsseldorf, Germany; Department of Endocrinology and Diabetology, Medical Faculty and University Hospital, Heinrich Heine University, D-40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Eckhard Lammert
- Institute of Metabolic Physiology, Heinrich Heine University, D-40225 Düsseldorf, Germany; Institute for Vascular and Islet Cell Biology, German Diabetes Center (DDZ), Leibniz Center for Diabetes Research at Heinrich Heine University, D-40225 Düsseldorf, Germany; German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD e.V.), Partner Düsseldorf, Neuherberg, D-85764 Neuherberg, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Roney M, Issahaku AR, Forid MS, Huq AKMM, Soliman MES, Mohd Aluwi MFF, Tajuddin SN. In silico evaluation of usnic acid derivatives to discover potential antibacterial drugs against DNA gyrase B and DNA topoisomerase IV. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2023; 41:14904-14913. [PMID: 36995164 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2023.2193996] [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: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 02/18/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023]
Abstract
Due to the rising increase in infectious diseases brought on by bacteria and anti-bacterial drug resistance, antibacterial therapy has become difficult. The majority of first-line antibiotics are no longer effective against numerous germs, posing a new hazard to global human health in the 21st century. Through the drug-likeness screening, 184 usnic acid derivatives were selected from an in-house database of 340 usnic acid compounds. The pharmacokinetics (ADMET) prediction produced fifteen hit compounds, of which the lead molecule was subsequently obtained through a molecular docking investigation. The lead compounds, labelled compound-277 and compound-276, respectively, with the substantial binding affinity towards the enzymes were obtained through further docking simulation on the DNA gyrase and DNA topoisomerase proteins. Additionally, molecular dynamic (MD) simulation was performed for 300 ns on the lead compounds in order to confirm the stability of the docked complexes and the binding pose discovered during docking tests. Due to their intriguing pharmacological characteristics, these substances may be promising therapeutic candidate for anti-bacterial medication.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Miah Roney
- Faculty of Industrial Sciences and Technology, Universiti Malaysia Pahang Lebuhraya Tun Razak, Gambang, Kuantan, Pahang Darul Makmur, Malaysia
- Bio Aromatic Research Centre, Universiti Malaysia Pahang Lebuhraya Tun Razak, Gambang, Kuantan, Pahang Darul Makmur, Malaysia
| | - Abdul Rashid Issahaku
- West African Centre for Computational Analysis, Accra, Ghana
- Molecular Bio-computation and Drug Design Laboratory, Discipline of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville Campus, Durban, South Africa
| | - Md Shaekh Forid
- Faculty of Chemical and Process Engineering Technology, Universiti Malaysia Pahang Lebuhraya Tun Razak, Gambang, Kuantan, Pahang Darul Makmur, Malaysia
| | - A K M Moyeenul Huq
- Bio Aromatic Research Centre, Universiti Malaysia Pahang Lebuhraya Tun Razak, Gambang, Kuantan, Pahang Darul Makmur, Malaysia
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine, University of Asia Pacific, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Mahmoud E S Soliman
- Molecular Bio-computation and Drug Design Laboratory, Discipline of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville Campus, Durban, South Africa
| | - Mohd Fadhlizil Fasihi Mohd Aluwi
- Faculty of Industrial Sciences and Technology, Universiti Malaysia Pahang Lebuhraya Tun Razak, Gambang, Kuantan, Pahang Darul Makmur, Malaysia
- Bio Aromatic Research Centre, Universiti Malaysia Pahang Lebuhraya Tun Razak, Gambang, Kuantan, Pahang Darul Makmur, Malaysia
| | - Saiful Nizam Tajuddin
- Bio Aromatic Research Centre, Universiti Malaysia Pahang Lebuhraya Tun Razak, Gambang, Kuantan, Pahang Darul Makmur, Malaysia
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Zhang H, Fu T, Sun J, Zou S, Qiu S, Zhang J, Su S, Shi C, Li DP, Xu Y. Pharmacological suppression of Nedd4-2 rescues the reduction of Kv11.1 channels in pathological cardiac hypertrophy. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:942769. [PMID: 36059970 PMCID: PMC9428276 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.942769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The human ether-á-go-go-related gene (hERG) encodes the pore-forming subunit (Kv11.1), conducting a rapidly delayed rectifier K+ current (IKr). Reduction of IKr in pathological cardiac hypertrophy (pCH) contributes to increased susceptibility to arrhythmias. However, practical approaches to prevent IKr deficiency are lacking. Our study investigated the involvement of ubiquitin ligase Nedd4-2-dependent ubiquitination in IKr reduction and sought an intervening approach in pCH. Angiotensin II (Ang II) induced a pCH phenotype in guinea pig, accompanied by increased incidences of sudden death and higher susceptibility to arrhythmias. Patch-clamp recordings revealed a significant IKr reduction in pCH cardiomyocytes. Kv11.1 protein expression was decreased whereas its mRNA level did not change. In addition, Nedd4-2 protein expression was increased in pCH, accompanied by an enhanced Nedd4-2 and Kv11.1 binding detected by immunoprecipitation analysis. Cardiac-specific overexpression of inactive form of Nedd4-2 shortened the prolonged QT interval, reversed IKr reduction, and decreased susceptibility to arrhythmias. A synthesized peptide containing the PY motif in Kv11.1 C-terminus binding to Nedd4-2 and a cell-penetrating sequence antagonized Nedd4-2-dependent degradation of the channel and increased the surface abundance and function of hERG channel in HEK cells. In addition, in vivo administration of the PY peptide shortened QT interval and action potential duration, and enhanced IKr in pCH. We conclude that Nedd4-2-dependent ubiquitination is critically involved in IKr deficiency in pCH. Pharmacological suppression of Nedd4-2 represents a novel approach for antiarrhythmic therapy in pCH.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hua Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, The Key Laboratory of New Drug Pharmacology and Toxicology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province, China
| | - Tian Fu
- Department of Pharmacology, The Key Laboratory of New Drug Pharmacology and Toxicology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province, China
| | - Jinglei Sun
- Department of Pharmacology, The Key Laboratory of New Drug Pharmacology and Toxicology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province, China
| | - Sihao Zou
- Department of Pharmacology, The Key Laboratory of New Drug Pharmacology and Toxicology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province, China
| | - Suhua Qiu
- Department of Pharmacology, The Key Laboratory of New Drug Pharmacology and Toxicology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province, China
| | - Jiali Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, The Key Laboratory of New Drug Pharmacology and Toxicology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province, China
| | - Shi Su
- Department of Pharmacology, The Key Laboratory of New Drug Pharmacology and Toxicology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province, China
| | - Chenxia Shi
- Department of Pharmacology, The Key Laboratory of New Drug Pharmacology and Toxicology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province, China
| | - De-Pei Li
- Center for Precision Medicine, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
- *Correspondence: Yanfang Xu, ; De-Pei Li,
| | - Yanfang Xu
- Department of Pharmacology, The Key Laboratory of New Drug Pharmacology and Toxicology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province, China
- *Correspondence: Yanfang Xu, ; De-Pei Li,
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Abstract
The physiological heart function is controlled by a well-orchestrated interplay of different ion channels conducting Na+, Ca2+ and K+. Cardiac K+ channels are key players of cardiac repolarization counteracting depolarizating Na+ and Ca2+ currents. In contrast to Na+ and Ca2+, K+ is conducted by many different channels that differ in activation/deactivation kinetics as well as in their contribution to different phases of the action potential. Together with modulatory subunits these K+ channel α-subunits provide a wide range of repolarizing currents with specific characteristics. Moreover, due to expression differences, K+ channels strongly influence the time course of the action potentials in different heart regions. On the other hand, the variety of different K+ channels increase the number of possible disease-causing mutations. Up to now, a plethora of gain- as well as loss-of-function mutations in K+ channel forming or modulating proteins are known that cause severe congenital cardiac diseases like the long-QT-syndrome, the short-QT-syndrome, the Brugada syndrome and/or different types of atrial tachyarrhythmias. In this chapter we provide a comprehensive overview of different K+ channels in cardiac physiology and pathophysiology.
Collapse
|
6
|
Mathie A, Veale EL, Golluscio A, Holden RG, Walsh Y. Pharmacological Approaches to Studying Potassium Channels. Handb Exp Pharmacol 2021; 267:83-111. [PMID: 34195873 DOI: 10.1007/164_2021_502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
In this review, we consider the pharmacology of potassium channels from the perspective of these channels as therapeutic targets. Firstly, we describe the three main families of potassium channels in humans and disease states where they are implicated. Secondly, we describe the existing therapeutic agents which act on potassium channels and outline why these channels represent an under-exploited therapeutic target with potential for future drug development. Thirdly, we consider the evidence desired in order to embark on a drug discovery programme targeting a particular potassium channel. We have chosen two "case studies": activators of the two-pore domain potassium (K2P) channel TREK-2 (K2P10.1), for the treatment of pain and inhibitors of the voltage-gated potassium channel KV1.3, for use in autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis. We describe the evidence base to suggest why these are viable therapeutic targets. Finally, we detail the main technical approaches available to characterise the pharmacology of potassium channels and identify novel regulatory compounds. We draw particular attention to the Comprehensive in vitro Proarrhythmia Assay initiative (CiPA, https://cipaproject.org ) project for cardiac safety, as an example of what might be both desirable and possible in the future, for ion channel regulator discovery projects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alistair Mathie
- Medway School of Pharmacy, University of Kent, Kent, UK. .,Medway School of Pharmacy, University of Greenwich, London, UK. .,School of Engineering, Arts, Science and Technology, University of Suffolk, Ipswich, UK.
| | - Emma L Veale
- Medway School of Pharmacy, University of Kent, Kent, UK.,Medway School of Pharmacy, University of Greenwich, London, UK
| | - Alessia Golluscio
- Medway School of Pharmacy, University of Kent, Kent, UK.,Medway School of Pharmacy, University of Greenwich, London, UK
| | - Robyn G Holden
- Medway School of Pharmacy, University of Kent, Kent, UK.,Medway School of Pharmacy, University of Greenwich, London, UK
| | - Yvonne Walsh
- Medway School of Pharmacy, University of Kent, Kent, UK.,Medway School of Pharmacy, University of Greenwich, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|