1
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Salehi S, Schallmayer E, Bandomir N, Kärcher A, Güth JF, Heitel P. Screening of Chelidonium majus isoquinoline alkaloids reveals berberine and chelidonine as selective ligands for the nuclear receptors RORβ and HNF4α, respectively. Arch Pharm (Weinheim) 2024; 357:e2300756. [PMID: 38501877 DOI: 10.1002/ardp.202300756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
The nuclear receptors hepatocyte nuclear factor 4α (HNF4α) and retinoic acid receptor-related orphan receptor-β (RORβ) are ligand-regulated transcription factors and potential drug targets for metabolic disorders. However, there is a lack of small molecular, selective ligands to explore the therapeutic potential in further detail. Here, we report the discovery of greater celandine (Chelidonium majus) isoquinoline alkaloids as nuclear receptor modulators: Berberine is a selective RORβ inverse agonist and modulated target genes involved in the circadian clock, photoreceptor cell development, and neuronal function. The structurally related chelidonine was identified as a ligand for the constitutively active HNF4α receptor, with nanomolar potency in a cellular reporter gene assay. In human liver cancer cells naturally expressing high levels of HNF4α, chelidonine acted as an inverse agonist and downregulated genes associated with gluconeogenesis and drug metabolism. Both berberine and chelidonine are promising tool compounds to further investigate their target nuclear receptors and for drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sohrab Salehi
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Department of Prosthodontics, Center for Dentistry and Oral Medicine (Carolinum), Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Espen Schallmayer
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Nils Bandomir
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Annette Kärcher
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Jan-Frederik Güth
- Department of Prosthodontics, Center for Dentistry and Oral Medicine (Carolinum), Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Pascal Heitel
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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2
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Isigkeit L, Schallmayer E, Busch R, Brunello L, Menge A, Elson L, Müller S, Knapp S, Stolz A, Marschner JA, Merk D. Chemogenomics for NR1 nuclear hormone receptors. Nat Commun 2024; 15:5201. [PMID: 38890295 PMCID: PMC11189487 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-49493-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Nuclear receptors (NRs) regulate transcription in response to ligand binding and NR modulation allows pharmacological control of gene expression. Although some NRs are relevant as drug targets, the NR1 family, which comprises 19 NRs binding to hormones, vitamins, and lipid metabolites, has only been partially explored from a translational perspective. To enable systematic target identification and validation for this protein family in phenotypic settings, we present an NR1 chemogenomic (CG) compound set optimized for complementary activity/selectivity profiles and chemical diversity. Based on broad profiling of candidates for specificity, toxicity, and off-target liabilities, sixty-nine comprehensively annotated NR1 agonists, antagonists and inverse agonists covering all members of the NR1 family and meeting potency and selectivity standards are included in the final NR1 CG set. Proof-of-concept application of this set reveals effects of NR1 members in autophagy, neuroinflammation and cancer cell death, and confirms the suitability of the set for target identification and validation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Isigkeit
- Goethe University Frankfurt, Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Espen Schallmayer
- Goethe University Frankfurt, Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Romy Busch
- Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU) München, Department of Pharmacy, Munich, Germany
| | - Lorene Brunello
- Goethe University Frankfurt, Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Frankfurt, Germany
- Buchmann Institute for Molecular Life Sciences and Institute of Biochemistry 2, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Amelie Menge
- Goethe University Frankfurt, Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Frankfurt, Germany
- Buchmann Institute for Molecular Life Sciences and Institute of Biochemistry 2, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Lewis Elson
- Goethe University Frankfurt, Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Frankfurt, Germany
- Buchmann Institute for Molecular Life Sciences and Institute of Biochemistry 2, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Susanne Müller
- Goethe University Frankfurt, Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Frankfurt, Germany
- Buchmann Institute for Molecular Life Sciences and Institute of Biochemistry 2, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Stefan Knapp
- Goethe University Frankfurt, Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Frankfurt, Germany
- Buchmann Institute for Molecular Life Sciences and Institute of Biochemistry 2, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Alexandra Stolz
- Buchmann Institute for Molecular Life Sciences and Institute of Biochemistry 2, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Julian A Marschner
- Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU) München, Department of Pharmacy, Munich, Germany
| | - Daniel Merk
- Goethe University Frankfurt, Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Frankfurt, Germany.
- Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU) München, Department of Pharmacy, Munich, Germany.
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3
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Stiller T, Merk D. Exploring Fatty Acid Mimetics as NR4A Ligands. J Med Chem 2023; 66:15362-15369. [PMID: 37918435 PMCID: PMC10683012 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c01467] [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: 08/09/2023] [Revised: 10/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
The ligand-activated transcription factors Nur77, Nurr1, and NOR-1 forming the NR4A family of nuclear receptors are considered as potential targets in various pathologies, including neurodegeneration and cancer. However, chemical tools for pharmacological NR4A modulation as a prerequisite for target validation are rare. Recent findings suggest that NR4As bind fatty acid metabolites and fatty acid mimetic (FAM) drugs, opening new opportunities for NR4A modulator development. We have explored the chemical space of FAM NR4A ligands by using fragment screening, in silico analysis, and systematic structure-activity relationship evaluation. From a chemically diverse library of 92 fragments, we identified 11 new FAM NR4A agonist and inverse agonist scaffolds. Structural optimization of the most active FAM fragment yielded NR4A agonists with submicromolar potency and binding affinity, demonstrating remarkable potential of FAM as NR4A-modulating tools and drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanja Stiller
- Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU) München, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Daniel Merk
- Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU) München, 81377 Munich, Germany
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4
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Bohn T, de Lera AR, Landrier JF, Carlsen H, Merk D, Todt T, Renaut J, Rühl R. State-of-the-art methodological investigation of carotenoid activity and metabolism - from organic synthesis via metabolism to biological activity - exemplified by a novel retinoid signalling pathway. Food Funct 2023; 14:621-638. [PMID: 36562448 DOI: 10.1039/d2fo02816f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Carotenoids are the most abundant lipophilic secondary plant metabolites and their dietary intake has been related to a large number of potential health benefits relevant for humans, including even reduced total mortality. An important feature is their potential to impact oxidative stress and inflammatory pathways, by interacting with transcription factors. For example, they may act as precursors of bioactive derivatives activating nuclear hormone receptor mediated signalling. These bioactive derivatives, originating e.g. from β-carotene, i.e. retinoids / vitamin A, can activate the nuclear hormone receptors RARs (retinoic acid receptors). Due to new analytical insights, various novel metabolic pathways were recently outlined to be mediated via distinct nuclear hormone receptor activating pathways that were predicted and further confirmed. In this article, we describe old and novel metabolic pathways from various carotenoids towards novel ligands of alternative nuclear hormone receptors. However, to fully elucidate these pathways, a larger array of techniques and tools, starting from organic synthesis, lipidomics, reporter models, classical in vitro and in vivo models and further omics-approaches and their statistical evaluation are needed to comprehensively and conclusively study this topic. Thus, we further describe state-of-the-art techniques from A to Ω elucidating carotenoid biological mediated activities and describe in detail required materials and methods needed - in practical protocol form - for the various steps of carotenoid investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Torsten Bohn
- Luxembourg Institute of Health, Nutrition and Health Research Group, Department of Precision Health, 1 A-B, rue Thomas Edison, L-1445 Strassen, Luxembourg
| | - Angel R de Lera
- Departamento de Química Orgánica, Facultade de Química, CINBIO and IBIV, Universidade de Vigo, 36310 Vigo, Spain
| | | | - Harald Carlsen
- Faculty of Chemistry, Biotechnology and Food Science, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Ås, Norway
| | - Daniel Merk
- Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Department of Pharmacy, Butenandtstr. 5-13, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Tilman Todt
- HAN University of Applied Sciences, School of Applied Biosciences and Chemistry, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Jenny Renaut
- Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology, 41, rue du Brill, L-4422 Belvaux, Luxembourg
| | - Ralph Rühl
- CISCAREX UG, Berlin, Germany. .,Paprika Bioanalytics BT, Debrecen, Hungary
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5
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Schallmayer E, Merk D. A Fluorescence-Based Reporter Gene Assay to Characterize Nuclear Receptor Modulators. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2706:125-135. [PMID: 37558945 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3397-7_9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/11/2023]
Abstract
Reporter gene assays are critical tools of nuclear receptor research for characterizing the effects of ligands on nuclear receptor activity. Common luciferase-based techniques require expensive substrates and are typically performed in endpoint format. Here, we describe a versatile reporter gene assay to observe nuclear receptor activity with fluorescent proteins as reporters. This setting is highly cost-efficient and enables observation of nuclear receptor activity over time with multiple measurements from one plate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Espen Schallmayer
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Daniel Merk
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany.
- Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany.
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6
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Arifi S, Zaienne D, Heering J, Wein T, Zhubi R, Chaikuad A, Knapp S, Marschner JA, Merk D. Fragment-based discovery of orphan nuclear receptor Nur77/NGFI-B ligands. Bioorg Chem 2022; 129:106164. [PMID: 36162288 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2022.106164] [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: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The transcription factor nerve growth factor-induced clone B (NGFI-B, Nur77, NR4A1) is an orphan nuclear receptor playing a role in cell survival and apoptosis regulation. Pharmacological Nur77 modulation holds promise for cancer and (neuro-)inflammatory disease treatment. The available Nur77 ligand scaffolds based on highly lipophilic natural products cytosporone B, celastrol and isoalantolactone are inadequate for the development of potent Nur77 modulators with favorable properties as chemical tools and future drugs. By fragment library screening and subsequent modeling for fragment extension, we have obtained a set of new Nur77 ligands offering alternative chemotypes for the development of Nur77 agonists and inverse agonists. Computer-aided fragment extension in a second stage screening yielded a Nur77 agonist with significant activation efficacy and preference over the related NR4A receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Arifi
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, 60438 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Daniel Zaienne
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, 60438 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Jan Heering
- Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP, 60596 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Thomas Wein
- Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Rezart Zhubi
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, 60438 Frankfurt, Germany; Structural Genomics Consortium, BMLS, Goethe University Frankfurt, 60438 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Apirat Chaikuad
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, 60438 Frankfurt, Germany; Structural Genomics Consortium, BMLS, Goethe University Frankfurt, 60438 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Stefan Knapp
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, 60438 Frankfurt, Germany; Structural Genomics Consortium, BMLS, Goethe University Frankfurt, 60438 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Julian A Marschner
- Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Daniel Merk
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, 60438 Frankfurt, Germany; Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 81377 Munich, Germany.
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7
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Helmstädter M, Schierle S, Isigkeit L, Proschak E, Marschner JA, Merk D. Activity Screening of Fatty Acid Mimetic Drugs Identified Nuclear Receptor Agonists. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231710070. [PMID: 36077469 PMCID: PMC9456086 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231710070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Revised: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Fatty acid mimetics (FAM) are bioactive molecules acting through the binding sites of endogenous fatty acid metabolites on enzymes, transporters, and receptors. Due to the special characteristics of these binding sites, FAMs share common chemical features. Pharmacological modulation of fatty acid signaling has therapeutic potential in multiple pathologies, and several FAMs have been developed as drugs. We aimed to elucidate the promiscuity of FAM drugs on lipid-activated transcription factors and tested 64 approved compounds for activation of RAR, PPARs, VDR, LXR, FXR, and RXR. The activity screening revealed nuclear receptor agonism of several FAM drugs and considerable promiscuity of NSAIDs, while other compound classes evolved as selective. These screening results were not anticipated by three well-established target prediction tools, suggesting that FAMs are underrepresented in bioactivity data for model development. The screening dataset may therefore valuably contribute to such tools. Oxaprozin (RXR), tianeptine (PPARδ), mycophenolic acid (RAR), and bortezomib (RAR) exhibited selective agonism on one nuclear receptor and emerged as attractive leads for the selective optimization of side activities. Additionally, their nuclear receptor agonism may contribute relevant and valuable polypharmacology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moritz Helmstädter
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, 60438 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Simone Schierle
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, 60438 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Laura Isigkeit
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, 60438 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Ewgenij Proschak
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, 60438 Frankfurt, Germany
| | | | - Daniel Merk
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, 60438 Frankfurt, Germany
- Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 81377 Munich, Germany
- Correspondence:
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8
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Zaienne D, Arifi S, Marschner JA, Heering J, Merk D. Druggability Evaluation of the Neuron Derived Orphan Receptor (NOR-1) Reveals Inverse NOR-1 Agonists. ChemMedChem 2022; 17:e202200259. [PMID: 35704774 PMCID: PMC9542104 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202200259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The neuron derived orphan receptor (NOR‐1, NR4A3) is among the least studied nuclear receptors. Its physiological role and therapeutic potential remain widely elusive which is in part due to the lack of chemical tools that can directly modulate NOR‐1 activity. To probe the possibility of pharmacological NOR‐1 modulation, we have tested a drug fragment library for NOR‐1 activation and repression. Despite low hit‐rate (<1 %), we have obtained three NOR‐1 ligand chemotypes one of which could be rapidly expanded to an analogue comprising low micromolar inverse NOR‐1 agonist potency and altering NOR‐1 regulated gene expression in a cellular setting. It confirms druggability of the transcription factor and may serve as an early tool to assess the role and potential of NOR‐1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Zaienne
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, 60438, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Silvia Arifi
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, 60438, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Julian A Marschner
- Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Butenandtstr. 5-13, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Jan Heering
- Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60596, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Daniel Merk
- Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Butenandtstr. 5-13, 81377, Munich, Germany.,Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, 60438, Frankfurt, Germany
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9
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Willems S, Müller M, Ohrndorf J, Heering J, Proschak E, Merk D. Scaffold hopping from amodiaquine to novel Nurr1 agonist chemotypes via microscale analogue libraries. ChemMedChem 2022; 17:e202200026. [PMID: 35132775 PMCID: PMC9305750 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202200026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Several lines of evidence suggest the ligand‐sensing transcription factor Nurr1 as a promising target to treat neurodegenerative diseases. Nurr1 modulators to validate and exploit this therapeutic potential are rare, however. To identify novel Nurr1 agonist chemotypes, we have employed the Nurr1 activator amodiaquine as template for microscale analogue library synthesis. The first set of analogues was based on the 7‐chloroquiolin‐4‐amine core fragment of amodiaquine and revealed superior N‐substituents compared to diethylaminomethylphenol contained in the template. A second library of analogues was subsequently prepared to replace the chloroquinolineamine scaffold. The two sets of analogues enabled a full scaffold hop from amodiaquine to a novel Nurr1 agonist sharing no structural features with the lead but comprising superior potency on Nurr1. Additionally, pharmacophore modeling based on the entire set of active and inactive analogues suggested key features for Nurr1 agonists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabine Willems
- Goethe University Frankfurt: Goethe-Universitat Frankfurt am Main, Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, GERMANY
| | - Marcel Müller
- Goethe University Frankfurt: Goethe-Universitat Frankfurt am Main, Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, GERMANY
| | - Julia Ohrndorf
- Goethe University Frankfurt: Goethe-Universitat Frankfurt am Main, Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, GERMANY
| | - Jan Heering
- Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME Division Translational Medicine Branch Lab ScreeningPort: Fraunhofer-Institut fur Translationale Medizin und Pharmakologie ITMP Drug Discovery Research ScreeningPort, ITMP, GERMANY
| | - Ewgenij Proschak
- Goethe University Frankfurt: Goethe-Universitat Frankfurt am Main, Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, GERMANY
| | - Daniel Merk
- Goethe-Universitat Frankfurt am Main, Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, 60438, Frankfurt, GERMANY
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10
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Faudone G, Kilu W, Ni X, Chaikuad A, Sreeramulu S, Heitel P, Schwalbe H, Knapp S, Schubert-Zsilavecz M, Heering J, Merk D. The Transcriptional Repressor Orphan Nuclear Receptor TLX Is Responsive to Xanthines. ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci 2021; 4:1794-1807. [PMID: 34927011 PMCID: PMC8669710 DOI: 10.1021/acsptsci.1c00195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The orphan nuclear receptor tailless homologue (TLX) is expressed almost exclusively in neural stem cells acting as an essential factor for their survival and is hence considered as a promising drug target in neurodegeneration. However, few studies have characterized the roles of TLX due to the lack of ligands and limited functional understanding. Here, we identify xanthines including caffeine and istradefylline as TLX modulators that counteract the receptor's intrinsic repressor activity. Mutagenesis of residues lining a cavity within the TLX ligand binding domain altered the activity of these ligands, suggesting direct interactions with helix 5. Using xanthines as tool compounds, we observed a ligand-sensitive recruitment of the co-repressor silencing mediator for retinoid or thyroid-hormone receptors, TLX homodimerization, and heterodimerization with the retinoid X receptor. These protein-protein interactions evolve as factors that modulate the TLX function and suggest an unprecedented role of TLX in directly repressing other nuclear receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Faudone
- Institute
of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University
Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, D-60438 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Whitney Kilu
- Institute
of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University
Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, D-60438 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Xiaomin Ni
- Institute
of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University
Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, D-60438 Frankfurt, Germany
- Structural
Genomics Consortium, BMLS, Goethe University
Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 15, D-60438 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Apirat Chaikuad
- Institute
of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University
Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, D-60438 Frankfurt, Germany
- Structural
Genomics Consortium, BMLS, Goethe University
Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 15, D-60438 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Sridhar Sreeramulu
- Center
for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance (BMRZ), Institute for Organic
Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Goethe University
Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 7, D-60438 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Pascal Heitel
- Institute
of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University
Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, D-60438 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Harald Schwalbe
- Center
for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance (BMRZ), Institute for Organic
Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Goethe University
Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 7, D-60438 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Stefan Knapp
- Institute
of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University
Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, D-60438 Frankfurt, Germany
- Structural
Genomics Consortium, BMLS, Goethe University
Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 15, D-60438 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Manfred Schubert-Zsilavecz
- Institute
of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University
Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, D-60438 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Jan Heering
- Fraunhofer
Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, D-60596 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Daniel Merk
- Institute
of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University
Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, D-60438 Frankfurt, Germany
- Department
of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität
München, Butenandtstr.
5-13, D-81377 Munich, Germany
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11
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Kilu W, Merk D, Steinhilber D, Proschak E, Heering J. Heterodimer formation with retinoic acid receptor RXRα modulates coactivator recruitment by peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor PPARγ. J Biol Chem 2021; 297:100814. [PMID: 34081964 PMCID: PMC8258697 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2021.100814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Revised: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Nuclear receptors (NRs) activate transcription of target genes in response to binding of ligands to their ligand-binding domains (LBDs). Typically, in vitro assays use either gene expression or the recruitment of coactivators to the isolated LBD of the NR of interest to measure NR activation. However, this approach ignores that NRs function as homo- as well as heterodimers and that the LBD harbors the main dimerization interface. Cofactor recruitment is thereby interconnected with oligomerization status as well as ligand occupation of the partnering LBD through allosteric cross talk. Here we present a modular set of homogeneous time-resolved FRET-based assays through which we investigated the activation of PPARγ in response to ligands and the formation of heterodimers with its obligatory partner RXRα. We introduced mutations into the RXRα LBD that prevent coactivator binding but do not interfere with LBD dimerization or ligand binding. This enabled us to specifically detect PPARγ coactivator recruitment to PPARγ:RXRα heterodimers. We found that the RXRα agonist SR11237 destabilized the RXRα homodimer but promoted formation of the PPARγ:RXRα heterodimer, while being inactive on PPARγ itself. Of interest, incorporation of PPARγ into the heterodimer resulted in a substantial gain in affinity for coactivator CBP-1, even in the absence of ligands. Consequently, SR11237 indirectly promoted coactivator binding to PPARγ by shifting the oligomerization preference of RXRα toward PPARγ:RXRα heterodimer formation. These results emphasize that investigation of ligand-dependent NR activation should take NR dimerization into account. We envision these assays as the necessary assay tool kit for investigating NRs that partner with RXRα.
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Affiliation(s)
- Whitney Kilu
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Daniel Merk
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Dieter Steinhilber
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany; Assay development and screening, Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Ewgenij Proschak
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany; Assay development and screening, Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Jan Heering
- Assay development and screening, Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP, Frankfurt, Germany.
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12
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Buñay J, Fouache A, Trousson A, de Joussineau C, Bouchareb E, Zhu Z, Kocer A, Morel L, Baron S, Lobaccaro JMA. Screening for liver X receptor modulators: Where are we and for what use? Br J Pharmacol 2020; 178:3277-3293. [PMID: 33080050 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2020] [Revised: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver X receptors (LXRs) are members of the nuclear receptor superfamily that are canonically activated by oxidized derivatives of cholesterol. Since the mid-90s, numerous groups have identified LXRs as endocrine receptors that are involved in the regulation of various physiological functions. As a result, when their expression is genetically modified in mice, phenotypic analyses reveal endocrine disorders ranging from infertility to diabetes and obesity, nervous system pathologies such Alzheimer's or Parkinson's disease, immunological disturbances, inflammatory response, and enhancement of tumour development. Based on such findings, it appears that LXRs could constitute good pharmacological targets to prevent and/or to treat these diseases. This review discusses the various aspects of LXR drug discovery, from the tools available for the screening of potential LXR modulators to the current situational analysis of the drugs in development. LINKED ARTICLES: This article is part of a themed issue on Oxysterols, Lifelong Health and Therapeutics. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v178.16/issuetoc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julio Buñay
- Université Clermont Auvergne, GReD, CNRS, INSERM, and Centre de Recherche en Nutrition Humaine d'Auvergne Clermont-Ferrand, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Allan Fouache
- Université Clermont Auvergne, GReD, CNRS, INSERM, and Centre de Recherche en Nutrition Humaine d'Auvergne Clermont-Ferrand, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Amalia Trousson
- Université Clermont Auvergne, GReD, CNRS, INSERM, and Centre de Recherche en Nutrition Humaine d'Auvergne Clermont-Ferrand, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Cyrille de Joussineau
- Université Clermont Auvergne, GReD, CNRS, INSERM, and Centre de Recherche en Nutrition Humaine d'Auvergne Clermont-Ferrand, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Erwan Bouchareb
- Université Clermont Auvergne, GReD, CNRS, INSERM, and Centre de Recherche en Nutrition Humaine d'Auvergne Clermont-Ferrand, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Zhekun Zhu
- Université Clermont Auvergne, GReD, CNRS, INSERM, and Centre de Recherche en Nutrition Humaine d'Auvergne Clermont-Ferrand, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Ayhan Kocer
- Université Clermont Auvergne, GReD, CNRS, INSERM, and Centre de Recherche en Nutrition Humaine d'Auvergne Clermont-Ferrand, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Laurent Morel
- Université Clermont Auvergne, GReD, CNRS, INSERM, and Centre de Recherche en Nutrition Humaine d'Auvergne Clermont-Ferrand, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Silvere Baron
- Université Clermont Auvergne, GReD, CNRS, INSERM, and Centre de Recherche en Nutrition Humaine d'Auvergne Clermont-Ferrand, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Jean-Marc A Lobaccaro
- Université Clermont Auvergne, GReD, CNRS, INSERM, and Centre de Recherche en Nutrition Humaine d'Auvergne Clermont-Ferrand, Clermont-Ferrand, France
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13
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Meijer I, Willems S, Ni X, Heering J, Chaikuad A, Merk D. Chemical Starting Matter for HNF4α Ligand Discovery and Chemogenomics. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E7895. [PMID: 33114319 PMCID: PMC7660650 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21217895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Revised: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocyte nuclear factor 4α (HNF4α) is a ligand-sensing transcription factor and presents as a potential drug target in metabolic diseases and cancer. In humans, mutations in the HNF4α gene cause maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY), and the elevated activity of this protein has been associated with gastrointestinal cancers. Despite the high therapeutic potential, available ligands and structure-activity relationship knowledge for this nuclear receptor are scarce. Here, we disclose a chemically diverse collection of orthogonally validated fragment-like activators as well as inverse agonists, which modulate HNF4α activity in a low micromolar range. These compounds demonstrate the druggability of HNF4α and thus provide a starting point for medicinal chemistry as well as an early tool for chemogenomics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabelle Meijer
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, 60438 Frankfurt, Germany; (I.M.); (S.W.); (X.N.); (A.C.)
| | - Sabine Willems
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, 60438 Frankfurt, Germany; (I.M.); (S.W.); (X.N.); (A.C.)
| | - Xiaomin Ni
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, 60438 Frankfurt, Germany; (I.M.); (S.W.); (X.N.); (A.C.)
- Structural Genomics Consortium, BMLS, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 15, 60438 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Jan Heering
- Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Branch for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology TMP, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60596 Frankfurt, Germany;
| | - Apirat Chaikuad
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, 60438 Frankfurt, Germany; (I.M.); (S.W.); (X.N.); (A.C.)
- Structural Genomics Consortium, BMLS, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 15, 60438 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Daniel Merk
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, 60438 Frankfurt, Germany; (I.M.); (S.W.); (X.N.); (A.C.)
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14
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Schierle S, Neumann S, Heitel P, Willems S, Kaiser A, Pollinger J, Merk D. Design and Structural Optimization of Dual FXR/PPARδ Activators. J Med Chem 2020; 63:8369-8379. [PMID: 32687365 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c00618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is considered as severe hepatic manifestation of the metabolic syndrome and has alarming global prevalence. The ligand-activated transcription factors farnesoid X receptor (FXR) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) δ have been validated as molecular targets to counter NASH. To achieve robust therapeutic efficacy in this multifactorial pathology, combined peripheral PPARδ-mediated activity and hepatic effects of FXR activation appear as a promising multitarget approach. We have designed a minimal dual FXR/PPARδ activator scaffold by rational fusion of pharmacophores derived from selective agonists. Our dual agonist lead compound exhibited weak agonism on FXR and PPARδ and was structurally refined to a potent and balanced FXR/PPARδ activator in a computer-aided fashion. The resulting dual FXR/PPARδ modulator comprises high selectivity over related nuclear receptors and activates the two target transcription factors in native cellular settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Schierle
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Straße 9, D-60438 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Sebastian Neumann
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Straße 9, D-60438 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Pascal Heitel
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Straße 9, D-60438 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Sabine Willems
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Straße 9, D-60438 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Astrid Kaiser
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Straße 9, D-60438 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Julius Pollinger
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Straße 9, D-60438 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Daniel Merk
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Straße 9, D-60438 Frankfurt, Germany
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15
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Hanke T, Cheung SY, Kilu W, Heering J, Ni X, Planz V, Schierle S, Faudone G, Friedrich M, Wanior M, Werz O, Windbergs M, Proschak E, Schubert-Zsilavecz M, Chaikuad A, Knapp S, Merk D. A Selective Modulator of Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor γ with an Unprecedented Binding Mode. J Med Chem 2020; 63:4555-4561. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.9b01786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Hanke
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, 60438 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Sun-Yee Cheung
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, 60438 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Whitney Kilu
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, 60438 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Jan Heering
- Branch for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology TMP, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60596 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Xiaomin Ni
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, 60438 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Viktoria Planz
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Technology, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, 60438 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Simone Schierle
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, 60438 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Giuseppe Faudone
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, 60438 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Marius Friedrich
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, 60438 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Marek Wanior
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, 60438 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Oliver Werz
- Department of Pharmaceutical/Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Philosophenweg 14, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Maike Windbergs
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Technology, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, 60438 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Ewgenij Proschak
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, 60438 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Manfred Schubert-Zsilavecz
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, 60438 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Apirat Chaikuad
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, 60438 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Stefan Knapp
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, 60438 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Daniel Merk
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, 60438 Frankfurt, Germany
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16
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Pollinger J, Schierle S, Gellrich L, Ohrndorf J, Kaiser A, Heitel P, Chaikuad A, Knapp S, Merk D. A Novel Biphenyl-based Chemotype of Retinoid X Receptor Ligands Enables Subtype and Heterodimer Preferences. ACS Med Chem Lett 2019; 10:1346-1352. [PMID: 31531208 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.9b00306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2019] [Accepted: 08/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The nuclear retinoid X receptors (RXRs) are key ligand sensing transcription factors that serve as universal nuclear receptor heterodimer partners and are thus involved in numerous physiological processes. Therapeutic targeting of RXRs holds high potential but available RXR activators suffer from limited safety. Selectivity for RXR subtypes or for certain RXR heterodimers are promising strategies for safer RXR modulation. Here, we report systematic structure-activity relationship studies on biphenyl carboxylates as new RXR ligand chemotype. We discovered specific structural modifications that enhance potency on RXRs, govern subtype preference, and vary modulation of different RXR heterodimers. Fusion of these structural motifs enabled specific tuning of subtype preferential profiles with markedly improved potency. Our results provide further evidence that RXR subtype selective ligands can be designed and present a novel chemotype of RXR modulators that can be tuned for subtype and heterodimer preferences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julius Pollinger
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, D-60438 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Simone Schierle
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, D-60438 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Leonie Gellrich
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, D-60438 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Julia Ohrndorf
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, D-60438 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Astrid Kaiser
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, D-60438 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Pascal Heitel
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, D-60438 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Apirat Chaikuad
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, D-60438 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Stefan Knapp
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, D-60438 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Daniel Merk
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, D-60438 Frankfurt, Germany
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