1
|
Barresi E, Robello M, Baglini E, Poggetti V, Viviano M, Salerno S, Da Settimo F, Taliani S. Indol-3-ylglyoxylamide as Privileged Scaffold in Medicinal Chemistry. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:997. [PMID: 37513909 PMCID: PMC10386336 DOI: 10.3390/ph16070997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, indolylglyoxylamide-based derivatives have received much attention due to their application in drug design and discovery, leading to the development of a wide array of compounds that have shown a variety of pharmacological activities. Combining the indole nucleus, already validated as a "privileged structure," with the glyoxylamide function allowed for an excellent template to be obtained that is suitable to a great number of structural modifications aimed at permitting interaction with specific molecular targets and producing desirable therapeutic effects. The present review provides insight into how medicinal chemists have elegantly exploited the indolylglyoxylamide moiety to obtain potentially useful drugs, with a particular focus on compounds exhibiting activity in in vivo models or reaching clinical trials. All in all, this information provides exciting new perspectives on existing data that can be useful in further design of indolylglyoxylamide-based molecules with interesting pharmacological profiles. The aim of this report is to present an update of collection data dealing with the employment of this moiety in the rational design of compounds that are able to interact with a specific target, referring to the last 20 years.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elisabetta Barresi
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Marco Robello
- Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), National Institutes of Health, 9000 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Emma Baglini
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Valeria Poggetti
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Monica Viviano
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, 84084 Fisciano, Italy
| | - Silvia Salerno
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Federico Da Settimo
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Sabrina Taliani
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Pasquini S, Contri C, Cappello M, Borea PA, Varani K, Vincenzi F. Update on the recent development of allosteric modulators for adenosine receptors and their therapeutic applications. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:1030895. [PMID: 36278183 PMCID: PMC9581118 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.1030895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Adenosine receptors (ARs) have been identified as promising therapeutic targets for countless pathological conditions, spanning from inflammatory diseases to central nervous system disorders, from cancer to metabolic diseases, from cardiovascular pathologies to respiratory diseases, and beyond. This extraordinary therapeutic potential is mainly due to the plurality of pathophysiological actions of adenosine and the ubiquitous expression of its receptors. This is, however, a double-edged sword that makes the clinical development of effective ligands with tolerable side effects difficult. Evidence of this is the low number of AR agonists or antagonists that have reached the market. An alternative approach is to target allosteric sites via allosteric modulators, compounds endowed with several advantages over orthosteric ligands. In addition to the typical advantages of allosteric modulators, those acting on ARs could benefit from the fact that adenosine levels are elevated in pathological tissues, thus potentially having negligible effects on normal tissues where adenosine levels are maintained low. Several A1 and various A3AR allosteric modulators have been identified so far, and some of them have been validated in different preclinical settings, achieving promising results. Less fruitful, instead, has been the discovery of A2A and A2BAR allosteric modulators, although the results obtained up to now are encouraging. Collectively, data in the literature suggests that allosteric modulators of ARs could represent valuable pharmacological tools, potentially able to overcome the limitations of orthosteric ligands.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Pasquini
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Chiara Contri
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Martina Cappello
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | | | - Katia Varani
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
- *Correspondence: Katia Varani,
| | - Fabrizio Vincenzi
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Barresi E, Giacomelli C, Marchetti L, Baglini E, Salerno S, Greco G, Da Settimo F, Martini C, Trincavelli ML, Taliani S. Novel positive allosteric modulators of A 2B adenosine receptor acting as bone mineralisation promoters. J Enzyme Inhib Med Chem 2021; 36:286-294. [PMID: 33334192 PMCID: PMC7751416 DOI: 10.1080/14756366.2020.1862103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Small-molecules acting as positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) of the A2B adenosine receptor (A2B AR) could potentially represent a novel therapeutic strategy for pathological conditions characterised by altered bone homeostasis, including osteoporosis. We investigated a library of compounds (4-13) exhibiting different degrees of chemical similarity with three indole derivatives (1-3), which have been recently identified by us as PAMs of the A2B AR able to promote mesenchymal stem cell differentiation and bone formation. Evaluation of mineralisation activity of 4-13 in the presence and in the absence of the agonist BAY60-6583 allowed the identification of lead compounds with therapeutic potential as anti-osteoporosis agents. Further biological characterisation of one of the most performing compounds, the benzofurane derivative 9, confirmed that such a molecule behaves as PAM of the A2B AR.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Emma Baglini
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Giovanni Greco
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
4
|
Barresi E, Martini C, Da Settimo F, Greco G, Taliani S, Giacomelli C, Trincavelli ML. Allosterism vs. Orthosterism: Recent Findings and Future Perspectives on A 2B AR Physio-Pathological Implications. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:652121. [PMID: 33841166 PMCID: PMC8024542 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.652121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of GPCR (G-coupled protein receptor) allosteric modulators has attracted increasing interest in the last decades. The use of allosteric modulators in therapy offers several advantages with respect to orthosteric ones, as they can fine-tune the tissue responses to the endogenous agonist. Since the discovery of the first A1 adenosine receptor (AR) allosteric modulator in 1990, several efforts have been made to develop more potent molecules as well as allosteric modulators for all adenosine receptor subtypes. There are four subtypes of AR: A1, A2A, A2B, and A3. Positive allosteric modulators of the A1 AR have been proposed for the cure of pain. A3 positive allosteric modulators are thought to be beneficial during inflammatory processes. More recently, A2A and A2B AR allosteric modulators have also been disclosed. The A2B AR displays the lowest affinity for its endogenous ligand adenosine and is mainly activated as a consequence of tissue damage. The A2B AR activation has been found to play a crucial role in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, in the protection of the heart from ischemic injury, and in the process of bone formation. In this context, allosteric modulators of the A2B AR may represent pharmacological tools useful to develop new therapeutic agents. Herein, we provide an up-to-date highlight of the recent findings and future perspectives in the field of orthosteric and allosteric A2B AR ligands. Furthermore, we compare the use of orthosteric ligands with positive and negative allosteric modulators for the management of different pathological conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Giovanni Greco
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
5
|
Taliani S, Da Settimo F, Martini C, Laneri S, Novellino E, Greco G. Exploiting the Indole Scaffold to Design Compounds Binding to Different Pharmacological Targets. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25102331. [PMID: 32429433 PMCID: PMC7287756 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25102331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2020] [Revised: 05/14/2020] [Accepted: 05/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Several indole derivatives have been disclosed by our research groups that have been collaborating for nearly 25 years. The results of our investigations led to a variety of molecules binding selectively to different pharmacological targets, specifically the type A γ-aminobutyric acid (GABAA) chloride channel, the translocator protein (TSPO), the murine double minute 2 (MDM2) protein, the A2B adenosine receptor (A2B AR) and the Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1). Herein, we describe how these works were conceived and carried out thanks to the versatility of indole nucleus to be exploited in the design and synthesis of drug-like molecules.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Taliani
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno Pisano, 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (F.D.S.); (C.M.)
- Correspondence: (S.T.); (G.G.); Tel.: +39-050-2219547 (S.T.); +39-081-678645 (G.G.)
| | - Federico Da Settimo
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno Pisano, 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (F.D.S.); (C.M.)
| | - Claudia Martini
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno Pisano, 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (F.D.S.); (C.M.)
| | - Sonia Laneri
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples “Federico II”, Via D. Montesano, 49, 80131 Naples, Italy; (S.L.); (E.N.)
| | - Ettore Novellino
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples “Federico II”, Via D. Montesano, 49, 80131 Naples, Italy; (S.L.); (E.N.)
| | - Giovanni Greco
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples “Federico II”, Via D. Montesano, 49, 80131 Naples, Italy; (S.L.); (E.N.)
- Correspondence: (S.T.); (G.G.); Tel.: +39-050-2219547 (S.T.); +39-081-678645 (G.G.)
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Deb PK, Chandrasekaran B, Mailavaram R, Tekade RK, Jaber AMY. Molecular modeling approaches for the discovery of adenosine A2B receptor antagonists: current status and future perspectives. Drug Discov Today 2019; 24:1854-1864. [DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2019.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2019] [Revised: 03/26/2019] [Accepted: 05/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
|
7
|
Cosimelli B, Greco G, Laneri S, Novellino E, Sacchi A, Amendola G, Cosconati S, Bortolozzi R, Viola G. Identification of novel indole derivatives acting as inhibitors of the Keap1-Nrf2 interaction. J Enzyme Inhib Med Chem 2019; 34:1152-1157. [PMID: 31179771 PMCID: PMC6567006 DOI: 10.1080/14756366.2019.1623209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Nine indole derivatives (9a-i) were tested as potential inhibitors of the Keap1–Nrf2 interaction. This class of compounds increases the intracellular levels of the transcription factor Nrf2 and the consequent expression of enzymes encoded by genes containing the antioxidant response element (ARE). In the ARE-luciferase reporter assay only 9e-g revealed to be remarkably more active than t-butylhydroxyquinone (t-BHQ), with 9g standing out as the best performing compound. While 9e and 9f are weak acids, 9g is an ampholyte prevailing as a zwitterion in neutral aqueous solutions. The ability of 9e-g to significantly increase levels of Nrf2, NADPH:quinone oxidoreductase 1, and transketolase (TKT) gave further support to the hypothesis that these compounds act as inhibitors of the Keap1–Nrf2 interaction. Docking simulations allowed us to elucidate the nature of the putative interactions between 9g and Keap1.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Cosimelli
- a Dipartimento di Farmacia , Università di Napoli "Federico II" , Naples , Italy
| | - Giovanni Greco
- a Dipartimento di Farmacia , Università di Napoli "Federico II" , Naples , Italy
| | - Sonia Laneri
- a Dipartimento di Farmacia , Università di Napoli "Federico II" , Naples , Italy
| | - Ettore Novellino
- a Dipartimento di Farmacia , Università di Napoli "Federico II" , Naples , Italy
| | - Antonia Sacchi
- a Dipartimento di Farmacia , Università di Napoli "Federico II" , Naples , Italy
| | - Giorgio Amendola
- b Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Ambientali Biologiche e Farmaceutiche , Università degli Studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli" , Caserta , Italy
| | - Sandro Cosconati
- b Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Ambientali Biologiche e Farmaceutiche , Università degli Studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli" , Caserta , Italy
| | - Roberta Bortolozzi
- c Dipartimento di Salute della Donna e del Bambino , Università di Padova , Padua , Italy
| | - Giampietro Viola
- c Dipartimento di Salute della Donna e del Bambino , Università di Padova , Padua , Italy
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Al-Shar'i NA, Al-Balas QA. Molecular Dynamics Simulations of Adenosine Receptors: Advances, Applications and Trends. Curr Pharm Des 2019; 25:783-816. [DOI: 10.2174/1381612825666190304123414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2019] [Accepted: 02/26/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
:
Adenosine receptors (ARs) are transmembrane proteins that belong to the G protein-coupled receptors
(GPCRs) superfamily and mediate the biological functions of adenosine. To date, four AR subtypes are known,
namely A1, A2A, A2B and A3 that exhibit different signaling pathways, tissue localization, and mechanisms of
activation. Moreover, the widespread ARs and their implication in numerous physiological and pathophysiological
conditions had made them pivotal therapeutic targets for developing clinically effective agents.
:
The crystallographic success in identifying the 3D crystal structures of A2A and A1 ARs has dramatically enriched
our understanding of their structural and functional properties such as ligand binding and signal transduction.
This, in turn, has provided a structural basis for a larger contribution of computational methods, particularly molecular
dynamics (MD) simulations, toward further investigation of their molecular properties and designing
bioactive ligands with therapeutic potential. MD simulation has been proved to be an invaluable tool in investigating
ARs and providing answers to some critical questions. For example, MD has been applied in studying ARs
in terms of ligand-receptor interactions, molecular recognition, allosteric modulations, dimerization, and mechanisms
of activation, collectively aiding in the design of subtype selective ligands.
:
In this review, we focused on the advances and different applications of MD simulations utilized to study the
structural and functional aspects of ARs that can foster the structure-based design of drug candidates. In addition,
relevant literature was briefly discussed which establishes a starting point for future advances in the field of drug
discovery to this pivotal group of drug targets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nizar A. Al-Shar'i
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology, P.O. Box 3030, Irbid 22110, Jordan
| | - Qosay A. Al-Balas
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology, P.O. Box 3030, Irbid 22110, Jordan
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Wold EA, Chen J, Cunningham KA, Zhou J. Allosteric Modulation of Class A GPCRs: Targets, Agents, and Emerging Concepts. J Med Chem 2019; 62:88-127. [PMID: 30106578 PMCID: PMC6556150 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.8b00875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) have been tractable drug targets for decades with over one-third of currently marketed drugs targeting GPCRs. Of these, the class A GPCR superfamily is highly represented, and continued drug discovery for this family of receptors may provide novel therapeutics for a vast range of diseases. GPCR allosteric modulation is an innovative targeting approach that broadens the available small molecule toolbox and is proving to be a viable drug discovery strategy, as evidenced by recent FDA approvals and clinical trials. Numerous class A GPCR allosteric modulators have been discovered recently, and emerging trends such as the availability of GPCR crystal structures, diverse functional assays, and structure-based computational approaches are improving optimization and development. This Perspective provides an update on allosterically targeted class A GPCRs and their disease indications and the medicinal chemistry approaches toward novel allosteric modulators and highlights emerging trends and opportunities in the field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eric A. Wold
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Chemical Biology Program, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas 77555, United States
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Center for Addiction Research, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas 77555, United States
| | - Jianping Chen
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Chemical Biology Program, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas 77555, United States
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Center for Addiction Research, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas 77555, United States
| | - Kathryn A. Cunningham
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Chemical Biology Program, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas 77555, United States
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Center for Addiction Research, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas 77555, United States
| | - Jia Zhou
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Chemical Biology Program, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas 77555, United States
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Center for Addiction Research, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas 77555, United States
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Vecchio EA, Baltos JA, Nguyen ATN, Christopoulos A, White PJ, May LT. New paradigms in adenosine receptor pharmacology: allostery, oligomerization and biased agonism. Br J Pharmacol 2018; 175:4036-4046. [PMID: 29679502 DOI: 10.1111/bph.14337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2017] [Revised: 03/29/2018] [Accepted: 04/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Adenosine receptors are a family of GPCRs containing four subtypes (A1 , A2A , A2B and A3 receptors), all of which bind the ubiquitous nucleoside adenosine. These receptors play an important role in physiology and pathophysiology and therefore represent attractive drug targets for a range of conditions. The theoretical framework surrounding drug action at adenosine receptors now extends beyond the notion of prototypical agonism and antagonism to encompass more complex pharmacological concepts. New paradigms include allostery, in which ligands bind a topographically distinct receptor site from that of the endogenous agonist, homomeric or heteromeric interactions across receptor oligomers and biased agonism, that is, ligand-dependent differential intracellular signalling. This review provides a concise overview of allostery, oligomerization and biased agonism at adenosine receptors and outlines how these paradigms may enhance future drug discovery endeavours focussed on the development of novel therapeutic agents acting at adenosine receptors. LINKED ARTICLES This article is part of a themed section on Molecular Pharmacology of GPCRs. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v175.21/issuetoc.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth A Vecchio
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Department of Pharmacology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Jo-Anne Baltos
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Department of Pharmacology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Anh T N Nguyen
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Department of Pharmacology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Arthur Christopoulos
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Department of Pharmacology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Paul J White
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Lauren T May
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Department of Pharmacology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Giacomelli C, Daniele S, Romei C, Tavanti L, Neri T, Piano I, Celi A, Martini C, Trincavelli ML. The A 2B Adenosine Receptor Modulates the Epithelial- Mesenchymal Transition through the Balance of cAMP/PKA and MAPK/ERK Pathway Activation in Human Epithelial Lung Cells. Front Pharmacol 2018; 9:54. [PMID: 29445342 PMCID: PMC5797802 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2018.00054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2017] [Accepted: 01/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a complex process in which cell phenotype switches from the epithelial to mesenchymal one. The deregulations of this process have been related with the occurrence of different diseases such as lung cancer and fibrosis. In the last decade, several efforts have been devoted in understanding the mechanisms that trigger and sustain this transition process. Adenosine is a purinergic signaling molecule that has been involved in the onset and progression of chronic lung diseases and cancer through the A2B adenosine receptor subtype activation, too. However, the relationship between A2BAR and EMT has not been investigated, yet. Herein, the A2BAR characterization was carried out in human epithelial lung cells. Moreover, the effects of receptor activation on EMT were investigated in the absence and presence of transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β1), which has been known to promote the transition. The A2BAR activation alone decreased and increased the expression of epithelial markers (E-cadherin) and the mesenchymal one (Vimentin, N-cadherin), respectively, nevertheless a complete EMT was not observed. Surprisingly, the receptor activation counteracted the EMT induced by TGF-β1. Several intracellular pathways regulate the EMT: high levels of cAMP and ERK1/2 phosphorylation has been demonstrated to counteract and promote the transition, respectively. The A2BAR stimulation was able to modulated these two pathways, cAMP/PKA and MAPK/ERK, shifting the fine balance toward activation or inhibition of EMT. In fact, using a selective PKA inhibitor, which blocks the cAMP pathway, the A2BAR-mediated EMT promotion were exacerbated, and conversely the selective inhibition of MAPK/ERK counteracted the receptor-induced transition. These results highlighted the A2BAR as one of the receptors involved in the modulation of EMT process. Nevertheless, its activation is not enough to trigger a complete transition, its ability to affect different intracellular pathways could represent a mechanism at the basis of EMT maintenance/inhibition based on the extracellular microenvironment. Despite further investigations are needed, herein for the first time the A2BAR has been related to the EMT process, and therefore to the different EMT-related pathologies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Chiara Romei
- Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular Pathology and Critical Care Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.,Radiology Unit, University Hospital of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Laura Tavanti
- Pneumology Unit, Cardio-Thoracic Department, University Hospital of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Tommaso Neri
- Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular Pathology and Critical Care Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Ilaria Piano
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Alessandro Celi
- Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular Pathology and Critical Care Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Cosimelli B, Greco G, Laneri S, Novellino E, Sacchi A, Collina S, Rossi D, Cosconati S, Barresi E, Taliani S, Trincavelli ML, Martini C. Studies on enantioselectivity of chiral 4-acetylamino-6-alkyloxy-2-alkylthiopyrimidines acting as antagonists of the human A 3 adenosine receptor. MEDCHEMCOMM 2018; 9:81-86. [PMID: 30108902 PMCID: PMC6072526 DOI: 10.1039/c7md00375g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2017] [Accepted: 11/08/2017] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Three A3 adenosine receptor (AR) antagonists (1-3) selected from 4-acylamino-6-alkyloxy-2-alkylthiopyrimidines previously investigated by us were modified by inserting a methyl group on their ether or thioether side chains. These compounds gave us the chance to evaluate whether their higher lipophilicity, reduced conformational freedom and chirality might improve the potency towards the A3 AR. Racemic mixtures of 1-3 were resolved using chiral HPLC methods and the absolute configurations of the enantiomers were assigned by chiroptical spectroscopy and density functional theory calculations. We measured the affinity for human A1, A2A, A2B and A3 ARs of the racemic mixtures and the pure enantiomers of 1-3 by radioligand competition binding experiments. Cell-based assays of the most potent enantiomers confirmed their A3 AR antagonist profiles. Our research led to the identification of (S)-1 with high potency (0.5 nM) and selectivity as an A3 AR antagonist. Moreover we built a docking-model useful to design new pyrimidine derivatives.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Cosimelli
- Dipartimento di Farmacia , Università di Napoli "Federico II" , Via Domenico Montesano 49 , 80131 Naples , Italy . ; ; Tel: +39 081678645
| | - Giovanni Greco
- Dipartimento di Farmacia , Università di Napoli "Federico II" , Via Domenico Montesano 49 , 80131 Naples , Italy . ; ; Tel: +39 081678645
| | - Sonia Laneri
- Dipartimento di Farmacia , Università di Napoli "Federico II" , Via Domenico Montesano 49 , 80131 Naples , Italy . ; ; Tel: +39 081678645
| | - Ettore Novellino
- Dipartimento di Farmacia , Università di Napoli "Federico II" , Via Domenico Montesano 49 , 80131 Naples , Italy . ; ; Tel: +39 081678645
| | - Antonia Sacchi
- Dipartimento di Farmacia , Università di Napoli "Federico II" , Via Domenico Montesano 49 , 80131 Naples , Italy . ; ; Tel: +39 081678645
| | - Simona Collina
- Dipartimento del Farmaco , Università di Pavia , Viale Torquato Taramelli 12 , 27100 Pavia , Italy
| | - Daniela Rossi
- Dipartimento del Farmaco , Università di Pavia , Viale Torquato Taramelli 12 , 27100 Pavia , Italy
| | - Sandro Cosconati
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Ambientali Biologiche e Farmaceutiche , Università degli Studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli" , Via Antonio Vivaldi 43 , 81100 Caserta , Italy
| | - Elisabetta Barresi
- Dipartimento di Farmacia , Università di Pisa , Via Bonanno Pisano 6 , 56126 Pisa , Italy
| | - Sabrina Taliani
- Dipartimento di Farmacia , Università di Pisa , Via Bonanno Pisano 6 , 56126 Pisa , Italy
| | | | - Claudia Martini
- Dipartimento di Farmacia , Università di Pisa , Via Bonanno Pisano 6 , 56126 Pisa , Italy
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Goulding J, May LT, Hill SJ. Characterisation of endogenous A 2A and A 2B receptor-mediated cyclic AMP responses in HEK 293 cells using the GloSensor™ biosensor: Evidence for an allosteric mechanism of action for the A 2B-selective antagonist PSB 603. Biochem Pharmacol 2017; 147:55-66. [PMID: 29106905 PMCID: PMC5770336 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2017.10.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2017] [Accepted: 10/23/2017] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Endogenous adenosine A2B receptors (A2BAR) mediate cAMP accumulation in HEK 293 cells. Here we have used a biosensor to investigate the mechanism of action of the A2BAR antagonist PSB 603 in HEK 293 cells. The A2A agonist CGS 21680 elicited a small response in these cells (circa 20% of that obtained with NECA), suggesting that they also contain a small population of A2A receptors. The responses to NECA and adenosine were antagonised by PSB 603, but not by the selective A2AAR antagonist SCH 58261. In contrast, CGS 21680 responses were not antagonised by high concentrations of PSB 603, but were sensitive to inhibition by SCH 58261. Analysis of the effect of increasing concentrations of PSB 603 on the response to NECA indicated a non-competitive mode of action yielding a marked reduction in the NECA EMAX with no significant effect on EC50 values. Kinetics analysis of the effect of PSB 603 on the A2BAR-mediated NECA responses confirmed a saturable effect that was consistent with an allosteric mode of antagonism. The possibility that PSB 603 acts as a negative allosteric modulator of A2BAR suggests new approaches to the development of therapeutic agents to treat conditions where adenosine levels are high.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joelle Goulding
- Division of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK; Centre of Membrane Proteins and Receptors (COMPARE), University of Birmingham and University of Nottingham, Midlands, UK
| | - Lauren T May
- Division of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK
| | - Stephen J Hill
- Division of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK; Centre of Membrane Proteins and Receptors (COMPARE), University of Birmingham and University of Nottingham, Midlands, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Osteogenesis Is Improved by Low Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha Concentration through the Modulation of Gs-Coupled Receptor Signals. Mol Cell Biol 2017; 37:MCB.00442-16. [PMID: 28137910 DOI: 10.1128/mcb.00442-16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2016] [Accepted: 01/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
In the early phase of bone damage, low concentrations of the cytokine tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) favor osteoblast differentiation. In contrast, chronic high doses of the same cytokine contribute to bone loss, demonstrating opposite effects depending on its concentration and on the time of exposure. In the bone microenvironment, TNF-α modulates the expression/function of different G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) and of their regulatory proteins, GPCR-regulated kinases (GRKs), thus dictating their final biological outcome in controlling bone anabolic processes. Here, the effects of TNF-α were investigated on the expression/responsiveness of the A2B adenosine receptor (A2BAR), a Gs-coupled receptor that promotes mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) differentiation into osteoblasts. Low TNF-α concentrations exerted a prodifferentiating effect on MSCs, pushing them toward an osteoblast phenotype. By regulating GRK2 turnover and expression, the cytokine impaired A2BAR desensitization, accelerating receptor-mediated osteoblast differentiation. These data supported the anabolic effect of TNF-α submaximal concentration and demonstrated that the cytokine regulates GPCR responses by interfering with the receptor desensitization machinery, thereby enhancing the anabolic responses evoked by A2BAR ligands. Overall, these results indicated that GPCR desensitization plays a pivotal role in osteogenesis and that its manipulation is an effective strategy to favor bone remodeling.
Collapse
|
15
|
Guo D, Heitman LH, IJzerman AP. Kinetic Aspects of the Interaction between Ligand and G Protein-Coupled Receptor: The Case of the Adenosine Receptors. Chem Rev 2016; 117:38-66. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.6b00025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Dong Guo
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry,
Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research (LACDR), Leiden University, P.O. Box 9502, 2300 RA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Laura H. Heitman
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry,
Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research (LACDR), Leiden University, P.O. Box 9502, 2300 RA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Adriaan P. IJzerman
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry,
Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research (LACDR), Leiden University, P.O. Box 9502, 2300 RA Leiden, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Arin RM, Vallejo AI, Rueda Y, Fresnedo O, Ochoa B. Stimulation of gastric acid secretion by rabbit parietal cell A2B adenosine receptor activation. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2015; 309:C823-34. [DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00224.2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2015] [Accepted: 10/08/2015] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Adenosine modulates different functional activities in many cells of the gastrointestinal tract; some of them are believed to be mediated by interaction with its four G protein-coupled receptors. The renewed interest in the adenosine A2B receptor (A2BR) subtype can be traced by studies in which the introduction of new genetic and chemical tools has widened the pharmacological and structural knowledge of this receptor as well as its potential therapeutic use in cancer and inflammation- or hypoxia-related pathologies. In the acid-secreting parietal cells of the gastric mucosa, the use of various radioligands for adenosine receptors suggested the presence of the A2 adenosine receptor subtype(s) on the cell surface. Recently, we confirmed A2BR expression in native, nontransformed parietal cells at rest by using flow cytometry and confocal microscopy. In this study, we show that A2BR is functional in primary rabbit gastric parietal cells, as indicated by the fact that agonist binding to A2BR increased adenylate cyclase activity and acid production. In addition, both acid production and radioligand binding of adenosine analogs to isolated cell membranes were potently blocked by selective A2BR antagonists, whereas ligands for A1, A2A, and A3 adenosine receptors failed to abolish activation. We conclude that rabbit gastric parietal cells possess functional A2BR proteins that are coupled to Gs and stimulate HCl production upon activation. Whether adenosine- and A2BR-mediated functional responses play a role in human gastric pathophysiology is yet to be elucidated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rosa María Arin
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Leioa, Spain
| | - Ana Isabel Vallejo
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Leioa, Spain
| | - Yuri Rueda
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Leioa, Spain
| | - Olatz Fresnedo
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Leioa, Spain
| | - Begoña Ochoa
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Leioa, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Du X, Ou X, Song T, Zhang W, Cong F, Zhang S, Xiong Y. Adenosine A2B receptor stimulates angiogenesis by inducing VEGF and eNOS in human microvascular endothelial cells. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2015; 240:1472-9. [PMID: 25966978 DOI: 10.1177/1535370215584939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2015] [Accepted: 03/31/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Angiogenesis is critical to wound repair due to its role in providing oxygen and nutrients that are required to support the growth and function of reparative cells in damaged tissues. Adenosine receptors are claimed to be of paramount importance in driving wound angiogenesis by inducing VEGF. However, the underlying mechanisms for the regulation of adenosine receptors in VEGF as well as eNOS remain poorly understood. In the present study, we found that adenosine and the non-selective adenosine receptor agonists (NECA) induced tube formation in HMEC-1 in a dose-dependent manner. Adenosine or NECA (10 µmol/L) significantly augmented the number and length of the segments in comparison with the control. Simultaneously, VEGF and eNOS were significantly upregulated following the administration of 10 µmol/L NECA, while they were suppressed after A2B AR genetic silencing and pharmacological inhibition by MRS1754. In addition, VEGF expression and eNOS bioavailability elimination significantly reduced the formation of capillary-like structures. Furthermore, the activation of A2B AR by NECA significantly increased the intracellular cAMP levels and concomitant CREB phosphorylation, eventually leading to the production of VEGF in HMEC-1. However, the activated PKA-CREB pathway seemed to be invalidated in the induction of eNOS. Moreover, we found that the elicited PI3K/AKT signaling in response to the induction of NECA assisted in regulating eNOS but failed to impact on VEGF generation. In conclusion, the A2B AR activation-driven angiogenesis via cAMP-PKA-CREB mediated VEGF production and PI3K/AKT-dependent upregulation of eNOS in HMEC-1.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolong Du
- Institute of Endemic Diseases, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Key Laboratory of Trace Elements and Endemic Diseases, National Health and Family Planning Commission, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an Shaanxi 710061, China
| | - Xuehai Ou
- School of Medicine, Xi'an Jiao Tong University, Xi'an Shaanxi 710061, China
| | - Tao Song
- School of Medicine, Xi'an Jiao Tong University, Xi'an Shaanxi 710061, China
| | - Wentao Zhang
- School of Medicine, Xi'an Jiao Tong University, Xi'an Shaanxi 710061, China
| | - Fei Cong
- School of Medicine, Xi'an Jiao Tong University, Xi'an Shaanxi 710061, China
| | - Shihui Zhang
- School of Medicine, Xi'an Jiao Tong University, Xi'an Shaanxi 710061, China
| | - Yongmin Xiong
- Institute of Endemic Diseases, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Key Laboratory of Trace Elements and Endemic Diseases, National Health and Family Planning Commission, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an Shaanxi 710061, China
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Shi Y, Wang Z, Cheng Y, Lan J, She Z, You J. Oxygen as an oxidant in palladium/copper-cocatalyzed oxidative C-H/C-H cross-coupling between two heteroarenes. Sci China Chem 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/s11426-015-5386-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
|
19
|
Trincavelli ML, Daniele S, Giacomelli C, Taliani S, Da Settimo F, Cosimelli B, Greco G, Novellino E, Martini C. Osteoblast differentiation and survival: A role for A2B adenosine receptor allosteric modulators. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2014; 1843:2957-66. [PMID: 25241343 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2014.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2014] [Revised: 08/08/2014] [Accepted: 09/11/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
The A2B adenosine receptor (A2B AR), activated in response to high levels of endogenous adenosine, is the major AR subtype involved in mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) differentiation to osteoblasts and bone formation. For this reason, targeting of A2B AR with selective allosteric modulators may represent a promising pharmacological approach to the treatment of bone diseases. Herein, we report the characterization of a 3-keto-indole derivative, 2-(1-benzyl-1H-indol-3-yl)-2-oxo-N-phenylacetamide (KI-7), as A2B AR positive allosteric modulator in MSCs, demonstrating that this compound is able to potentiate the effects of either adenosine and synthetic orthosteric A2B AR agonists in mediating osteoblast differentiation in vitro. In detail, we observed that MSC treatment with KI-7 determined an increase in the expression of osteoblast-related genes (Runx2 and osterix) and osteoblast marker proteins (phosphatase alkaline and osteocalcin), associated with a stimulation of osteoblast mineralization. In the early phase of differentiation programme, KI-7 significantly potentiated physiological and A2B AR agonist-mediated down-regulation of IL-6 release. Conversely, during the late stage of differentiation, when most of the cells have an osteoblast phenotype, KI-7 caused a sustained raise in IL-6 levels and an improvement in osteoblast viability. These data suggest that a positive allosteric modulation of A2B AR not only favours MSC commitment to osteoblasts, but also ensures a greater survival of mature osteoblasts. Our study paves the way for a therapeutic use of selective positive allosteric modulators of A2B AR in the control of osteoblast differentiation, bone formation and fracture repair.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Simona Daniele
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Sabrina Taliani
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Barbara Cosimelli
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Giovanni Greco
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Ettore Novellino
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Claudia Martini
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Antonioli L, Csóka B, Fornai M, Colucci R, Kókai E, Blandizzi C, Haskó G. Adenosine and inflammation: what's new on the horizon? Drug Discov Today 2014; 19:1051-68. [DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2014.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2013] [Revised: 02/06/2014] [Accepted: 02/25/2014] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
|
21
|
Cortés A, Gracia E, Moreno E, Mallol J, Lluís C, Canela EI, Casadó V. Moonlighting Adenosine Deaminase: A Target Protein for Drug Development. Med Res Rev 2014; 35:85-125. [DOI: 10.1002/med.21324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Antoni Cortés
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED); Institute of Biomedicine of the University of Barcelona (IBUB); Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology; Faculty of Biology; University of Barcelona; Barcelona Spain
| | - Eduard Gracia
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED); Institute of Biomedicine of the University of Barcelona (IBUB); Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology; Faculty of Biology; University of Barcelona; Barcelona Spain
| | - Estefania Moreno
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED); Institute of Biomedicine of the University of Barcelona (IBUB); Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology; Faculty of Biology; University of Barcelona; Barcelona Spain
| | - Josefa Mallol
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED); Institute of Biomedicine of the University of Barcelona (IBUB); Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology; Faculty of Biology; University of Barcelona; Barcelona Spain
| | - Carme Lluís
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED); Institute of Biomedicine of the University of Barcelona (IBUB); Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology; Faculty of Biology; University of Barcelona; Barcelona Spain
| | - Enric I. Canela
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED); Institute of Biomedicine of the University of Barcelona (IBUB); Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology; Faculty of Biology; University of Barcelona; Barcelona Spain
| | - Vicent Casadó
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED); Institute of Biomedicine of the University of Barcelona (IBUB); Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology; Faculty of Biology; University of Barcelona; Barcelona Spain
| |
Collapse
|