1
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You M, Xie Z, Zhang N, Zhang Y, Xiao D, Liu S, Zhuang W, Li L, Tao Y. Signaling pathways in cancer metabolism: mechanisms and therapeutic targets. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:196. [PMID: 37164974 PMCID: PMC10172373 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01442-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Revised: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023] Open
Abstract
A wide spectrum of metabolites (mainly, the three major nutrients and their derivatives) can be sensed by specific sensors, then trigger a series of signal transduction pathways and affect the expression levels of genes in epigenetics, which is called metabolite sensing. Life body regulates metabolism, immunity, and inflammation by metabolite sensing, coordinating the pathophysiology of the host to achieve balance with the external environment. Metabolic reprogramming in cancers cause different phenotypic characteristics of cancer cell from normal cell, including cell proliferation, migration, invasion, angiogenesis, etc. Metabolic disorders in cancer cells further create a microenvironment including many kinds of oncometabolites that are conducive to the growth of cancer, thus forming a vicious circle. At the same time, exogenous metabolites can also affect the biological behavior of tumors. Here, we discuss the metabolite sensing mechanisms of the three major nutrients and their derivatives, as well as their abnormalities in the development of various cancers, and discuss the potential therapeutic targets based on metabolite-sensing signaling pathways to prevent the progression of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengshu You
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, 410078, Changsha, Hunan, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis (Central South University), Cancer Research Institute and School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, 410078, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Department of Pathology, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 410078, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Zhuolin Xie
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, 410078, Changsha, Hunan, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis (Central South University), Cancer Research Institute and School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, 410078, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Department of Pathology, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 410078, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Nan Zhang
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, 410078, Changsha, Hunan, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis (Central South University), Cancer Research Institute and School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, 410078, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Department of Pathology, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 410078, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yixuan Zhang
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, 410078, Changsha, Hunan, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis (Central South University), Cancer Research Institute and School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, 410078, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Department of Pathology, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 410078, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Desheng Xiao
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 410008, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Shuang Liu
- Department of Oncology, Institute of Medical Sciences, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 410008, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Wei Zhuang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 410008, Changsha, Hunan, People's Republic of China.
| | - Lili Li
- Cancer Epigenetics Laboratory, Department of Clinical Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology, Sir YK Pao Centre for Cancer and Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Ma Liu Shui, Hong Kong.
| | - Yongguang Tao
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, 410078, Changsha, Hunan, China.
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis (Central South University), Cancer Research Institute and School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, 410078, Changsha, Hunan, China.
- Department of Pathology, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 410078, Changsha, Hunan, China.
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Hunan Key Laboratory of Early Diagnosis and Precision Therapy in Lung Cancer, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 410011, Changsha, China.
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2
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He S, Lim GE. The Application of High-Throughput Approaches in Identifying Novel Therapeutic Targets and Agents to Treat Diabetes. Adv Biol (Weinh) 2023; 7:e2200151. [PMID: 36398493 DOI: 10.1002/adbi.202200151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
During the past decades, unprecedented progress in technologies has revolutionized traditional research methodologies. Among these, advances in high-throughput drug screening approaches have permitted the rapid identification of potential therapeutic agents from drug libraries that contain thousands or millions of molecules. Moreover, high-throughput-based therapeutic target discovery strategies can comprehensively interrogate relationships between biomolecules (e.g., gene, RNA, and protein) and diseases and significantly increase the authors' knowledge of disease mechanisms. Diabetes is a chronic disease primarily characterized by the incapacity of the body to maintain normoglycemia. The prevalence of diabetes in modern society has become a severe public health issue that threatens the well-being of millions of patients. Although a number of pharmacological treatments are available, there is no permanent cure for diabetes, and discovering novel therapeutic targets and agents continues to be an urgent need. The present review discusses the technical details of high-throughput screening approaches in drug discovery, followed by introducing the applications of such approaches to diabetes research. This review aims to provide an example of the applicability of high-throughput technologies in facilitating different aspects of disease research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyi He
- Department of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Pavillon Roger-Gaudry, 2900 Edouard Montpetit Blvd, Montreal, Québec, H3T 1J4, Canada.,Cardiometabolic Axis, Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), 900 rue St Denis, Montreal, Québec, H2X 0A9, Canada
| | - Gareth E Lim
- Department of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Pavillon Roger-Gaudry, 2900 Edouard Montpetit Blvd, Montreal, Québec, H3T 1J4, Canada.,Cardiometabolic Axis, Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), 900 rue St Denis, Montreal, Québec, H2X 0A9, Canada
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3
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Wang X, Li X, Wei S, Wang M, Xu Y, Hu W, Gao Z, Liu R, Wang S, Ji G. Discovery of Novel and Selective G-Protein Coupled Receptor 120 (GPR120) Agonists for the Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27249018. [PMID: 36558150 PMCID: PMC9781217 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27249018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2022] [Revised: 12/11/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Diabetes mellitus (DM), a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by high blood glucose, not only poses a serious threat to human life and health, but also places an economic burden on society. Currently available antidiabetic pharmacological agents have some adverse effects, which have stimulated researchers to explore novel antidiabetic agents with different mechanisms of action. G-protein Coupled Receptor 120 (GPR120), also known as free fatty acid receptor 4 (FFAR4), which is activated by medium-chain and long-chain fatty acids, has emerged as an interesting potential target for the treatment of metabolic disorders. Herein, we designed and synthesized a series of novel GPR120 agonists based on the structure of TUG-891, which is susceptible to β-oxidation and loses its GPR120 agonistic activity in vivo. Among the designed compounds, 14d showed excellent agonistic activity and selectivity and could improve glucose tolerance in normal mice in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, the compound 14d displayed good antidiabetic effects in diet-induced obese (DIO) mice and elevated insulin levels. Molecular simulations illustrated that compound 14d could enter the active site of GPR120 and interact with ARG99, which plays an important role in GPR120 activation. Based on these observations, compound 14d may be a promising lead compound deserving of further biological evaluation and structural modifications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuekun Wang
- Correspondence: (X.W.); (S.W.); (G.J.); Tel.: +86-0635-823-9087 (X.W.)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Shiben Wang
- Correspondence: (X.W.); (S.W.); (G.J.); Tel.: +86-0635-823-9087 (X.W.)
| | - Guoxia Ji
- Correspondence: (X.W.); (S.W.); (G.J.); Tel.: +86-0635-823-9087 (X.W.)
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4
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Xu F, Wang J, Wang P, Hou T, Zhou H, Zhao Y, Wang J, Liu Y, Liang X. Ursodesoxycholic acid is an FFA4 agonist and reduces hepatic steatosis via FFA4 signaling. Eur J Pharmacol 2022; 917:174760. [PMID: 35033554 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2022.174760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Revised: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) is a safe bile acid effective in reducing hepatic steatosis in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). However, the mechanism of action linked to this effect is poorly defined. In the present study, we identified that UDCA acted as a free fatty acid receptor 4 (FFA4) agonist with EC50 of 10.4 ± 0.7 μM, and its activity was determined by dynamic mass redistribution, fluorometric imaging plate reader, inositol monophosphate and bioluminescence resonance energy transfer assays. Moreover, UDCA showed FFA4 selectivity over eleven other G protein-coupled receptors. Real-Time PCR and immunocytochemistry analyses showed that FFA4 was abundantly expressed in human hepatocytes HuH-7 cells. In an in vitro model of NAFLD induced by oleic acid (OA), UDCA downregulated lipid accumulation in HuH-7 cells and suppressed sterol-regulatory element binding protein-1c (SREBP-1c) mRNA expression. This suppression of SREBP-1c was restored when FFA4 expression was knocked down in siRNA assay. In a mouse model of hepatic steatosis, db/db mice were exposed to a high-fat diet (HFD), and treatment of UDCA or docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, an endogenous FFA4 agonist) effectively prevented body weight gain and hepatic fat deposition and reduced triglyceride (TG) levels in serum and liver. This study not only identified a new skeleton of FFA4 agonists, but also demonstrated that FFA4 signal was accounting for the protective effects of UDCA in the NAFLD treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangfang Xu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, 116023, China; Ganjiang Chinese Medicine Innovation Center, Nanchang, 330000, China
| | - Jun Wang
- Ganjiang Chinese Medicine Innovation Center, Nanchang, 330000, China
| | - Pan Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, 116023, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Tao Hou
- CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, 116023, China
| | - Han Zhou
- CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, 116023, China
| | - Yaopeng Zhao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, 116023, China
| | - Jixia Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, 116023, China; Ganjiang Chinese Medicine Innovation Center, Nanchang, 330000, China.
| | - Yanfang Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, 116023, China; Ganjiang Chinese Medicine Innovation Center, Nanchang, 330000, China.
| | - Xinmiao Liang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, 116023, China; Ganjiang Chinese Medicine Innovation Center, Nanchang, 330000, China.
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5
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Pal A, Curtin JF, Kinsella GK. Structure based prediction of a novel GPR120 antagonist based on pharmacophore screening and molecular dynamics simulations. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2021; 19:6050-6063. [PMID: 34849208 PMCID: PMC8605389 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2021.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Revised: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Hypothesis of the important residues in conserving the GPR120S “ionic-lock”. Computational model targeting W277 and N313 for virtual screening of GPR120S ligands. Cpd 9 emerged as a potential GPR120S antagonist and anti-cancer treatment.
The G-protein coupled receptor, GPR120, has ubiquitous expression and multifaceted roles in modulating metabolic and anti-inflammatory processes. Recent implications of its role in cancer progression have presented GPR120 as an attractive oncogenic drug target. GPR120 gene knockdown in breast cancer studies revealed a role of GPR120-induced chemoresistance in epirubicin and cisplatin-induced DNA damage in tumour cells. Higher expression and activation levels of GPR120 is also reported to promote tumour angiogenesis and cell migration in colorectal cancer. Some agonists targeting GPR120 have been reported, such as TUG891 and Compound39, but to date development of small-molecule inhibitors of GPR120 is limited. Herein, following homology modelling of the receptor a pharmacophore hypothesis was derived from 300 ns all-atomic molecular dynamics (MD) simulations on apo, TUG891-bound and Compound39-bound GPR120S (short isoform) receptor models embedded in a water solvated lipid bilayer system. We performed comparative MD analysis on protein–ligand interactions between the two agonist and apo simulations on the stability of the “ionic lock” – a Class A GPCRs characteristic of receptor activation and inactivation. The detailed analysis predicted that ligand interactions with W277 and N313 are critical to conserve the “ionic-lock” conformation (R136 of Helix 3) and prevent GPR120S receptor activation. The results led to generation of a W277 and N313 focused pharmacophore hypothesis and the screening of the ZINC15 database using ZINCPharmer through the structure-based pharmacophore. 100 ns all-atomic molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were performed on 9 small molecules identified and Cpd 9, (2-hydroxy-N-{4-[(6-hydroxy-2-methylpyrimidin-4-yl) amino] phenyl} benzamide) was predicted to be a small-molecule GPR120S antagonist. The conformational results from the collective all-atomic MD analysis provided structural information for further identification and optimisation of novel druggable inhibitors of GPR120S using this rational design approach, which could have future potential for anti-cancer drug development studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ajay Pal
- School of Food Science and Environmental Health, College of Sciences and Health, Technological University Dublin, Dublin D07 ADY7, Ireland.,Environmental Sustainability and Health Institute (ESHI), Grangegorman, Technological University Dublin, Dublin D07 H6K8, Ireland
| | - James F Curtin
- School of Food Science and Environmental Health, College of Sciences and Health, Technological University Dublin, Dublin D07 ADY7, Ireland
| | - Gemma K Kinsella
- School of Food Science and Environmental Health, College of Sciences and Health, Technological University Dublin, Dublin D07 ADY7, Ireland
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6
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Carullo G, Mazzotta S, Vega-Holm M, Iglesias-Guerra F, Vega-Pérez JM, Aiello F, Brizzi A. GPR120/FFAR4 Pharmacology: Focus on Agonists in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Drug Discovery. J Med Chem 2021; 64:4312-4332. [PMID: 33843223 PMCID: PMC8154576 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c01002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
![]()
The G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs)
activated by free fatty
acids (FFAs) have emerged as new and exciting drug targets, due to
their plausible translation from pharmacology to medicines. This perspective
aims to report recent research about GPR120/FFAR4 and its involvement
in several diseases, including cancer, inflammatory conditions, and
central nervous system disorders. The focus is to highlight the importance
of GPR120 in Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). GPR120 agonists, useful
in T2DM drug discovery, have been widely explored from a structure–activity
relationship point of view. Since the identification of the first
reported synthetic agonist TUG-891, the research has paved the way
for the development of TUG-based molecules as well as new and different
chemical entities. These molecules might represent the starting point
for the future discovery of GPR120 agonists as antidiabetic drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriele Carullo
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry, and Pharmacy, DoE 2018-2022, University of Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Sarah Mazzotta
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Milan, Via Luigi Mangiagalli 25, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Margarita Vega-Holm
- Department of Organic and Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Seville, Profesor García González 2, 41012 Seville, Spain
| | - Fernando Iglesias-Guerra
- Department of Organic and Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Seville, Profesor García González 2, 41012 Seville, Spain
| | - José Manuel Vega-Pérez
- Department of Organic and Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Seville, Profesor García González 2, 41012 Seville, Spain
| | - Francesca Aiello
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, DoE 2018-2022, University of Calabria, Edificio Polifunzionale, 87036 Rende, Cosenza, Italy
| | - Antonella Brizzi
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry, and Pharmacy, DoE 2018-2022, University of Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy
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7
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Grundmann M, Bender E, Schamberger J, Eitner F. Pharmacology of Free Fatty Acid Receptors and Their Allosteric Modulators. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22041763. [PMID: 33578942 PMCID: PMC7916689 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22041763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Revised: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 02/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The physiological function of free fatty acids (FFAs) has long been regarded as indirect in terms of their activities as educts and products in metabolic pathways. The observation that FFAs can also act as signaling molecules at FFA receptors (FFARs), a family of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), has changed the understanding of the interplay of metabolites and host responses. Free fatty acids of different chain lengths and saturation statuses activate FFARs as endogenous agonists via binding at the orthosteric receptor site. After FFAR deorphanization, researchers from the pharmaceutical industry as well as academia have identified several ligands targeting allosteric sites of FFARs with the aim of developing drugs to treat various diseases such as metabolic, (auto)inflammatory, infectious, endocrinological, cardiovascular, and renal disorders. GPCRs are the largest group of transmembrane proteins and constitute the most successful drug targets in medical history. To leverage the rich biology of this target class, the drug industry seeks alternative approaches to address GPCR signaling. Allosteric GPCR ligands are recognized as attractive modalities because of their auspicious pharmacological profiles compared to orthosteric ligands. While the majority of marketed GPCR drugs interact exclusively with the orthosteric binding site, allosteric mechanisms in GPCR biology stay medically underexploited, with only several allosteric ligands currently approved. This review summarizes the current knowledge on the biology of FFAR1 (GPR40), FFAR2 (GPR43), FFAR3 (GPR41), FFAR4 (GPR120), and GPR84, including structural aspects of FFAR1, and discusses the molecular pharmacology of FFAR allosteric ligands as well as the opportunities and challenges in research from the perspective of drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Grundmann
- Research and Early Development, Bayer Pharmaceuticals, Bayer AG, 42096 Wuppertal, Germany;
- Correspondence:
| | - Eckhard Bender
- Drug Discovery Sciences, Bayer Pharmaceuticals, Bayer AG, 42096 Wuppertal, Germany; (E.B.); (J.S.)
| | - Jens Schamberger
- Drug Discovery Sciences, Bayer Pharmaceuticals, Bayer AG, 42096 Wuppertal, Germany; (E.B.); (J.S.)
| | - Frank Eitner
- Research and Early Development, Bayer Pharmaceuticals, Bayer AG, 42096 Wuppertal, Germany;
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8
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Synthesis and evaluation of 3-(4-(phenoxymethyl)phenyl)propanoic acid and N-phenylbenzenesulfonamide derivatives as FFA4 agonists. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2020; 30:127650. [PMID: 33127539 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2020.127650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2020] [Revised: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 10/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Free fatty acid receptor 4 (FFA4) has been recognized as an attractive target in metabolic diseases. To find potent and selective FFA4 agonist, 28 compounds of 3-(4-(phenoxymethyl)phenyl)propanoic acid and N-phenylbenzenesulfonamide derivatives were designed and synthesized, featuring OC and SO2-N linkage. For the OC linkage compounds, 1g showed the most potent FFA4 agonistic activity with a pEC50 of 5.81 ± 0.04 and exhibited at least 64-fold selectivity against FFA1. For SO2-N linkage agonists, 2m had a pEC50 of 5.66 ± 0.04 and displayed>46-fold selectivity against FFA1. Among these two series of compounds, 1g was the most potent agonist at FFA4 and the best selectivity against FFA1, demonstrated by docking simulation. Moreover, 1g showed receptor selectivity on other seven GPCRs. In anti-diabetic evaluation, 1g dose-dependently reduced blood glucose, which was better than a clinical phase III drug TAK875. This study provides guidance for FFA4 ligand design and drug optimization.
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9
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Xu F, Wang P, Zhang X, Hou T, Qu L, Wang C, Wang J, Liu Y, Liang X. Identification and target-pathway deconvolution of FFA4 agonists with anti-diabetic activity from Arnebia euchroma (Royle) Johnst. Pharmacol Res 2020; 163:105173. [PMID: 33027715 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2020.105173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2020] [Revised: 08/01/2020] [Accepted: 08/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
FFA4 is a novel therapeutic target for the treatment of metabolic diseases, such as type II diabetes. However, there are still few ligands with structural diversity, selectivity and high potency, and the signaling pathway downstream of FFA4 remains to be poorly characterized. In this study, a high performance liquid chromatography-corona charged aerosol detector (HPLC-CAD) combined with label-free dynamic mass redistribution (DMR) method was introduced to guide the discovery of FFA4 agonists from Arnebia euchroma (Royle) Johnst. Ten compounds were identified as FFA4 agonists and structure-activity relationship was obtained. Among them, shikonin displayed the most potent activity with pEC50 value of 6.02 ± 0.19. The activity of shikonin was confirmed by FLIPR (fluorometric imaging plate reader) assay. Signaling pathways of FFA4 were explored in HT-29 cells endogenously expressing FFA4 using shikonin and known FFA4 agonists α-linolenic acid (ALA) and TUG891. Multiple pathways included Gq/11-PLC-Ca2+-PKC, RohA, JNK, p38 MAPK, Gi/o and PI3K signaling but may not involve Gs signaling triggered by shikonin, ALA and TUG891. Besides, shikonin, TUG891 and ALA could induce ERK1/2 and AKT phosphorylation in HT-29 cells. Moreover, anti-diabetes effects of shikonin were evaluated on the glucose intolerance in diabetic db/db mice. Shikonin reduced plasma glucose level, suggesting that it had the potential in treatment of type II diabetes. The agonists identified in this study provided structure guidance for FFA4 drug design. This study was also useful for understanding FFA4 pharmacology and its biological function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangfang Xu
- Key Lab of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, 116023, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Pan Wang
- Key Lab of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, 116023, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Xiuli Zhang
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215006, China
| | - Tao Hou
- Key Lab of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, 116023, China
| | - Lala Qu
- Key Lab of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, 116023, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Chaoran Wang
- Key Lab of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, 116023, China
| | - Jixia Wang
- Key Lab of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, 116023, China.
| | - Yanfang Liu
- Key Lab of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, 116023, China.
| | - Xinmiao Liang
- Key Lab of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, 116023, China.
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10
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Zhang X, Macielag MJ. GPR120 agonists for the treatment of diabetes: a patent review (2014 present). Expert Opin Ther Pat 2020; 30:729-742. [PMID: 32799609 DOI: 10.1080/13543776.2020.1811852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION G protein-coupled receptor 120 (GPR120) is a Gαq coupled GPCR specifically activated by long-chain fatty acids (LCFAs). Functionally, it has been identified as a member of a family of lipid-binding free fatty acid receptors including GPR40, GPR41, and GPR43. Upon stimulation by LCFAs, GPR120 can directly or indirectly modulate hormone secretion from the gastrointestinal tract and pancreas, and regulate lipid and/or glucose metabolism in adipose, liver, and muscle tissues. Additionally, GPR120 is postulated to mediate anti-inflammatory and insulin-sensitizing effects in adipose and macrophages. These benefits suggest that GPR120 agonists have the potential to be an effective treatment for obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and other metabolic syndromes. AREA COVERED This article highlights and reviews research advances in this field that have been published in patent literature and peer-reviewed journals since 2014. EXPERT OPINION Current development has been hindered by species differences in GPR120 distribution, differences in GPR120-mediated signaling in distinct tissue types, and lack of available ligands with suitable selectivity for GPR120 over GPR40 in both human and rodents. The discovery of β-arrestin biased GPR120 agonists will help elucidate the potential of selective therapeutics that may discriminate between desirable and undesirable pharmacological effects. ABBREVIATIONS ALA: α-linolenic acid; AUC: area under the curve; BRET: bioluminescence resonance energy transfer; CCK: cholecystokinin; CHO-K1 cell: Chinese hamster ovary-K1 cell; db/db mouse: diabetic mouse; DHA: docosahexaenoic acid; DIO: diet-induced obesity; DMSO: dimethyl sulfoxide; DPP-4: dipeptidyl peptidase 4; EPA: eicosapentaenoic acid; FA(s): fatty acid(s); FFA(s): free fatty acid(s); FFAR: free fatty acid receptor; FLIPR: fluorescent imaging plate reader; GIR: glucose infusion rate; GLP-1: glucagon-like peptide 1; GP(C)R: G protein-coupled receptor; GSIS: glucose-stimulated insulin secretion; HEK293 cell: human embryonic kidney 293 cell; HOMA-IR: homeostatic measurement assessment of insulin resistance; IP1: inositol phosphate turnover; IPGTT: intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test; LCFA(s): long-chain fatty acid(s); MEDmax: maximal efficacy; MIN6 cell: mouse insulin-secreting cell; NPY: neuropeptide Y; OGTT: oral glucose tolerance test; pERK: phosphorylated ERK; PPAR: peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor; QD: once daily; SAR: structure-activity relationship; siRNA: small interfering ribonucleic acid; STC-1: intestinal secretin tumor cell; T2DM: type 2 diabetes mellitus; U2OS cell: human bone osteosarcoma epithelial cell; uHTS: ultrahigh-throughput screening; ZDF: zucker diabetic fatty.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuqing Zhang
- Discovery Chemistry, Janssen Research and Development , Spring House, PA, USA
| | - Mark J Macielag
- Discovery Chemistry, Janssen Research and Development , Spring House, PA, USA
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11
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Abstract
:
The benzofuranyl motif present in compounds exhibits various medicinal properties and
non-drug applications. These derivatives are naturally occurring compounds or synthetic materials,
which cover a broad spectrum of pharmacological activities like anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, anti-
depressant, anti-HIV, anti-microbial, anti-proliferative, anti-convulsant, cytotoxic, analgesic, etc.
Few of the commercially interesting compounds from this class are, ailanthoidol (anti-inflammatory),
amiodarone, dronedarone, celivarone (anti-arrhythmic), bufuralol (muscular airways relaxant), morphine,
5-(2-aminopropyl)benzofuran; 5-APB, 6-(2-aminopropyl)benzofuran; 6-APB (CNS), rifampicin
(antibiotic), etc., whereas, some of the non-drug applications are in perfumery industry (bergapten)
and as tannin activators in sunscreen preparations (psoralen, 8-methoxypsoralen, and angelicin).
Considering these interesting biological activities and commercial utilities, a review on the synthetic
aspects of this privileged scaffold was attempted. For the benefit of natural product-based drug discovery,
available sources of these derivatives, extraction process and reported biological activities
have also been outlined in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andiappan Lavanya
- Department of Training and Development, Orchid Pharma Ltd., 138-149, SIDCO Industrial Estate, Alathur, Chennai- 603 110, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Kilambi Narasimhan
- Department of Training and Development, Orchid Pharma Ltd., 138-149, SIDCO Industrial Estate, Alathur, Chennai- 603 110, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Vediappen Padmini
- Department of Organic Chemistry, School of Chemistry, Madurai Kamaraj University, Madurai 625021, Tamil Nadu, India
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12
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Abstract
Introduction: Benzofuran is a fundamental unit in numerous bioactive heterocycles. They have attracted chemists and medical researchers due to their broad range of biological activity, where some of them possess unique anticancer, antitubercular, antidiabetic, anti-Alzheimer and anti-inflammatory properties. The benzofuran nucleus is present in a huge number of bioactive natural and synthetic compounds. Benzofuran derivatives have potent applications in pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and polymers. The recent developments considering the biological activities of benzofuran compounds are reported. They have a vital role as pronounced inhibitors against a number of diseases, viruses, fungus, microbes, and enzymes. Areas covered: This review covers the recent developments of biological activities of benzofurans during the period 2014-2019. The covered areas here comprised antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, antitubercular, antidiabetic, anti-Alzheimer, antioxidant, antiviral, vasorelaxant, anti-osteoporotic and enzyme inhibitory activities. Expert opinion: In addition to the already commercialized 34 benzofurans-based drugs in the market, this chapter outlines several potent benzofuran derivatives that may be useful as potential pro-drugs. It is also focused on providing details of SAR and the effect of certain functional groups on the activity of the benzofuran compounds. The presence of -OH, -OMe, sulfonamide, or halogen contributed greatly to increasing the therapeutic activities comparing with reference drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamal M Dawood
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Cairo University , Giza , Egypt
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13
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Im DS. FFA4 (GPR120) as a fatty acid sensor involved in appetite control, insulin sensitivity and inflammation regulation. Mol Aspects Med 2017; 64:92-108. [PMID: 28887275 DOI: 10.1016/j.mam.2017.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2017] [Revised: 09/03/2017] [Accepted: 09/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Unsaturated long-chain fatty acids have been suggested to be beneficial in the context of cardiovascular disorders based in epidemiologic studies conducted in Greenland and Mediterranean. DHA and EPA are omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids that are plentiful in fish oil, and oleic acid is an omega-9 monounsaturated fatty acid, rich in olive oil. Dietary intake of these unsaturated long-chain fatty acids have been associated with insulin sensitivity and weight loss, which contrasts with the impairment of insulin sensitivity and weight gain associated with high intakes of saturated long-chain fatty acids. The recent discovery that free fatty acid receptor 4 (FFA4, also known as GPR120) acts as a sensor for unsaturated long-chain fatty acids started to unveil the molecular mechanisms underlying the beneficial functions played by these unsaturated long-chain fatty acids in various physiological processes, which include the secretions of gastrointestinal peptide hormones and glucose homeostasis. In this review, the physiological roles and therapeutic significance of FFA4 in appetite control, insulin sensitization, and inflammation reduction are discussed in relation to obesity and type 2 diabetes from pharmacological viewpoints.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong-Soon Im
- Molecular Inflammation Research Center for Aging Intervention (MRCA), College of Pharmacy, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Republic of Korea.
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14
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Zhang X, Cai C, Sui Z, Macielag M, Wang Y, Yan W, Suckow A, Hua H, Bell A, Haug P, Clapper W, Jenkinson C, Gunnet J, Leonard J, Murray WV. Discovery of an Isothiazole-Based Phenylpropanoic Acid GPR120 Agonist as a Development Candidate for Type 2 Diabetes. ACS Med Chem Lett 2017; 8:947-952. [PMID: 28947942 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.7b00233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2017] [Accepted: 07/27/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
We have discovered a novel series of isothiazole-based phenylpropanoic acids as GPR120 agonists. Extensive structure-activity relationship studies led to the discovery of a potent GPR120 agonist 4x, which displayed good EC50 values in both calcium and β-arrestin assays. It also presented good pharmaceutical properties and a favorable PK profile. Moreover, it demonstrated in vivo antidiabetic activity in C57BL/6 DIO mice. Studies in WT and knockout DIO mice showed that it improved glucose handling during an OGTT via GPR120. Overall, 4x possessed promising antidiabetic effect and good safety profile to be a development candidate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuqing Zhang
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Research, Janssen Research & Development, LLC, Welsh & McKean Roads, Box 776, Spring House, Pennsylvania 19477, United States
| | - Chaozhong Cai
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Research, Janssen Research & Development, LLC, Welsh & McKean Roads, Box 776, Spring House, Pennsylvania 19477, United States
| | - Zhihua Sui
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Research, Janssen Research & Development, LLC, Welsh & McKean Roads, Box 776, Spring House, Pennsylvania 19477, United States
| | - Mark Macielag
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Research, Janssen Research & Development, LLC, Welsh & McKean Roads, Box 776, Spring House, Pennsylvania 19477, United States
| | - Yuanping Wang
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Research, Janssen Research & Development, LLC, Welsh & McKean Roads, Box 776, Spring House, Pennsylvania 19477, United States
| | - Wen Yan
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Research, Janssen Research & Development, LLC, Welsh & McKean Roads, Box 776, Spring House, Pennsylvania 19477, United States
| | - Arthur Suckow
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Research, Janssen Research & Development, LLC, Welsh & McKean Roads, Box 776, Spring House, Pennsylvania 19477, United States
| | - Hong Hua
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Research, Janssen Research & Development, LLC, Welsh & McKean Roads, Box 776, Spring House, Pennsylvania 19477, United States
| | - Austin Bell
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Research, Janssen Research & Development, LLC, Welsh & McKean Roads, Box 776, Spring House, Pennsylvania 19477, United States
| | - Peter Haug
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Research, Janssen Research & Development, LLC, Welsh & McKean Roads, Box 776, Spring House, Pennsylvania 19477, United States
| | - Wilma Clapper
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Research, Janssen Research & Development, LLC, Welsh & McKean Roads, Box 776, Spring House, Pennsylvania 19477, United States
| | - Celia Jenkinson
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Research, Janssen Research & Development, LLC, Welsh & McKean Roads, Box 776, Spring House, Pennsylvania 19477, United States
| | - Joseph Gunnet
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Research, Janssen Research & Development, LLC, Welsh & McKean Roads, Box 776, Spring House, Pennsylvania 19477, United States
| | - James Leonard
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Research, Janssen Research & Development, LLC, Welsh & McKean Roads, Box 776, Spring House, Pennsylvania 19477, United States
| | - William V. Murray
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Research, Janssen Research & Development, LLC, Welsh & McKean Roads, Box 776, Spring House, Pennsylvania 19477, United States
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15
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Design, synthesis and SAR of a novel series of heterocyclic phenylpropanoic acids as GPR120 agonists. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2017. [PMID: 28642104 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2017.06.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
A novel series of 5-membered heterocycle-containing phenylpropanoic acid derivatives was discovered as potent GPR120 agonists with low clearance, high oral bioavailability and in vivo antidiabetic activity in rodents.
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16
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McCoull W, Bailey A, Barton P, Birch AM, Brown AJH, Butler HS, Boyd S, Butlin RJ, Chappell B, Clarkson P, Collins S, Davies RMD, Ertan A, Hammond CD, Holmes JL, Lenaghan C, Midha A, Morentin-Gutierrez P, Moore JE, Raubo P, Robb G. Indazole-6-phenylcyclopropylcarboxylic Acids as Selective GPR120 Agonists with in Vivo Efficacy. J Med Chem 2017; 60:3187-3197. [PMID: 28374589 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.7b00210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
GPR120 agonists have therapeutic potential for the treatment of diabetes, but few selective agonists have been reported. We identified an indazole-6-phenylcyclopropylcarboxylic acid series of GPR120 agonists and conducted SAR studies to optimize GPR120 potency. Furthermore, we identified a (S,S)-cyclopropylcarboxylic acid structural motif which gave selectivity against GPR40. Good oral exposure was obtained with some compounds displaying unexpected high CNS penetration. Increased MDCK efflux was utilized to identify compounds such as 33 with lower CNS penetration, and activity in oral glucose tolerance studies was demonstrated. Differential activity was observed in GPR120 null and wild-type mice indicating that this effect operates through a mechanism involving GPR120 agonism.
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Affiliation(s)
- William McCoull
- IMED Oncology and Discovery Sciences, AstraZeneca , 310 Cambridge Science Park, Milton Road, Cambridge, CB4 0WG, U.K
| | - Andrew Bailey
- IMED CVMD, AstraZeneca , Mereside, Alderley Park, Macclesfield, SK10 4TG, U.K
| | - Peter Barton
- IMED Oncology and Discovery Sciences, AstraZeneca , 310 Cambridge Science Park, Milton Road, Cambridge, CB4 0WG, U.K
| | - Alan M Birch
- IMED CVMD, AstraZeneca , Mereside, Alderley Park, Macclesfield, SK10 4TG, U.K
| | - Alastair J H Brown
- IMED CVMD, AstraZeneca , Mereside, Alderley Park, Macclesfield, SK10 4TG, U.K
| | - Hayley S Butler
- IMED CVMD, AstraZeneca , Mereside, Alderley Park, Macclesfield, SK10 4TG, U.K
| | - Scott Boyd
- IMED Oncology and Discovery Sciences, AstraZeneca , 310 Cambridge Science Park, Milton Road, Cambridge, CB4 0WG, U.K
| | - Roger J Butlin
- IMED CVMD, AstraZeneca , Mereside, Alderley Park, Macclesfield, SK10 4TG, U.K
| | - Ben Chappell
- IMED CVMD, AstraZeneca , Mereside, Alderley Park, Macclesfield, SK10 4TG, U.K
| | - Paul Clarkson
- IMED Oncology and Discovery Sciences, AstraZeneca , 310 Cambridge Science Park, Milton Road, Cambridge, CB4 0WG, U.K
| | - Shelley Collins
- IMED CVMD, AstraZeneca , Mereside, Alderley Park, Macclesfield, SK10 4TG, U.K
| | - Robert M D Davies
- IMED CVMD, AstraZeneca , Mereside, Alderley Park, Macclesfield, SK10 4TG, U.K
| | - Anne Ertan
- IMED CVMD, AstraZeneca , Mereside, Alderley Park, Macclesfield, SK10 4TG, U.K
| | - Clare D Hammond
- IMED CVMD, AstraZeneca , Mereside, Alderley Park, Macclesfield, SK10 4TG, U.K
| | - Jane L Holmes
- IMED CVMD, AstraZeneca , Mereside, Alderley Park, Macclesfield, SK10 4TG, U.K
| | - Carol Lenaghan
- IMED CVMD, AstraZeneca , Mereside, Alderley Park, Macclesfield, SK10 4TG, U.K
| | - Anita Midha
- IMED CVMD, AstraZeneca , Mereside, Alderley Park, Macclesfield, SK10 4TG, U.K
| | - Pablo Morentin-Gutierrez
- IMED Oncology and Discovery Sciences, AstraZeneca , 310 Cambridge Science Park, Milton Road, Cambridge, CB4 0WG, U.K
| | - Jane E Moore
- IMED CVMD, AstraZeneca , Mereside, Alderley Park, Macclesfield, SK10 4TG, U.K
| | - Piotr Raubo
- IMED Oncology and Discovery Sciences, AstraZeneca , 310 Cambridge Science Park, Milton Road, Cambridge, CB4 0WG, U.K
| | - Graeme Robb
- IMED Oncology and Discovery Sciences, AstraZeneca , 310 Cambridge Science Park, Milton Road, Cambridge, CB4 0WG, U.K
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17
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Sparks SM, Aquino C, Banker P, Collins JL, Cowan D, Diaz C, Dock ST, Hertzog DL, Liang X, Swiger ED, Yuen J, Chen G, Jayawickreme C, Moncol D, Nystrom C, Rash V, Rimele T, Roller S, Ross S. Exploration of phenylpropanoic acids as agonists of the free fatty acid receptor 4 (FFA4): Identification of an orally efficacious FFA4 agonist. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2017; 27:1278-1283. [PMID: 28148462 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2017.01.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2016] [Revised: 01/10/2017] [Accepted: 01/11/2017] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
The long chain free fatty acid receptor 4 (FFA4/GPR120) has recently been recognized as lipid sensor playing important roles in nutrient sensing and inflammation and thus holds potential as a therapeutic target for type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome. To explore the effects of stimulating this receptor in animal models of metabolic disease, we initiated work to identify agonists with appropriate pharmacokinetic properties to support progression into in vivo studies. Extensive SAR studies of a series of phenylpropanoic acids led to the identification of compound 29, a FFA4 agonist which lowers plasma glucose in two preclinical models of type 2 diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven M Sparks
- GlaxoSmithKline, Enteroendocrine Discovery Performance Unit and Platform Technology and Science, 5 Moore Drive, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, United States.
| | - Christopher Aquino
- GlaxoSmithKline, Enteroendocrine Discovery Performance Unit and Platform Technology and Science, 5 Moore Drive, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, United States
| | - Pierette Banker
- GlaxoSmithKline, Enteroendocrine Discovery Performance Unit and Platform Technology and Science, 5 Moore Drive, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, United States
| | - Jon L Collins
- GlaxoSmithKline, Enteroendocrine Discovery Performance Unit and Platform Technology and Science, 5 Moore Drive, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, United States
| | - David Cowan
- GlaxoSmithKline, Enteroendocrine Discovery Performance Unit and Platform Technology and Science, 5 Moore Drive, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, United States
| | - Caroline Diaz
- GlaxoSmithKline, Enteroendocrine Discovery Performance Unit and Platform Technology and Science, 5 Moore Drive, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, United States
| | - Steven T Dock
- GlaxoSmithKline, Enteroendocrine Discovery Performance Unit and Platform Technology and Science, 5 Moore Drive, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, United States
| | - Donald L Hertzog
- GlaxoSmithKline, Enteroendocrine Discovery Performance Unit and Platform Technology and Science, 5 Moore Drive, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, United States
| | - Xi Liang
- GlaxoSmithKline, Enteroendocrine Discovery Performance Unit and Platform Technology and Science, 5 Moore Drive, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, United States
| | - Erin D Swiger
- GlaxoSmithKline, Enteroendocrine Discovery Performance Unit and Platform Technology and Science, 5 Moore Drive, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, United States
| | - Josephine Yuen
- GlaxoSmithKline, Enteroendocrine Discovery Performance Unit and Platform Technology and Science, 5 Moore Drive, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, United States
| | - Grace Chen
- GlaxoSmithKline, Enteroendocrine Discovery Performance Unit and Platform Technology and Science, 5 Moore Drive, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, United States
| | - Channa Jayawickreme
- GlaxoSmithKline, Enteroendocrine Discovery Performance Unit and Platform Technology and Science, 5 Moore Drive, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, United States
| | - David Moncol
- GlaxoSmithKline, Enteroendocrine Discovery Performance Unit and Platform Technology and Science, 5 Moore Drive, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, United States
| | - Christopher Nystrom
- GlaxoSmithKline, Enteroendocrine Discovery Performance Unit and Platform Technology and Science, 5 Moore Drive, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, United States
| | - Vincent Rash
- GlaxoSmithKline, Enteroendocrine Discovery Performance Unit and Platform Technology and Science, 5 Moore Drive, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, United States
| | - Thomas Rimele
- GlaxoSmithKline, Enteroendocrine Discovery Performance Unit and Platform Technology and Science, 5 Moore Drive, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, United States
| | - Shane Roller
- GlaxoSmithKline, Enteroendocrine Discovery Performance Unit and Platform Technology and Science, 5 Moore Drive, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, United States
| | - Sean Ross
- GlaxoSmithKline, Enteroendocrine Discovery Performance Unit and Platform Technology and Science, 5 Moore Drive, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, United States
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18
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Adams GL, Velazquez F, Jayne C, Shah U, Miao S, Ashley ER, Madeira M, Akiyama TE, Di Salvo J, Suzuki T, Wang N, Truong Q, Gilbert E, Zhou D, Verras A, Kirkland M, Pachanski M, Powles M, Yin W, Ujjainwalla F, Venkatraman S, Edmondson SD. Discovery of Chromane Propionic Acid Analogues as Selective Agonists of GPR120 with in Vivo Activity in Rodents. ACS Med Chem Lett 2017; 8:96-101. [PMID: 28105282 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.6b00394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2016] [Accepted: 11/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
GPR120 (FFAR4) is a fatty acid sensing G protein coupled receptor (GPCR) that has been identified as a target for possible treatment of type 2 diabetes. A selective activator of GPR120 containing a chromane scaffold has been designed, synthesized, and evaluated in vivo. Results of these efforts suggest that chromane propionic acid 18 is a suitable tool molecule for further animal studies. Compound 18 is selective over the closely related target GPR40 (FFAR1), has a clean off-target profile, demonstrates suitable pharmacokinetic properties, and has been evaluated in wild-type/knockout GPR120 mouse oGTT studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory L. Adams
- Merck & Co., Inc., West Point, Pennsylvania 19486, United States
| | | | - Charles Jayne
- Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, New Jersey 07033, United States
| | - Unmesh Shah
- Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, New Jersey 07033, United States
| | - Shouwu Miao
- Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, New Jersey 07033, United States
| | - Eric R. Ashley
- Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, New Jersey 07033, United States
| | - Maria Madeira
- Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, New Jersey 07033, United States
| | - Taro E. Akiyama
- Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, New Jersey 07033, United States
| | - Jerry Di Salvo
- Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, New Jersey 07033, United States
| | | | | | - Quang Truong
- Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, New Jersey 07033, United States
| | - Eric Gilbert
- Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, New Jersey 07033, United States
| | - Dan Zhou
- Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, New Jersey 07033, United States
| | - Andreas Verras
- Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, New Jersey 07033, United States
| | | | | | - Maryann Powles
- Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, New Jersey 07033, United States
| | - Wu Yin
- Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, New Jersey 07033, United States
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19
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Cox JM, Chu HD, Chelliah MV, Debenham JS, Eagen K, Lan P, Lombardo M, London C, Plotkin MA, Shah U, Sun Z, Vaccaro HM, Venkatraman S, Suzuki T, Wang N, Ashley ER, Crespo A, Madeira M, Leung DH, Alleyne C, Ogawa AM, Souza S, Thomas-Fowlkes B, Di Salvo J, Weinglass A, Kirkland M, Pachanski M, Powles MA, Tozzo E, Akiyama TE, Ujjainwalla F, Tata JR, Sinz CJ. Design, Synthesis, and Evaluation of Novel and Selective G-protein Coupled Receptor 120 (GPR120) Spirocyclic Agonists. ACS Med Chem Lett 2017; 8:49-54. [PMID: 28105274 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.6b00360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2016] [Accepted: 11/17/2016] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is an ever increasing worldwide epidemic, and the identification of safe and effective insulin sensitizers, absent of weight gain, has been a long-standing goal of diabetes research. G-protein coupled receptor 120 (GPR120) has recently emerged as a potential therapeutic target for treating T2DM. Natural occurring, and more recently, synthetic agonists have been associated with insulin sensitizing, anti-inflammatory, and fat metabolism effects. Herein we describe the design, synthesis, and evaluation of a novel spirocyclic GPR120 agonist series, which culminated in the discovery of potent and selective agonist 14. Furthermore, compound 14 was evaluated in vivo and demonstrated acute glucose lowering in an oral glucose tolerance test (oGTT), as well as improvements in homeostatic measurement assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR; a surrogate marker for insulin sensitization) and an increase in glucose infusion rate (GIR) during a hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp in diet-induced obese (DIO) mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason M. Cox
- Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, New Jersey 07033, United States
- Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, New Jersey 07065, United States
| | - Hong D. Chu
- Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, New Jersey 07033, United States
- Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, New Jersey 07065, United States
| | - Mariappan V. Chelliah
- Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, New Jersey 07033, United States
- Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, New Jersey 07065, United States
| | - John S. Debenham
- Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, New Jersey 07033, United States
- Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, New Jersey 07065, United States
| | - Keith Eagen
- Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, New Jersey 07033, United States
- Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, New Jersey 07065, United States
| | - Ping Lan
- Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, New Jersey 07033, United States
- Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, New Jersey 07065, United States
| | - Matthew Lombardo
- Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, New Jersey 07033, United States
- Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, New Jersey 07065, United States
| | - Clare London
- Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, New Jersey 07033, United States
- Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, New Jersey 07065, United States
| | - Michael A. Plotkin
- Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, New Jersey 07033, United States
- Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, New Jersey 07065, United States
| | - Unmesh Shah
- Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, New Jersey 07033, United States
- Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, New Jersey 07065, United States
| | - Zhongxiang Sun
- Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, New Jersey 07033, United States
- Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, New Jersey 07065, United States
| | - Henry M. Vaccaro
- Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, New Jersey 07033, United States
- Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, New Jersey 07065, United States
| | - Srikanth Venkatraman
- Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, New Jersey 07033, United States
- Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, New Jersey 07065, United States
| | | | | | - Eric R. Ashley
- Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, New Jersey 07033, United States
- Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, New Jersey 07065, United States
| | - Alejandro Crespo
- Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, New Jersey 07033, United States
- Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, New Jersey 07065, United States
| | - Maria Madeira
- Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, New Jersey 07033, United States
- Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, New Jersey 07065, United States
| | - Dennis H. Leung
- Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, New Jersey 07033, United States
- Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, New Jersey 07065, United States
| | - Candice Alleyne
- Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, New Jersey 07033, United States
- Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, New Jersey 07065, United States
| | - Aimie M. Ogawa
- Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, New Jersey 07033, United States
- Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, New Jersey 07065, United States
| | - Sarah Souza
- Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, New Jersey 07033, United States
- Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, New Jersey 07065, United States
| | - Brande Thomas-Fowlkes
- Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, New Jersey 07033, United States
- Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, New Jersey 07065, United States
| | - Jerry Di Salvo
- Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, New Jersey 07033, United States
- Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, New Jersey 07065, United States
| | - Adam Weinglass
- Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, New Jersey 07033, United States
- Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, New Jersey 07065, United States
| | - Melissa Kirkland
- Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, New Jersey 07033, United States
- Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, New Jersey 07065, United States
| | - Michele Pachanski
- Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, New Jersey 07033, United States
- Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, New Jersey 07065, United States
| | - Mary Ann Powles
- Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, New Jersey 07033, United States
- Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, New Jersey 07065, United States
| | - Effie Tozzo
- Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, New Jersey 07033, United States
- Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, New Jersey 07065, United States
| | - Taro E. Akiyama
- Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, New Jersey 07033, United States
- Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, New Jersey 07065, United States
| | - Feroze Ujjainwalla
- Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, New Jersey 07033, United States
- Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, New Jersey 07065, United States
| | - James R. Tata
- Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, New Jersey 07033, United States
- Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, New Jersey 07065, United States
| | - Christopher J. Sinz
- Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, New Jersey 07033, United States
- Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, New Jersey 07065, United States
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