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Canning BJ, Liu Q, Tao M, DeVita R, Perelman M, Hay DW, Dicpinigaitis PV, Liang J. Evidence for Alpha 7 Nicotinic Receptor Activation During the Cough Suppressing Effects Induced by Nicotine and Identification of ATA-101 as a Potential Novel Therapy for the Treatment of Chronic Cough. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2022; 380:94-103. [PMID: 34782407 PMCID: PMC8969114 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.121.000641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Studies performed in healthy smokers have documented a diminished responsiveness to tussive challenges, and several lines of experimental evidence implicate nicotine as an antitussive component in both cigarette smoke and the vapors generated by electronic cigarettes (eCigs). We set out to identify the nicotinic receptor subtype involved in the antitussive actions of nicotine and to further evaluate the potential of nicotinic receptor-selective agonists as cough-suppressing therapeutics. We confirmed an antitussive effect of nicotine in guinea pigs. We additionally observed that the alpha-4 beta-2 (α 4 β 2)-selective agonist Tc-6683 was without effect on evoked cough responses in guinea pigs, while the α 7-selective agonist PHA 543613 dose-dependently inhibited evoked coughing. We subsequently describe the preclinical evidence in support of ATA-101, a potent and highly selective (α 7) selective nicotinic receptor agonist, as a potential candidate for antitussive therapy in humans. ATA-101, formerly known as Tc-5619, was orally bioavailable and moderately central nervous system (CNS) penetrant and dose-dependently inhibited coughing in guinea pigs evoked by citric acid and bradykinin. Comparing the effects of airway targeted administration versus systemic dosing and the effects of repeated dosing at various times prior to tussive challenge, our data suggest that the antitussive actions of ATA-101 require continued engagement of α 7 nicotinic receptors, likely in the CNS. Collectively, the data provide the preclinical rationale for α 7 nicotinic receptor engagement as a novel therapeutic strategy for cough suppression. The data also suggest that α 7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) activation by nicotine may be permissive to nicotine delivery in a way that may promote addiction. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: This study documents the antitussive actions of nicotine and identifies the α7 nicotinic receptor subtype as the target for nicotine during cough suppression described in humans. We additionally present evidence suggesting that ATA-101 and other α7 nicotinic receptor-selective agonists may be promising candidates for the treatment of chronic refractory cough.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brendan J Canning
- The Johns Hopkins Asthma and Allergy Center, Baltimore, Maryland (B.J.C, Q.L.); Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan (M.T.); RJD Medicinal Chemistry Consulting LLC, Westfield, New Jersey (R.D.); Michael Perelman Consulting, Winter Park, Florida (M.P.); Hay Drug Discovery Consulting, Valley Forge, Pennsylvania (D.W.H.); Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, New York (P.V.D.); Apple Helix Bioventures, New York, New York (J.L.)
| | - Qi Liu
- The Johns Hopkins Asthma and Allergy Center, Baltimore, Maryland (B.J.C, Q.L.); Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan (M.T.); RJD Medicinal Chemistry Consulting LLC, Westfield, New Jersey (R.D.); Michael Perelman Consulting, Winter Park, Florida (M.P.); Hay Drug Discovery Consulting, Valley Forge, Pennsylvania (D.W.H.); Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, New York (P.V.D.); Apple Helix Bioventures, New York, New York (J.L.)
| | - Mayuko Tao
- The Johns Hopkins Asthma and Allergy Center, Baltimore, Maryland (B.J.C, Q.L.); Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan (M.T.); RJD Medicinal Chemistry Consulting LLC, Westfield, New Jersey (R.D.); Michael Perelman Consulting, Winter Park, Florida (M.P.); Hay Drug Discovery Consulting, Valley Forge, Pennsylvania (D.W.H.); Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, New York (P.V.D.); Apple Helix Bioventures, New York, New York (J.L.)
| | - Robert DeVita
- The Johns Hopkins Asthma and Allergy Center, Baltimore, Maryland (B.J.C, Q.L.); Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan (M.T.); RJD Medicinal Chemistry Consulting LLC, Westfield, New Jersey (R.D.); Michael Perelman Consulting, Winter Park, Florida (M.P.); Hay Drug Discovery Consulting, Valley Forge, Pennsylvania (D.W.H.); Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, New York (P.V.D.); Apple Helix Bioventures, New York, New York (J.L.)
| | - Michael Perelman
- The Johns Hopkins Asthma and Allergy Center, Baltimore, Maryland (B.J.C, Q.L.); Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan (M.T.); RJD Medicinal Chemistry Consulting LLC, Westfield, New Jersey (R.D.); Michael Perelman Consulting, Winter Park, Florida (M.P.); Hay Drug Discovery Consulting, Valley Forge, Pennsylvania (D.W.H.); Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, New York (P.V.D.); Apple Helix Bioventures, New York, New York (J.L.)
| | - Douglas W Hay
- The Johns Hopkins Asthma and Allergy Center, Baltimore, Maryland (B.J.C, Q.L.); Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan (M.T.); RJD Medicinal Chemistry Consulting LLC, Westfield, New Jersey (R.D.); Michael Perelman Consulting, Winter Park, Florida (M.P.); Hay Drug Discovery Consulting, Valley Forge, Pennsylvania (D.W.H.); Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, New York (P.V.D.); Apple Helix Bioventures, New York, New York (J.L.)
| | - Peter V Dicpinigaitis
- The Johns Hopkins Asthma and Allergy Center, Baltimore, Maryland (B.J.C, Q.L.); Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan (M.T.); RJD Medicinal Chemistry Consulting LLC, Westfield, New Jersey (R.D.); Michael Perelman Consulting, Winter Park, Florida (M.P.); Hay Drug Discovery Consulting, Valley Forge, Pennsylvania (D.W.H.); Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, New York (P.V.D.); Apple Helix Bioventures, New York, New York (J.L.)
| | - Jing Liang
- The Johns Hopkins Asthma and Allergy Center, Baltimore, Maryland (B.J.C, Q.L.); Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan (M.T.); RJD Medicinal Chemistry Consulting LLC, Westfield, New Jersey (R.D.); Michael Perelman Consulting, Winter Park, Florida (M.P.); Hay Drug Discovery Consulting, Valley Forge, Pennsylvania (D.W.H.); Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, New York (P.V.D.); Apple Helix Bioventures, New York, New York (J.L.)
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2
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Jankowska A, Satała G, Partyka A, Wesołowska A, Bojarski AJ, Pawłowski M, Chłoń-Rzepa G. Discovery and Development of Non-Dopaminergic Agents for the Treatment of Schizophrenia: Overview of the Preclinical and Early Clinical Studies. Curr Med Chem 2019; 26:4885-4913. [PMID: 31291870 DOI: 10.2174/0929867326666190710172002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2019] [Revised: 06/11/2019] [Accepted: 06/14/2019] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Schizophrenia is a chronic psychiatric disorder that affects about 1 in 100 people around the world and results in persistent emotional and cognitive impairments. Untreated schizophrenia leads to deterioration in quality of life and premature death. Although the clinical efficacy of dopamine D2 receptor antagonists against positive symptoms of schizophrenia supports the dopamine hypothesis of the disease, the resistance of negative and cognitive symptoms to these drugs implicates other systems in its pathophysiology. Many studies suggest that abnormalities in glutamate homeostasis may contribute to all three groups of schizophrenia symptoms. Scientific considerations also include disorders of gamma-aminobutyric acid-ergic and serotonergic neurotransmissions as well as the role of the immune system. The purpose of this review is to update the most recent reports on the discovery and development of non-dopaminergic agents that may reduce positive, negative, and cognitive symptoms of schizophrenia, and may be alternative to currently used antipsychotics. This review collects the chemical structures of representative compounds targeting metabotropic glutamate receptor, gamma-aminobutyric acid type A receptor, alpha 7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor, glycine transporter type 1 and glycogen synthase kinase 3 as well as results of in vitro and in vivo studies indicating their efficacy in schizophrenia. Results of clinical trials assessing the safety and efficacy of the tested compounds have also been presented. Finally, attention has been paid to multifunctional ligands with serotonin receptor affinity or phosphodiesterase inhibitory activity as novel strategies in the search for dedicated medicines for patients with schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnieszka Jankowska
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 9 Medyczna Street, 30-688 Krakow, Poland
| | - Grzegorz Satała
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 12 Smetna Street, 31-343 Krakow, Poland
| | - Anna Partyka
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 9 Medyczna Street, 30-688 Krakow, Poland
| | - Anna Wesołowska
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 9 Medyczna Street, 30-688 Krakow, Poland
| | - Andrzej J Bojarski
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 12 Smetna Street, 31-343 Krakow, Poland
| | - Maciej Pawłowski
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 9 Medyczna Street, 30-688 Krakow, Poland
| | - Grażyna Chłoń-Rzepa
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 9 Medyczna Street, 30-688 Krakow, Poland
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Li HJ, Sun ZL, Pan YB, Xu MH, Feng DF. Effect of α7nAChR on learning and memory dysfunction in a rat model of diffuse axonal injury. Exp Cell Res 2019; 383:111546. [PMID: 31398352 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2019.111546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2019] [Revised: 08/02/2019] [Accepted: 08/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Diffuse axonal injury (DAI) is the predominant effect of severe traumatic brain injury and significantly contributes to cognitive deficits. The mechanisms that underlie these cognitive deficits are often associated with complex molecular alterations. α7nAChR, one of the abundant and widespread nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) in the brain, plays important physiological functions in the central nervous system. However, the relationship between temporospatial alterations in the α7nAChR and DAI-related learning and memory dysfunction are not completely understood. Our study detected temporospatial alterations of α7nAChR in vulnerable areas (hippocampus, internal capsule, corpus callosum and brain stem) of DAI rats and evaluated the development and progression of learning and memory dysfunction via the Morris water maze (MWM). We determined that α7nAChR expression in vulnerable areas was mainly reduced at the recovery of DAI in rats. Moreover, the escape latency of the injured group increased significantly and the percentages of the distance travelled and time spent in the target quadrant were significantly decreased after DAI. Furthermore, α7nAChR expression in the vulnerable area was significantly positively correlated with MWM performance after DAI according to regression analysis. In addition, we determined that a selective α7nAChR agonist significantly improved learning and memory dysfunction. Rats in the α7nAChR agonist group showed better learning and memory performance than those in the antagonist group. These results demonstrate that microstructural injury-induced alterations of α7nAChR in the vulnerable area are significantly correlated with learning and memory dysfunctions after DAI and that augmentation of the α7nAChR level by its agonist contributes to the improvement of learning and memory function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Jiang Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 201999, China; Institute of Traumatic Medicine, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 201999, China
| | - Zhao-Liang Sun
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 201999, China; Institute of Traumatic Medicine, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 201999, China
| | - Yuan-Bo Pan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 201999, China
| | - Mang-Hua Xu
- Institute of Traumatic Medicine, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 201999, China
| | - Dong-Fu Feng
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 201999, China; Institute of Traumatic Medicine, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 201999, China.
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4
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Schuster RM, Pachas GN, Stoeckel L, Cather C, Nadal M, Mischoulon D, Schoenfeld DA, Zhang H, Ulysse C, Dodds EB, Sobolewski S, Hudziak V, Hanly A, Fava M, Evins AE. Phase IIb Trial of an α7 Nicotinic Receptor Partial Agonist With and Without Nicotine Patch for Withdrawal-Associated Cognitive Deficits and Tobacco Abstinence. J Clin Psychopharmacol 2018; 38:307-316. [PMID: 29912798 PMCID: PMC6019566 DOI: 10.1097/jcp.0000000000000919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE/BACKGROUND The objective of this study was to determine whether a novel α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor partial agonist improves cognition during nicotine withdrawal and improves abstinence rates. To do so, the effect of the α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor partial agonist, encenicline, on cognition and abstinence was evaluated when given as monotherapy and when combined with transdermal nicotine patch (nicotine replacement therapy [NRT]). METHODS Adult daily smokers, n = 160, who were motivated to quit smoking completed cognitive testing at satiated baseline and after overnight abstinence and then were randomized to receive a 12-week trial of encenicline 1 mg twice daily or identical placebo the day of the overnight abstinent cognitive testing. In the first 6 weeks of the 12-week encenicline administration, participants were also randomized to 6 weeks of NRT patch or placebo patch. Primary outcomes were cognition during abstinence and 7-day point-prevalence abstinence at week 12. RESULTS No beneficial effects of encenicline were observed on cognition or abstinence when compared with placebo or when combined with NRT compared with placebo capsule + NRT. Of the 4 conditions, abstinence rates were lowest among those assigned to encenicline alone. CONCLUSIONS Beneficial effects of NRT were observed on cognitive and abstinence outcomes when combined with encenicline compared with encenicline plus placebo patch. Addition of NRT to encenicline improved odds of abstinence approximately 3-fold compared with encenicline plus placebo patch. We conclude that encenicline, 1 mg/d, did not improve abstinence-associated cognitive impairment or abstinence rates as monotherapy or adjunctive therapy to NRT patch.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gladys N Pachas
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital
- Harvard Medical School
| | - Luke Stoeckel
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital
- Harvard Medical School
- Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Metabolic Diseases, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney
Diseases
| | - Corinne Cather
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital
- Harvard Medical School
| | - Mireya Nadal
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital
- Harvard Medical School
| | - David Mischoulon
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital
- Harvard Medical School
| | - David A. Schoenfeld
- Harvard Medical School
- Department of Biostatistics, Massachusetts General Hospital
| | - Haiyue Zhang
- Department of Biostatistics, Massachusetts General Hospital
| | | | | | | | | | - Ailish Hanly
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital
| | - Maurizio Fava
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital
- Harvard Medical School
| | - A. Eden Evins
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital
- Harvard Medical School
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5
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Ahmed T, Zahid S, Mahboob A, Farhat SM. Cholinergic System and Post-translational Modifications: An Insight on the Role in Alzheimer's Disease. Curr Neuropharmacol 2017; 15:480-494. [PMID: 27012953 PMCID: PMC5543671 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x14666160325121145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2015] [Revised: 12/02/2015] [Accepted: 03/03/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of old age dementia. The formation of amyloid plaques (Aβ), neurofibrillary tangles and loss of basal forebrain cholinergic neurons are the hallmark events in the pathology of AD. LITERATURE REVIEW Cholinergic system is one of the most important neurotransmitter system involved in learning and memory which preferentially degenerates in the initial stages of AD. Activation of cholinergic receptors (muscarinic and nicotinic) activates multiple pathways which result in post translational modifications (PTMs) in multiple proteins which bring changes in nervous system. Cholinergic receptors-mediated PTMs "in-part" substantially affect the biosynthesis, proteolysis, degradation and expression of many proteins and in particular, amyloid precursor protein (APP). APP is subjected to several PTMs (proteolytic processing, glycosylation, sulfation, and phosphorylation) during its course of processing, resulting in Aβ deposition, leading to AD. Aβ also alters the PTMs of tau which is a microtubule associated protein. Therefore, post-translationally modified tau and Aβ collectively aggravate the neuronal loss that leads to cholinergic hypofunction. CONCLUSION Despite the accumulating evidences, the interaction between cholinergic neurotransmission and the physiological significance of PTM events remain speculative and still needs further exploration. This review focuses on the role of cholinergic system and discusses the significance of PTMs in pathological progression of AD and highlights some important future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Touqeer Ahmed
- Neurobiology Laboratory, Department of Healthcare Biotechnology, Atta-ur-Rahman School of Applied Biosciences, National University of Sciences and Technology, Sector H-12, Islamabad, 44000, Pakistan
| | - Saadia Zahid
- Neurobiology Laboratory, Department of Healthcare Biotechnology, Atta-ur-Rahman School of Applied Biosciences, National University of Sciences and Technology, Sector H-12, Islamabad, 44000, Pakistan
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Galle-Treger L, Suzuki Y, Patel N, Sankaranarayanan I, Aron JL, Maazi H, Chen L, Akbari O. Nicotinic acetylcholine receptor agonist attenuates ILC2-dependent airway hyperreactivity. Nat Commun 2016; 7:13202. [PMID: 27752043 PMCID: PMC5071851 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms13202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2016] [Accepted: 09/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Allergic asthma is a complex and chronic inflammatory disorder that is associated with airway hyperreactivity (AHR) and driven by Th2 cytokine secretion. Type 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) produce large amounts of Th2 cytokines and contribute to the development of AHR. Here, we show that ILC2s express the α7-nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7nAChR), which is thought to have an anti-inflammatory role in several inflammatory diseases. We show that engagement of a specific agonist with α7nAChR on ILC2s reduces ILC2 effector function and represses ILC2-dependent AHR, while decreasing expression of ILC2 key transcription factor GATA-3 and critical inflammatory modulator NF-κB, and reducing phosphorylation of upstream kinase IKKα/β. Additionally, the specific α7nAChR agonist reduces cytokine production and AHR in a humanized ILC2 mouse model. Collectively, our data suggest that α7nAChR expressed by ILC2s is a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of ILC2-mediated asthma. Airway hyperreactivity is driven by type 2 cytokines produced by ILC2 and Th2 cells. Here the authors show that an α7-nicotinic receptor agonist (GTS-21) inhibits ILC2 responses and is therapeutic against Alternaria-induced airway hyperreactivity in a humanized mouse model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauriane Galle-Treger
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 1450 Biggy Street NRT 5509, Los Angeles, California 90033, USA
| | - Yuzo Suzuki
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 1450 Biggy Street NRT 5509, Los Angeles, California 90033, USA
| | - Nisheel Patel
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 1450 Biggy Street NRT 5509, Los Angeles, California 90033, USA
| | - Ishwarya Sankaranarayanan
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 1450 Biggy Street NRT 5509, Los Angeles, California 90033, USA
| | - Jennifer L Aron
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 1450 Biggy Street NRT 5509, Los Angeles, California 90033, USA
| | - Hadi Maazi
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 1450 Biggy Street NRT 5509, Los Angeles, California 90033, USA
| | - Lin Chen
- Departments of Biological Science and Chemistry, University of Southern California, 1050 Childs Way RIH 201, Los Angeles, California 90089, USA
| | - Omid Akbari
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 1450 Biggy Street NRT 5509, Los Angeles, California 90033, USA
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7
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Kalkman HO, Feuerbach D. Modulatory effects of α7 nAChRs on the immune system and its relevance for CNS disorders. Cell Mol Life Sci 2016; 73:2511-30. [PMID: 26979166 PMCID: PMC4894934 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-016-2175-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2015] [Revised: 02/25/2016] [Accepted: 03/01/2016] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The clinical development of selective alpha-7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7 nAChR) agonists has hitherto been focused on disorders characterized by cognitive deficits (e.g., Alzheimer's disease, schizophrenia). However, α7 nAChRs are also widely expressed by cells of the immune system and by cells with a secondary role in pathogen defense. Activation of α7 nAChRs leads to an anti-inflammatory effect. Since sterile inflammation is a frequently observed phenomenon in both psychiatric disorders (e.g., schizophrenia, melancholic and bipolar depression) and neurological disorders (e.g., Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and multiple sclerosis), α7 nAChR agonists might show beneficial effects in these central nervous system disorders. In the current review, we summarize information on receptor expression, the intracellular signaling pathways they modulate and reasons for receptor dysfunction. Information from tobacco smoking, vagus nerve stimulation, and cholinesterase inhibition is used to evaluate the therapeutic potential of selective α7 nAChR agonists in these inflammation-related disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hans O Kalkman
- Neuroscience Research, NIBR, Fabrikstrasse 22-3.001.02, 4002, Basel, Switzerland.
- , Gänsbühlgartenweg 7, 4132, Muttenz, Switzerland.
| | - Dominik Feuerbach
- Neuroscience Research, NIBR, Fabrikstrasse 22-3.001.02, 4002, Basel, Switzerland
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8
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Bespalov A, Müller R, Relo AL, Hudzik T. Drug Tolerance: A Known Unknown in Translational Neuroscience. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2016; 37:364-378. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2016.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2015] [Revised: 01/27/2016] [Accepted: 01/28/2016] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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9
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Bertrand D, Lee CHL, Flood D, Marger F, Donnelly-Roberts D. Therapeutic Potential of α7 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors. Pharmacol Rev 2015; 67:1025-73. [DOI: 10.1124/pr.113.008581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
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10
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Smucny J, Stevens KE, Olincy A, Tregellas JR. Translational utility of rodent hippocampal auditory gating in schizophrenia research: a review and evaluation. Transl Psychiatry 2015; 5:e587. [PMID: 26101850 PMCID: PMC4490287 DOI: 10.1038/tp.2015.77] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2015] [Revised: 04/14/2015] [Accepted: 05/04/2015] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Impaired gating of the auditory evoked P50 potential is one of the most pharmacologically well-characterized features of schizophrenia. This deficit is most commonly modeled in rodents by implanted electrode recordings from the hippocampus of the rodent analog of the P50, the P20-N40. The validity and effectiveness of this tool, however, has not been systematically reviewed. Here, we summarize findings from studies that have examined the effects of pharmacologic modulation on gating of the rodent hippocampal P20-N40 and the human P50. We show that drug effects on the P20-N40 are highly predictive of human effects across similar dose ranges. Furthermore, mental status (for example, anesthetized vs alert) does not appear to diminish the predictive capacity of these recordings. We then discuss hypothesized neuropharmacologic mechanisms that may underlie gating effects for each drug studied. Overall, this review supports continued use of hippocampal P20-N40 gating as a translational tool for schizophrenia research.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Smucny
- Neuroscience Program, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
- Research Service, Denver VA Medical Center, Denver, CO, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - K E Stevens
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - A Olincy
- Research Service, Denver VA Medical Center, Denver, CO, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - J R Tregellas
- Neuroscience Program, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
- Research Service, Denver VA Medical Center, Denver, CO, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
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11
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Hashimoto K. Targeting of α7 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors in the Treatment of Schizophrenia and the Use of Auditory Sensory Gating as a Translational Biomarker. Curr Pharm Des 2015; 21:3797-806. [PMID: 26044974 PMCID: PMC5024727 DOI: 10.2174/1381612821666150605111345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2015] [Accepted: 06/04/2015] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Accumulating evidence suggests that the α7 subtype of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) plays a key role in inflammatory processes, thought to be involved in the pathophysiology of neuropsychiatric diseases, such as schizophrenia and Alzheimer's disease. Preclinical and clinical studies showed that the diminished suppression of P50 auditory evoked potentials in patients with schizophrenia may be associated with a decreased density of α7 nAChRs in the brain. This points to a role for auditory sensory gating (P50) as a translational biomarker. A number of agonists and positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) for α7 nAChR promoted beneficial effects in animal models with sensory gating and cognitive deficits. Additionally, several clinical studies showed that α7 nAChR agonists could improve suppression in auditory P50 evoked potentials, as well as cognitive deficits, and negative symptoms in patients with schizophrenia. Taken together, α7 nAChR presents as an extremely attractive therapeutic target for schizophrenia. In this article, the author discusses recent findings on α7 nAChR agonists such as DMXB-A, RG3487, TC-5619, tropisetron, EVP-6124 (encenicline), ABT-126, AQW051 and α7 nAChR PAMs such as JNJ-39393406, PNU- 120596 and AVL-3288 (also known as UCI-4083), and their potential as therapeutic drugs for neuropsychiatric diseases, such as schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenji Hashimoto
- Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Chiba University Center for Forensic, Mental Health, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chiba 260-8670, Japan.
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Smucny J, Wylie K, Rojas D, Stevens K, Olincy A, Kronberg E, Zheng L, Tregellas J. Evidence for gamma and beta sensory gating deficits as translational endophenotypes for schizophrenia. Psychiatry Res 2013; 214:169-74. [PMID: 23972946 PMCID: PMC4111638 DOI: 10.1016/j.pscychresns.2013.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2013] [Revised: 07/02/2013] [Accepted: 07/05/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Thorough analysis of translational endophenotypes is needed to improve therapeutic development in schizophrenia. Abnormal sensory gating, one such endophenotype, is associated with reduced expression of the α7 nicotinic receptor. However, typical gating measures such as the P50 evoked response are often low-pass filtered, and it is unclear how α7 expression affects gating at higher frequencies. Therefore, this study used time-frequency analysis to compare sensory gating at the beta and gamma frequencies between human patients and healthy controls as well as between α7 heterozygote mutant mice and wild-type. Gating of total beta (15-26Hz) and gamma (30-50Hz) power during paired clicks was assessed from mouse in vivo hippocampal CA3 recordings. Gating was also assessed in schizophrenia patients and healthy controls using electroencephalography. Relative to wild-type, α7 heterozygote mice showed impaired gating of total beta and gamma power. Similarly, relative to controls, patients showed impaired gating of total beta and gamma power. Poor beta gating was associated with negative symptoms. These results demonstrate that schizophrenia patients and α7 heterozygote mice show similar deficits in gating high frequency power. Time-frequency analysis of beta and gamma gating may thus be a translational method of assessing the genetic basis of gating deficits in schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason Smucny
- Neuroscience Program, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA; Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA.
| | - Korey Wylie
- Research Service, Denver VA Medical Center, Denver, CO, USA,Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Donald Rojas
- Neuroscience Program, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA,Research Service, Denver VA Medical Center, Denver, CO, USA,Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Karen Stevens
- Research Service, Denver VA Medical Center, Denver, CO, USA,Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Ann Olincy
- Research Service, Denver VA Medical Center, Denver, CO, USA,Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Eugene Kronberg
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Lijun Zheng
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Jason Tregellas
- Neuroscience Program, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA,Research Service, Denver VA Medical Center, Denver, CO, USA,Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
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Zawieja P, Kornprobst JM, Métais P. 3-(2,4-dimethoxybenzylidene)-anabaseine: a promising candidate drug for Alzheimer's disease? Geriatr Gerontol Int 2012; 12:365-71. [PMID: 22300107 DOI: 10.1111/j.1447-0594.2011.00827.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
3-(2,4-dimethoxybenzylidene)-anabaseine is an analog of the paralytic alkaloid, anabaseine, from the ribbon worms Amphiporus sp., that shows numerous properties, in particular an agonist activity on alpha 7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. This article reviews these properties and explains to what extent they could be valuable to control symptomatology and/or neurodegeneration in Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philippe Zawieja
- Mines Paris Tech, Crises & Risk Research Centre, Orpéa/Clinéa, Puteaux cedex, France.
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Muscarinic and nicotinic acetylcholine receptor agonists and allosteric modulators for the treatment of schizophrenia. Neuropsychopharmacology 2012; 37:16-42. [PMID: 21956443 PMCID: PMC3238081 DOI: 10.1038/npp.2011.199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 155] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Muscarinic and nicotinic acetylcholine (ACh) receptors (mAChRs and nAChRs) are emerging as important targets for the development of novel treatments for the symptoms associated with schizophrenia. Preclinical and early proof-of-concept clinical studies have provided strong evidence that activators of specific mAChR (M(1) and M(4)) and nAChR (α(7) and α(2)β(4)) subtypes are effective in animal models of antipsychotic-like activity and/or cognitive enhancement, and in the treatment of positive and cognitive symptoms in patients with schizophrenia. While early attempts to develop selective mAChR and nAChR agonists provided important preliminary findings, these compounds have ultimately failed in clinical development due to a lack of true subtype selectivity and subsequent dose-limiting adverse effects. In recent years, there have been major advances in the discovery of highly selective activators for the different mAChR and nAChR subtypes with suitable properties for optimization as potential candidates for clinical trials. One novel strategy has been to identify ligands that activate a specific receptor subtype through actions at sites that are distinct from the highly conserved ACh-binding site, termed allosteric sites. These allosteric activators, both allosteric agonists and positive allosteric modulators, of mAChR and nAChR subtypes demonstrate unique mechanisms of action and high selectivity in vivo, and may provide innovative treatment strategies for schizophrenia.
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Elkin GJ, Rojas JJ, Martínez A. Pharmacological Developments Obtained from Marine Natural Products and Current Pipeline Perspective. Nat Prod Commun 2011. [DOI: 10.1177/1934578x1100600233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Marine organisms represent a new extensive source for bioactive molecules. They have the potential to provide new therapeutic alternatives to treat human diseases. In this paper, we describe and discuss a variety of isolated and semisynthetic molecules obtained from marine sources. These compounds are in phase II, phase III and at the commercialization stage of new drug development. A description of the mechanism of action, dosage used and side effects are also reported. The positive results obtained from these studies have triggered the development of new studies to evaluate the prospects for utilization of marine organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Galeano J. Elkin
- Marine Natural Products Research Group, School of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, The University of Antioquia Medellin, Colombia
| | - Jhon J. Rojas
- School of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Antioquia, Medellin, Colombia
| | - Alejandro Martínez
- Marine Natural Products Research Group, School of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, The University of Antioquia Medellin, Colombia
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