1
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Li Y, Dahl K, Johnström P, Varnäs K, Farde L, Halldin C, Medd A, Maier D, Powell ME, Chen J, Van R, Patel J, Chaudhary A, Gao Y, Song Z, Haider A, Shao Y, Elmore CS, Liang S, Schou M. Radiosynthesis and Evaluation of 11C-Labeled Isoindolone-Based Positive Allosteric Modulators for Positron Emission Tomography Imaging of Metabotropic Glutamate Receptor 2. ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci 2024; 7:2414-2423. [PMID: 39144551 PMCID: PMC11320742 DOI: 10.1021/acsptsci.4c00261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2024] [Revised: 06/23/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 08/16/2024]
Abstract
The metabotropic glutamate receptor 2 (mGluR2) has emerged as a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of various neurological diseases, prompting substantial interest in the development of mGluR2-targeted drug candidates. As part of our medicinal chemistry program, we synthesized a series of isoindolone derivatives and assessed their potential as mGluR2 positive allosteric modulators (PAMs). Notably, AZ12559322 exhibited high affinity (K i mGluR2 = 1.31 nM) and an excellent in vitro binding specificity of 89% while demonstrating selectivity over other mGluR subtypes (>4000-fold). Autoradiography with the radiolabeled counterpart, [3H]AZ12559322, revealed a heterogeneous accumulation with the highest binding in mGluR2-rich brain regions. Radioligand binding was significantly reduced by pretreatment with nonradioactive mGluR2 PAMs in brains of rats and nonhuman primates. Although positron emission tomography imaging of [11C]AZ12559322 (6a) revealed low brain uptake in a nonhuman primate, this study provides valuable guidance to further design novel isoindolone-based mGluR2 PAMs with improved brain exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinlong Li
- Department
of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory
University, 1364 Clifton
Road, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, United States
| | - Kenneth Dahl
- PET
Science Centre, Precision Medicine and Biosamples, Oncology R&D,
AstraZeneca, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm S-17176, Sweden
- Department
of Clinical Neuroscience, Centre for Psychiatry Research, Karolinska Institutet and Stockholm County Council, Stockholm S-17176, Sweden
| | - Peter Johnström
- PET
Science Centre, Precision Medicine and Biosamples, Oncology R&D,
AstraZeneca, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm S-17176, Sweden
- Department
of Clinical Neuroscience, Centre for Psychiatry Research, Karolinska Institutet and Stockholm County Council, Stockholm S-17176, Sweden
| | - Katarina Varnäs
- Department
of Clinical Neuroscience, Centre for Psychiatry Research, Karolinska Institutet and Stockholm County Council, Stockholm S-17176, Sweden
| | - Lars Farde
- Department
of Clinical Neuroscience, Centre for Psychiatry Research, Karolinska Institutet and Stockholm County Council, Stockholm S-17176, Sweden
| | - Christer Halldin
- Department
of Clinical Neuroscience, Centre for Psychiatry Research, Karolinska Institutet and Stockholm County Council, Stockholm S-17176, Sweden
| | - Amy Medd
- Neuroscience,
BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Wilmington, Delaware 19803, United States
| | - Donna Maier
- Neuroscience,
BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Wilmington, Delaware 19803, United States
| | - Mark E. Powell
- Neuroscience,
BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Wilmington, Delaware 19803, United States
| | - Jiahui Chen
- Department
of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory
University, 1364 Clifton
Road, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, United States
| | - Richard Van
- Department
of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University
of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma 73019-5251, United States
| | - Jimmy Patel
- Department
of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory
University, 1364 Clifton
Road, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, United States
| | - Ahmad Chaudhary
- Department
of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory
University, 1364 Clifton
Road, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, United States
| | - Yabiao Gao
- Department
of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory
University, 1364 Clifton
Road, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, United States
| | - Zhendong Song
- Department
of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory
University, 1364 Clifton
Road, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, United States
| | - Ahmed Haider
- Department
of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory
University, 1364 Clifton
Road, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, United States
| | - Yihan Shao
- Department
of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University
of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma 73019-5251, United States
| | - Charles S. Elmore
- Neuroscience,
BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Wilmington, Delaware 19803, United States
- Early
Chemical Development, Pharmaceutical Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals, Gothenburg 43183, Sweden
| | - Steven Liang
- Department
of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory
University, 1364 Clifton
Road, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, United States
| | - Magnus Schou
- PET
Science Centre, Precision Medicine and Biosamples, Oncology R&D,
AstraZeneca, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm S-17176, Sweden
- Department
of Clinical Neuroscience, Centre for Psychiatry Research, Karolinska Institutet and Stockholm County Council, Stockholm S-17176, Sweden
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2
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Ahmed H, Wallimann R, Gisler L, Elghazawy NH, Gruber S, Keller C, Liang SH, Sippl W, Haider A, Ametamey SM. Characterization of ( R)- and ( S)-[ 18F]OF-NB1 in Rodents as Positron Emission Tomography Probes for Imaging GluN2B Subunit-Containing N-Methyl-d-Aspartate Receptors. ACS Chem Neurosci 2023; 14:4323-4334. [PMID: 38060344 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.3c00519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) subtype 2B (GluN1/2B) is implicated in various neuropathologies. Given the lack of a validated radiofluorinated positron emission tomography (PET) probe for the imaging of GluN1/2B receptors, we comprehensively investigated the enantiomers of [18F]OF-NB1 in rodents. Particularly, the (R)- and (S)- enantiomers were evaluated using in silico docking, in vitro autoradiography, in vivo PET imaging, and ex vivo biodistribution studies. A select panel of GluN1/2B antagonists (CP-101,606, CERC-301, and eliprodil) and the off-target sigma-1 receptor ligands (fluspidine and SA4503) were used to determine the specificity and selectivity of the tested enantiomers. Additionally, a nonmetal-mediated radiofluorination strategy was devised that harnesses the potential of diaryliodoniums in the nucleophilic radiofluorination of nonactivated aromatic compounds. Both enantiomers exhibited known GluN1/2B binding patterns; however, the R-enantiomer showed higher GluN1/2B-specific accumulation in rodent autoradiography and higher brain uptake in PET imaging experiments compared to the S-enantiomer. Molecular simulation studies provided further insights with respect to the difference in binding, whereby a reduced ligand-receptor interaction was observed for the S-enantiomer. Nonetheless, both enantiomers showed dose dependency when two different doses (1 and 5 mg/kg) of the GluN1/2B antagonist, CP-101,606, were used in the PET imaging study. Taken together, (R)-[18F]OF-NB1 appears to exhibit the characteristics of a suitable PET probe for imaging of GluN2B-containing NMDARs in clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hazem Ahmed
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, ETH Zurich, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 4, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Rahel Wallimann
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, ETH Zurich, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 4, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Livio Gisler
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, ETH Zurich, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 4, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Nehal H Elghazawy
- Institute of Pharmacy, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, W.-Langenbeck-Str. 4, 06120 Halle, Germany
| | - Stefan Gruber
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, ETH Zurich, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 4, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Claudia Keller
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, ETH Zurich, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 4, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Steven H Liang
- Division of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital & Department of Radiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, United States
| | - Wolfgang Sippl
- Institute of Pharmacy, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, W.-Langenbeck-Str. 4, 06120 Halle, Germany
| | - Ahmed Haider
- Division of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital & Department of Radiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, United States
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Zurich, Rämistrasse 100, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Simon M Ametamey
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, ETH Zurich, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 4, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
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3
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Shah NM, Ghazaryan N, Gonzaga NL, Paclibar CG, Biju AP, Liang C, Mukherjee J. Glutamate's Effects on the N-Methyl-D-Aspartate (NMDA) Receptor Ion Channel in Alzheimer's Disease Brain: Challenges for PET Radiotracer Development for Imaging the NMDA Ion Channel. Molecules 2023; 29:20. [PMID: 38202606 PMCID: PMC10779680 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29010020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
In an effort to further understand the challenges facing in vivo imaging probe development for the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor ion channel, we have evaluated the effect of glutamate on the Alzheimer's disease (AD) brain. Human post-mortem AD brain slices of the frontal cortex and anterior cingulate were incubated with [3H]MK-801 and adjacent sections were tested for Aβ and Tau. The binding of [3H]MK-801 was measured in the absence and presence of glutamate and glycine. Increased [3H]MK-801 binding in AD brains was observed at baseline and in the presence of glutamate, indicating a significant increase (>100%) in glutamate-induced NMDA ion channel activity in AD brains compared to cognitively normal brains. The glycine effect was lower, suggesting a decrease of the co-agonist effect of glutamate and glycine in the AD brain. Our preliminary findings suggest that the targeting of the NMDA ion channel as well as the glutamate site may be appropriate in the diagnosis and treatment of AD. However, the low baseline levels of [3H]MK-801 binding in the frontal cortex and anterior cingulate in the absence of glutamate and glycine indicate significant hurdles for in vivo imaging probe development and validation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Jogeshwar Mukherjee
- Preclinical Imaging, Department of Radiological Sciences, University of California-Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; (N.M.S.); (N.G.); (N.L.G.); (C.G.P.); (A.P.B.); (C.L.)
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4
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Cools R, Kerkhofs K, Leitao RCF, Bormans G. Preclinical Evaluation of Novel PET Probes for Dementia. Semin Nucl Med 2023; 53:599-629. [PMID: 37149435 DOI: 10.1053/j.semnuclmed.2023.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
The development of novel PET imaging agents that selectively bind specific dementia-related targets can contribute significantly to accurate, differential and early diagnosis of dementia causing diseases and support the development of therapeutic agents. Consequently, in recent years there has been a growing body of literature describing the development and evaluation of potential new promising PET tracers for dementia. This review article provides a comprehensive overview of novel dementia PET probes under development, classified by their target, and pinpoints their preclinical evaluation pathway, typically involving in silico, in vitro and ex/in vivo evaluation. Specific target-associated challenges and pitfalls, requiring extensive and well-designed preclinical experimental evaluation assays to enable successful clinical translation and avoid shortcomings observed for previously developed 'well-established' dementia PET tracers are highlighted in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romy Cools
- Laboratory for Radiopharmaceutical Research, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Kobe Kerkhofs
- Laboratory for Radiopharmaceutical Research, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; NURA, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre (SCK CEN), Mol, Belgium
| | - Renan C F Leitao
- Laboratory for Radiopharmaceutical Research, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Guy Bormans
- Laboratory for Radiopharmaceutical Research, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
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5
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Korff M, Steigerwald R, Bechthold E, Schepmann D, Schreiber JA, Meuth SG, Seebohm G, Wünsch B. Chemical, pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic characterization of the GluN2B receptor antagonist 3-(4-phenylbutyl)-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1 H-3-benzazepine-1,7-diol - starting point for PET tracer development. Biol Chem 2023; 404:279-289. [PMID: 36215695 DOI: 10.1515/hsz-2022-0222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
GluN2B-NMDA receptors play a key role in several neurological and neurodegenerative disorders. In order to develop novel negative allosteric GluN2B-NMDA receptor modulators, the concept of conformational restriction was pursued, i.e. the flexible aminoethanol substructure of ifenprodil was embedded into a more rigid tetrahydro-3-benzazepine system. The resulting tetrahydro-3-benzazepine-1,7-diol (±)-2 (WMS-1410) showed promising receptor affinity in receptor binding studies (K i = 84 nM) as well as pharmacological activity in two-electrode-voltage-clamp experiments (IC 50 = 116 nM) and in cytoprotective assays (IC 50 = 18.5 nM). The interactions of (R)-2 with the ifenprodil binding site of GluN2B-NMDA receptors were analyzed on the molecular level and the "foot-in-the-door" mechanism was developed. Due to promising pharmacokinetic parameters (logD7.4 = 1.68, plasma protein binding of 76-77%, sufficient metabolic stability) F-substituted analogs were prepared and evaluated as tracers for positron emission tomography (PET). Both fluorine-18-labeled PET tracers [18F]11 and [18F]15 showed high brain uptake, specific accumulation in regions known for high GluN2B-NMDA receptor expression, but no interactions with σ 1 receptors. Radiometabolites were not observed in the brain. Both PET tracers might be suitable for application in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marvin Korff
- Chemical Biology of Ion Channels (Chembion), Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, GRK 2515 Munster, Germany
- Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, Institut für Pharmazeutische und Medizinische Chemie, Corrensstraße 48, D-48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Ruben Steigerwald
- Chemical Biology of Ion Channels (Chembion), Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, GRK 2515 Munster, Germany
- Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, Institut für Pharmazeutische und Medizinische Chemie, Corrensstraße 48, D-48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Elena Bechthold
- Chemical Biology of Ion Channels (Chembion), Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, GRK 2515 Munster, Germany
- Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, Institut für Pharmazeutische und Medizinische Chemie, Corrensstraße 48, D-48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Dirk Schepmann
- Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, Institut für Pharmazeutische und Medizinische Chemie, Corrensstraße 48, D-48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Julian A Schreiber
- Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, Institut für Pharmazeutische und Medizinische Chemie, Corrensstraße 48, D-48149 Münster, Germany
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, Cellular Electrophysiology and Molecular Biology, Institute for Genetics of Heart Diseases (IfGH), University Hospital Münster, Robert-Koch-Str. 45, D-48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Sven G Meuth
- Chemical Biology of Ion Channels (Chembion), Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, GRK 2515 Munster, Germany
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Guiscard Seebohm
- Chemical Biology of Ion Channels (Chembion), Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, GRK 2515 Munster, Germany
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, Cellular Electrophysiology and Molecular Biology, Institute for Genetics of Heart Diseases (IfGH), University Hospital Münster, Robert-Koch-Str. 45, D-48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Bernhard Wünsch
- Chemical Biology of Ion Channels (Chembion), Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, GRK 2515 Munster, Germany
- Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, Institut für Pharmazeutische und Medizinische Chemie, Corrensstraße 48, D-48149 Münster, Germany
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6
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Rischka L, Vraka C, Pichler V, Rasul S, Nics L, Gryglewski G, Handschuh P, Murgaš M, Godbersen GM, Silberbauer LR, Unterholzner J, Wotawa C, Haider A, Ahmed H, Schibli R, Mindt T, Mitterhauser M, Wadsak W, Hahn A, Lanzenberger R, Hacker M, Ametamey SM. First-in-Humans Brain PET Imaging of the GluN2B-Containing N-methyl-d-aspartate Receptor with ( R)- 11C-Me-NB1. J Nucl Med 2022; 63:936-941. [PMID: 34620732 PMCID: PMC9157734 DOI: 10.2967/jnumed.121.262427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Revised: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) plays a crucial role in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer disease and in the treatment of major depression by fast-acting antidepressants such as ketamine. Given their broad implications, GluN2B-containing NMDARs have been of interest as diagnostic and therapeutic targets. Recently, (R)-11C-Me-NB1 was investigated preclinically and shown to be a promising radioligand for imaging GluN2B subunits. Here, we report on the performance characteristics of this radioligand in a first-in-humans PET study. Methods: Six healthy male subjects were scanned twice on a fully integrated PET/MR scanner with (R)-11C-Me-NB1 for 120 min. Brain uptake and tracer distribution over time were investigated by SUVs. Test-retest reliability was assessed with the absolute percentage difference and the coefficient of variation. Exploratory total volumes of distribution (VT) were computed using an arterial input function and the Logan plot as well as a constrained 2-tissue-compartment model with the ratio of rate constants between plasma and tissue compartments (K1/k2) coupled (2TCM). SUV was correlated with VT to investigate its potential as a surrogate marker of GluN2B expression. Results: High and heterogeneous radioligand uptake was observed across the entire gray matter with reversible kinetics within the scan time. SUV absolute percentage difference ranged from 6.9% to 8.5% and coefficient of variation from 4.9% to 6.0%, indicating a high test-retest reliability. A moderate correlation was found between SUV averaged from 70 to 90 min and VT using Logan plot (Spearman ρ = 0.44). Correlation between VT Logan and 2TCM was r = 0.76. Conclusion: The radioligand (R)-11C-Me-NB1 was highly effective in mapping GluN2B-enriched NMDARs in the human brain. With a heterogeneous uptake and a high test-retest reliability, this radioligand offers promise to deepen our understanding of the GluN2B-containing NMDAR in the pathophysiology and treatment of neuropsychiatric disease such as Alzheimer disease and major depression. Additionally, it could help in the selection of appropriate doses of GluN2B-targeting drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas Rischka
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Chrysoula Vraka
- Division of Nuclear Medicine, Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-guided Therapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Verena Pichler
- Division of Nuclear Medicine, Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-guided Therapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Sazan Rasul
- Division of Nuclear Medicine, Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-guided Therapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Lukas Nics
- Division of Nuclear Medicine, Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-guided Therapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Gregor Gryglewski
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Patricia Handschuh
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Matej Murgaš
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Godber M Godbersen
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Leo R Silberbauer
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Jakob Unterholzner
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Christoph Wotawa
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Ahmed Haider
- Centre for Radiopharmaceutical Sciences ETH-PSI-USZ, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences ETH, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Hazem Ahmed
- Centre for Radiopharmaceutical Sciences ETH-PSI-USZ, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences ETH, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Roger Schibli
- Centre for Radiopharmaceutical Sciences ETH-PSI-USZ, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences ETH, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Mindt
- Division of Nuclear Medicine, Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-guided Therapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute Applied Diagnostics, Vienna, Austria
- Institute of Inorganic Chemistry, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; and
| | - Markus Mitterhauser
- Division of Nuclear Medicine, Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-guided Therapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute Applied Diagnostics, Vienna, Austria
| | - Wolfgang Wadsak
- Division of Nuclear Medicine, Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-guided Therapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Center for Biomarker Research in Medicine (CBmed), Graz, Austria
| | - Andreas Hahn
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Rupert Lanzenberger
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria;
| | - Marcus Hacker
- Division of Nuclear Medicine, Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-guided Therapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria;
| | - Simon M Ametamey
- Centre for Radiopharmaceutical Sciences ETH-PSI-USZ, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences ETH, Zurich, Switzerland;
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7
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Receptor mapping using methoxy phenyl piperazine derivative: Preclinical PET imaging. Bioorg Chem 2021; 117:105429. [PMID: 34736134 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2021.105429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2021] [Revised: 08/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed at assessing 2-methoxyphenyl piperazine derivative for its binding specificity and suitability in mapping metabotropic glutamate receptor subtype 1, which is implicated in several neuropsychiatric disorders. N-(2-(4-(2-Methoxyphenyl)piperazin-1-yl)ethyl)-N-methylpyridin-2-amine was synthesised and evaluated for brain imaging subsequent to radiolabelling with [11C] radioisotope via methylation process in 98.9% purity and 52 ± 6% yield (decay corrected). The specific activity was in the range of 72-93 GBq/µmol. The haemolysis of blood was 2-5% for initial 4 hr and remained < 10% after 24 h of incubation indicating low toxicity. In vitro autoradiograms after coincubation with unlabelled ligand confirmed the high uptake of the PET radioligand in the mGluR1 receptor rich regions. The PET as well as biodistribution studies also showed high activity in the brain with a direct correlation between receptor abundance distribution pattern and tracer activity. The biodistribution analyses revealed initial high brain uptake (4.18 ± 0.48). The highest uptake was found in cerebellum (SUV 4.7 ± 0.2), followed by thalamus (SUV 3.5 ± 0.1), and striatum (SUV 3 ± 0.1). In contrast, pons had negligible tracer activity. The high uptake observed in all the regions with known mGluR1 activity indicates suitability of the ligand for mGluR1 imaging.
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8
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Abstract
RATIONALE Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS) is a cross-species neuroimaging technique that can measure concentrations of several brain metabolites, including glutamate and GABA. This non-invasive method has promise in developing centrally acting drugs, as it can be performed repeatedly within-subjects and be used to translate findings from the preclinical to clinical laboratory using the same imaging biomarker. OBJECTIVES This review focuses on the utility of single-voxel 1H-MRS in developing novel glutamatergic or GABAergic drugs for the treatment of psychiatric disorders and includes research performed in rodent models, healthy volunteers and patient cohorts. RESULTS Overall, these studies indicate that 1H-MRS is able to detect the predicted pharmacological effects of glutamatergic or GABAergic drugs on voxel glutamate or GABA concentrations, although there is a shortage of studies examining dose-related effects. Clinical studies have applied 1H-MRS to better understand drug therapeutic mechanisms, including the glutamatergic effects of ketamine in depression and of acamprosate in alcohol dependence. There is an emerging interest in identifying patient subgroups with 'high' or 'low' brain regional 1H-MRS glutamate levels for more targeted drug development, which may require ancillary biomarkers to improve the accuracy of subgroup discrimination. CONCLUSIONS Considerations for future research include the sensitivity of single-voxel 1H-MRS in detecting drug effects, inter-site measurement reliability and the interpretation of drug-induced changes in 1H-MRS metabolites relative to the known pharmacological molecular mechanisms. On-going technological development, in single-voxel 1H-MRS and in related complementary techniques, will further support applications within CNS drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Egerton
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, De Crespigny Park, London, UK.
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9
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Kim JH, Marton J, Ametamey SM, Cumming P. A Review of Molecular Imaging of Glutamate Receptors. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25204749. [PMID: 33081223 PMCID: PMC7587586 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25204749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [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: 09/24/2020] [Revised: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Molecular imaging with positron emission tomography (PET) and single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) is a well-established and important in vivo technique to evaluate fundamental biological processes and unravel the role of neurotransmitter receptors in various neuropsychiatric disorders. Specific ligands are available for PET/SPECT studies of dopamine, serotonin, and opiate receptors, but corresponding development of radiotracers for receptors of glutamate, the main excitatory neurotransmitter in mammalian brain, has lagged behind. This state of affairs has persisted despite the central importance of glutamate neurotransmission in brain physiology and in disorders such as stroke, epilepsy, schizophrenia, and neurodegenerative diseases. Recent years have seen extensive efforts to develop useful ligands for molecular imaging of subtypes of the ionotropic (N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA), kainate, and AMPA/quisqualate receptors) and metabotropic glutamate receptors (types I, II, and III mGluRs). We now review the state of development of radioligands for glutamate receptor imaging, placing main emphasis on the suitability of available ligands for reliable in vivo applications. We give a brief account of the radiosynthetic approach for selected molecules. In general, with the exception of ligands for the GluN2B subunit of NMDA receptors, there has been little success in developing radiotracers for imaging ionotropic glutamate receptors; failure of ligands for the PCP/MK801 binding site in vivo doubtless relates their dependence on the open, unblocked state of the ion channel. Many AMPA and kainite receptor ligands with good binding properties in vitro have failed to give measurable specific binding in the living brain. This may reflect the challenge of developing brain-penetrating ligands for amino acid receptors, compounded by conformational differences in vivo. The situation is better with respect to mGluR imaging, particularly for the mGluR5 subtype. Several successful PET ligands serve for investigations of mGluRs in conditions such as schizophrenia, depression, substance abuse and aging. Considering the centrality and diversity of glutamatergic signaling in brain function, we have relatively few selective and sensitive tools for molecular imaging of ionotropic and metabotropic glutamate receptors. Further radiopharmaceutical research targeting specific subtypes and subunits of the glutamate receptors may yet open up new investigational vistas with broad applications in basic and clinical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jong-Hoon Kim
- Neuroscience Research Institute, Gachon University, Incheon 21565, Korea
- Gachon Advanced Institute for Health Science and Technology, Graduate School, Incheon 21565, Korea
- Department of Psychiatry, Gil Medical Center, Gachon University College of Medicine, Gachon University, Incheon 21565, Korea
- Correspondence: (J.-H.K.); (P.C.); Tel.: +41-31-664-0498 (P.C.); Fax: +41-31-632-7663 (P.C.)
| | - János Marton
- ABX Advanced Biochemical Compounds, Biomedizinische Forschungsreagenzien GmbH, Heinrich-Glaeser-Strasse 10-14, D-1454 Radeberg, Germany;
| | - Simon Mensah Ametamey
- Centre for Radiopharmaceutical Sciences ETH-PSI-USZ, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences ETH, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 4, CH-8093 Zürich, Switzerland;
| | - Paul Cumming
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University of Bern, Inselspital, Freiburgstrasse 18, CH-3010 Bern, Switzerland
- School of Psychology and Counselling, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane QLD 4059, Australia
- Correspondence: (J.-H.K.); (P.C.); Tel.: +41-31-664-0498 (P.C.); Fax: +41-31-632-7663 (P.C.)
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10
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Ahmed H, Wallimann R, Haider A, Hosseini V, Gruber S, Robledo M, Nguyen TAN, Herde AM, Iten I, Keller C, Vogel V, Schibli R, Wünsch B, Mu L, Ametamey SM. Preclinical Development of 18F-OF-NB1 for Imaging GluN2B-Containing N-Methyl-d-Aspartate Receptors and Its Utility as a Biomarker for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. J Nucl Med 2020; 62:259-265. [PMID: 32737247 DOI: 10.2967/jnumed.120.246785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2020] [Accepted: 06/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
As part of our continuous efforts to develop a suitable 18F-labeled PET radioligand with improved characteristics for imaging the N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) subtype 2B (GluN1/2B), we investigated in the current work ortho-fluorinated (OF) and meta-fluorinated (MF) analogs of 18F-para-fluorinated (PF)-NB1, a 3-benzazepine-based radiofluorinated probe. Methods: OF-NB1 and MF-NB1 were prepared using a multistep synthesis, and their binding affinities toward GluN2B subunits and selectivity over σ1 receptors (σ1Rs) were determined via competitive binding assays. 18F-OF-NB1 was synthesized via copper-mediated radiofluorination and was evaluated in Wistar rats by in vitro autoradiography, PET imaging, ex vivo biodistribution, metabolite experiments, and receptor occupancy studies using CP-101,606, an established GluN2B antagonist. To determine in vivo selectivity, 18F-OF-NB1 was validated in wild-type and σ1R knock-out mice. Translational relevance was assessed in autoradiographic studies using postmortem human brain tissues from healthy individuals and ALS patients, the results of which were corroborated by immunohistochemistry. Results: The binding affinity values for OF-NB1 and MF-NB1 toward the GluN2B subunits were 10.4 ± 4.7 and 590 ± 36 nM, respectively. For σ1R binding, OF-NB1 and MF-NB1 exhibited inhibition constants of 410 and 2,700 nM, respectively. OF-NB1, which outperformed MF-NB1, was radiolabeled with 18F to afford 18F-OF-NB1 in more than 95% radiochemical purity and molar activities of 192 ± 33 GBq/μmol. In autoradiography experiments, 18F-OF-NB1 displayed a heterogeneous and specific binding in GluN2B subunit-rich brain regions such as the cortex, striatum, hypothalamus, and hippocampus. PET imaging studies in Wistar rats showed a similar heterogeneous uptake, and no brain radiometabolites were detected. A dose-dependent blocking effect was observed with CP-101,606 (0.5-15 mg/kg) and resulted in a 50% receptor occupancy of 8.1 μmol/kg. Postmortem autoradiography results revealed lower expression of the GluN2B subunits in ALS brain tissue sections than in healthy controls, in line with immunohistochemistry results. Conclusion: 18F-OF-NB1 is a highly promising PET probe for imaging the GluN2B subunits of the N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor. It possesses utility for receptor occupancy studies and has potential for PET imaging studies in ALS patients and possibly other brain disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hazem Ahmed
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Rahel Wallimann
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Ahmed Haider
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Vahid Hosseini
- Laboratory of Applied Mechanobiology, Institute of Translational Medicine, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Stefan Gruber
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Marvin Robledo
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Thi A N Nguyen
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Irina Iten
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Claudia Keller
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Viola Vogel
- Laboratory of Applied Mechanobiology, Institute of Translational Medicine, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Roger Schibli
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; and
| | - Bernhard Wünsch
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Linjing Mu
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; and
| | - Simon M Ametamey
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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11
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Franco Machado J, Silva RD, Melo R, G Correia JD. Less Exploited GPCRs in Precision Medicine: Targets for Molecular Imaging and Theranostics. Molecules 2018; 24:E49. [PMID: 30583594 PMCID: PMC6337414 DOI: 10.3390/molecules24010049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2018] [Revised: 12/07/2018] [Accepted: 12/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Precision medicine relies on individually tailored therapeutic intervention taking into account individual variability. It is strongly dependent on the availability of target-specific drugs and/or imaging agents that recognize molecular targets and patient-specific disease mechanisms. The most sensitive molecular imaging modalities, Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) and Positron Emission Tomography (PET), rely on the interaction between an imaging radioprobe and a target. Moreover, the use of target-specific molecular tools for both diagnostics and therapy, theranostic agents, represent an established methodology in nuclear medicine that is assuming an increasingly important role in precision medicine. The design of innovative imaging and/or theranostic agents is key for further accomplishments in the field. G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), apart from being highly relevant drug targets, have also been largely exploited as molecular targets for non-invasive imaging and/or systemic radiotherapy of various diseases. Herein, we will discuss recent efforts towards the development of innovative imaging and/or theranostic agents targeting selected emergent GPCRs, namely the Frizzled receptor (FZD), Ghrelin receptor (GHSR-1a), G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER), and Sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor (S1PR). The pharmacological and clinical relevance will be highlighted, giving particular attention to the studies on the synthesis and characterization of targeted molecular imaging agents, biological evaluation, and potential clinical applications in oncology and non-oncology diseases. Whenever relevant, supporting computational studies will be also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- João Franco Machado
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, CTN, Estrada Nacional 10 (km 139,7), 2695-066 Bobadela LRS, Portugal.
- Centro de Química Estrutural, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Rúben D Silva
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, CTN, Estrada Nacional 10 (km 139,7), 2695-066 Bobadela LRS, Portugal.
| | - Rita Melo
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, CTN, Estrada Nacional 10 (km 139,7), 2695-066 Bobadela LRS, Portugal.
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology; Rua Larga, Faculdade de Medicina, Polo I, 1ºandar, Universidade de Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal.
| | - João D G Correia
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, CTN, Estrada Nacional 10 (km 139,7), 2695-066 Bobadela LRS, Portugal.
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12
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Szermerski M, Börgel F, Schepmann D, Haider A, Betzel T, Ametamey SM, Wünsch B. Fluorinated GluN2B Receptor Antagonists with a 3-Benzazepine Scaffold Designed for PET Studies. ChemMedChem 2018. [DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.201700819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Marina Szermerski
- Institut für Pharmazeutische und Medizinische Chemie der; Universität Münster; Corrensstraße 48 48149 Münster Germany
| | - Frederik Börgel
- Institut für Pharmazeutische und Medizinische Chemie der; Universität Münster; Corrensstraße 48 48149 Münster Germany
| | - Dirk Schepmann
- Institut für Pharmazeutische und Medizinische Chemie der; Universität Münster; Corrensstraße 48 48149 Münster Germany
| | - Ahmed Haider
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences; Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences; ETH Zurich; Zurich Switzerland
| | - Thomas Betzel
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences; Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences; ETH Zurich; Zurich Switzerland
| | - Simon M. Ametamey
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences; Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences; ETH Zurich; Zurich Switzerland
| | - Bernhard Wünsch
- Institut für Pharmazeutische und Medizinische Chemie der; Universität Münster; Corrensstraße 48 48149 Münster Germany
- Cells-in-Motion Cluster of Excellence (EXC 1003-CiM); Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität; Münster Germany
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