1
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Penning TM, Covey DF. 5β-Dihydrosteroids: Formation and Properties. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:8857. [PMID: 39201544 PMCID: PMC11354470 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25168857] [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: 07/20/2024] [Revised: 08/06/2024] [Accepted: 08/10/2024] [Indexed: 09/02/2024] Open
Abstract
5β-Dihydrosteroids are produced by the reduction of Δ4-3-ketosteroids catalyzed by steroid 5β-reductase (AKR1D1). By analogy with steroid 5α-reductase, genetic deficiency exists in AKR1D1 which leads to errors in newborn metabolism and in this case to bile acid deficiency. Also, like the 5α-dihydrosteroids (e.g., 5α-dihydrotestosterone), the 5β-dihydrosteroids produced by AKR1D1 are not inactive but regulate ligand access to nuclear receptors, can act as ligands for nuclear and membrane-bound receptors, and regulate ion-channel opening. For example, 5β-reduction of cortisol and cortisone yields the corresponding 5β-dihydroglucocorticoids which are inactive on the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) and provides an additional mechanism of pre-receptor regulation of ligands for the GR in liver cells. By contrast, 5β-pregnanes can act as neuroactive steroids at the GABAA and NMDA receptors and at low-voltage-activated calcium channels, act as tocolytic agents, have analgesic activity and act as ligands for PXR, while bile acids act as ligands for FXR and thereby control cholesterol homeostasis. The 5β-androstanes also have potent vasodilatory properties and work through blockade of Ca2+ channels. Thus, a preference for 5β-dihydrosteroids to work at the membrane level exists via a variety of mechanisms. This article reviews the field and identifies gaps in knowledge to be addressed in future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trevor M. Penning
- Center of Excellence in Environmental Toxicology, Department of Systems Pharmacology & Translational Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19061, USA
| | - Douglas F. Covey
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA;
- Taylor Family Institute for Innovative Psychiatric Research, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
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2
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Covey DF, Evers AS, Izumi Y, Maguire JL, Mennerick SJ, Zorumski CF. Neurosteroid enantiomers as potentially novel neurotherapeutics. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2023; 149:105191. [PMID: 37085023 PMCID: PMC10750765 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2023.105191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 04/23/2023]
Abstract
Endogenous neurosteroids and synthetic neuroactive steroids (NAS) are important targets for therapeutic development in neuropsychiatric disorders. These steroids modulate major signaling systems in the brain and intracellular processes including inflammation, cellular stress and autophagy. In this review, we describe studies performed using unnatural enantiomers of key neurosteroids, which are physiochemically identical to their natural counterparts except for rotation of polarized light. These studies led to insights in how NAS interact with receptors, ion channels and intracellular sites of action. Certain effects of NAS show high enantioselectivity, consistent with actions in chiral environments and likely direct interactions with signaling proteins. Other effects show no enantioselectivity and even reverse enantioselectivity. The spectrum of effects of NAS enantiomers raises the possibility that these agents, once considered only as tools for preclinical studies, have therapeutic potential that complements and in some cases may exceed their natural counterparts. Here we review studies of NAS enantiomers from the perspective of their potential development as novel neurotherapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Douglas F Covey
- Departments of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA; Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA; Anesthesiology Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA; The Taylor Family Institute for Innovative Psychiatric Research, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Alex S Evers
- Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA; Anesthesiology Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA; The Taylor Family Institute for Innovative Psychiatric Research, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Yukitoshi Izumi
- Departments of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA; The Taylor Family Institute for Innovative Psychiatric Research, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Jamie L Maguire
- Department of Neuroscience, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Steven J Mennerick
- Departments of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA; The Taylor Family Institute for Innovative Psychiatric Research, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Charles F Zorumski
- Departments of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA; The Taylor Family Institute for Innovative Psychiatric Research, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA.
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3
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Dolejší E, Szánti-Pintér E, Chetverikov N, Nelic D, Randáková A, Doležal V, Kudová E, Jakubík J. Neurosteroids and steroid hormones are allosteric modulators of muscarinic receptors. Neuropharmacology 2021; 199:108798. [PMID: 34555368 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2021.108798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Revised: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The membrane cholesterol was found to bind and modulate the function of several G-protein coupled receptors including muscarinic acetylcholine receptors. We investigated the binding of 20 steroidal compounds including neurosteroids and steroid hormones to muscarinic receptors. Corticosterone, progesterone and some neurosteroids bound to muscarinic receptors with the affinity of 100 nM or greater. We established a structure-activity relationship for steroid-based allosteric modulators of muscarinic receptors. Further, we show that corticosterone and progesterone allosterically modulate the functional response of muscarinic receptors to acetylcholine at physiologically relevant concentrations. It can play a role in stress control or in pregnancy, conditions where levels of these hormones dramatically oscillate. Allosteric modulation of muscarinic receptors via the cholesterol-binding site represents a new pharmacological approach at diseases associated with altered cholinergic signalling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Dolejší
- Institute of Physiology Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Eszter Szánti-Pintér
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | | | - Dominik Nelic
- Institute of Physiology Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Alena Randáková
- Institute of Physiology Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Vladimír Doležal
- Institute of Physiology Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Eva Kudová
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic.
| | - Jan Jakubík
- Institute of Physiology Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic.
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4
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Sun Q, Soulé JF. Broadening of horizons in the synthesis of CD 3-labeled molecules. Chem Soc Rev 2021; 50:10806-10835. [PMID: 34605827 DOI: 10.1039/d1cs00544h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
In the light of the recent potentials of deuterated molecules as pharmaceuticals or even in mechanistic understanding, efficient methods for their synthesis are continually desired. CD3-containing molecules are prominent amongst these motifs due to the parallel of the "magic methyl effect": introducing a methyl group into pharmaceuticals could positively affect biological activities. The trideuteromethyl group is bound to molecules either by C, N, O, or S atom. For a long time, the preparation methods of such labeled compounds were underestimated and involved multi-step syntheses. More recently, specific approaches dealing with the direct incorporation of the CD3 group have been developed. This Review gives an overview of the methods for the preparation of CD3-labeled molecules from conventional functional group interconversion techniques to catalytic approaches and include radical strategy. Detailed reaction mechanisms are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiao Sun
- Process Chemistry Enabling Technology Platform, STA Pharmaceutical, a WuxiAppTech Company (Wuxi STA), Shanghai 201507, P. R. China
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5
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Bhagat K, Singh JV, Pagare PP, Kumar N, Sharma A, Kaur G, Kinarivala N, Gandu S, Singh H, Sharma S, Bedi PMS. Rational approaches for the design of various GABA modulators and their clinical progression. Mol Divers 2021; 25:551-601. [PMID: 32170466 PMCID: PMC8422677 DOI: 10.1007/s11030-020-10068-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2019] [Accepted: 02/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
GABA (γ-amino butyric acid) is an important inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. Attenuation of GABAergic neurotransmission plays an important role in the etiology of several neurological disorders including epilepsy, Alzheimer's disease, Huntington's chorea, migraine, Parkinson's disease, neuropathic pain, and depression. Increase in the GABAergic activity may be achieved through direct agonism at the GABAA receptors, inhibition of enzymatic breakdown of GABA, or by inhibition of the GABA transport proteins (GATs). These functionalities make GABA receptor modulators and GATs attractive drug targets in brain disorders associated with decreased GABA activity. There have been several reports of development of GABA modulators (GABA receptors, GABA transporters, and GABAergic enzyme inhibitors) in the past decade. Therefore, the focus of the present review is to provide an overview on various design strategies and synthetic approaches toward developing GABA modulators. Furthermore, mechanistic insights, structure-activity relationships, and molecular modeling inputs for the biologically active derivatives have also been discussed. Summary of the advances made over the past few years in the clinical translation and development of GABA receptor modulators is also provided. This compilation will be of great interest to the researchers working in the field of neuroscience. From the light of detailed literature, it can be concluded that numerous molecules have displayed significant results and their promising potential, clearly placing them ahead as potential future drug candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kavita Bhagat
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, PB, 143005, India
| | - Jatinder V Singh
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, PB, 143005, India
| | - Piyusha P Pagare
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy and Institute for Structural Biology, Drug Discovery and Development, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, 23219, USA
| | - Nitish Kumar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, PB, 143005, India
| | - Anchal Sharma
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, PB, 143005, India
| | - Gurinder Kaur
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, PB, 143005, India
| | - Nihar Kinarivala
- Program in Chemical Biology, Sloan Kettering Institute, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Srinivasa Gandu
- Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Cell and Development Biology Graduate Program, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
| | - Harbinder Singh
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, PB, 143005, India.
| | - Sahil Sharma
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, PB, 143005, India.
- Program in Chemical Biology, Sloan Kettering Institute, New York, NY, 10065, USA.
| | - Preet Mohinder S Bedi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, PB, 143005, India.
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6
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Jayakar SS, Chiara DC, Zhou X, Wu B, Bruzik KS, Miller KW, Cohen JB. Photoaffinity labeling identifies an intersubunit steroid-binding site in heteromeric GABA type A (GABA A) receptors. J Biol Chem 2020; 295:11495-11512. [PMID: 32540960 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra120.013452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2020] [Revised: 06/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Allopregnanolone (3α5α-P), pregnanolone, and their synthetic derivatives are potent positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) of GABAA receptors (GABAARs) with in vivo anesthetic, anxiolytic, and anti-convulsant effects. Mutational analysis, photoaffinity labeling, and structural studies have provided evidence for intersubunit and intrasubunit steroid-binding sites in the GABAAR transmembrane domain, but revealed only little definition of their binding properties. Here, we identified steroid-binding sites in purified human α1β3 and α1β3γ2 GABAARs by photoaffinity labeling with [3H]21-[4-(3-(trifluoromethyl)-3H-diazirine-3-yl)benzoxy]allopregnanolone ([3H]21-pTFDBzox-AP), a potent GABAAR PAM. Protein microsequencing established 3α5α-P inhibitable photolabeling of amino acids near the cytoplasmic end of the β subunit M4 (β3Pro-415, β3Leu-417, and β3Thr-418) and M3 (β3Arg-309) helices located at the base of a pocket in the β+-α- subunit interface that extends to the level of αGln-242, a steroid sensitivity determinant in the αM1 helix. Competition photolabeling established that this site binds with high affinity a structurally diverse group of 3α-OH steroids that act as anesthetics, anti-epileptics, and anti-depressants. The presence of a 3α-OH was crucial: 3-acetylated, 3-deoxy, and 3-oxo analogs of 3α5α-P, as well as 3β-OH analogs that are GABAAR antagonists, bound with at least 1000-fold lower affinity than 3α5α-P. Similarly, for GABAAR PAMs with the C-20 carbonyl of 3α5α-P or pregnanolone reduced to a hydroxyl, binding affinity is reduced by 1,000-fold, whereas binding is retained after deoxygenation at the C-20 position. These results provide a first insight into the structure-activity relationship at the GABAAR β+-α- subunit interface steroid-binding site and identify several steroid PAMs that act via other sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Selwyn S Jayakar
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - David C Chiara
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Xiaojuan Zhou
- Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Bo Wu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Karol S Bruzik
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Keith W Miller
- Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Jonathan B Cohen
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
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7
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Bukanova JV, Solntseva EI, Kudova E. Neurosteroids as Selective Inhibitors of Glycine Receptor Activity: Structure-Activity Relationship Study on Endogenous Androstanes and Androstenes. Front Mol Neurosci 2020; 13:44. [PMID: 32265652 PMCID: PMC7098970 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2020.00044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2019] [Accepted: 03/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The ability of androstane and androstene neurosteroids with modifications at C-17, C-5, and C-3 (compounds 1-9) to influence the functional activity of inhibitory glycine and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors was estimated. The glycine- and GABA-induced chloride current (IGly and IGABA) were measured in isolated pyramidal neurons of the rat hippocampus and isolated rat cerebellar Purkinje cells, correspondingly, using the patch-clamp technique. Our results demonstrate that all the nine neurosteroids display similar biological activity, namely, they strongly inhibited IGly and weakly inhibited IGABA. The threshold concentration of neurosteroids inducing effects on IGly was 0.1 μM, and for effects on IGABA was 10–50 μM. Moreover, our compounds accelerated desensitization of the IGly with the IC50 values varying from 0.12 to 0.49 μM and decreased the peak amplitude with IC50 values varying from 16 to 22 μM. Interestingly, our study revealed that only compounds 4 (epiandrosterone) and 8 (dehydroepiandrosterone) were able to cause a significant change in IGABA in 10 μM concentration. Moreover, compounds 3 (testosterone), 5 (epitestosterone), 6 (dihydroandrostenedione), and 9 (etiocholanedione) did not modulate IGABA up to the concentration of 50 μM. Thus, we conclude that compounds 3, 5, 6, and 9 may be identified as selective modulators of IGly. Our results offer new avenues of investigation in the field of drug-like selective modulators of IGly.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Eva Kudova
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
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8
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Zorumski CF, Paul SM, Covey DF, Mennerick S. Neurosteroids as novel antidepressants and anxiolytics: GABA-A receptors and beyond. Neurobiol Stress 2019; 11:100196. [PMID: 31649968 PMCID: PMC6804800 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2019.100196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2019] [Accepted: 09/24/2019] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The recent FDA approval of the neurosteroid, brexanolone (allopregnanolone), as a treatment for women with postpartum depression, and successful trials of a related neuroactive steroid, SGE-217, for men and women with major depressive disorder offer the hope of a new era in treating mood and anxiety disorders based on the potential of neurosteroids as modulators of brain function. This review considers potential mechanisms contributing to antidepressant and anxiolytic effects of allopregnanolone and other GABAergic neurosteroids focusing on their actions as positive allosteric modulators of GABAA receptors. We also consider their roles as endogenous "stress" modulators and possible additional mechanisms contributing to their therapeutic effects. We argue that further understanding of the molecular, cellular, network and psychiatric effects of neurosteroids offers the hope of further advances in the treatment of mood and anxiety disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles F. Zorumski
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
- The Taylor Family Institute for Innovative Psychiatric Research, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Steven M. Paul
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
- The Taylor Family Institute for Innovative Psychiatric Research, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Douglas F. Covey
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
- The Taylor Family Institute for Innovative Psychiatric Research, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Steven Mennerick
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
- The Taylor Family Institute for Innovative Psychiatric Research, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
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9
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Abram M, Jakubiec M, Kamiński K. Chirality as an Important Factor for the Development of New Antiepileptic Drugs. ChemMedChem 2019; 14:1744-1761. [PMID: 31476107 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.201900367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2019] [Revised: 08/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
In recent years, chiral molecules (especially enantiomers) have occupied a significant place in pharmaceutical industry and have played a prominent role in the development of new drugs. Individual stereoisomers exhibit marked differences in pharmacodynamic, pharmacokinetic, and toxicological properties. Therefore, there is currently considerable interest in fully characterizing and examining both enantiomers in the early stages of new drug development. Despite the fact that epilepsy is a complex disease and that a given drug's mechanism of action may be multidirectional and not always fully understood, significant differences have been observed in the anticonvulsant activity of individual stereoisomers. Therefore, between 1996 and 2018, among 14 new antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) approved for the treatment of epilepsy, as many as seven are chiral and introduced to the market in the single-enantiomer (or diastereomer) form. This review provides an overview of the impact of chirality on the development and discovery of new AEDs that have entered into clinical trials or preclinical studies. These new AEDs were developed by applying the single-enantiomer approval strategy. Herein we focus our attention on the main synthetic pathways of stereoisomers, as well as on the influence of chirality on pharmacodynamic, pharmacokinetic, and/or toxicological properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michał Abram
- Jagiellonian University Medical College, Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Medyczna 9, 30-688, Kraków, Poland
| | - Marcin Jakubiec
- Jagiellonian University Medical College, Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Medyczna 9, 30-688, Kraków, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Kamiński
- Jagiellonian University Medical College, Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Medyczna 9, 30-688, Kraków, Poland
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10
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Solomon VR, Tallapragada VJ, Chebib M, Johnston G, Hanrahan JR. GABA allosteric modulators: An overview of recent developments in non-benzodiazepine modulators. Eur J Med Chem 2019; 171:434-461. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2019.03.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2018] [Revised: 02/17/2019] [Accepted: 03/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
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11
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Kapras V, Vyklicky V, Budesinsky M, Cisarova I, Vyklicky L, Chodounska H, Jahn U. Total Synthesis of ent-Pregnanolone Sulfate and Its Biological Investigation at the NMDA Receptor. Org Lett 2018; 20:946-949. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.orglett.7b03838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Vojtech Kapras
- Institute
of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo nam. 2, 166 10, Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Vojtech Vyklicky
- Institute
of Physiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Videnska 1083, 142 20 Prague 4, Czech Republic
| | - Milos Budesinsky
- Institute
of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo nam. 2, 166 10, Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Ivana Cisarova
- Department
of Inorganic Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Hlavova 8, 128 43 Prague 2, Czech Republic
| | - Ladislav Vyklicky
- Institute
of Physiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Videnska 1083, 142 20 Prague 4, Czech Republic
| | - Hana Chodounska
- Institute
of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo nam. 2, 166 10, Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Ullrich Jahn
- Institute
of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo nam. 2, 166 10, Prague 6, Czech Republic
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12
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Zolkowska D, Dhir A, Krishnan K, Covey DF, Rogawski MA. Anticonvulsant potencies of the enantiomers of the neurosteroids androsterone and etiocholanolone exceed those of the natural forms. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2014; 231:3325-32. [PMID: 24705905 PMCID: PMC4134984 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-014-3546-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2013] [Accepted: 03/14/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Androsterone [(3α,5α)-3-hydroxyandrostan-17-one; 5α,3α-A] and its 5β-epimer etiocholanolone [(3α,5β)-3-hydroxyandrostan-17-one; 5β,3α-A)], the major excreted metabolites of testosterone, are neurosteroid positive modulators of GABAA receptors. Such neurosteroids typically show enantioselectivity in which the natural form is more potent than the corresponding unnatural enantiomer. For 5α,3α-A and 5β,3α-A, the unnatural enantiomers are more potent at GABAA receptors than the natural forms. OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to compare the anticonvulsant potencies and time courses of 5α,3α-A and 5β,3α-A with their enantiomers in mouse seizure models. METHODS Steroids were administered intraperitoneally to male NIH Swiss mice 15 min (or up to 6 h in time course experiments) prior to administration of an electrical stimulus in the 6-Hz or maximal electroshock (MES) seizure tests or the convulsant pentylenetetrazol (PTZ). RESULTS In the 6-Hz test, the ED50 values of ent-5α,3α-A was 5.0 mg/kg whereas the value for 5α,3α-A was 12.1 mg/kg; the corresponding values in the PTZ seizure test were 22.8 and 51.8 mg/kg. Neurosteroid GABAA receptor-positive allosteric modulators are generally weak in the MES seizure test and this was confirmed in the present study. However, the atypical relative potency relationship was maintained with ED50 values of 140 and 223 mg/kg for ent-5α,3α-A and 5α,3α-A, respectively. Similar relationships were obtained for the 5β-isomers, except that the enantioselectivity was accentuated. In the 6-Hz and PTZ tests, the ED50 values of ent-5β,3α-A were 11.8 and 20.4 mg/kg whereas the values for 5β,3α-A were 57.6 and 109.1 mg/kg. Protective activity in the 6-Hz test of ent-5α,3α-A persisted for somewhat longer (~5 h) than for 5α,3α-A (~4 h); protection by ent-5β,3α-A also persisted longer (~3 h) than for 5β,3α-A (~2 h). CONCLUSIONS The unnatural enantiomers of 17-keto androgen class neurosteroids have greater in vivo potency and a longer duration of action than their natural counterparts. The more prolonged duration of action of the unnatural enantiomers could reflect reduced susceptibility to metabolism. Unnatural enantiomers of androgen class neurosteroids could have therapeutic utility and may provide advantages over the corresponding natural isomers due to enhanced potency and improved pharmacokinetic characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorota Zolkowska
- Department of Neurology, University of California, Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, California 20817
| | - Ashish Dhir
- Department of Neurology, University of California, Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, California 20817
| | - Kathiresan Krishnan
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110
| | - Douglas F. Covey
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110
| | - Michael A. Rogawski
- Department of Neurology, University of California, Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, California 20817
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13
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Qian M, Krishnan K, Kudova E, Li P, Manion BD, Taylor A, Elias G, Akk G, Evers AS, Zorumski CF, Mennerick S, Covey DF. Neurosteroid analogues. 18. Structure-activity studies of ent-steroid potentiators of γ-aminobutyric acid type A receptors and comparison of their activities with those of alphaxalone and allopregnanolone. J Med Chem 2014; 57:171-90. [PMID: 24328079 PMCID: PMC3951241 DOI: 10.1021/jm401577c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
A model of the alignment of neurosteroids and ent-neurosteroids at the same binding site on γ-aminobutyric acid type A (GABAA) receptors was evaluated for its ability to identify the structural features in ent-neurosteroids that enhance their activity as positive allosteric modulators of this receptor. Structural features that were identified included: (1) a ketone group at position C-16, (2) an axial 4α-OMe group, and (3) a C-18 methyl group. Two ent-steroids were identified that were more potent than the anesthetic steroid alphaxalone in their threshold for and duration of loss of the righting reflex in mice. In tadpoles, loss of righting reflex for these two ent-steroids occurs with EC50 values similar to those found for allopregnanolone. The results indicate that ent-steroids have considerable potential to be developed as anesthetic agents and as drugs to treat brain disorders that are ameliorated by positive allosteric modulators of GABAA receptor function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingxing Qian
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, 63110, United States
| | - Kathiresan Krishnan
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, 63110, United States
| | - Eva Kudova
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, 63110, United States
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, 63110, United States
| | - Ping Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, 63110, United States
| | - Brad D. Manion
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, 63110, United States
| | - Amanda Taylor
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, 63110, United States
| | | | - Gustav Akk
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, 63110, United States
- Department of Radiology, The Taylor Family Institute for Innovative Psychiatric Research, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, 63110, United States
| | - Alex S. Evers
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, 63110, United States
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, 63110, United States
- Department of Radiology, The Taylor Family Institute for Innovative Psychiatric Research, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, 63110, United States
| | - Charles F. Zorumski
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, 63110, United States
- Department of Radiology, The Taylor Family Institute for Innovative Psychiatric Research, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, 63110, United States
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, 63110, United States
| | - Steven Mennerick
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, 63110, United States
- Department of Radiology, The Taylor Family Institute for Innovative Psychiatric Research, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, 63110, United States
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, 63110, United States
| | - Douglas F. Covey
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, 63110, United States
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, 63110, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, 63110, United States
- Department of Radiology, The Taylor Family Institute for Innovative Psychiatric Research, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, 63110, United States
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14
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Carver CM, Reddy DS. Neurosteroid interactions with synaptic and extrasynaptic GABA(A) receptors: regulation of subunit plasticity, phasic and tonic inhibition, and neuronal network excitability. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2013; 230:151-88. [PMID: 24071826 PMCID: PMC3832254 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-013-3276-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 171] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2013] [Accepted: 08/29/2013] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Neurosteroids are steroids synthesized within the brain with rapid effects on neuronal excitability. Allopregnanolone, allotetrahydrodeoxycorticosterone, and androstanediol are three widely explored prototype endogenous neurosteroids. They have very different targets and functions compared to conventional steroid hormones. Neuronal γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) type A (GABA(A)) receptors are one of the prime molecular targets of neurosteroids. OBJECTIVE This review provides a critical appraisal of recent advances in the pharmacology of endogenous neurosteroids that interact with GABA(A) receptors in the brain. Neurosteroids possess distinct, characteristic effects on the membrane potential and current conductance of the neuron, mainly via potentiation of GABA(A) receptors at low concentrations and direct activation of receptor chloride channel at higher concentrations. The GABA(A) receptor mediates two types of inhibition, now characterized as synaptic (phasic) and extrasynaptic (tonic) inhibition. Synaptic release of GABA results in the activation of low-affinity γ2-containing synaptic receptors, while high-affinity δ-containing extrasynaptic receptors are persistently activated by the ambient GABA present in the extracellular fluid. Neurosteroids are potent positive allosteric modulators of synaptic and extrasynaptic GABA(A) receptors and therefore enhance both phasic and tonic inhibition. Tonic inhibition is specifically more sensitive to neurosteroids. The resulting tonic conductance generates a form of shunting inhibition that controls neuronal network excitability, seizure susceptibility, and behavior. CONCLUSION The growing understanding of the mechanisms of neurosteroid regulation of the structure and function of the synaptic and extrasynaptic GABA(A) receptors provides many opportunities to create improved therapies for sleep, anxiety, stress, epilepsy, and other neuropsychiatric conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chase Matthew Carver
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, 2008 Medical Research and Education Building, 8447 State Highway 47, Bryan, TX, 77807-3260, USA
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15
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Slavíková B, Bujons J, Matyáš L, Vidal M, Babot Z, Krištofíková Z, Suñol C, Kasal A. Allopregnanolone and pregnanolone analogues modified in the C ring: synthesis and activity. J Med Chem 2013; 56:2323-36. [PMID: 23421641 DOI: 10.1021/jm3016365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
(25R)-3β-Hydroxy-5α-spirostan-12-one (hecogenin) and 11α-hydroxypregn-4-ene-3,20-dione (11α-hydroxyprogesterone) were used as starting materials for the synthesis of a series of 11- and 12-substituted derivatives of 5ξ-pregnanolone (3α-hydroxy-5α-pregnan-20-one and 3α-hydroxy-5β-pregnan-20-one), the principal neurosteroid acting via γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA). These analogues were designed to study the structural requirements of the corresponding GABAA receptor. Their biological activity was measured by in vitro test with [(3)H]flunitrazepam as radioligand in which allopregnanolone and its active analogues stimulated the binding to the GABAA receptor. Analysis of the SAR data suggests dependence of the flunitrazepam binding activity on the hydrophobic-hydrophilic balance of the groups at the C-ring edge rather than on specific interactions between them and the receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbora Slavíková
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, 166 10 Prague 6, Czech Republic
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16
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Neurosteroids, stress and depression: potential therapeutic opportunities. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2012; 37:109-22. [PMID: 23085210 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2012.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 150] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2012] [Revised: 09/28/2012] [Accepted: 10/02/2012] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Neurosteroids are potent and effective neuromodulators that are synthesized from cholesterol in the brain. These agents and their synthetic derivatives influence the function of multiple signaling pathways including receptors for γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glutamate, the major inhibitory and excitatory neurotransmitters in the central nervous system (CNS). Increasing evidence indicates that dysregulation of neurosteroid production plays a role in the pathophysiology of stress and stress-related psychiatric disorders, including mood and anxiety disorders. In this paper, we review the mechanisms of neurosteroid action in brain with an emphasis on those neurosteroids that potently modulate the function of GABA(A) receptors. We then discuss evidence indicating a role for GABA and neurosteroids in stress and depression, and focus on potential strategies that can be used to manipulate CNS neurosteroid synthesis and function for therapeutic purposes.
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17
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Cerný I, Buděšínský M, Pouzar V, Vyklický V, Krausová B, Vyklický L. Neuroactive steroids with perfluorobenzoyl group. Steroids 2012; 77:1233-41. [PMID: 22842234 DOI: 10.1016/j.steroids.2012.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2012] [Revised: 06/15/2012] [Accepted: 07/03/2012] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
During an initial study in searching for the alternative derivatives suitable for photolabeling of neuroactive steroids, perfluorobenzoates and perfluorobenzamides in position 17 of 5β-androstan-3α-ol were synthesized from the corresponding 17-hydroxy and 17-amino derivatives. After transformation into glutamates or sulfates, 17α-epimers had comparable inhibitory activity at NMDA receptors to the natural neurosteroid (20-oxo-5β-pregnan-3β-yl sulfate), however, were more potent (2- to 36-fold) than their 17β-substituted analogs. In one case, fluorine in position 4' of perfluorobenzoate group was substituted with azide and activity of the final glutamate was retained comparing with the corresponding perfluorobenzoate. The series was expanded with perfluorobenzoyl derivatives of pregnanolone: Perfluorobenzamide of glutamate and perfluorobenzoate of 11α-hydroxy pregnanolone were prepared and tested. From nine tested compounds, four of them exhibit very good inhibition activity and can serve as promising leads for photolabeling experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivan Cerný
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, v.v.i., 166 10 Prague 6, Czech Republic.
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18
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Shu HJ, Bracamontes J, Taylor A, Wu K, Eaton MM, Akk G, Manion B, Evers AS, Krishnan K, Covey DF, Zorumski CF, Steinbach JH, Mennerick S. Characteristics of concatemeric GABA(A) receptors containing α4/δ subunits expressed in Xenopus oocytes. Br J Pharmacol 2012; 165:2228-43. [PMID: 21950777 DOI: 10.1111/j.1476-5381.2011.01690.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE GABA(A) receptors mediate both synaptic and extrasynaptic actions of GABA. In several neuronal populations, α4 and δ subunits are key components of extrasynaptic GABA(A) receptors that strongly influence neuronal excitability and could mediate the effects of neuroactive agents including neurosteroids and ethanol. However, these receptors can be difficult to study in native cells and recombinant δ subunits can be difficult to express in heterologous systems. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH We engineered concatemeric (fused) subunits to ensure δ and α4 subunit expression. We tested the pharmacology of the concatemeric receptors, compared with a common synaptic-like receptor subunit combination (α1 +β2 +γ2L), and with free-subunit α4/δ receptors, expressed in Xenopus oocytes. KEY RESULTS δ-β2 -α4 +β2-α4 cRNA co-injected into Xenopus oocytes resulted in GABA-gated currents with the expected pharmacological properties of α4/δ-containing receptors. Criteria included sensitivity to agonists of different efficacy, sensitivity to the allosteric activator pentobarbital, and modulation of agonist responses by DS2 (4-chloro-N-[2-(2-thienyl)imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine-3-yl benzamide; a δ-selective positive modulator), furosemide, and Zn(2+) . We used the concatemers to examine neurosteroid sensitivity of extrasynaptic-like, δ-containing receptors. We found no qualitative differences between extrasynaptic-like receptors and synaptic-like receptors in the actions of either negative or positive neurosteroid modulators of receptor function. Quantitative differences were explained by the partial agonist effects of the natural agonist GABA and by a mildly increased sensitivity to low steroid concentrations. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS The neurosteroid structure-activity profile for α4/δ-containing extrasynaptic receptors is unlikely to differ from that of synaptic-like receptors such as α1/β2/γ2-containing receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Jin Shu
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
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19
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Krishnan K, Manion BD, Taylor A, Bracamontes J, Steinbach JH, Reichert DE, Evers AS, Zorumski CF, Mennerick S, Covey DF. Neurosteroid analogues. 17. Inverted binding orientations of androsterone enantiomers at the steroid potentiation site on γ-aminobutyric acid type A receptors. J Med Chem 2012; 55:1334-45. [PMID: 22191644 DOI: 10.1021/jm2014925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The enantiomer pair androsterone and ent-androsterone are positive allosteric modulators of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) type A receptors. Each enantiomer was shown to bind at the same receptor site. Binding orientations of the enantiomers at this site were deduced using enantiomer pairs containing OBn substituents at either C-7 or C-11. 11β-OBn-substituted steroids and 7α-OBn-substituted ent-steroids potently displace [(35)S]-tert-butylbicyclophosphorothionate, augment GABA currents, and anesthetize tadpoles. In contrast, 7β-OBn-substituted steroids and 11α-OBn-substituted ent-steroids have diminished actions. The results suggest that the binding orientations of the active analogues are inverted relative to each other with the 7α- and 11β-substituents similarly located on the edges of the molecules not in contact with the receptor surface. Analogue potentiation of the GABA current was abrogated by an α(1) subunit Q241L mutation, indicating that the active analogues act at the same sites in α(1)β(2)γ(2L) receptors previously associated with positive neurosteroid modulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathiresan Krishnan
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University, St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, United States
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20
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Sneitz N, Krishnan K, Covey DF, Finel M. Glucuronidation of the steroid enantiomers ent-17β-estradiol, ent-androsterone and ent-etiocholanolone by the human UDP-glucuronosyltransferases. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2011; 127:282-8. [PMID: 21899827 PMCID: PMC3234363 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2011.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2011] [Revised: 07/29/2011] [Accepted: 08/16/2011] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Steroids enantiomers are interesting compounds for detailed exploration of drug metabolizing enzymes, such as the UDP-glucuronosyltransferases (UGTs). We have now studied the glucuronidation of the enantiomers of estradiol, androsterone and etiocholanolone by the 19 human UGTs of subfamilies 1A, 2A and 2B. The results reveal that the pattern of human UGTs of subfamily 2B that glucuronidate ent-17β-estradiol, particularly 2B15 and 2B17, resembles the glucuronidation of epiestradiol (17α-estradiol) rather than 17β-estradiol, the main physiological estrogen. The UGTs of subfamilies 1A and 2A exhibit higher degree of regioselectivity than enantioselectivity in the conjugation of these estradiols, regardless of whether the activity is primarily toward the non-chiral site, 3-OH (UGT1A1, UGT1A3, UGT1A7, UGT1A8 and, above all, UGT1A10), or the 17-OH (UGT1A4). In the cases of etiocholanolone and androsterone, glucuronidation of the ent-androgens, like the conjugation of the natural androgens, is mainly catalyzed by UGTs of subfamilies 2A and 2B. Nevertheless, the glucuronidation of ent-etiocholanolone and ent-androsterone by both UGT2B7 and UGT2B17 differs considerably from their respective activity toward the corresponding endogenous androgens, whereas UGT2A1-catalyzed conjugation is much less affected by the stereochemistry differences. Kinetic analyses reveal that the K(m) value of UGT2A1 for ent-estradiol is much higher than the corresponding value in the other two high activity enzymes, UGT1A10 and UGT2B7. Taken together, the results highlight large enantioselectivity differences between individual UGTs, particularly those of subfamily 2B.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Sneitz
- Centre for Drug Research, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Finland
- Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Kathiresan Krishnan
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University in St. Louis, School of Medicine, 660 S. Euclid Ave., St. Louis, Missouri, 63110, USA
| | - Douglas F. Covey
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University in St. Louis, School of Medicine, 660 S. Euclid Ave., St. Louis, Missouri, 63110, USA
| | - Moshe Finel
- Centre for Drug Research, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Finland
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21
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Akk G, Covey DF, Evers AS, Mennerick S, Zorumski CF, Steinbach JH. Kinetic and structural determinants for GABA-A receptor potentiation by neuroactive steroids. Curr Neuropharmacol 2011; 8:18-25. [PMID: 20808543 PMCID: PMC2866458 DOI: 10.2174/157015910790909458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2009] [Revised: 11/16/2009] [Accepted: 11/20/2009] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Endogenous neurosteroids and synthetic neuroactive steroid analogs are among the most potent and efficacious potentiators of the mammalian GABA-A receptor. The compounds interact with one or more sites on the receptor leading to an increase in the channel open probability through a set of changes in the open and closed time distributions. The endogenous neurosteroid allopregnanolone potentiates the α1β2γ2L GABA-A receptor by enhancing the mean duration and prevalence of the longest-lived open time component and by reducing the prevalence of the longest-lived intracluster closed time component. Thus the channel mean open time is increased and the mean closed time duration is decreased, resulting in potentiation of channel function. Some of the other previously characterized neurosteroids and steroid analogs act through similar mechanisms while others affect a subset of these parameters. The steroids modulate the GABA-A receptor through interactions with the membrane-spanning region of the receptor. However, the number of binding sites that mediate the actions of steroids is unclear. We discuss data supporting the notions of a single site vs. multiple sites mediating the potentiating actions of steroids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gustav Akk
- Departments of Anesthesiology (GA, ASE, JHS), Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA.
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22
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Stastna E, Rath NP, Covey DF. The use of symmetry in enantioselective synthesis: four pairs of chrysene enantiomers prepared from 19-nortestosterone. Org Biomol Chem 2011; 9:4685-94. [PMID: 21541379 DOI: 10.1039/c1ob05385j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Expansion of the D-ring of 19-norsteroids with incorporation of the steroid C-18 methyl group into a newly formed six-membered ring provides easy access to the chrysene ring system. By taking advantage of the symmetry of the chrysene ring system and avoiding meso chrysene intermediates, four optically pure 2,8-difunctionalized (C-2 hydroxyl group and C-8 oxo group) hexadecahydrochrysene diastereomers, and their corresponding optically pure enantiomers were prepared from 19-nortestosterone. The eight chrysene stereoisomers are of interest as starting materials for preparing chrysene analogues of physiologically important neurosteroids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Stastna
- Department of Developmental Biology, Campus Box 8103, Washington University in St. Louis, School of Medicine, 660 S. Euclid Ave., St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
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23
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Petit GH, Tobin C, Krishnan K, Moricard Y, Covey DF, Rondi-Reig L, Akwa Y. Pregnenolone sulfate and its enantiomer: differential modulation of memory in a spatial discrimination task using forebrain NMDA receptor deficient mice. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2011; 21:211-5. [PMID: 21036556 PMCID: PMC3026085 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2010.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2010] [Revised: 09/15/2010] [Accepted: 09/21/2010] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
This study examined the role of forebrain N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDA-Rs) in the promnesiant effects of natural (+) pregnenolone sulfate (PREGS) and its synthetic (-) enantiomer ent-PREGS in young adult mice. Using the two-trial arm discrimination task in a Y-maze, PREGS and ent-PREGS administration to control mice increased memory performances. In mice with a knock-out of the NR1 subunit of NMDA-Rs in the forebrain, the promnesiant effect of ent-PREGS was maintained whereas the activity of PREGS was lost. Memory enhancement by PREGS involves the NMDA-R activity in the hippocampal CA1 area and possibly in some locations of the cortical layers, whereas ent-PREGS acts independently of NMDA-R function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Géraldine H Petit
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Neurobiologie des Processus Adaptatifs (UMR7102), Université Pierre et Marie Curie, Paris, France
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24
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Covey DF. ent-Steroids: novel tools for studies of signaling pathways. Steroids 2009; 74:577-85. [PMID: 19103212 PMCID: PMC2668732 DOI: 10.1016/j.steroids.2008.11.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2008] [Revised: 11/21/2008] [Accepted: 11/24/2008] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Membrane receptors are often modulated by steroids and it is necessary to distinguish the effects of steroids at these receptors from effects occurring at nuclear receptors. Additionally, it may also be mechanistically important to distinguish between direct effects caused by binding of steroids to membrane receptors and indirect effects on membrane receptor function caused by steroid perturbation of the membrane containing the receptor. In this regard, ent-steroids, the mirror images of naturally occurring steroids, are novel tools for distinguishing between these various actions of steroids. The review provides a background for understanding the different actions that can be expected of steroids and ent-steroids in biological systems, references for the preparation of ent-steroids, a short discussion about relevant forms of stereoisomerism and the requirements that need to be fulfilled for the interaction between two molecules to be enantioselective. The review then summarizes results of biophysical, biochemical and pharmacological studies published since 1992 in which ent-steroids have been used to investigate the actions of steroids in membranes and/or receptor-mediated signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Douglas F Covey
- Department of Developmental Biology, Campus Box 8103, Washington Univ. in St. Louis, School of Medicine, 660 S. Euclid Ave., St. Louis, MO 63110, United States.
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25
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Katona BW, Anant S, Covey DF, Stenson WF. Characterization of enantiomeric bile acid-induced apoptosis in colon cancer cell lines. J Biol Chem 2008; 284:3354-3364. [PMID: 19054763 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m805804200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Bile acids are steroid detergents that are toxic to mammalian cells at high concentrations; increased exposure to these steroids is pertinent in the pathogenesis of cholestatic disease and colon cancer. Understanding the mechanisms of bile acid toxicity and apoptosis, which could include nonspecific detergent effects and/or specific receptor activation, has potential therapeutic significance. In this report we investigate the ability of synthetic enantiomers of lithocholic acid (ent-LCA), chenodeoxycholic acid (ent-CDCA), and deoxycholic acid (ent-DCA) to induce toxicity and apoptosis in HT-29 and HCT-116 cells. Natural bile acids were found to induce more apoptotic nuclear morphology, cause increased cellular detachment, and lead to greater capase-3 and -9 cleavage compared with enantiomeric bile acids in both cell lines. In contrast, natural and enantiomeric bile acids showed similar effects on cellular proliferation. These data show that bile acid-induced apoptosis in HT-29 and HCT-116 cells is enantiospecific, hence correlated with the absolute configuration of the bile steroid rather than its detergent properties. The mechanism of LCA- and ent-LCA-induced apoptosis was also investigated in HT-29 and HCT-116 cells. These bile acids differentially activate initiator caspases-2 and -8 and induce cleavage of full-length Bid. LCA and ent-LCA mediated apoptosis was inhibited by both pan-caspase and selective caspase-8 inhibitors, whereas a selective caspase-2 inhibitor provided no protection. LCA also induced increased CD95 localization to the plasma membrane and generated increased reactive oxygen species compared with ent-LCA. This suggests that LCA/ent-LCA induce apoptosis enantioselectively through CD95 activation, likely because of increased reactive oxygen species generation, with resulting procaspase-8 cleavage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryson W Katona
- Department of Developmental Biology, Division of Gastroenterology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110
| | - Shrikant Anant
- Department of Medicine, University of Oklahoma Heath Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73104
| | - Douglas F Covey
- Department of Developmental Biology, Division of Gastroenterology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110
| | - William F Stenson
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110.
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26
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Komarapuri S, Krishnan K, Covey DF. Synthesis of 19-Trideuterated ent-Testosterone and the GABA(A) Receptor Potentiators ent-Androsterone and ent-Etiocholanolone. J Labelled Comp Radiopharm 2008; 51:430-434. [PMID: 19122784 DOI: 10.1002/jlcr.1558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
19-Trideuteromethyl enantiomers of androgens namely ent-testosterone, ent-androsterone and ent-etiocholanolone were prepared by total synthesis. The isotope labeling at the carbon-19 angular methyl group was achieved by using deuterated methyl iodide (99.5% d(3)) for introduction of C-19 before closure of the steroid A-ring. This method yields 19,19,19-trideuterated steroids without increasing the number of steps involved in the total synthesis of ent-androgens. Analysis by mass spectrometry showed no loss of deuterium during incorporation of C-19 into ent-testosterone. The availability of the compounds will enable these ent-androgens to be distinguished by mass spectrometry from their natural enantiomers in future pharmacokinetic and metabolic studies.
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Scaglione JB, Jastrzebska I, Krishnan K, Li P, Akk G, Manion BD, Benz A, Taylor A, Rath NP, Evers AS, Zorumski CF, Mennerick S, Covey DF. Neurosteroid analogues. 14. Alternative ring system scaffolds: GABA modulatory and anesthetic actions of cyclopenta[b]phenanthrenes and cyclopenta[b]anthracenes. J Med Chem 2008; 51:1309-18. [PMID: 18275132 DOI: 10.1021/jm701128r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Although the structural features of binding sites for neuroactive steroids on gamma-aminobutryic acid type A (GABA A) receptors are still largely unknown, structure-activity studies have established a pharmacophore for potent enhancement of GABA A receptor function by neuroactive steroids. This pharmacophore emphasizes the importance of the position and stereochemistry of hydrogen-bonding groups on the steroid. However, the importance of the steroid ring system in mediating hydrophobic interactions with the GABA A receptor is unclear. We have taken the cyclopenta[ b]phenanthrene (tetracyclic compounds with a nonlinear ring system different from that of steroids) and cyclopenta[ b]anthracene (tetracyclic molecules with a linear 6-6-6-5 carbocyclic ring system) ring systems and properly substituted them to satisfy the pharmacophore requirements of the critical hydrogen-bond donor and acceptor groups found in neuroactive steroids. We have found these cyclopenta[ b]phenanthrene and cyclopenta[ b]anthracene analogues to have potent activity at the GABA A receptor, rivaling that of the most potent steroid modulators. Single-channel analysis of electrophysiological data indicates that similarly substituted analogues in the different ring systems affect the kinetic components of macroscopic currents in different ways. Mutations to the hydrogen bonding amino acids at the putative steroid binding site (alpha1Q241L mutation and alpha1N407A/Y410F double mutation) produce similar effects on macroscopic current amplitude by the different ring system analogues suggesting that the different kinetic effects are explained by the precise interactions of each analogue with the same binding site(s).
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamie B Scaglione
- Department of Molecular Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, USA
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Wang C, Rath NP, Covey DF. Neurosteroid Analogues. 13. Synthetic methods for the preparation of 2beta-hydroxygonane derivatives as structural mimics of ent-3alpha-hydroxysteroid modulators of GABA(A) receptors. Tetrahedron 2007; 63:7977-7984. [PMID: 18698337 DOI: 10.1016/j.tet.2007.05.068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Many different 3alpha-hydroxysteroids in the androstane and pregnane steroid series enhance the actions of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) at GABA type-A (GABA(A)) receptors in the mammalian central nervous system. Recent studies have shown that (3alpha,5alpha)-3-hydroxyandrostan-17-one (androsterone) is less active at these receptors than its enantiomer ent-androsterone. Further structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies are needed to explore the structural features of ent-androsterone that are important for its enhanced action at these receptors. Molecular modeling shows that 2beta-hydroxysteroids are similar in three-dimensional shape to the enantiomers of 3alpha-hydroxysteroids. The development of synthtetic methods to gain access to C(17)-substituted analogues of 2beta-hydroxygonanes for SAR studies is demonstrated with the synthesis of (2beta,5alpha,13beta,14beta)-2-hydroxygonan-17-one.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cunde Wang
- Department of Molecular Biology and Pharmacology, Washington University School of Medicine, Campus Box 8103, 660 S. Euclid Ave., St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
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Li P, Bracamontes J, Katona BW, Covey DF, Steinbach JH, Akk G. Natural and enantiomeric etiocholanolone interact with distinct sites on the rat alpha1beta2gamma2L GABAA receptor. Mol Pharmacol 2007; 71:1582-90. [PMID: 17341652 DOI: 10.1124/mol.106.033407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
We have studied the ability of the androgen etiocholanolone and its enantiomer (ent-etiocholanolone) to modulate rat alpha1beta2gamma2L GABA(A) receptor function transiently expressed in human embryonic kidney cells. Studies on steroid enantiomer pairs can yield powerful new information on the pharmacology of steroid interactions with the GABA(A) receptor. Both steroids enhance currents elicited by GABA, but ent-etiocholanolone is much more powerful than etiocholanolone at producing potentiation. At a low GABA concentration (0.5 microM, <EC(5)), the presence of 10 microM ent-etiocholanolone potentiates whole-cell currents by almost 30-fold, whereas 10 microM etiocholanolone merely doubles the peak response. At higher GABA concentration (5 microM, approximately EC(25)), the potentiation curve for ent-etiocholanolone is positioned at lower concentrations than that for etiocholanolone. Single-channel kinetic analysis shows that exposure to etiocholanolone has a single effect on currents: the relative frequency of long openings is increased in the presence of steroid. But exposure to ent-etiocholanolone produces two kinetic effects: an increase in the relative frequency of long openings and a decrease in the frequency of long closed times. The presence of etiocholanolone does not inhibit potentiation by ent-etiocholanolone, suggesting that etiocholanolone is unable to interact with the sites through which ent-etiocholanolone modifies receptor function. The double mutation alpha1(N407A/Y410F) prevents potentiation by etiocholanolone but not by ent-etiocholanolone, and the alpha1(Q241A) and alpha1(I238N) point mutations fully abolish potentiation by etiocholanolone but not by ent-etiocholanolone. We conclude that etiocholanolone and its enantiomer interact with distinct sites on the alpha1beta2gamma2L GABA(A) receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO 63110, USA
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