1
|
Breault É, Desgagné M, Neve JD, Côté J, Barlow TMA, Ballet S, Sarret P. Multitarget ligands that comprise opioid/nonopioid pharmacophores for pain management: Current state of the science. Pharmacol Res 2024; 209:107408. [PMID: 39307212 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2024.107408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2024] [Revised: 08/26/2024] [Accepted: 09/10/2024] [Indexed: 10/05/2024]
Abstract
Chronic pain, which affects more than one-third of the world's population, represents one of the greatest medical challenges of the 21st century, yet its effective management remains sub-optimal. The 'gold standard' for the treatment of moderate to severe pain consists of opioid ligands, such as morphine and fentanyl, that target the µ-opioid receptor (MOP). Paradoxically, these opioids also cause serious side effects, including constipation, respiratory depression, tolerance, and addiction. In addition, the development of opioid-use disorders, such as opioid diversion, misuse, and abuse, has led to the current opioid crisis, with dramatic increases in addiction, overdoses, and ultimately deaths. As pain is a complex, multidimensional experience involving a variety of pathways and mediators, dual or multitarget ligands that can bind to more than one receptor and exert complementary analgesic effects, represent a promising avenue for pain relief. Indeed, unlike monomodal therapeutic approaches, the modulation of several endogenous nociceptive systems can often result in an additive or even synergistic effect, thereby improving the analgesic-to-side-effect ratio. Here, we provide a comprehensive overview of research efforts towards the development of dual- or multi-targeting opioid/nonopioid hybrid ligands for effective and safer pain management. We reflect on the underpinning discovery rationale by discussing the design, medicinal chemistry, and in vivo pharmacological effects of multitarget antinociceptive compounds.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Émile Breault
- Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, 3001, 12e avenue Nord, Sherbrooke, QC J1H 5N4, Canada
| | - Michael Desgagné
- Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, 3001, 12e avenue Nord, Sherbrooke, QC J1H 5N4, Canada
| | - Jolien De Neve
- Research Group of Organic Chemistry, Departments of Chemistry and Bioengineering Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, Brussels 1050, Belgium
| | - Jérôme Côté
- Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, 3001, 12e avenue Nord, Sherbrooke, QC J1H 5N4, Canada
| | - Thomas M A Barlow
- Research Group of Organic Chemistry, Departments of Chemistry and Bioengineering Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, Brussels 1050, Belgium
| | - Steven Ballet
- Research Group of Organic Chemistry, Departments of Chemistry and Bioengineering Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, Brussels 1050, Belgium
| | - Philippe Sarret
- Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, 3001, 12e avenue Nord, Sherbrooke, QC J1H 5N4, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Han Z, Jin G, Tang J, Wang H, Guo D, Zhang J. Analgesic tolerance and cross-tolerance to the bifunctional opioid/neuropeptide FF receptors agonist EN-9 and μ-opioid receptor ligands at the supraspinal level in mice. Neuropeptides 2023; 97:102309. [PMID: 36410163 DOI: 10.1016/j.npep.2022.102309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2022] [Revised: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The chimeric peptide EN-9 was reported as a κ-opioid/neuropeptide FF receptors bifunctional agonist that modulated chronic pain with no tolerance. Many lines of evidence have shown that the effect of the κ-opioid receptor is mediated by not only its specific activation but also downstream events participation, especially interaction with the μ-opioid receptor pathway in antinociception and tolerance on most occasions. The present study investigated the acute and chronic cross-tolerance of EN-9 with μ-opioid receptor agonist EM-2, DAMGO, and morphine after intracerebroventricularly (i.c.v) injection in the mouse tail-flick test. In the acute tolerance test, EN-9 showed symmetrical acute cross-tolerance to DAMGO but no cross-tolerance to EM2. In the chronic tolerance test, EN-9 had no tolerance after eight days of repeated administration. However, EN-9 illustrated complete cross-tolerance to morphine and symmetrical cross-tolerance to EM2. In addition, inhibition of NPFF receptor could induce the tolerance development of EN-9. These findings indicated that supraspinal EN-9-induced antinociception contains additional components, which are mediated by the downstream μ-opioid receptor pathway both in acute and chronic treatment, whereas the subtypes of μ-opioid receptor or NPFF system pathway involved in antinociceptive effects induced by EN-9 are complex. Identifying the receptor mechanism could help design preferable bifunctional opioid compounds.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhenglan Han
- Institute of Basic Medicine and Forensic Medicine, North Sichuan Medical College, 55 Dongshun Road, Nanchong 637100, PR China
| | - Guofei Jin
- Nanchong Key Laboratory of Metabolic Drugs and Biological Products, 55 Dongshun Road, Nanchong 637100, PR China
| | - Jiancai Tang
- Nanchong Key Laboratory of Metabolic Drugs and Biological Products, 55 Dongshun Road, Nanchong 637100, PR China
| | - Hanyan Wang
- Institute of Basic Medicine and Forensic Medicine, North Sichuan Medical College, 55 Dongshun Road, Nanchong 637100, PR China
| | - Dongmei Guo
- Institute of Basic Medicine and Forensic Medicine, North Sichuan Medical College, 55 Dongshun Road, Nanchong 637100, PR China
| | - Jingping Zhang
- Institute of Basic Medicine and Forensic Medicine, North Sichuan Medical College, 55 Dongshun Road, Nanchong 637100, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Chen T, Sun T, Bian Y, Pei Y, Feng F, Chi H, Li Y, Tang X, Sang S, Du C, Chen Y, Chen Y, Sun H. The Design and Optimization of Monomeric Multitarget Peptides for the Treatment of Multifactorial Diseases. J Med Chem 2022; 65:3685-3705. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c01456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Tingkai Chen
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, People’s Republic of China
| | - Tianyu Sun
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yaoyao Bian
- College of Acupuncture and Massage, College of Regimen and Rehabilitation, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yuqiong Pei
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, People’s Republic of China
| | - Feng Feng
- Food and Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Jiangsu Food and Pharmaceuticals Science College, Huaian 223003, People’s Republic of China
| | - Heng Chi
- Food and Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Jiangsu Food and Pharmaceuticals Science College, Huaian 223003, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yuan Li
- Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Jiangsu Food and Pharmaceuticals Science College, Huaian 223005, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xu Tang
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shenghu Sang
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chenxi Du
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ying Chen
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yao Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, People’s Republic of China
| | - Haopeng Sun
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, People’s Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Gadais C, Piekielna-Ciesielska J, De Neve J, Martin C, Janecka A, Ballet S. Harnessing the Anti-Nociceptive Potential of NK2 and NK3 Ligands in the Design of New Multifunctional μ/δ-Opioid Agonist-Neurokinin Antagonist Peptidomimetics. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26175406. [PMID: 34500841 PMCID: PMC8434392 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26175406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Revised: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Opioid agonists are well-established analgesics, widely prescribed for acute but also chronic pain. However, their efficiency comes with the price of drastically impacting side effects that are inherently linked to their prolonged use. To answer these liabilities, designed multiple ligands (DMLs) offer a promising strategy by co-targeting opioid and non-opioid signaling pathways involved in nociception. Despite being intimately linked to the Substance P (SP)/neurokinin 1 (NK1) system, which is broadly examined for pain treatment, the neurokinin receptors NK2 and NK3 have so far been neglected in such DMLs. Herein, a series of newly designed opioid agonist-NK2 or -NK3 antagonists is reported. A selection of reported peptidic, pseudo-peptidic, and non-peptide neurokinin NK2 and NK3 ligands were covalently linked to the peptidic μ-opioid selective pharmacophore Dmt-DALDA (H-Dmt-d-Arg-Phe-Lys-NH2) and the dual μ/δ opioid agonist H-Dmt-d-Arg-Aba-βAla-NH2 (KGOP01). Opioid binding assays unequivocally demonstrated that only hybrids SBL-OPNK-5, SBL-OPNK-7 and SBL-OPNK-9, bearing the KGOP01 scaffold, conserved nanomolar range μ-opioid receptor (MOR) affinity, and slightly reduced affinity for the δ-opioid receptor (DOR). Moreover, NK binding experiments proved that compounds SBL-OPNK-5, SBL-OPNK-7, and SBL-OPNK-9 exhibited (sub)nanomolar binding affinity for NK2 and NK3, opening promising opportunities for the design of next-generation opioid hybrids.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Charlène Gadais
- Research Group of Organic Chemistry, Departments of Bioengineering Sciences and Chemistry, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium; (J.D.N.); (C.M.)
- Institut des Sciences Chimiques de Rennes, Equipe CORINT, UMR 6226, Université de Rennes 1, 2 Avenue du Pr. Léon Bernard, CEDEX, 35043 Rennes, France
- Correspondence: (C.G.); (S.B.); Tel.: +32-2-6293-292 (S.B.)
| | - Justyna Piekielna-Ciesielska
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Lodz, 92-215 Lodz, Poland; (J.P.-C.); (A.J.)
| | - Jolien De Neve
- Research Group of Organic Chemistry, Departments of Bioengineering Sciences and Chemistry, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium; (J.D.N.); (C.M.)
| | - Charlotte Martin
- Research Group of Organic Chemistry, Departments of Bioengineering Sciences and Chemistry, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium; (J.D.N.); (C.M.)
| | - Anna Janecka
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Lodz, 92-215 Lodz, Poland; (J.P.-C.); (A.J.)
| | - Steven Ballet
- Research Group of Organic Chemistry, Departments of Bioengineering Sciences and Chemistry, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium; (J.D.N.); (C.M.)
- Correspondence: (C.G.); (S.B.); Tel.: +32-2-6293-292 (S.B.)
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Gonzalez S, Dumitrascuta M, Eiselt E, Louis S, Kunze L, Blasiol A, Vivancos M, Previti S, Dewolf E, Martin C, Tourwé D, Cavelier F, Gendron L, Sarret P, Spetea M, Ballet S. Optimized Opioid-Neurotensin Multitarget Peptides: From Design to Structure-Activity Relationship Studies. J Med Chem 2020; 63:12929-12941. [PMID: 32902268 PMCID: PMC7667639 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c01376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2020] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Fusion of nonopioid pharmacophores, such as neurotensin, with opioid ligands represents an attractive approach for pain treatment. Herein, the μ-/δ-opioid agonist tetrapeptide H-Dmt-d-Arg-Aba-β-Ala-NH2 (KGOP01) was fused to NT(8-13) analogues. Since the NTS1 receptor has been linked to adverse effects, selective MOR-NTS2 ligands are preferred. Modifications were introduced within the native NT sequence, particularly a β3-homo amino acid in position 8 and Tyr11 substitutions. Combination of β3hArg and Dmt led to peptide 7, a MOR agonist, showing the highest NTS2 affinity described to date (Ki = 3 pM) and good NTS1 affinity (Ki = 4 nM), providing a >1300-fold NTS2 selectivity. The (6-OH)Tic-containing analogue 9 also exhibited high NTS2 affinity (Ki = 1.7 nM), with low NTS1 affinity (Ki = 4.7 μM), resulting in an excellent NTS2 selectivity (>2700). In mice, hybrid 7 produced significant and prolonged antinociception (up to 8 h), as compared to the KGOP01 opioid parent compound.
Collapse
MESH Headings
- Amino Acid Sequence
- Animals
- Disease Models, Animal
- Drug Design
- Humans
- Male
- Mice
- Oligopeptides/chemistry
- Oligopeptides/metabolism
- Oligopeptides/therapeutic use
- Pain/drug therapy
- Pain/pathology
- Peptides/chemistry
- Peptides/metabolism
- Peptides/therapeutic use
- Protein Binding
- Receptors, Neurotensin/chemistry
- Receptors, Neurotensin/metabolism
- Receptors, Opioid, delta/agonists
- Receptors, Opioid, delta/metabolism
- Receptors, Opioid, mu/agonists
- Receptors, Opioid, mu/metabolism
- Structure-Activity Relationship
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Simon Gonzalez
- Research
Group of Organic Chemistry, Departments of Chemistry and Bioengineering
Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Maria Dumitrascuta
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Center for
Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck (CMBI), University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Emilie Eiselt
- Department
of Pharmacology and Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences,
Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Université de Sherbrooke, J1H 5N4 Sherbrooke, Canada
| | - Stevany Louis
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Center for
Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck (CMBI), University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Linda Kunze
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Center for
Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck (CMBI), University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Annalisa Blasiol
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Center for
Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck (CMBI), University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Mélanie Vivancos
- Department
of Pharmacology and Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences,
Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Université de Sherbrooke, J1H 5N4 Sherbrooke, Canada
| | - Santo Previti
- Research
Group of Organic Chemistry, Departments of Chemistry and Bioengineering
Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Elke Dewolf
- Research
Group of Organic Chemistry, Departments of Chemistry and Bioengineering
Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Charlotte Martin
- Research
Group of Organic Chemistry, Departments of Chemistry and Bioengineering
Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Dirk Tourwé
- Research
Group of Organic Chemistry, Departments of Chemistry and Bioengineering
Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Florine Cavelier
- Institut
des Biomolécules Max Mousseron, UMR 5247, CNRS, Université de Montpellier, ENSCM, 34095 Montpellier, France
| | - Louis Gendron
- Department
of Pharmacology and Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences,
Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Université de Sherbrooke, J1H 5N4 Sherbrooke, Canada
| | - Philippe Sarret
- Department
of Pharmacology and Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences,
Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Université de Sherbrooke, J1H 5N4 Sherbrooke, Canada
| | - Mariana Spetea
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Center for
Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck (CMBI), University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Steven Ballet
- Research
Group of Organic Chemistry, Departments of Chemistry and Bioengineering
Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Matalińska J, Lipiński PFJ, Kosson P, Kosińska K, Misicka A. In Vivo, In Vitro and In Silico Studies of the Hybrid Compound AA3266, an Opioid Agonist/NK1R Antagonist with Selective Cytotoxicity. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E7738. [PMID: 33086743 PMCID: PMC7588979 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21207738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [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: 09/29/2020] [Revised: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
AA3266 is a hybrid compound consisting of opioid receptor agonist and neurokinin-1 receptor (NK1R) antagonist pharmacophores. It was designed with the desire to have an analgesic molecule with improved properties and auxiliary anticancer activity. Previously, the compound was found to exhibit high affinity for μ- and δ-opioid receptors, while moderate binding to NK1R. In the presented contribution, we report on a deeper investigation of this hybrid. In vivo, we have established that AA3266 has potent antinociceptive activity in acute pain model, comparable to that of morphine. Desirably, with prolonged administration, our hybrid induces less tolerance than morphine does. AA3266, contrary to morphine, does not cause development of constipation, which is one of the main undesirable effects of opioid use. In vitro, we have confirmed relatively strong cytotoxic activity on a few selected cancer cell lines, similar to or greater than that of a reference NK1R antagonist, aprepitant. Importantly, our compound affects normal cells to smaller extent what makes our compound more selective against cancer cells. In silico methods, including molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulations and fragment molecular orbital calculations, have been used to investigate the interactions of AA3266 with MOR and NK1R. Insights from these will guide structural optimization of opioid/antitachykinin hybrid compounds.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Matalińska
- Department of Neuropeptides, Mossakowski Medical Research Centre Polish Academy of Sciences, Pawińskiego 5, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland; (K.K.); (A.M.)
| | - Piotr F. J. Lipiński
- Department of Neuropeptides, Mossakowski Medical Research Centre Polish Academy of Sciences, Pawińskiego 5, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland; (K.K.); (A.M.)
| | - Piotr Kosson
- Toxicology Research Laboratory, Mossakowski Medical Research Centre Polish Academy of Sciences, Pawińskiego 5, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Katarzyna Kosińska
- Department of Neuropeptides, Mossakowski Medical Research Centre Polish Academy of Sciences, Pawińskiego 5, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland; (K.K.); (A.M.)
| | - Aleksandra Misicka
- Department of Neuropeptides, Mossakowski Medical Research Centre Polish Academy of Sciences, Pawińskiego 5, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland; (K.K.); (A.M.)
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Dyniewicz J, Lipiński PFJ, Kosson P, Bochyńska-Czyż M, Matalińska J, Misicka A. Antinociceptive and Cytotoxic Activity of Opioid Peptides with Hydrazone and Hydrazide Moieties at the C-Terminus. Molecules 2020; 25:E3429. [PMID: 32731576 PMCID: PMC7435865 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25153429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Revised: 07/23/2020] [Accepted: 07/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In the present contribution, we analyze the influence that C-terminal extension of short opioid peptide sequences by organic fragments has on receptor affinity, in vivo analgesic activity, and antimelanoma properties. The considered fragments were based on either N-acylhydrazone (NAH) or N'-acylhydrazide motifs combined with the 3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl moiety. Eleven novel compounds were synthesized and subject to biological evaluation. The analyzed compounds exhibit a diversified range of affinities for the µ opioid receptor (MOR), rather low δ opioid receptor (DOR) affinities, and no appreciable neurokinin-1 receptor binding. In three out of four pairs, N-acylhydrazone-based derivatives bind MOR better than their N'-acylhydrazide counterparts. The best of the novel derivatives have similar low nanomolar MOR binding affinity as the reference opioids, such as morphine and biphalin. The obtained order of MOR affinities was compared to the results of molecular docking. In vivo, four tested compounds turned out to be relatively strong analgesics. Finally, the NAH-based analogues reduce the number of melanoma cells in cell culture, while their N'-acylhydrazide counterparts do not. The antimelanoma properties are roughly correlated to the lipophilicity of the compounds.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jolanta Dyniewicz
- Department of Neuropeptides, Mossakowski Medical Research Centre Polish Academy of Sciences, Pawińskiego 5, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland; (M.B.-C.); (J.M.)
| | - Piotr F. J. Lipiński
- Department of Neuropeptides, Mossakowski Medical Research Centre Polish Academy of Sciences, Pawińskiego 5, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland; (M.B.-C.); (J.M.)
| | - Piotr Kosson
- Toxicology Research Laboratory, Mossakowski Medical Research Centre Polish Academy of Sciences, Pawińskiego 5, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Marta Bochyńska-Czyż
- Department of Neuropeptides, Mossakowski Medical Research Centre Polish Academy of Sciences, Pawińskiego 5, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland; (M.B.-C.); (J.M.)
| | - Joanna Matalińska
- Department of Neuropeptides, Mossakowski Medical Research Centre Polish Academy of Sciences, Pawińskiego 5, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland; (M.B.-C.); (J.M.)
| | - Aleksandra Misicka
- Department of Neuropeptides, Mossakowski Medical Research Centre Polish Academy of Sciences, Pawińskiego 5, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland; (M.B.-C.); (J.M.)
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Warsaw, Pasteura 1, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Dumitrascuta M, Bermudez M, Ballet S, Wolber G, Spetea M. Mechanistic Understanding of Peptide Analogues, DALDA, [Dmt 1]DALDA, and KGOP01, Binding to the mu Opioid Receptor. Molecules 2020; 25:E2087. [PMID: 32365707 PMCID: PMC7248707 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25092087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2020] [Revised: 04/25/2020] [Accepted: 04/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The mu opioid receptor (MOR) is the primary target for analgesia of endogenous opioid peptides, alkaloids, synthetic small molecules with diverse scaffolds, and peptidomimetics. Peptide-based opioids are viewed as potential analgesics with reduced side effects and have received constant scientific interest over the years. This study focuses on three potent peptide and peptidomimetic MOR agonists, DALDA, [Dmt1]DALDA, and KGOP01, and the prototypical peptide MOR agonist DAMGO. We present the first molecular modeling study and structure-activity relationships aided by in vitro assays and molecular docking of the opioid peptide analogues, in order to gain insight into their mode of binding to the MOR. In vitro binding and functional assays revealed the same rank order with KGOP01 > [Dmt1]DALDA > DAMGO > DALDA for both binding and MOR activation. Using molecular docking at the MOR and three-dimensional interaction pattern analysis, we have rationalized the experimental outcomes and highlighted key amino acid residues responsible for agonist binding to the MOR. The Dmt (2',6'-dimethyl-L-Tyr) moiety of [Dmt1]DALDA and KGOP01 was found to represent the driving force for their high potency and agonist activity at the MOR. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of MOR function and flexible peptide ligand-MOR interactions, that are of significant relevance for the future design of opioid peptide-based analgesics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Dumitrascuta
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck (CMBI), University of Innsbruck, Innrain 80-82, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria;
| | - Marcel Bermudez
- Institute of Pharmacy, Freie Universität Berlin, Königin-Luise-Str. 2+4, D-14195 Berlin, Germany;
| | - Steven Ballet
- Research Group of Organic Chemistry, Departments of Chemistry and Bioengineering Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, B-1050 Brussels, Belgium;
| | - Gerhard Wolber
- Institute of Pharmacy, Freie Universität Berlin, Königin-Luise-Str. 2+4, D-14195 Berlin, Germany;
| | - Mariana Spetea
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck (CMBI), University of Innsbruck, Innrain 80-82, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria;
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Matalińska J, Lipiński PFJ, Kotlarz A, Kosson P, Muchowska A, Dyniewicz J. Evaluation of Receptor Affinity, Analgesic Activity and Cytotoxicity of a Hybrid Peptide, AWL3020. Int J Pept Res Ther 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s10989-020-10051-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
AbstractIn the present contribution we report design, synthesis and evaluation of receptor affinity, analgesic activity and cytotoxicity of a hybrid peptide, AWL3020. The peptide includes two pharmacophores, one of δ-opioid receptor (δOR) agonists and one of neurokinin-1 receptor (NK1R) antagonists. The design was motivated by the desire to obtain a compound with strong analgesic action and potential additional antiproliferative action. The compound displays high δOR affinity (IC50 = 29.5 nM). On the other hand, it has only poor affinity for the NK1R (IC50 = 70.28 μM). The substance shows good analgesic action which is however weaker than that of morphine. Regarding the effect on proliferation, the compound exhibits no pro-proliferative action in the assayed range. In higher concentrations, it has also cytotoxic activity. This effect is however not selective. The strongest effect of AWL3020 was found for melanoma MeW164 cell line (EC50 = 46.27 μM in reduction of cell numbers after a few days of incubation; EC50 = 37.78 μM in MTT assay).
Collapse
|
10
|
Wtorek K, Adamska-Bartłomiejczyk A, Piekielna-Ciesielska J, Ferrari F, Ruzza C, Kluczyk A, Piasecka-Zelga J, Calo’ G, Janecka A. Synthesis and Pharmacological Evaluation of Hybrids Targeting Opioid and Neurokinin Receptors. Molecules 2019; 24:molecules24244460. [PMID: 31817441 PMCID: PMC6943619 DOI: 10.3390/molecules24244460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2019] [Revised: 11/28/2019] [Accepted: 12/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Morphine, which acts through opioid receptors, is one of the most efficient analgesics for the alleviation of severe pain. However, its usefulness is limited by serious side effects, including analgesic tolerance, constipation, and dependence liability. The growing awareness that multifunctional ligands which simultaneously activate two or more targets may produce a more desirable drug profile than selectively targeted compounds has created an opportunity for a new approach to developing more effective medications. Here, in order to better understand the role of the neurokinin system in opioid-induced antinociception, we report the synthesis, structure–activity relationship, and pharmacological characterization of a series of hybrids combining opioid pharmacophores with either substance P (SP) fragments or neurokinin receptor (NK1) antagonist fragments. On the bases of the in vitro biological activities of the hybrids, two analogs, opioid agonist/NK1 antagonist Tyr-[d-Lys-Phe-Phe-Asp]-Asn-d-Trp-Phe-d-Trp-Leu-Nle-NH2 (2) and opioid agonist/NK1 agonist Tyr-[d-Lys-Phe-Phe-Asp]-Gln-Phe-Phe-Gly-Leu-Met-NH2 (4), were selected for in vivo tests. In the writhing test, both hybrids showed significant an antinociceptive effect in mice, while neither of them triggered the development of tolerance, nor did they produce constipation. No statistically significant differences in in vivo activity profiles were observed between opioid/NK1 agonist and opioid/NK1 antagonist hybrids.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karol Wtorek
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, Medical University of Lodz, Mazowiecka 6/8, 92-215 Lodz, Poland; (K.W.); (A.A.-B.); (J.P.-C.)
| | - Anna Adamska-Bartłomiejczyk
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, Medical University of Lodz, Mazowiecka 6/8, 92-215 Lodz, Poland; (K.W.); (A.A.-B.); (J.P.-C.)
| | - Justyna Piekielna-Ciesielska
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, Medical University of Lodz, Mazowiecka 6/8, 92-215 Lodz, Poland; (K.W.); (A.A.-B.); (J.P.-C.)
| | - Federica Ferrari
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (F.F.); (C.R.); (G.C.)
| | - Chiara Ruzza
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (F.F.); (C.R.); (G.C.)
| | - Alicja Kluczyk
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Wroclaw, 50-383 Wroclaw, Poland;
| | - Joanna Piasecka-Zelga
- Institute of Occupational Medicine, Research Laboratory for Medicine and Veterinary Products in the GMP Head of Research Laboratory for Medicine and Veterinary Products, 91-348 Lodz, Poland;
| | - Girolamo Calo’
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (F.F.); (C.R.); (G.C.)
| | - Anna Janecka
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, Medical University of Lodz, Mazowiecka 6/8, 92-215 Lodz, Poland; (K.W.); (A.A.-B.); (J.P.-C.)
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Claff T, Yu J, Blais V, Patel N, Martin C, Wu L, Han GW, Holleran BJ, Van der Poorten O, White KL, Hanson MA, Sarret P, Gendron L, Cherezov V, Katritch V, Ballet S, Liu ZJ, Müller CE, Stevens RC. Elucidating the active δ-opioid receptor crystal structure with peptide and small-molecule agonists. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2019; 5:eaax9115. [PMID: 31807708 PMCID: PMC6881160 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.aax9115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2019] [Accepted: 09/25/2019] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Selective activation of the δ-opioid receptor (DOP) has great potential for the treatment of chronic pain, benefitting from ancillary anxiolytic and antidepressant-like effects. Moreover, DOP agonists show reduced adverse effects as compared to μ-opioid receptor (MOP) agonists that are in the spotlight of the current "opioid crisis." Here, we report the first crystal structures of the DOP in an activated state, in complex with two relevant and structurally diverse agonists: the potent opioid agonist peptide KGCHM07 and the small-molecule agonist DPI-287 at 2.8 and 3.3 Å resolution, respectively. Our study identifies key determinants for agonist recognition, receptor activation, and DOP selectivity, revealing crucial differences between both agonist scaffolds. Our findings provide the first investigation into atomic-scale agonist binding at the DOP, supported by site-directed mutagenesis and pharmacological characterization. These structures will underpin the future structure-based development of DOP agonists for an improved pain treatment with fewer adverse effects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tobias Claff
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Ren Building, 393 Middle Huaxia Rd, Pudong, Shanghai 201210, China
- PharmaCenter Bonn, University of Bonn, Pharmaceutical Chemistry I, An der Immenburg 4, D-53121 Bonn, Germany
| | - Jing Yu
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Ren Building, 393 Middle Huaxia Rd, Pudong, Shanghai 201210, China
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
- University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Véronique Blais
- Department of Pharmacology-Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Centre de Recherche du CHUS, Université de Sherbrooke, 3001 12e Avenue Nord, Sherbrooke, Quebec J1H 5N4, Canada
| | - Nilkanth Patel
- Departments of Biological Sciences and Chemistry, Bridge Institute, USC Michelson Center for Convergent Bioscience, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Charlotte Martin
- Research Group of Organic Chemistry, Departments of Chemistry and Bioengineering Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, B-1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Lijie Wu
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Ren Building, 393 Middle Huaxia Rd, Pudong, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Gye Won Han
- Departments of Biological Sciences and Chemistry, Bridge Institute, USC Michelson Center for Convergent Bioscience, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Brian J. Holleran
- Department of Pharmacology-Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Centre de Recherche du CHUS, Université de Sherbrooke, 3001 12e Avenue Nord, Sherbrooke, Quebec J1H 5N4, Canada
| | - Olivier Van der Poorten
- Research Group of Organic Chemistry, Departments of Chemistry and Bioengineering Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, B-1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Kate L. White
- Departments of Biological Sciences and Chemistry, Bridge Institute, USC Michelson Center for Convergent Bioscience, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | | | - Philippe Sarret
- Department of Pharmacology-Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Centre de Recherche du CHUS, Université de Sherbrooke, 3001 12e Avenue Nord, Sherbrooke, Quebec J1H 5N4, Canada
| | - Louis Gendron
- Department of Pharmacology-Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Centre de Recherche du CHUS, Université de Sherbrooke, 3001 12e Avenue Nord, Sherbrooke, Quebec J1H 5N4, Canada
| | - Vadim Cherezov
- Departments of Biological Sciences and Chemistry, Bridge Institute, USC Michelson Center for Convergent Bioscience, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Vsevolod Katritch
- Departments of Biological Sciences and Chemistry, Bridge Institute, USC Michelson Center for Convergent Bioscience, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Steven Ballet
- Research Group of Organic Chemistry, Departments of Chemistry and Bioengineering Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, B-1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Zhi-Jie Liu
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Ren Building, 393 Middle Huaxia Rd, Pudong, Shanghai 201210, China
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Christa E. Müller
- PharmaCenter Bonn, University of Bonn, Pharmaceutical Chemistry I, An der Immenburg 4, D-53121 Bonn, Germany
- Corresponding author. (C.E.M.); (R.C.S.)
| | - Raymond C. Stevens
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Ren Building, 393 Middle Huaxia Rd, Pudong, Shanghai 201210, China
- Departments of Biological Sciences and Chemistry, Bridge Institute, USC Michelson Center for Convergent Bioscience, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
- Corresponding author. (C.E.M.); (R.C.S.)
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
A bifunctional-biased mu-opioid agonist-neuropeptide FF receptor antagonist as analgesic with improved acute and chronic side effects. Pain 2019; 159:1705-1718. [PMID: 29708942 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000001262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Opioid analgesics, such as morphine, oxycodone, and fentanyl, are the cornerstones for treating moderate to severe pain. However, on chronic administration, their efficiency is limited by prominent side effects such as analgesic tolerance and dependence liability. Neuropeptide FF (NPFF) and its receptors (NPFF1R and NPFF2R) are recognized as an important pronociceptive system involved in opioid-induced hyperalgesia and analgesic tolerance. In this article, we report the design of multitarget peptidomimetic compounds that show high-affinity binding to the mu-opioid receptor (MOPr) and NPFFRs. In vitro characterization of these compounds led to identification of KGFF03 and KGFF09 as G-protein-biased MOPr agonists with full agonist or antagonist activity at NPFFRs, respectively. In agreement with their biased MOPr agonism, KGFF03/09 showed reduced respiratory depression in mice, as compared to the unbiased parent opioid agonist KGOP01. Chronic subcutaneous administration of KGOP01 and KGFF03 in mice rapidly induced hyperalgesia and analgesic tolerance, effects that were not observed on chronic treatment with KGFF09. This favorable profile was further confirmed in a model of persistent inflammatory pain. In addition, we showed that KGFF09 induced less physical dependence compared with KGOP01 and KGFF03. Altogether, our data establish that combining, within a single molecule, the G-protein-biased MOPr agonism and NPFFR antagonism have beneficial effects on both acute and chronic side effects of conventional opioid analgesics. This strategy can lead to the development of novel and potent antinociceptive drugs with limited side effects on acute and chronic administration.
Collapse
|
13
|
Martin C, Dumitrascuta M, Mannes M, Lantero A, Bucher D, Walker K, Van Wanseele Y, Oyen E, Hernot S, Van Eeckhaut A, Madder A, Hoogenboom R, Spetea M, Ballet S. Biodegradable Amphipathic Peptide Hydrogels as Extended-Release System for Opioid Peptides. J Med Chem 2018; 61:9784-9789. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.8b01282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Martin
- Research Group of Organic Chemistry, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, Brussels B-1050, Belgium
| | - Maria Dumitrascuta
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Center for Molecular Biosciences (CMBI), University of Innsbruck, Innrain 80-82, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Morgane Mannes
- Research Group of Organic Chemistry, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, Brussels B-1050, Belgium
| | - Aquilino Lantero
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Center for Molecular Biosciences (CMBI), University of Innsbruck, Innrain 80-82, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Dominik Bucher
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Center for Molecular Biosciences (CMBI), University of Innsbruck, Innrain 80-82, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Katja Walker
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Center for Molecular Biosciences (CMBI), University of Innsbruck, Innrain 80-82, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Yannick Van Wanseele
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Drug Analysis and Drug Information, Center for Neurosciences (C4N), Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Edith Oyen
- Research Group of Organic Chemistry, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, Brussels B-1050, Belgium
| | - Sophie Hernot
- In Vivo Cellular and Molecular Imaging, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Ann Van Eeckhaut
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Drug Analysis and Drug Information, Center for Neurosciences (C4N), Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Annemieke Madder
- Organic and Biomimetic Chemistry Research Group, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Richard Hoogenboom
- Supramolecular Chemistry Group, Centre of Macromolecular Chemistry (CMaC), Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Mariana Spetea
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Center for Molecular Biosciences (CMBI), University of Innsbruck, Innrain 80-82, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Steven Ballet
- Research Group of Organic Chemistry, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, Brussels B-1050, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Gadais C, Ballet S. The Neurokinins: Peptidomimetic Ligand Design and Therapeutic Applications. Curr Med Chem 2018; 27:1515-1561. [PMID: 30209994 DOI: 10.2174/0929867325666180913095918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2018] [Revised: 08/09/2018] [Accepted: 08/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The neurokinins are indisputably essential neurotransmitters in numerous pathoand physiological events. Being widely distributed in the Central Nervous System (CNS) and peripheral tissues, their discovery rapidly promoted them to drugs targets. As a necessity for molecular tools to understand the biological role of this class, endogenous peptides and their receptors prompted the scientific community to design ligands displaying either agonist and antagonist activity at the three main neurokinin receptors, called NK1, NK2 and NK3. Several strategies were implemented for this purpose. With a preference to small non-peptidic ligands, many research groups invested efforts in synthesizing and evaluating a wide range of scaffolds, but only the NK1 antagonist Aprepitant (EMENDT) and its prodrug Fosaprepitant (IVEMENDT) have been approved by the Food Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of Chemotherapy-Induced and Post-Operative Nausea and Vomiting (CINV and PONV, respectively). While non-peptidic drugs showed limitations, especially in side effect control, peptidic and pseudopeptidic compounds progressively regained attention. Various strategies were implemented to modulate affinity, selectivity and activity of the newly designed ligands. Replacement of canonical amino acids, incorporation of conformational constraints, and fusion with non-peptidic moieties gave rise to families of ligands displaying individual or dual NK1, NK2 and NK3 antagonism, that ultimately were combined with non-neurokinin ligands (such as opioids) to target enhanced biological impact.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Charlène Gadais
- Research Group of Organic Chemistry, Departments of Chemistry and Bioengineering Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussels, Pleinlaan 2, B-1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Steven Ballet
- Research Group of Organic Chemistry, Departments of Chemistry and Bioengineering Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussels, Pleinlaan 2, B-1050 Brussels, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Affiliation(s)
- Norbert Handler
- RD&C Research, Development & Consulting GmbH; Neuwaldegger Strasse 35/2/3 Vienna 1170 Austria
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Starnowska J, Costante R, Guillemyn K, Popiolek-Barczyk K, Chung NN, Lemieux C, Keresztes A, Van Duppen J, Mollica A, Streicher J, Vanden Broeck J, Schiller PW, Tourwé D, Mika J, Ballet S, Przewlocka B. Analgesic Properties of Opioid/NK1 Multitarget Ligands with Distinct in Vitro Profiles in Naive and Chronic Constriction Injury Mice. ACS Chem Neurosci 2017; 8:2315-2324. [PMID: 28699350 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.7b00226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The lower efficacy of opioids in neuropathic pain may be due to the increased activity of pronociceptive systems such as substance P. We present evidence to support this hypothesis in this work from the spinal cord in a neuropathic pain model in mice. Biochemical analysis confirmed the elevated mRNA and protein level of pronociceptive substance P, the major endogenous ligand of the neurokinin-1 (NK1) receptor, in the lumbar spinal cord of chronic constriction injury (CCI)-mice. To improve opioid efficacy in neuropathic pain, novel compounds containing opioid agonist and neurokinin 1 (NK1) receptor antagonist pharmacophores were designed. Structure-activity studies were performed on opioid agonist/NK1 receptor antagonist hybrid peptides by modification of the C-terminal amide substituents. All compounds were evaluated for their affinity and in vitro activity at the mu opioid (MOP) and delta opioid (DOP) receptors, and for their affinity and antagonist activity at the NK1 receptor. On the basis of their in vitro profiles, the analgesic properties of two new bifunctional hybrids were evaluated in naive and CCI-mice, representing models for acute and neuropathic pain, respectively. The compounds were administered to the spinal cord by lumbar puncture. In naive mice, the single pharmacophore opioid parent compounds provided better analgesic results, as compared to the hybrids (max 70% MPE), raising the acute pain threshold close to 100% MPE. On the other hand, the opioid parents gave poor analgesic effects under neuropathic pain conditions, while the best hybrid delivered robust (close to 100% MPE) and long lasting alleviation of both tactile and thermal hypersensitivity. The results presented emphasize the potential of opioid/NK1 hybrids in view of analgesia under nerve injury conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Starnowska
- Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Department of Pain Pharmacology, 31-343 Krakow, Poland
| | - Roberto Costante
- Research
Group of Organic Chemistry, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels 1050, Belgium
| | - Karel Guillemyn
- Research
Group of Organic Chemistry, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels 1050, Belgium
| | - Katarzyna Popiolek-Barczyk
- Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Department of Pain Pharmacology, 31-343 Krakow, Poland
| | - Nga N. Chung
- Department
of Chemical Biology and Peptide Research, Clinical Research Institute of Montreal, Montreal, QC H2W
1R7, Canada
| | - Carole Lemieux
- Department
of Chemical Biology and Peptide Research, Clinical Research Institute of Montreal, Montreal, QC H2W
1R7, Canada
| | - Attila Keresztes
- Department
of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85724, United States
| | - Joost Van Duppen
- Animal
Physiology and Neurobiology, Zoological Institute, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Adriano Mollica
- Department
of Pharmacy, “G. d’Annunzio” University, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - John Streicher
- Department
of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85724, United States
| | - Jozef Vanden Broeck
- Animal
Physiology and Neurobiology, Zoological Institute, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Peter W. Schiller
- Department
of Chemical Biology and Peptide Research, Clinical Research Institute of Montreal, Montreal, QC H2W
1R7, Canada
| | - Dirk Tourwé
- Research
Group of Organic Chemistry, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels 1050, Belgium
| | - Joanna Mika
- Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Department of Pain Pharmacology, 31-343 Krakow, Poland
| | - Steven Ballet
- Research
Group of Organic Chemistry, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels 1050, Belgium
| | - Barbara Przewlocka
- Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Department of Pain Pharmacology, 31-343 Krakow, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Starnowska J, Guillemyn K, Makuch W, Mika J, Ballet S, Przewlocka B. Bifunctional opioid/nociceptin hybrid KGNOP1 effectively attenuates pain-related behaviour in a rat model of neuropathy. Eur J Pharm Sci 2017; 104:221-229. [PMID: 28347772 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejps.2017.03.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2016] [Revised: 03/21/2017] [Accepted: 03/23/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
A bifunctional peptide containing an opioid and nociceptin receptor-binding pharmacophore, H-Dmt-D-Arg-Aba-β-Ala-Arg-Tyr-Tyr-Arg-Ile-Lys-NH2 (KGNOP1), was tested for its analgesic properties when administered intrathecally in naïve and chronic constriction injury (CCI)-exposed rats with neuropathy-like symptoms. KGNOP1 significantly increased the acute pain threshold, as measured by the tail-flick test, and also increased the threshold of a painful reaction to mechanical and thermal stimuli in CCI-exposed rats. Both of the effects could be blocked by pre-administration of [Nphe1]-Nociceptin (1-13)-NH2 (NPhe) or naloxone, antagonists for nociceptin and opioid receptors, respectively. This led us to conclude that KGNOP1 acts as a dual opioid and nociceptin receptor agonist in vivo. The analgesic effect of KGNOP1 proved to be more powerful than clinical drugs such as morphine and buprenorphine. Repeated daily intrathecal injections of KGNOP1 led to the development of analgesic tolerance, with the antiallodynic action being completely abolished on day 6. Nevertheless, the development of tolerance to the antihyperalgesic effect was delayed in comparison to morphine, which lost its efficacy as measured by the cold plate test after 3days of daily intrathecal administration, whereas KGNOP1 was efficient up to day 6. A single intrathecal injection of morphine to KGNOP1-tolerant rats did not raise the pain threshold in any of the behavioural tests; in contrast, a single intrathecal dose of KGNOP1 significantly suppressed allodynia and hyperalgesia in morphine-tolerant rats.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Starnowska
- Institute of Pharmacology, Department of Pain Pharmacology, Krakow, Poland
| | - Karel Guillemyn
- Research Group of Organic Chemistry, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Wioletta Makuch
- Institute of Pharmacology, Department of Pain Pharmacology, Krakow, Poland
| | - Joanna Mika
- Institute of Pharmacology, Department of Pain Pharmacology, Krakow, Poland
| | - Steven Ballet
- Research Group of Organic Chemistry, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Barbara Przewlocka
- Institute of Pharmacology, Department of Pain Pharmacology, Krakow, Poland.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Abstract
This paper is the thirty-eighth consecutive installment of the annual review of research concerning the endogenous opioid system. It summarizes papers published during 2015 that studied the behavioral effects of molecular, pharmacological and genetic manipulation of opioid peptides, opioid receptors, opioid agonists and opioid antagonists. The particular topics that continue to be covered include the molecular-biochemical effects and neurochemical localization studies of endogenous opioids and their receptors related to behavior, and the roles of these opioid peptides and receptors in pain and analgesia, stress and social status, tolerance and dependence, learning and memory, eating and drinking, drug abuse and alcohol, sexual activity and hormones, pregnancy, development and endocrinology, mental illness and mood, seizures and neurologic disorders, electrical-related activity and neurophysiology, general activity and locomotion, gastrointestinal, renal and hepatic functions, cardiovascular responses, respiration and thermoregulation, and immunological responses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Richard J Bodnar
- Department of Psychology and Neuropsychology Doctoral Sub-Program, Queens College, City University of New York, Flushing, NY 11367, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Van der Poorten O, Knuhtsen A, Sejer Pedersen D, Ballet S, Tourwé D. Side Chain Cyclized Aromatic Amino Acids: Great Tools as Local Constraints in Peptide and Peptidomimetic Design. J Med Chem 2016; 59:10865-10890. [PMID: 27690430 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.6b01029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Constraining the conformation of flexible peptides is a proven strategy to increase potency, selectivity, and metabolic stability. The focus has mostly been on constraining the backbone dihedral angles; however, the correct orientation of the amino acid side chains (χ-space) that constitute the peptide pharmacophore is equally important. Control of χ-space utilizes conformationally constrained amino acids that favor, disfavor, or exclude the gauche (-), the gauche (+), or the trans conformation. In this review we focus on cyclic aromatic amino acids in which the side chain is connected to the peptide backbone to provide control of χ1- and χ2-space. The manifold applications for cyclized analogues of the aromatic amino acids Phe, Tyr, Trp, and His within peptide medicinal chemistry are showcased herein with examples of enzyme inhibitors and ligands for G protein-coupled receptors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Olivier Van der Poorten
- Research Group of Organic Chemistry, Departments of Chemistry and Bio-Engineering Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel , Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Astrid Knuhtsen
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen , Jagtvej 162, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Daniel Sejer Pedersen
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen , Jagtvej 162, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Steven Ballet
- Research Group of Organic Chemistry, Departments of Chemistry and Bio-Engineering Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel , Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Dirk Tourwé
- Research Group of Organic Chemistry, Departments of Chemistry and Bio-Engineering Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel , Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Synthesis of 1,2,4,5-tetrahydro-3H-2-benzazepin-3-one and related compounds (microreview). Chem Heterocycl Compd (N Y) 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/s10593-016-1923-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
|
21
|
Barlow TMA, Jida M, Guillemyn K, Tourwé D, Caveliers V, Ballet S. Efficient one-pot synthesis of amino-benzotriazolodiazocinone scaffolds via catalyst-free tandem Ugi-Huisgen reactions. Org Biomol Chem 2016; 14:4669-77. [PMID: 27117259 DOI: 10.1039/c6ob00438e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Herein we describe a catalyst-free, one-pot procedure employing an Ugi-4CR between propargyl glycine, functionalised 2-azidoanilines, different isocyanides and aldehydes, followed by a thermal azide-alkyne Huisgen cycloaddition to generate a 14-member set of amino-benzotriazolodiazocine-bearing dipeptides with multiple points of diversification and high atom economy. These structures were derivatized by means of Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling reactions at two positions with good to excellent yields, leading to conformationally constrained tricyclic structures. In silico and NMR conformational analysis studies demonstrated that turn conformations are adopted by these structures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- T M A Barlow
- Research Group of Organic Chemistry, Departments of Chemistry and Bioengineering Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, B-1000, Brussels, Belgium.
| | - M Jida
- Research Group of Organic Chemistry, Departments of Chemistry and Bioengineering Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, B-1000, Brussels, Belgium.
| | - K Guillemyn
- Research Group of Organic Chemistry, Departments of Chemistry and Bioengineering Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, B-1000, Brussels, Belgium.
| | - D Tourwé
- Research Group of Organic Chemistry, Departments of Chemistry and Bioengineering Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, B-1000, Brussels, Belgium.
| | - V Caveliers
- In Vivo Cellular and Molecular Imaging (ICMI) Laboratory, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - S Ballet
- Research Group of Organic Chemistry, Departments of Chemistry and Bioengineering Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, B-1000, Brussels, Belgium.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Guillemyn K, Starnowska J, Lagard C, Dyniewicz J, Rojewska E, Mika J, Chung NN, Utard V, Kosson P, Lipkowski AW, Chevillard L, Arranz-Gibert P, Teixidó M, Megarbane B, Tourwé D, Simonin F, Przewlocka B, Schiller PW, Ballet S. Bifunctional Peptide-Based Opioid Agonist-Nociceptin Antagonist Ligands for Dual Treatment of Acute and Neuropathic Pain. J Med Chem 2016; 59:3777-92. [PMID: 27035422 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.5b01976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Herein, the opioid pharmacophore H-Dmt-d-Arg-Aba-β-Ala-NH2 (7) was linked to peptide ligands for the nociceptin receptor. Combination of 7 and NOP ligands (e.g., H-Arg-Tyr-Tyr-Arg-Ile-Lys-NH2) led to binding affinities in the low nanomolar domain. In vitro, the hybrids behaved as agonists at the opioid receptors and antagonists at the nociceptin receptor. Intravenous administration of hybrid 13a (H-Dmt-d-Arg-Aba-β-Ala-Arg-Tyr-Tyr-Arg-Ile-Lys-NH2) to mice resulted in potent and long lasting antinociception in the tail-flick test, indicating that 13a was able to permeate the BBB. This was further supported by a cell-based BBB model. All hybrids alleviated allodynia and hyperalgesia in neuropathic pain models. Especially with respect to hyperalgesia, they showed to be more effective than the parent compounds. Hybrid 13a did not result in significant respiratory depression, in contrast to an equipotent analgesic dose of morphine. These hybrids hence represent a promising avenue toward analgesics for the dual treatment of acute and neuropathic pain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karel Guillemyn
- Research Group of Organic Chemistry, Departments of Chemistry and Bio-engineering Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel , Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Joanna Starnowska
- Department of Pain Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences , Smetna 12, PL 31-343 Kraków, Poland
| | - Camille Lagard
- Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Lariboisière, Réanimation Médicale et Toxicologique, Inserm U1144, Université Paris Descartes UMR-S 1144, Université Paris Didero, UMR-S 1144 , Paris, France
| | - Jolanta Dyniewicz
- Neuropeptide Laboratory, Medical Research Centre, Polish Academy of Sciences , 5 Pawinskiego Street, PL 02-106 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Ewelina Rojewska
- Department of Pain Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences , Smetna 12, PL 31-343 Kraków, Poland
| | - Joanna Mika
- Department of Pain Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences , Smetna 12, PL 31-343 Kraków, Poland
| | - Nga N Chung
- Department of Chemical Biology and Peptide Research, Clinical Research Institute , 110 Avenue Des Pins Ouest, Montreal, Quebec H2W 1R7, Canada
| | - Valérie Utard
- University of Strasbourg, CNRS, UMR7242, ESBS , 67412 Illkirch-Graffenstaden, France
| | - Piotr Kosson
- Neuropeptide Laboratory, Medical Research Centre, Polish Academy of Sciences , 5 Pawinskiego Street, PL 02-106 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Andrzej W Lipkowski
- Neuropeptide Laboratory, Medical Research Centre, Polish Academy of Sciences , 5 Pawinskiego Street, PL 02-106 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Lucie Chevillard
- Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Lariboisière, Réanimation Médicale et Toxicologique, Inserm U1144, Université Paris Descartes UMR-S 1144, Université Paris Didero, UMR-S 1144 , Paris, France
| | - Pol Arranz-Gibert
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST) , Baldiri Reixac 10, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Meritxell Teixidó
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST) , Baldiri Reixac 10, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Bruno Megarbane
- Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Lariboisière, Réanimation Médicale et Toxicologique, Inserm U1144, Université Paris Descartes UMR-S 1144, Université Paris Didero, UMR-S 1144 , Paris, France
| | - Dirk Tourwé
- Research Group of Organic Chemistry, Departments of Chemistry and Bio-engineering Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel , Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Frédéric Simonin
- University of Strasbourg, CNRS, UMR7242, ESBS , 67412 Illkirch-Graffenstaden, France
| | - Barbara Przewlocka
- Department of Pain Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences , Smetna 12, PL 31-343 Kraków, Poland
| | - Peter W Schiller
- Department of Chemical Biology and Peptide Research, Clinical Research Institute , 110 Avenue Des Pins Ouest, Montreal, Quebec H2W 1R7, Canada
| | - Steven Ballet
- Research Group of Organic Chemistry, Departments of Chemistry and Bio-engineering Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel , Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Meyer AG, Smith JA, Hyland C, Williams CC, Bissember AC, Nicholls TP. Seven-Membered Rings. PROGRESS IN HETEROCYCLIC CHEMISTRY 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-08-100755-6.00016-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
|
24
|
Abstract
BACKGROUND Monodrug therapy has been used with success to fight various pathologies. When one medicine fails, co-administration of two or more drugs at the same time may be successfully applied in the treatment of infections, hypertension, HIV and in many other fields. DISCUSSION This approach has some weakness related to the pharmacokinetic of the two different substances administered, side effects, possible drug-drug interaction. Bivalent ligand approach would maintain the strength of the multidrug therapy (synergistic effect, lower doses, and little side effects) and overcome the weakness of a co-administration. CONCLUSION In this review we have described the state-of-the-art of the multitarget approach for the control of pain. Several approaches adopted by different research groups and future perspectives have been discussed.
Collapse
|
25
|
Betti C, Starnowska J, Mika J, Dyniewicz J, Frankiewicz L, Novoa A, Bochynska M, Keresztes A, Kosson P, Makuch W, Van Duppen J, Chung NN, Vanden Broeck J, Lipkowski AW, Schiller PW, Janssens F, Ceusters M, Sommen F, Meert T, Przewlocka B, Tourwé D, Ballet S. Dual Alleviation of Acute and Neuropathic Pain by Fused Opioid Agonist-Neurokinin 1 Antagonist Peptidomimetics. ACS Med Chem Lett 2015; 6:1209-14. [PMID: 26713106 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.5b00359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2015] [Accepted: 10/31/2015] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Herein, the synthesis and biological evaluation of dual opioid agonists-neurokinin 1 receptor (NK1R) antagonists is described. In these multitarget ligands, the two pharmacophores do not overlap, and this allowed maintaining high NK1R affinity and antagonist potency in compounds 12 and 13. Although the fusion of the two ligands resulted in slightly diminished opioid agonism at the μ- and δ-opioid receptors (MOR and DOR, respectively), as compared to the opioid parent peptide, balanced MOR/DOR activities were obtained. Compared to morphine, compounds 12 and 13 produced more potent antinociceptive effects in both acute (tail-flick) and neuropathic pain models (von Frey and cold plate). Similarly to morphine, analgesic tolerance developed after repetitive administration of these compounds. To our delight, compound 12 did not produce cross-tolerance with morphine and high antihyperalgesic and antiallodynic effects could be reinstated after chronic administration of each of the two compounds.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia Betti
- Department
of Organic Chemistry, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Joanna Starnowska
- Institute
of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Kraków, Poland
| | - Joanna Mika
- Institute
of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Kraków, Poland
| | - Jolanta Dyniewicz
- Neuropeptide
Laboratory, Medical Research Centre, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Lukasz Frankiewicz
- Department
of Organic Chemistry, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Alexandre Novoa
- Department
of Organic Chemistry, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Marta Bochynska
- Neuropeptide
Laboratory, Medical Research Centre, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Attila Keresztes
- Department
of Pharmacology, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85721, United States
| | - Piotr Kosson
- Neuropeptide
Laboratory, Medical Research Centre, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Wioletta Makuch
- Institute
of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Kraków, Poland
| | - Joost Van Duppen
- Animal
Physiology and Neurobiology Department, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (KU Leuven), Leuven, Belgium
| | - Nga. N. Chung
- Department
of Chemical Biology and Peptide Research, Clinical Research Institute of Montreal, Montreal, Canada
| | - Jozef Vanden Broeck
- Animal
Physiology and Neurobiology Department, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (KU Leuven), Leuven, Belgium
| | - Andrzej W. Lipkowski
- Neuropeptide
Laboratory, Medical Research Centre, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Peter W. Schiller
- Department
of Chemical Biology and Peptide Research, Clinical Research Institute of Montreal, Montreal, Canada
| | - Frans Janssens
- Janssen Research & Development, a division of Janssen Pharmaceutica NV, Beerse, Belgium
| | - Marc Ceusters
- Janssen Research & Development, a division of Janssen Pharmaceutica NV, Beerse, Belgium
| | - François Sommen
- Janssen Research & Development, a division of Janssen Pharmaceutica NV, Beerse, Belgium
| | - Theo Meert
- Janssen Research & Development, a division of Janssen Pharmaceutica NV, Beerse, Belgium
| | | | - Dirk Tourwé
- Department
of Organic Chemistry, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Steven Ballet
- Department
of Organic Chemistry, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|