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Johnston GAR, Beart PM. Milestone review: GABA, from chemistry, conformations, ionotropic receptors, modulators, epilepsy, flavonoids, and stress to neuro-nutraceuticals. J Neurochem 2024; 168:1179-1192. [PMID: 38383146 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.16087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
Arising out of a PhD project more than 50 years ago to synthesise analogues of the neurotransmitter GABA, a series of new chemical entities were found to have selective actions on ionotropic GABA receptors. Several of these neurochemicals are now commercially available. A new subtype of these receptors was discovered that could be a target for the treatment of myopia, the facilitation of learning and memory, and the improvement of post-stroke motor recovery. The development of these new chemical entities over many years demonstrates the importance of neurochemicals with which to investigate selective aspects of GABA receptors and illustrates the significance of collaboration between chemists and biologists in neurochemistry. Vital were the improvements in synthetic organic chemistry and the use of functional human receptors expressed in oocytes. Current interest in ionotropic GABA receptors includes the clinical development of subtype-specific agents and the role of gain-of-function receptor variants in epilepsy. Dietary flavonoids were found to cross the blood-brain barrier to influence brain function. Natural and synthetic flavonoids had a range of effects on GABA receptors, ranging from positive, silent, and negative allosteric modulators, to even second-order modulation of first-order modulators. Flavonoids have been called "a new family of benzodiazepines." Like benzodiazepines, flavonoids reduce stress. Stress produces changes in GABA receptors in the brain that may be because of changes in endogenous modulators, such as neurosteroids and corticosteroids. GABA also occurs naturally in the diet leading to studies of the effects of oral GABA on brain function. This finding has resulted in studies of GABA and related neurochemicals as neuro-nutraceuticals. GABA systems in the gut microbiome are essential to such studies. The actions of oral GABA and of GABA-enriched beverages and foodstuffs are now an area of considerable scientific and commercial interest. GABA is a deceptively simple chemical that can take up many shapes, which may underlie its complex functions. The need for new chemical entities with selective actions for further studies highlights the need for continuing collaboration between chemists and biologists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Graham A R Johnston
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, Pharmacology, Sydney Pharmacy School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Philip M Beart
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
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Sánchez JD, Gómez-Carpintero J, González JF, Menéndez JC. Twenty-first century antiepileptic drugs. An overview of their targets and synthetic approaches. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 272:116476. [PMID: 38759456 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2024] [Revised: 05/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024]
Abstract
The therapeutic use of the traditional drugs against epilepsy has been hindered by their toxicity and low selectivity. These limitations have stimulated the design and development of new generations of antiepileptic drugs. This review explores the molecular targets and synthesis of the antiepileptic drugs that have entered the market in the 21st century, with a focus on manufacturer synthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Domingo Sánchez
- Unidad de Química Orgánica y Farmacéutica, Departamento de Química en Ciencias Farmacéuticas, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jorge Gómez-Carpintero
- Unidad de Química Orgánica y Farmacéutica, Departamento de Química en Ciencias Farmacéuticas, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan F González
- Unidad de Química Orgánica y Farmacéutica, Departamento de Química en Ciencias Farmacéuticas, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - J Carlos Menéndez
- Unidad de Química Orgánica y Farmacéutica, Departamento de Química en Ciencias Farmacéuticas, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense, 28040, Madrid, Spain.
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3
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Gadhia A, Barker E, Morgan A, Barclay JW. Functional analysis of epilepsy-associated GABA A receptor mutations using Caenorhabditis elegans. Epilepsia Open 2024. [PMID: 38813985 DOI: 10.1002/epi4.12982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2024] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE GABAA receptor subunit mutations pose a significant risk for genetic generalized epilepsy; however, there are over 150 identified variants, many with unknown or unvalidated pathogenicity. We aimed to develop in vivo models for testing GABAA receptor variants using the model organism, Caenorhabditis elegans. METHODS CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing was used to create a complete deletion of unc-49, a C. elegans GABAA receptor, and to create homozygous epilepsy-associated mutations in the endogenous unc-49 gene. The unc-49 deletion strain was rescued with transgenes for either the C. elegans unc-49B subunit or the α1, β3, and γ2 subunits for the human GABAA receptor. All newly created strains were analyzed for phenotype and compared against existing unc-49 mutations. RESULTS Nematodes with a full genetic deletion of the entire unc-49 locus were compared with existing unc-49 mutations in three separate phenotypic assays-coordinated locomotion, shrinker frequency and seizure-like convulsions. The full unc-49 deletion exhibited reduced locomotion and increased shrinker frequency and PTZ-induced convulsions, but were not found to be phenotypically stronger than existing unc-49 mutations. Rescue with the unc-49B subunit or creation of humanized worms for the GABAA receptor both showed partial phenotypic rescue for all three phenotypes investigated. Finally, two epilepsy-associated variants were analyzed and deemed to be loss of function, thus validating their pathogenicity. SIGNIFICANCE These findings establish C. elegans as a genetic model to investigate GABAA receptor mutations and delineate a platform for validating associated variants in any epilepsy-associated gene. PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY Epilepsy is a complex human disease that can be caused by mutations in specific genes. Many possible mutations have been identified, but it is unknown for most of them whether they cause the disease. We tested the role of mutations in one specific gene using a small microscopic worm as an animal model. Our results establish this worm as a model for epilepsy and confirm that the two unknown mutations are likely to cause the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ami Gadhia
- Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Systems Biology, ISMIB, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Eleanor Barker
- Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Systems Biology, ISMIB, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Alan Morgan
- Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Systems Biology, ISMIB, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Jeff W Barclay
- Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Systems Biology, ISMIB, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
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Li L, Wu X, Gong J, Wang Z, Dai W, Qiu L, Zuo H, Yi M, Yuan H, Hu M, Gao Z, Tian F. Activation of GABA type A receptor is involved in the anti-insomnia effect of Huanglian Wendan Decoction. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1389768. [PMID: 38846089 PMCID: PMC11153716 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1389768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Huanglian Wendan Decoction (HWD) is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) prescribed to patients diagnosed with insomnia, which can achieve excellent therapeutic outcomes. As positively modulating the γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) type A receptors (GABAARs) is the most effective strategy to manage insomnia, this study aimed to investigate whether the activation of GABAARs is involved in the anti-insomnia effect of HWD. We assessed the metabolites of HWD using LC/MS and the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology (TCMSP) database and tested the pharmacological activity in vitro and in vivo using whole-cell patch clamp and insomnia zebrafish model. In HEK293 cells expressing α1β3γ2L GABAARs, HWD effectively increased the GABA-induced currents and could induce GABAAR-mediated currents independent of the application of GABA. In the LC-MS (QToF) assay, 31 metabolites were discovered in negative ion modes and 37 metabolites were found in positive ion modes, but neither three selected active metabolites, Danshensu, Coptisine, or Dihydromyricetin, showed potentiating effects on GABA currents. 62 active metabolites of the seven botanical drugs were collected based on the TCMSP database and 19 of them were selected for patch-clamp verification according to the virtual docking simulations and other parameters. At a concentration of 100 μM, GABA-induced currents were increased by (+)-Cuparene (278.80% ± 19.13%), Ethyl glucoside (225.40% ± 21.77%), and β-Caryophyllene (290.11% ± 17.71%). In addition, (+)-Cuparene, Ethyl glucoside, and β-Caryophyllene could also serve as positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) and shifted the GABA dose-response curve (DRC) leftward significantly. In the PCPA-induced zebrafish model, Ethyl glucoside showed anti-insomnia effects at concentrations of 100 μM. In this research, we demonstrated that the activation of GABAARs was involved in the anti-insomnia effect of HWD, and Ethyl glucoside might be a key metabolite in treating insomnia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Li
- Pharmacology Laboratory, Zhongshan Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Zhongshan, China
| | - Xiaorong Wu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
- Zhongshan Institute for Drug Discovery, Zhongshan, China
| | - Jili Gong
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
- Zhongshan Institute for Drug Discovery, Zhongshan, China
| | - Zhuqiang Wang
- Pharmacology Laboratory, Zhongshan Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Zhongshan, China
| | - Weibo Dai
- Pharmacology Laboratory, Zhongshan Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Zhongshan, China
| | - Li Qiu
- Zhongshan Institute for Drug Discovery, Zhongshan, China
- School of Pharmacy, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Hongyuan Zuo
- Zhongshan Institute for Drug Discovery, Zhongshan, China
| | - Mengqin Yi
- Zhongshan Institute for Drug Discovery, Zhongshan, China
| | - Hui Yuan
- Zhongshan Institute for Drug Discovery, Zhongshan, China
- School of Pharmacy, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Mei Hu
- Pharmacology Laboratory, Zhongshan Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Zhongshan, China
- Zhongshan Institute for Drug Discovery, Zhongshan, China
| | - Zhaobing Gao
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
- Zhongshan Institute for Drug Discovery, Zhongshan, China
- School of Pharmacy, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Fuyun Tian
- Zhongshan Institute for Drug Discovery, Zhongshan, China
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5
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Witkin JM, Shafique H, Cerne R, Smith JL, Marini AM, Lipsky RH, Delery E. Mechanistic and therapeutic relationships of traumatic brain injury and γ-amino-butyric acid (GABA). Pharmacol Ther 2024; 256:108609. [PMID: 38369062 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2024.108609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a highly prevalent medical condition for which no medications specific for the prophylaxis or treatment of the condition as a whole exist. The spectrum of symptoms includes coma, headache, seizures, cognitive impairment, depression, and anxiety. Although it has been known for years that the inhibitory neurotransmitter γ-amino-butyric acid (GABA) is involved in TBI, no novel therapeutics based upon this mechanism have been introduced into clinical practice. We review the neuroanatomical, neurophysiological, neurochemical, and neuropharmacological relationships of GABA neurotransmission to TBI with a view toward new potential GABA-based medicines. The long-standing idea that excitatory and inhibitory (GABA and others) balances are disrupted by TBI is supported by the experimental data but has failed to invent novel methods of restoring this balance. The slow progress in advancing new treatments is due to the complexity of the disorder that encompasses multiple dynamically interacting biological processes including hemodynamic and metabolic systems, neurodegeneration and neurogenesis, major disruptions in neural networks and axons, frank brain lesions, and a multitude of symptoms that have differential neuronal and neurohormonal regulatory mechanisms. Although the current and ongoing clinical studies include GABAergic drugs, no novel GABA compounds are being explored. It is suggested that filling the gap in understanding the roles played by specific GABAA receptor configurations within specific neuronal circuits could help define new therapeutic approaches. Further research into the temporal and spatial delivery of GABA modulators should also be useful. Along with GABA modulation, research into the sequencing of GABA and non-GABA treatments will be needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey M Witkin
- Laboratory of Antiepileptic Drug Discovery, Ascension St. Vincent Hospital, Indianapolis, IN, USA; Departments of Neuroscience and Trauma Research, Ascension St. Vincent Hospital, Indianapolis, IN, USA; RespireRx Pharmaceuticals Inc, Glen Rock, NJ, USA.
| | | | - Rok Cerne
- Laboratory of Antiepileptic Drug Discovery, Ascension St. Vincent Hospital, Indianapolis, IN, USA; RespireRx Pharmaceuticals Inc, Glen Rock, NJ, USA; Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Indiana University/Purdue University, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Jodi L Smith
- Laboratory of Antiepileptic Drug Discovery, Ascension St. Vincent Hospital, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Ann M Marini
- Department of Neurology, Program in Neuroscience, and Molecular and Cellular Biology Program, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Robert H Lipsky
- Department of Neurology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Elizabeth Delery
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, Marian University, Indianapolis, IN, USA.
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Platonov M, Maximyuk O, Rayevsky A, Iegorova O, Hurmach V, Holota Y, Bulgakov E, Cherninskyi A, Karpov P, Ryabukhin S, Krishtal O, Volochnyuk D. Integrated workflow for the identification of new GABA A R positive allosteric modulators based on the in silico screening with further in vitro validation. Case study using Enamine's stock chemical space. Mol Inform 2024; 43:e202300156. [PMID: 37964718 DOI: 10.1002/minf.202300156] [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: 06/11/2023] [Revised: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023]
Abstract
Numerous studies reported an association between GABAA R subunit genes and epilepsy, eating disorders, autism spectrum disorders, neurodevelopmental disorders, and bipolar disorders. This study was aimed to find some potential positive allosteric modulators and was performed by combining the in silico approach with further in vitro evaluation of its real activity. We started from the GABAA R-diazepam complexes and assembled a lipid embedded protein ensemble to refine it via molecular dynamics (MD) simulation. Then we focused on the interaction of α1β2γ2 with some Z-drugs (non-benzodiazepine compounds) using an Induced Fit Docking (IFD) into the relaxed binding site to generate a pharmacophore model. The pharmacophore model was validated with a reference set and applied to decrease the pre-filtered Enamine database before the main docking procedure. Finally, we succeeded in identifying a set of compounds, which met all features of the docking model. The aqueous solubility and stability of these compounds in mouse plasma were assessed. Then they were tested for the biological activity using the rat Purkinje neurons and CHO cells with heterologously expressed human α1β2γ2 GABAA receptors. Whole-cell patch clamp recordings were used to reveal the GABA induced currents. Our study represents a convenient and tunable model for the discovery of novel positive allosteric modulators of GABAA receptors. A High-throughput virtual screening of the largest available database of chemical compounds resulted in the selection of 23 compounds. Further electrophysiological tests allowed us to determine a set of 3 the most outstanding active compounds. Considering the structural features of leader compounds, the study can develop into the MedChem project soon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maksym Platonov
- Institute of molecular biology and genetics, Natl. Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Zabolotnogo Str., 150, Kyiv, 03143, Ukraine
- Enamine Ltd., 78 Chervonotkatska Str., 02660, Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Oleksandr Maximyuk
- Bogomoletz Institute of Physiology, Natl. Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, 4 Bogomoletz Str., 01024, Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Alexey Rayevsky
- Institute of molecular biology and genetics, Natl. Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Zabolotnogo Str., 150, Kyiv, 03143, Ukraine
- Enamine Ltd., 78 Chervonotkatska Str., 02660, Kyiv, Ukraine
- Institute of Food Biotechnology and Genomics, Natl. Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Osypovskoho Str., 2 A, Kyiv, 04123, Ukraine
| | - Olena Iegorova
- Bogomoletz Institute of Physiology, Natl. Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, 4 Bogomoletz Str., 01024, Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Vasyl Hurmach
- Institute of molecular biology and genetics, Natl. Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Zabolotnogo Str., 150, Kyiv, 03143, Ukraine
- Enamine Ltd., 78 Chervonotkatska Str., 02660, Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Yuliia Holota
- Enamine Ltd., 78 Chervonotkatska Str., 02660, Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Elijah Bulgakov
- Enamine Ltd., 78 Chervonotkatska Str., 02660, Kyiv, Ukraine
- Institute of Food Biotechnology and Genomics, Natl. Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Osypovskoho Str., 2 A, Kyiv, 04123, Ukraine
| | - Andrii Cherninskyi
- Bogomoletz Institute of Physiology, Natl. Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, 4 Bogomoletz Str., 01024, Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Pavel Karpov
- Institute of Food Biotechnology and Genomics, Natl. Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Osypovskoho Str., 2 A, Kyiv, 04123, Ukraine
| | - Sergey Ryabukhin
- Enamine Ltd., 78 Chervonotkatska Str., 02660, Kyiv, Ukraine
- Institute of High Technologies, Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv., Glushkova Ave, 03022, Kyiv, Ukraine
- Institute of organic chemistry NAS of Ukraine, 5 Murmanska Str., 02660, Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Oleg Krishtal
- Bogomoletz Institute of Physiology, Natl. Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, 4 Bogomoletz Str., 01024, Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Dmitriy Volochnyuk
- Enamine Ltd., 78 Chervonotkatska Str., 02660, Kyiv, Ukraine
- Institute of High Technologies, Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv., Glushkova Ave, 03022, Kyiv, Ukraine
- Institute of organic chemistry NAS of Ukraine, 5 Murmanska Str., 02660, Kyiv, Ukraine
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Xiao F, Ding X, Shi Y, Wang D, Wang Y, Cui C, Zhu T, Chen K, Xiang P, Luo X. Application of ensemble learning for predicting GABA A receptor agonists. Comput Biol Med 2024; 169:107958. [PMID: 38194778 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiomed.2024.107958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/01/2024] [Indexed: 01/11/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Over the past few decades, agonists binding to the benzodiazepine site of the GABAA receptor have been successfully developed as clinical drugs. Different modulators (agonist, antagonist, and reverse agonist) bound to benzodiazepine sites exhibit different or even opposite pharmacological effects, however, their structures are so similar that it is difficult to distinguish them based solely on molecular skeleton. This study aims to develop classification models for predicting the agonists. METHODS 306 agonists or non-agonists were collected from literature. Six machine learning algorithms including RF, XGBoost, AdaBoost, GBoost, SVM, and ANN algorithms were employed for model development. Using six descriptors including 1D/2D Descriptors, ECFP4, 2D-Pharmacophore, MACCS, PubChem, and Estate fingerprint to characterize chemical structures. The model interpretability was explored by SHAP method. RESULTS The best model demonstrated an AUC value of 0.905 and an MCC value of 0.808 for the test set. The PubMac-based model (PubMac-GB) achieved best AUC values of 0.935 for test set. The SHAP analysis results emphasized that MaccsFP62, ECFP_624, ECFP_724, and PubchemFP213 were the crucial molecular features. Applicability domain analysis was also performed to determine reliable prediction boundaries for the model. The PubMac-GB model was applied to virtual screening for potential GABAA agonists and the top 100 compounds were given. CONCLUSION Overall, our ensemble learning-based model (PubMac-GB) achieved comparable performance and would be helpful in effectively identifying agonists of GABAA receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fu Xiao
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China; Drug Discovery and Design Center, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Xiaoyu Ding
- Drug Discovery and Design Center, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai, 201203, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Yan Shi
- Academy of Forensic Science, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Shanghai Forensic Service Platform, Key Laboratory of Forensic Science, Ministry of Justice, Shanghai, 200063, China
| | - Dingyan Wang
- Drug Discovery and Design Center, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai, 201203, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Yitian Wang
- Drug Discovery and Design Center, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai, 201203, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Chen Cui
- Drug Discovery and Design Center, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai, 201203, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Tingfei Zhu
- Drug Discovery and Design Center, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai, 201203, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Kaixian Chen
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China; Drug Discovery and Design Center, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai, 201203, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Ping Xiang
- Academy of Forensic Science, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Shanghai Forensic Service Platform, Key Laboratory of Forensic Science, Ministry of Justice, Shanghai, 200063, China.
| | - Xiaomin Luo
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China; Drug Discovery and Design Center, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai, 201203, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing, 100049, China.
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Belete TM. Recent Progress in the Development of New Antiepileptic Drugs with Novel Targets. Ann Neurosci 2023; 30:262-276. [PMID: 38020406 PMCID: PMC10662271 DOI: 10.1177/09727531231185991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder that affects approximately 50-70 million people worldwide. Epilepsy has a significant economic and social burden on patients as well as on the country. The recurrent, spontaneous seizure activity caused by abnormal neuronal firing in the brain is a hallmark of epilepsy. The current antiepileptic drugs provide symptomatic relief by restoring the balance of excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters. Besides, about 30% of epileptic patients do not achieve seizure control. The prevalence of adverse drug reactions, including aggression, agitation, irritability, and associated comorbidities, is also prevalent. Therefore, researchers should focus on developing more effective, safe, and disease-modifying agents based on new molecular targets and signaling cascades. Summary This review overviews several clinical trials that help identify promising new targets like lactate dehydrogenase inhibitors, c-jun n-terminal kinases, high mobility group box-1 antibodies, astrocyte reactivity inhibitors, cholesterol 24-hydroxylase inhibitors, glycogen synthase kinase-3 beta inhibitors, and glycolytic inhibitors to develop a new antiepileptic drug. Key messages Approximately 30% of epileptic patients do not achieve seizure control. The current anti-seizure drugs are not disease modifying, cure or prevent epilepsy. Lactate dehydrogenase inhibitor, cholesterol 24-hydroxylase inhibitor, glycogen synthase kinase-3 beta inhibitors, and mTOR inhibitors have a promising antiepileptogenic effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tafere Mulaw Belete
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia, Africa
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Takhti S, Pordel M, Bozorgmehr MR, Davoodnia A. New hybrids based on benzimidazole and diazepine moieties: design, synthesis, characterization, molecular docking studies and their in vitro interactions with benzodiazepine receptors. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2023; 41:8729-8737. [PMID: 36271637 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2022.2136246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Benzodiazepines are one of the most widely prescribed pharmacologic agents in the world. They are employed for numerous indications, including anxiety, insomnia, muscle relaxation, relief from spasticity caused by central nervous system pathology and epilepsy. In this work, we have synthesized some new hybrids based on benzimidazole and diazepine scaffolds from the reaction of suitable benzimidazole derivatives with glycine. NMR spectra, IR and mass as well as elemental analyses approved the structure of the title compounds. In vitro interactions of the title compounds were also examined on recombinant benzodiazepine receptors (αxβ2/3γ2, x = 1-3, 5) expressed in HEK293 cells. The results indicated that the title compounds exhibited suitable affinity for α1β2 γ2 subtype (Ki = 16-29 nM). To achieve deeper insight into their interactions with benzodiazepine receptors, molecular dynamics simulation was employed. According to the results obtained from the molecular dynamics simulation, Pro85, Leu103, Pro101, Gln102, Ile79, Ser80, Pro17, Leu82 and Val84 interact with the most potent ligand by hydrophobic interactions and Asp86 and Leu87 interact with the ligand by hydrogen bond interactions.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samaneh Takhti
- Department of Chemistry, Mashhad Branch, Islamic Azad University, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mehdi Pordel
- Department of Chemistry, Mashhad Branch, Islamic Azad University, Mashhad, Iran
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Gc JB, Szlenk CT, Diyaolu A, Obi P, Wei H, Shi X, Gibson KM, Natesan S, Roullet JB. Allosteric modulation of α1β3γ2 GABA A receptors by farnesol through the neurosteroid sites. Biophys J 2023; 122:849-867. [PMID: 36721367 PMCID: PMC10027449 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2023.01.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
In mammalian cells, all-trans farnesol, a 15-carbon isoprenol, is a product of the mevalonate pathway. It is the natural substrate of alcohol dehydrogenase and a substrate for CYP2E1, two enzymes implicated in ethanol metabolism. Studies have shown that farnesol is present in the human brain and inhibits voltage-gated Ca2+ channels at much lower concentrations than ethanol. Here we show that farnesol modulates the activity of γ-aminobutyric acid type A receptors (GABAARs), some of which also mediate the sedative activity of ethanol. Electrophysiology experiments performed in HEK cells expressing human α1β3γ2 or α6β3γ2 GABAARs revealed that farnesol increased chloride currents through positive allosteric modulation of these receptors and showed dependence on both the alcoholic functional group of farnesol and the length of the alkyl chain for activity. In silico studies using long-timescale unbiased all-atom molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of the human α1β3γ2 GABAA receptors revealed that farnesol modulates the channel by directly binding to the transmembrane neurosteroid-binding site, after partitioning into the surrounding membrane and reaching the receptor by lateral diffusion. Channel activation by farnesol was further characterized by several structural and dynamic variables, such as global twisting of the receptor's extracellular domain, tilting of the transmembrane M2 helices, radius, cross-sectional area, hydration status, and electrostatic potential of the channel pore. Our results expand the pharmacological activities of farnesol to yet another class of ion channels implicated in neurotransmission, thus providing a novel path for understanding and treatment of diseases involving GABAA receptor dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeevan B Gc
- College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Washington State University, Spokane, Washington
| | - Christopher T Szlenk
- College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Washington State University, Spokane, Washington
| | - Ayobami Diyaolu
- College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Washington State University, Spokane, Washington
| | - Peter Obi
- College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Washington State University, Spokane, Washington
| | - Haiyang Wei
- Eurofins Panlabs, Inc., St. Charles, Missouri
| | - Xutong Shi
- College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Washington State University, Spokane, Washington
| | - K Michael Gibson
- College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Washington State University, Spokane, Washington
| | - Senthil Natesan
- College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Washington State University, Spokane, Washington.
| | - Jean-Baptiste Roullet
- College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Washington State University, Spokane, Washington.
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11
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In silico studies, X-ray diffraction analysis and biological investigation of fluorinated pyrrolylated-chalcones in zebrafish epilepsy models. Heliyon 2023; 9:e13685. [PMID: 36852036 PMCID: PMC9958447 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e13685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Epilepsy is the third most common known brain disease worldwide. Several antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) are available to improve seizure control. However, the associated side effects limit their practical use and highlight the ongoing search for safer and effective AEDs. Eighteen newly designed fluorine-containing pyrrolylated chalcones were extensively studied in silico, synthesized, structurally analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), and biologically and toxicologically tested as potential new AEDs in zebrafish epilepsy in vivo models. The results predicted that 3-(3,5-difluorophenyl)-1-(1H-pyrrol-2-yl)prop-2-en-1-one (compound 8) had a good drug-like profile with binding affinity to γ-aminobutyric acid receptor type-A (GABAA, -8.0 kcal/mol). This predicted active compound 8 was effective in reducing convulsive behaviour in pentylenetetrazol (PTZ)-induced larvae and hyperactive movements in zc4h2 knockout (KO) zebrafish, experimentally. Moreover, no cardiotoxic effect of compound 8 was observed in zebrafish. Overall, pyrrolylated chalcones could serve as alternative AEDs and warrant further in-depth pharmacological studies to uncover their mechanism of action.
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12
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de Almeida GRL, Szczepanik JC, Selhorst I, Cunha MP, Dafre AL. The expanding impact of methylglyoxal on behavior-related disorders. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2023; 120:110635. [PMID: 36103947 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2022.110635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Revised: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Methylglyoxal (MGO) is a reactive dicarbonyl compound formed as a byproduct of glycolysis. MGO is a major cell-permeant precursor of advanced glycation end products (AGEs), since it readily reacts with basic phospholipids and nucleotides, as well as amino acid residues of proteins, such as arginine, cysteine, and lysine. The AGEs production induced by MGO are widely associated with several pathologies, including neurodegenerative diseases. However, the impact of MGO metabolism and AGEs formation in the central nervous system (particularly in neurons, astrocytes and oligodendrocytes) on behavior and psychiatric diseases is not fully understood. Here, we briefly present background information on the biological activity of MGO in the central nervous system. It was gathered the available information on the role of MGO metabolism at the physiological processes, as well as at the neurobiology of psychiatry diseases, especially pain-related experiences, anxiety, depression, and cognition impairment-associated diseases. To clarify the role of MGO on behavior and associated diseases, we reviewed primarily the main findings at preclinical studies focusing on genetic and pharmacological approaches. Since monoamine neurotransmitter systems are implicated as pivotal targets on the pathophysiology and treatment of psychiatry and cognitive-related diseases, we also reviewed how MGO affects these neurotransmission systems and the implications of this phenomenon for nociception and pain; learning and cognition; and mood. In summary, this review highlights the pivotal role of glyoxalase 1 (Glo1) and MGO levels in modulating behavioral phenotypes, as well as related cellular and molecular signaling. Conclusively, this review signals dopamine as a new neurochemical MGO target, as well as highlights how MGO metabolism can modulate the pathophysiology and treatment of pain, psychiatric and cognitive-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gudrian R L de Almeida
- Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Santa Catarina, 88040-900 Florianópolis, SC, Brazil
| | - Jozimar C Szczepanik
- Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Santa Catarina, 88040-900 Florianópolis, SC, Brazil
| | - Ingrid Selhorst
- Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Santa Catarina, 88040-900 Florianópolis, SC, Brazil
| | - Mauricio P Cunha
- Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Santa Catarina, 88040-900 Florianópolis, SC, Brazil; Department of Basic Sciences of Life, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, 35010-177 Governador Valadares, MG, Brazil.
| | - Alcir L Dafre
- Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Santa Catarina, 88040-900 Florianópolis, SC, Brazil
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13
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Yang P, Zhang Q, Shen H, Bai X, Liu P, Zhang T. Research progress on the protective effects of aucubin in neurological diseases. PHARMACEUTICAL BIOLOGY 2022; 60:1088-1094. [PMID: 35634723 PMCID: PMC9154787 DOI: 10.1080/13880209.2022.2074057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Aucubin (AU), an iridoid glycoside that is one of the active constituents of Eucommia ulmoides Oliv. (EUO) (Eucommiaceae), a traditional Chinese medicine, has been extensively studied in the management of neurological diseases (NDs). However, a comprehensive review of its effects and mechanisms in this regard is currently not available. OBJECTIVE To compile the protective effects and mechanisms of AU in NDs and provide a basis for further research. METHODS We used 'aucubin' as the 'All Fields' or 'MeSH' in PubMed, Web of Science and China National Knowledge Infrastructure without any limitation to search all relevant articles as comprehensively as possible; we selected the articles on AU treatment of NDs for summary. RESULTS Studies reviewed herein reported that AU improved the symptoms or prognosis of Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, intracerebral haemorrhage, diabetic encephalopathy, epilepsy, anxiety and depression, and traumatic brain injury. The pharmacological mechanisms involved in repairing neuronal loss were postulated to include increasing γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) content in the synapse, promoting differentiation of neural precursor cells into GABAergic neurons, providing antioxidant and anti-neuroinflammation activities, as well as enhancing autophagy and anti-apoptotic actions. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS The protective effects of AU on some NDs have been confirmed. According to the pharmacological effects, AU is also highly likely to have protective effects on other NDs, which can be realized by further in vivo and in vitro basic research, and clinical trials. In the future, AU may be used for clinical prevention or treatment of patients with neurological diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Yang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Basic Pharmacology of Guizhou Province and School of Pharmacy, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Qiaoyue Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Basic Pharmacology of Guizhou Province and School of Pharmacy, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Hengyan Shen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Basic Pharmacology of Guizhou Province and School of Pharmacy, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Xinyu Bai
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Basic Pharmacology of Guizhou Province and School of Pharmacy, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Ping Liu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Tao Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
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14
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Qian D, Wang Q, Lin S, Li Y, Gu X, Xia C, Xu Y, Zhang T, Yang L, Wu Q, Sun J, Liu Y, Zhou M. Identification of potential targets of cinnamon for treatment against Alzheimer's disease-related GABAergic synaptic dysfunction using network pharmacology. Sci Rep 2022; 12:19959. [PMID: 36402912 PMCID: PMC9675738 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-24378-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Cinnamon aqueous extract's active substance base remains unclear and its mechanisms, mainly the therapeutic target of anti-Alzheimer's disease (AD)-related GABAergic synaptic dysfunction, remain unclear. Here, 30 chemical components were identified in the aqueous extract of cinnamon using LC/MS; secondly, we explored the brain-targeting components of the aqueous extract of cinnamon, and 17 components had a good absorption due to the blood-brain barrier (BBB) limitation; thirdly, further clustering analysis of active ingredient targets by network pharmacology showed that the GABA pathway with GABRG2 as the core target was significantly enriched; then, we used prominent protein-protein interactions (PPI), relying on a protein-metabolite network, and identified the GABRA1, GABRB2 and GABRA5 as the closest targets to GABRG2; finally, the affinity between the target and its cognate active compound was predicted by molecular docking. In general, we screened five components, methyl cinnamate, propyl cinnamate, ( +)-procyanidin B2, procyanidin B1, and myristicin as the brain synapse-targeting active substances of cinnamon using a systematic strategy, and identified GABRA1, GABRB2, GABRA5 and GABRG2 as core therapeutic targets of cinnamon against Alzheimer's disease-related GABAergic synaptic dysfunction. Exploring the mechanism of cinnamon' activities through multi-components and multiple targets strategies promise to reduce the threat of single- target and symptom-based drug discovery failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongdong Qian
- grid.412540.60000 0001 2372 7462Department of Geriatrics, Shanghai Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200071 China
| | - Qixue Wang
- grid.412540.60000 0001 2372 7462Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1200 Cailun Road, Pudong District, Shanghai, 201203 China
| | - Siyuan Lin
- grid.412540.60000 0001 2372 7462School of Public Health, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203 China
| | - Ying Li
- grid.412540.60000 0001 2372 7462Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1200 Cailun Road, Pudong District, Shanghai, 201203 China
| | - Xinyi Gu
- grid.412540.60000 0001 2372 7462Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1200 Cailun Road, Pudong District, Shanghai, 201203 China
| | - Chenyi Xia
- grid.412540.60000 0001 2372 7462Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203 China
| | - Ying Xu
- grid.412540.60000 0001 2372 7462Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203 China
| | - Ting Zhang
- grid.412540.60000 0001 2372 7462Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1200 Cailun Road, Pudong District, Shanghai, 201203 China
| | - Li Yang
- grid.412540.60000 0001 2372 7462Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1200 Cailun Road, Pudong District, Shanghai, 201203 China
| | - Qianfu Wu
- grid.412540.60000 0001 2372 7462Department of Geriatrics, Shanghai Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200071 China
| | - Jijia Sun
- grid.412540.60000 0001 2372 7462Department of Mathematics and Physics, School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203 China
| | - Yi Liu
- grid.412540.60000 0001 2372 7462Department of Geriatrics, Shanghai Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200071 China
| | - Mingmei Zhou
- grid.412540.60000 0001 2372 7462Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1200 Cailun Road, Pudong District, Shanghai, 201203 China
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15
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Takhti S, Pordel M, Davoodnia A, Bozorgmehr MR. Imidazo[4′,5′:3,4]Benzo[1,2- e][1,4]Diazepins as New Heterocyclic Systems: Synthesis, Characterization and Their in Vitro Interactions with Benzodiazepine Receptors. Polycycl Aromat Compd 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/10406638.2022.2127800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Samaneh Takhti
- Department of Chemistry, Mashhad Branch, Islamic Azad University, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mehdi Pordel
- Department of Chemistry, Mashhad Branch, Islamic Azad University, Mashhad, Iran
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16
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Cerne R, Lippa A, Poe MM, Smith JL, Jin X, Ping X, Golani LK, Cook JM, Witkin JM. GABAkines - Advances in the discovery, development, and commercialization of positive allosteric modulators of GABA A receptors. Pharmacol Ther 2022; 234:108035. [PMID: 34793859 PMCID: PMC9787737 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2021.108035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Positive allosteric modulators of γ-aminobutyric acid-A (GABAA) receptors or GABAkines have been widely used medicines for over 70 years for anxiety, epilepsy, sleep, and other disorders. Traditional GABAkines like diazepam have safety and tolerability concerns that include sedation, motor-impairment, respiratory depression, tolerance and dependence. Multiple GABAkines have entered clinical development but the issue of side-effects has not been fully solved. The compounds that are presently being developed and commercialized include several neuroactive steroids (an allopregnanolone formulation (brexanolone), an allopregnanolone prodrug (LYT-300), Sage-324, zuranolone, and ganaxolone), the α2/3-preferring GABAkine, KRM-II-81, and the α2/3/5-preferring GABAkine PF-06372865 (darigabat). The neuroactive steroids are in clinical development for post-partum depression, intractable epilepsy, tremor, status epilepticus, and genetic epilepsy disorders. Darigabat is in development for epilepsy and anxiety. The imidazodiazepine, KRM-II-81 is efficacious in animal models for the treatment of epilepsy and post-traumatic epilepsy, acute and chronic pain, as well as anxiety and depression. The efficacy of KRM-II-81 in models of pharmacoresistant epilepsy, preventing the development of seizure sensitization, and in brain tissue of intractable epileptic patients bodes well for improved therapeutics. Medicinal chemistry efforts are also ongoing to identify novel and improved GABAkines. The data document gaps in our understanding of the molecular pharmacology of GABAkines that drive differential pharmacological profiles, but emphasize advancements in the ability to successfully utilize GABAA receptor potentiation for therapeutic gain in neurology and psychiatry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rok Cerne
- Laboratory of Antiepileptic Drug Discovery, Ascension St. Vincent, Indianapolis, IN USA,Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Zaloška cesta 4, Ljubljana, Slovenia.,RespireRx Pharmaceuticals Inc, Glen Rock, NJ, USA,Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Indiana University/Purdue University, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Arnold Lippa
- RespireRx Pharmaceuticals Inc, Glen Rock, NJ, USA
| | | | - Jodi L. Smith
- Laboratory of Antiepileptic Drug Discovery, Ascension St. Vincent, Indianapolis, IN USA
| | - Xiaoming Jin
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Indiana University/Purdue University, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Xingjie Ping
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Indiana University/Purdue University, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Lalit K. Golani
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Milwaukee Institute of Drug Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - James M. Cook
- RespireRx Pharmaceuticals Inc, Glen Rock, NJ, USA,Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Milwaukee Institute of Drug Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Jeffrey M. Witkin
- Laboratory of Antiepileptic Drug Discovery, Ascension St. Vincent, Indianapolis, IN USA,RespireRx Pharmaceuticals Inc, Glen Rock, NJ, USA,Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Milwaukee Institute of Drug Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, USA
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17
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Can GABAkines Quiet the Noise? The GABAA Receptor Neurobiology and Pharmacology of Tinnitus. Biochem Pharmacol 2022; 201:115067. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2022.115067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Revised: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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18
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Zeng Y, Cao S, Chen M, Fang C, Ouyang W. GABRA1 and GABRB2 Polymorphisms are Associated with Propofol Susceptibility. Pharmgenomics Pers Med 2022; 15:105-117. [PMID: 35173461 PMCID: PMC8841664 DOI: 10.2147/pgpm.s348170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Youjie Zeng
- Department of Anesthesiology, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410013, People’s Republic of China
| | - Si Cao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410013, People’s Republic of China
| | - Minghua Chen
- Department of Anesthesiology, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410013, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chao Fang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410013, People’s Republic of China
- Hunan Cancer Hospital, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410013, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wen Ouyang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410013, People’s Republic of China
- Correspondence: Wen Ouyang, Department of Anesthesiology, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410013, People’s Republic of China, Email
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Mahesha CK, Naharwal S, Kharat ND, Mandal SK, Sakhuja R. Regiodivergent Synthesis of Cinnoline-Fused Indazolones through Pd-Catalyzed Annulation of 1-Arylindazolones with Allenoates. J Org Chem 2022; 87:3701-3706. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.joc.1c02629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Sushma Naharwal
- Department of Chemistry, Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani, Rajasthan 333031, India
| | - Narendra Dinkar Kharat
- Department of Chemistry, Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani, Rajasthan 333031, India
| | - Sanjay K. Mandal
- Department of Chemical Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Mohali, Sector 81, SAS Nagar, Manuali P.O., Mohali, Punjab 140306, India
| | - Rajeev Sakhuja
- Department of Chemistry, Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani, Rajasthan 333031, India
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20
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GABAergic Modulation in Movement Related Oscillatory Activity: A Review of the Effect Pharmacologically and with Aging. Tremor Other Hyperkinet Mov (N Y) 2021; 11:48. [PMID: 34824891 PMCID: PMC8588888 DOI: 10.5334/tohm.655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a ubiquitous inhibitory neurotransmitter critical to the control of movement both cortically and subcortically. Modulation of GABA can alter the characteristic rest as well as movement-related oscillatory activity in the alpha (8-12 Hz), beta (13-30 Hz, and gamma (60-90 Hz) frequencies, but the specific mechanisms by which GABAergic modulation can modify these well-described changes remains unclear. Through pharmacologic GABAergic modulation and evaluation across the age spectrum, the contributions of GABA to these characteristic oscillatory activities are beginning to be understood. Here, we review how baseline GABA signaling plays a key role in motor networks and in cortical oscillations detected by scalp electroencephalography and magnetoencephalography. We also discuss the data showing specific alterations to baseline movement related oscillatory changes from pharmacologic intervention on GABAergic tone as well as with healthy aging. These data provide greater insight into the physiology of movement and may help improve future development of novel therapeutics for patients who suffer from movement disorders.
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21
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Vlachou S. A Brief History and the Significance of the GABA B Receptor. Curr Top Behav Neurosci 2021; 52:1-17. [PMID: 34595739 DOI: 10.1007/7854_2021_264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
γ-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) is the main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain. GABA type B (GABAB) receptors (GABABRs) are the only metabotropic G protein-coupled receptors for GABA and can be found distributed not only in the central nervous system, but also in the periphery. This chapter introduces important, fundamental knowledge related to GABABR function and the various potential therapeutic applications of the development of novel GABABR-active compounds, as documented through extensive studies presented in subsequent chapters of this Current Topic in Behavioral Neurosciences volume on the role of the neurobiology of GABABR function. The compounds that have received increased attention in the last few years compared to GABABR agonists and antagonists - the positive allosteric modulators - exhibit better pharmacological profiles and fewer side effects. As we continue to unveil the mystery of GABABRs at the molecular and cellular levels, we further understand the significance of these receptors. Future directions should aim for developing highly selective GABABR compounds for treating neuropsychiatric disorders and their symptomatology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Styliani Vlachou
- Neuropsychopharmacology Division, Behavioural Neuroscience Laboratory, School of Psychology, Faculty of Science and Health, Dublin City University, Dublin, Ireland.
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22
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Lou S, Cui S. Drug treatment of epilepsy: From serendipitous discovery to evolutionary mechanisms. Curr Med Chem 2021; 29:3366-3391. [PMID: 34514980 DOI: 10.2174/0929867328666210910124727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Revised: 07/17/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Epilepsy is a chronic brain disorder caused by abnormal firing of neurons. Up to now, using antiepileptic drugs is the main method of epilepsy treatment. The development of antiepileptic drugs lasted for centuries. In general, most agents entering clinical practice act on the balance mechanisms of brain "excitability-inhibition". More specifically, they target voltage-gated ion channels, GABAergic transmission and glutamatergic transmission. In recent years, some novel drugs representing new mechanisms of action have been discovered. Although there are about 30 available drugs in the market, it is still in urgent need of discovering more effective and safer drugs. The development of new antiepileptic drugs is into a new era: from serendipitous discovery to evolutionary mechanism-based design. This article presents an overview of drug treatment of epilepsy, including a series of traditional and novel drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengying Lou
- Institute of Drug Discovery and Design, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou. China
| | - Sunliang Cui
- Institute of Drug Discovery and Design, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou. China
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23
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Shinjyo N, Waddell G, Green J. Valerian Root in Treating Sleep Problems and Associated Disorders-A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Evid Based Integr Med 2021; 25:2515690X20967323. [PMID: 33086877 PMCID: PMC7585905 DOI: 10.1177/2515690x20967323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Sleep problems are widely prevalent and associated with various comorbidities including anxiety. Valerian (Valeriana officinalis L.) is a popular herbal medicine used as a sleep aid, however the outcomes of previous clinical studies are inconsistent. This study was conducted to update and re-evaluate the available data in order to understand the reason behind the inconsistent outcomes and to provide a broader view of the use of valerian for associated disorders. PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Cochrane Library were searched to retrieve publications relevant to the effectiveness of valerian as a treatment of sleep problems and associated disorders. A total of 60 studies (n=6,894) were included in this review, and meta-analyses were performed to evaluate the effectiveness to improve subjective sleep quality (10 studies, n=1,065) and to reduce anxiety (8 studies, n=535). Results suggested that inconsistent outcomes were possibly due to the variable quality of herbal extracts and that more reliable effects could be expected from the whole root/rhizome. In addition, therapeutic benefits could be optimized when it was combined with appropriate herbal partners. There were no severe adverse events associated with valerian intake in subjects aged between 7 and 80 years. In conclusion, valerian could be a safe and effective herb to promote sleep and prevent associated disorders. However, due to the presence of multiple active constituents and relatively unstable nature of some of the active constituents, it may be necessary to revise the quality control processes, including standardization methods and shelf life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noriko Shinjyo
- Department of Infection and Host Defence, Graduate School of Medicine, 12737Chiba University, Chuo-ku, Chiba, Japan.,School of Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
| | | | - Julia Green
- Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Life Sciences, 4921University of Westminster, London, UK
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24
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Smelt CLC, Sanders VR, Puinean AM, Lansdell SJ, Goodchild J, Millar NS. Agonist and antagonist properties of an insect GABA-gated chloride channel (RDL) are influenced by heterologous expression conditions. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0254251. [PMID: 34234379 PMCID: PMC8263253 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0254251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Pentameric ligand-gated ion channels (pLGICs) activated by the inhibitory neurotransmitter γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) are expressed widely in both vertebrate and invertebrate species. One of the best characterised insect GABA-gated chloride channels is RDL, an abbreviation of ‘resistance to dieldrin’, that was originally identified by genetic screening in Drosophila melanogaster. Here we have cloned the analogous gene from the bumblebee Bombus terrestris audax (BtRDL) and examined its pharmacological properties by functional expression in Xenopus oocytes. Somewhat unexpectedly, the sensitivity of BtRDL to GABA, as measured by its apparent affinity (EC50), was influenced by heterologous expression conditions. This phenomenon was observed in response to alterations in the amount of cRNA injected; the length of time that oocytes were incubated before functional analysis; and by the presence or absence of a 3’ untranslated region. In contrast, similar changes in expression conditions were not associated with changes in apparent affinity with RDL cloned from D. melanogaster (DmRDL). Changes in apparent affinity with BtRDL were also observed following co-expression of a chaperone protein (NACHO). Similar changes in apparent affinity were observed with an allosteric agonist (propofol) and a non-competitive antagonist (picrotoxinin), indicating that expression-depended changes are not restricted to the orthosteric agonist binding site. Interestingly, instances of expression-dependent changes in apparent affinity have been reported previously for vertebrate glycine receptors, which are also members of the pLGIC super-family. Our observations with BtRDL are consistent with previous data obtained with vertebrate glycine receptors and indicates that agonist and antagonist apparent affinity can be influenced by the level of functional expression in a variety of pLGICs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles L C Smelt
- Division of Biosciences, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Victoria R Sanders
- Division of Biosciences, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Alin M Puinean
- Division of Biosciences, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Stuart J Lansdell
- Division of Biosciences, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jim Goodchild
- Syngenta, Jealotts Hill International Research Centre, Bracknell, Berkshire, United Kingdom
| | - Neil S Millar
- Division of Biosciences, University College London, London, United Kingdom
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25
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Knoflach F, Bertrand D. Pharmacological modulation of GABA A receptors. Curr Opin Pharmacol 2021; 59:3-10. [PMID: 34020139 DOI: 10.1016/j.coph.2021.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2020] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Ligand-gated ion channels are integral membrane proteins that activate through a change in conformation upon transmitter binding and were identified as key players of brain function. GABAA receptors are major inhibitory ligand-gated ion channels of this protein family. They are the target of many therapeutic compounds widely used in the clinic and continue to attract the attention of academic and pharmaceutical laboratories. Advances in the knowledge of the structure of GABAA receptors at the molecular level with unprecedented resolution enabled the determination of the binding sites of many allosteric modulators revealing the nature of their interactions with the receptors. Herein, we review the latest findings on allosteric modulation of GABAA receptors and their relevance to drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frédéric Knoflach
- F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Neuroscience & Rare Diseases (NRD) Research, Roche Innovation Center Basel, Basel, 4070, Switzerland
| | - Daniel Bertrand
- HiQScreen Sàrl, 6 rte de Compois, Vésenaz, Geneva, 1222, Switzerland.
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26
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Rostrup F, Falk-Petersen CB, Harpso E K, Buchleithner S, Conforti I, Jung S, Gloriam DE, Schirmeister T, Wellendorph P, Fro Lund B. Structural Determinants for the Mode of Action of Imidazopyridine DS2 at δ-Containing γ-Aminobutyric Acid Type A Receptors. J Med Chem 2021; 64:4730-4743. [PMID: 33847501 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c02163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Despite the therapeutic relevance of δ-containing γ-aminobutyric acid type A receptors (GABAARs) and the need for δ-selective compounds, the structural determinants for the mode and molecular site of action of δ-selective positive allosteric modulator imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine DS2 remain elusive. To guide the quest for insight, we synthesized a series of DS2 analogues guided by a structural receptor model. Using a fluorescence-based fluorometric imaging plate reader membrane potential assay, we found that the δ-selectivity and the pharmacological profile are severely affected by substituents in the 5-position of the imidazopyridine core scaffold. Interestingly, the 5-methyl, 5-bromo, and 5-chloro DS2 analogues, 30, 35, and 36, were shown to be superior to DS2 at α4β1δ as mid-high nanomolar potency δ-selective allosteric modulators, displaying 6-16 times higher potency than DS2. Of these, 30 also displayed at least 60-fold selectivity for α4β1δ over α4β1γ2 receptor subtypes representing a potential tool for the selective characterization of δ-containing GABAARs in general.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frederik Rostrup
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, Copenhagen DK-2100, Denmark
| | - Christina B Falk-Petersen
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, Copenhagen DK-2100, Denmark
| | - Kasper Harpso E
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, Copenhagen DK-2100, Denmark
| | - Stine Buchleithner
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, Copenhagen DK-2100, Denmark
| | - Irene Conforti
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, Copenhagen DK-2100, Denmark
| | - Sascha Jung
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz D-55128, Germany
| | - David E Gloriam
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, Copenhagen DK-2100, Denmark
| | - Tanja Schirmeister
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz D-55128, Germany
| | - Petrine Wellendorph
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, Copenhagen DK-2100, Denmark
| | - Bente Fro Lund
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, Copenhagen DK-2100, Denmark
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27
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Löscher W, Sills GJ, White HS. The ups and downs of alkyl-carbamates in epilepsy therapy: How does cenobamate differ? Epilepsia 2021; 62:596-614. [PMID: 33580520 DOI: 10.1111/epi.16832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Revised: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Since 1955, several alkyl-carbamates have been developed for the treatment of anxiety and epilepsy, including meprobamate, flupirtine, felbamate, retigabine, carisbamate, and cenobamate. They have each enjoyed varying levels of success as antiseizure drugs; however, they have all been plagued by the emergence of serious and sometimes life-threatening adverse events. In this review, we compare and contrast their predominant molecular mechanisms of action, their antiseizure profile, and where possible, their clinical efficacy. The preclinical, clinical, and mechanistic profile of the prototypical γ-aminobutyric acidergic (GABAergic) modulator phenobarbital is included for comparison. Like phenobarbital, all of the clinically approved alkyl-carbamates share an ability to enhance inhibitory neurotransmission through modulation of the GABAA receptor, although the specific mechanism of interaction differs among the different drugs discussed. In addition, several alkyl-carbamates have been shown to interact with voltage-gated ion channels. Flupirtine and retigabine share an ability to activate K+ currents mediated by KCNQ (Kv7) K+ channels, and felbamate, carisbamate, and cenobamate have been shown to block Na+ channels. In contrast to other alkyl-carbamates, cenobamate seems to be unique in its ability to preferentially attenuate the persistent rather than transient Na+ current. Results from recent randomized controlled clinical trials with cenobamate suggest that this newest antiseizure alkyl-carbamate possesses a degree of efficacy not witnessed since felbamate was approved in 1993. Given that ceno-bamate's mechanistic profile is unique among the alkyl-carbamates, it is not clear whether this impressive efficacy reflects an as yet undescribed mechanism of action or whether it possesses a unique synergy between its actions at the GABAA receptor and on persistent Na+ currents. The high efficacy of cenobamate is, however, tempered by the risk of serious rash and low tolerability at higher doses, meaning that further safety studies and clinical experience are needed to determine the true clinical value of cenobamate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wolfgang Löscher
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Pharmacy, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany.,Center for Systems Neuroscience Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Graeme J Sills
- School of Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - H Steve White
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
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28
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Castellano D, Shepard RD, Lu W. Looking for Novelty in an "Old" Receptor: Recent Advances Toward Our Understanding of GABA ARs and Their Implications in Receptor Pharmacology. Front Neurosci 2021; 14:616298. [PMID: 33519367 PMCID: PMC7841293 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2020.616298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Diverse populations of GABAA receptors (GABAARs) throughout the brain mediate fast inhibitory transmission and are modulated by various endogenous ligands and therapeutic drugs. Deficits in GABAAR signaling underlie the pathophysiology behind neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders such as epilepsy, anxiety, and depression. Pharmacological intervention for these disorders relies on several drug classes that target GABAARs, such as benzodiazepines and more recently neurosteroids. It has been widely demonstrated that subunit composition and receptor stoichiometry impact the biophysical and pharmacological properties of GABAARs. However, current GABAAR-targeting drugs have limited subunit selectivity and produce their therapeutic effects concomitantly with undesired side effects. Therefore, there is still a need to develop more selective GABAAR pharmaceuticals, as well as evaluate the potential for developing next-generation drugs that can target accessory proteins associated with native GABAARs. In this review, we briefly discuss the effects of benzodiazepines and neurosteroids on GABAARs, their use as therapeutics, and some of the pitfalls associated with their adverse side effects. We also discuss recent advances toward understanding the structure, function, and pharmacology of GABAARs with a focus on benzodiazepines and neurosteroids, as well as newly identified transmembrane proteins that modulate GABAARs.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Castellano
- Synapse and Neural Circuit Research Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Ryan David Shepard
- Synapse and Neural Circuit Research Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Wei Lu
- Synapse and Neural Circuit Research Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
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29
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Stošić B, Janković R, Stošić M, Marković D, Stanković D, Sokolović D, Veselinović AM. In silico development of anesthetics based on barbiturate and thiobarbiturate inhibition of GABAA. Comput Biol Chem 2020; 88:107318. [DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiolchem.2020.107318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2020] [Revised: 06/07/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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30
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Stokes L, Bidula S, Bibič L, Allum E. To Inhibit or Enhance? Is There a Benefit to Positive Allosteric Modulation of P2X Receptors? Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:627. [PMID: 32477120 PMCID: PMC7235284 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.00627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2019] [Accepted: 04/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The family of ligand-gated ion channels known as P2X receptors were discovered several decades ago. Since the cloning of the seven P2X receptors (P2X1-P2X7), a huge research effort has elucidated their roles in regulating a range of physiological and pathophysiological processes. Transgenic animals have been influential in understanding which P2X receptors could be new therapeutic targets for disease. Furthermore, understanding how inherited mutations can increase susceptibility to disorders and diseases has advanced this knowledge base. There has been an emphasis on the discovery and development of pharmacological tools to help dissect the individual roles of P2X receptors and the pharmaceutical industry has been involved in pushing forward clinical development of several lead compounds. During the discovery phase, a number of positive allosteric modulators have been described for P2X receptors and these have been useful in assigning physiological roles to receptors. This review will consider the major physiological roles of P2X1-P2X7 and discuss whether enhancement of P2X receptor activity would offer any therapeutic benefit. We will review what is known about identified compounds acting as positive allosteric modulators and the recent identification of drug binding pockets for such modulators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leanne Stokes
- School of Pharmacy, University of East Anglia, Norwich, United Kingdom
| | - Stefan Bidula
- School of Pharmacy, University of East Anglia, Norwich, United Kingdom
| | - Lučka Bibič
- School of Pharmacy, University of East Anglia, Norwich, United Kingdom
| | - Elizabeth Allum
- School of Pharmacy, University of East Anglia, Norwich, United Kingdom
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31
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Crocetti L, Guerrini G. GABA A receptor subtype modulators in medicinal chemistry: an updated patent review (2014-present). Expert Opin Ther Pat 2020; 30:409-432. [PMID: 32200689 DOI: 10.1080/13543776.2020.1746764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: Ligands at the benzodiazepine binding site of the GABAA receptor (GABAAR) act by modulating the effect of GABA (γ-aminobutyric acid). The benzodiazepine drugs are conventionally categorized as positive allosteric modulators enhancing the chloride ion current GABA-induced. In literature there are also reported ligands that act as negative allosteric modulators, reducing chloride ion current, and silent allosteric modulators not influencing the chloride ion flux.Areas covered: This review covers patents published from 2014 to present on ligands for the benzodiazepine binding site of the GABAARs. Patents filed from different companies and research groups report many compounds that may be used in the treatment/prevention of a large variety of diseases.Expert opinion: Since the discovery of the first benzodiazepine about 60 years have passed and about 50 years since the identification of their target, GABAA receptor. Even if benzodiazepines are the most popular anxiolytic drugs, the research in this field is still very active. From patents/application analysis arises that most of them claim methods for alleviating specific symptoms in different neurodegenerative diseases and their related memory deficits. Noteworthy is the presence of the α4- and α5-GABAA receptor subtype ligands as new pharmacological tools for airway hyperresponsiveness, inflammation diseases, and asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Letizia Crocetti
- NEUROFARBA, Pharmaceutical and Nutraceutical Section, University of Florence, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Gabriella Guerrini
- NEUROFARBA, Pharmaceutical and Nutraceutical Section, University of Florence, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
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32
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Schupp M, Park SH, Qian B, Yu W. Electrophysiological Studies of GABAAReceptors Using QPatch II, the Next Generation of Automated Patch‐Clamp Instruments. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 89:e75. [DOI: 10.1002/cpph.75] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Weifeng Yu
- Sophion Bioscience Inc Woburn Massachusetts
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33
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GABA A Receptor Ligands Often Interact with Binding Sites in the Transmembrane Domain and in the Extracellular Domain-Can the Promiscuity Code Be Cracked? Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21010334. [PMID: 31947863 PMCID: PMC6982053 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21010334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2019] [Revised: 12/20/2019] [Accepted: 12/26/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Many allosteric binding sites that modulate gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) effects have been described in heteropentameric GABA type A (GABAA) receptors, among them sites for benzodiazepines, pyrazoloquinolinones and etomidate. Diazepam not only binds at the high affinity extracellular “canonical” site, but also at sites in the transmembrane domain. Many ligands of the benzodiazepine binding site interact also with homologous sites in the extracellular domain, among them the pyrazoloquinolinones that exert modulation at extracellular α+/β− sites. Additional interaction of this chemotype with the sites for etomidate has also been described. We have recently described a new indole-based scaffold with pharmacophore features highly similar to pyrazoloquinolinones as a novel class of GABAA receptor modulators. Contrary to what the pharmacophore overlap suggests, the ligand presented here behaves very differently from the identically substituted pyrazoloquinolinone. Structural evidence demonstrates that small changes in pharmacophore features can induce radical changes in ligand binding properties. Analysis of published data reveals that many chemotypes display a strong tendency to interact promiscuously with binding sites in the transmembrane domain and others in the extracellular domain of the same receptor. Further structural investigations of this phenomenon should enable a more targeted path to less promiscuous ligands, potentially reducing side effect liabilities.
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34
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Maramai S, Benchekroun M, Ward SE, Atack JR. Subtype Selective γ-Aminobutyric Acid Type A Receptor (GABAAR) Modulators Acting at the Benzodiazepine Binding Site: An Update. J Med Chem 2019; 63:3425-3446. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.9b01312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Samuele Maramai
- Sussex Drug Discovery Centre, University of Sussex, Brighton BN1 9QJ, U.K
| | - Mohamed Benchekroun
- Sussex Drug Discovery Centre, University of Sussex, Brighton BN1 9QJ, U.K
- Équipe de Chimie Moléculaire, Laboratoire de Génomique Bioinformatique et Chimie Moléculaire, GBCM, EA7528, Conservatoire National des Arts et Métiers, 2 rue Conté, 75003 Paris, France
| | - Simon E. Ward
- Medicines Discovery Institute, Cardiff University, Main Building, Park Place, Cardiff CF10 3AT, U.K
| | - John R. Atack
- Medicines Discovery Institute, Cardiff University, Main Building, Park Place, Cardiff CF10 3AT, U.K
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35
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Zhao Z, Dai X, Li C, Wang X, Tian J, Feng Y, Xie J, Ma C, Nie Z, Fan P, Qian M, He X, Wu S, Zhang Y, Zheng X. Pyrazolone structural motif in medicinal chemistry: Retrospect and prospect. Eur J Med Chem 2019; 186:111893. [PMID: 31761383 PMCID: PMC7115706 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2019.111893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2019] [Revised: 11/14/2019] [Accepted: 11/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The pyrazolone structural motif is a critical element of drugs aimed at different biological end-points. Medicinal chemistry researches have synthesized drug-like pyrazolone candidates with several medicinal features including antimicrobial, antitumor, CNS (central nervous system) effect, anti-inflammatory activities and so on. Meanwhile, SAR (Structure-Activity Relationship) investigations have drawn attentions among medicinal chemists, along with a plenty of analogues have been derived for multiple targets. In this review, we comprehensively summarize the biological activity and SAR for pyrazolone analogues, wishing to give an overall retrospect and prospect on the pyrazolone derivatives. The pyrazolone structural motif is a critical element of drugs aimed at different biological end-points. The pyrazolone analogues have been carried out to drug-like candidates with broad range of medicinal properties. This review wishes to give an overall retrospect and prospect on the pyrazolone derivatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zefeng Zhao
- School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education, Biomedicine Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Province, Northwest University, 229 Taibai Road, Xi'an, 710069, China
| | - Xufen Dai
- School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education, Biomedicine Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Province, Northwest University, 229 Taibai Road, Xi'an, 710069, China
| | - Chenyang Li
- School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education, Biomedicine Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Province, Northwest University, 229 Taibai Road, Xi'an, 710069, China
| | - Xiao Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education, Biomedicine Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Province, Northwest University, 229 Taibai Road, Xi'an, 710069, China
| | - Jiale Tian
- School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education, Biomedicine Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Province, Northwest University, 229 Taibai Road, Xi'an, 710069, China
| | - Ying Feng
- School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education, Biomedicine Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Province, Northwest University, 229 Taibai Road, Xi'an, 710069, China
| | - Jing Xie
- School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education, Biomedicine Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Province, Northwest University, 229 Taibai Road, Xi'an, 710069, China
| | - Cong Ma
- School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education, Biomedicine Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Province, Northwest University, 229 Taibai Road, Xi'an, 710069, China
| | - Zhuang Nie
- School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education, Biomedicine Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Province, Northwest University, 229 Taibai Road, Xi'an, 710069, China
| | - Peinan Fan
- School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education, Biomedicine Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Province, Northwest University, 229 Taibai Road, Xi'an, 710069, China
| | - Mingcheng Qian
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Engineering and Life Science, Changzhou University, Changzhou, 213164, Jiangsu, China; Laboratory for Medicinal Chemistry, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, B-9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Xirui He
- Department of Bioengineering, Zhuhai Campus of Zunyi Medical University, Zhuhai, 519041, China
| | - Shaoping Wu
- School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education, Biomedicine Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Province, Northwest University, 229 Taibai Road, Xi'an, 710069, China.
| | - Yongmin Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education, Biomedicine Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Province, Northwest University, 229 Taibai Road, Xi'an, 710069, China; Sorbonne Université, Institut Parisien de Chimie Moléculaire, CNRS UMR 8232, 4 Place Jussieu, 75005, Paris, France
| | - Xiaohui Zheng
- School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education, Biomedicine Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Province, Northwest University, 229 Taibai Road, Xi'an, 710069, China
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36
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Lu CW, Lin TY, Wang SJ, Huang SK. Asiatic acid, an active substance of Centella asiatica, presynaptically depresses glutamate release in the rat hippocampus. Eur J Pharmacol 2019; 865:172781. [PMID: 31706856 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2019.172781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2019] [Revised: 10/25/2019] [Accepted: 11/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Inhibiting glutamate release can reduce neuronal excitability and is recognized as a key mechanism of anti-epileptic drugs. In this study, by using isolated nerve terminal (synaptosome) and slice preparations, we investigated the effect of asiatic acid, a triterpene isolated from Centella asiatica with antiepileptic activity, on glutamate release in the hippocampus of rats. In hippocampal synaptosomes, application of asiatic acid resulted in a concentration-dependent inhibition of 4-aminopyridine-evoked glutamate release. This inhibitory action was dependent on extracellular calcium, blocked by inhibiting the vesicular transporter, but was unaffected by inhibiting the glutamate transporter. In addition, asiatic acid decreased the 4-aminopyridine-induced increase in the intraterminal calcium and failed to alter the synaptosomal potential. Furthermore, the asiatic acid-mediated release inhibition was significantly suppressed by the N- and P/Q-type calcium channel inhibitor ω-conotoxin MVIIC or protein kinase C inhibitor GF109203X. Western blotting data in synaptosomes also revealed that asiatic acid reduced 4-aminopyridine-induced phosphorylation of protein kinase C. In hippocampal slices, asiatic acid decreased the frequencies of spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic currents without changing their amplitudes and glutamate-activated currents in CA3 pyramidal neurons. We also observed that asiatic acid significantly suppressed 4-aminopyridine-induced burst firing. These data suggest that, in rat hippocampal nerve terminals, asiatic acid attenuates the calcium influx via N- and P/Q-type calcium channels, subsequently suppressing protein kinase C activity and decreasing glutamate release.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Wei Lu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Far-Eastern Memorial Hospital, Pan-Chiao District, New Taipei City, Taiwan, 22060; Department of Mechanical Engineering, Yuan Ze University, Taoyuan, Taiwan, 320
| | - Tzu Yu Lin
- Department of Anesthesiology, Far-Eastern Memorial Hospital, Pan-Chiao District, New Taipei City, Taiwan, 22060; Department of Mechanical Engineering, Yuan Ze University, Taoyuan, Taiwan, 320
| | - Su Jane Wang
- School of Medicine, Fu Jen Catholic University, No.510, Zhongzheng Rd., Xinzhuang Dist., New Taipei City, Taiwan, 24205; Research Center for Chinese Herbal Medicine, College of Human Ecology, Chang Gung University of Science and Technology, Taoyuan City, Taiwan.
| | - Shu Kuei Huang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Far-Eastern Memorial Hospital, Pan-Chiao District, New Taipei City, Taiwan, 22060
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Olsen RW, Lindemeyer AK, Wallner M, Li X, Huynh KW, Zhou ZH. Cryo-electron microscopy reveals informative details of GABA A receptor structural pharmacology: implications for drug discovery. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2019; 7:S144. [PMID: 31576351 DOI: 10.21037/atm.2019.06.23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Richard W Olsen
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - A Kerstin Lindemeyer
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Martin Wallner
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Xiaorun Li
- California NanoSystems Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Kevin W Huynh
- California NanoSystems Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Z Hong Zhou
- California NanoSystems Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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Szumilak M, Stanczak A. Cinnoline Scaffold-A Molecular Heart of Medicinal Chemistry? Molecules 2019; 24:molecules24122271. [PMID: 31216762 PMCID: PMC6631947 DOI: 10.3390/molecules24122271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2019] [Revised: 06/14/2019] [Accepted: 06/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The cinnoline nucleus is a very important bicyclic heterocycle that is used as the structural subunit of many compounds with interesting pharmaceutical properties. Cinnoline derivatives exhibit broad spectrum of pharmacological activities such as antibacterial, antifungal, antimalarial, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anxiolytic and antitumor activities. Some of them are under evaluation in clinical trials. In the present review, we have compiled studies focused on the biological properties of cinnoline derivatives conducted by many research groups worldwide between 2005 and 2019. Comprehensive and target oriented information clearly indicate that the development of cinnoline based molecules constitute a significant contribution to the identification of lead compounds with optimized pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Szumilak
- Department of Hospital Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Lodz, 1 Muszynskiego Street, 90-151 Lodz, Poland.
| | - Andrzej Stanczak
- Department of Applied Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Lodz, 1 Muszynskiego Street, 90-151 Lodz, Poland.
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