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Botticelli E, Guerriero C, Fucile S, De Stefano ME, Matera C, Dallanoce C, De Amici M, Tata AM. α7 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors May Improve Schwann Cell Regenerating Potential via Metabotropic Signaling Pathways. Cells 2023; 12:1494. [PMID: 37296615 PMCID: PMC10253098 DOI: 10.3390/cells12111494] [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: 02/06/2023] [Revised: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Schwann cells (SCs) are glial cells involved in peripheral axon myelination. SCs also play a strategic role after peripheral nerve injury, regulating local inflammation and axon regeneration. Our previous studies demonstrated the presence of cholinergic receptors in SCs. In particular, the α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) are expressed in SCs after peripheral axotomy, suggesting their involvement in the regulation of SC-regenerating properties. To clarify the role that α7 nAChRs may play after peripheral axon damage, in this study we investigated the signal transduction pathways triggered by receptor activation and the effects produced by their activation. METHODS Both ionotropic and metabotropic cholinergic signaling were analyzed by calcium imaging and Western blot analysis, respectively, following α7 nAChR activation. In addition, the expression of c-Jun and α7 nAChRs was evaluated by immunocytochemistry and Western blot analysis. Finally, the cell migration was studied by a wound healing assay. RESULTS Activation of α7 nAChRs, activated by the selective partial agonist ICH3, did not induce calcium mobilization but positively modulated the PI3K/AKT/mTORC1 axis. Activation of the mTORC1 complex was also supported by the up-regulated expression of its specific p-p70 S6KThr389 target. Moreover, up-regulation of p-AMPKThr172, a negative regulator of myelination, was also observed concomitantly to an increased nuclear accumulation of the transcription factor c-Jun. Cell migration and morphology analyses proved that α7 nAChR activation also promotes SC migration. CONCLUSIONS Our data demonstrate that α7 nAChRs, expressed by SCs only after peripheral axon damage and/or in an inflammatory microenvironment, contribute to improve the SCs regenerating properties. Indeed, α7 nAChR stimulation leads to an upregulation of c-Jun expression and promotes Schwann cell migration by non-canonical pathways involving the mTORC1 activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabetta Botticelli
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies “Charles Darwin”, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro, 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (E.B.); (C.G.); (M.E.D.S.)
| | - Claudia Guerriero
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies “Charles Darwin”, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro, 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (E.B.); (C.G.); (M.E.D.S.)
| | - Sergio Fucile
- IRCCS Neuromed, 86077 Pozzilli, Italy;
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology “V. Erspamer”, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Egle De Stefano
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies “Charles Darwin”, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro, 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (E.B.); (C.G.); (M.E.D.S.)
- Research Centre of Neurobiology “Daniel Bovet”, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Carlo Matera
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy; (C.M.); (C.D.)
| | - Clelia Dallanoce
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy; (C.M.); (C.D.)
| | - Marco De Amici
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy; (C.M.); (C.D.)
| | - Ada Maria Tata
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies “Charles Darwin”, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro, 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (E.B.); (C.G.); (M.E.D.S.)
- Research Centre of Neurobiology “Daniel Bovet”, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
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Giraudo A, Pallavicini M, Bolchi C. Small molecule ligands for α9* and α7 nicotinic receptors: a survey and an update, respectively. Pharmacol Res 2023; 193:106801. [PMID: 37236412 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2023.106801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
The α9- and α7-containing nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) mediate numerous physiological and pathological processes by complex mechanisms that are currently the subject of intensive study and debate. In this regard, selective ligands serve as invaluable investigative tools and, in many cases, potential therapeutics for the treatment of various CNS disfunctions and diseases, neuropathic pain, inflammation, and cancer. However, the present scenario differs significantly between the two aforementioned nicotinic subtypes. Over the past few decades, a large number of selective α7-nAChR ligands, including full, partial and silent agonists, antagonists, and allosteric modulators, have been described and reviewed. Conversely, reports on selective α9-containing nAChR ligands are relatively scarce, also due to a more recent characterization of this receptor subtype, and hardly any focusing on small molecules. In this review, we focus on the latter, providing a comprehensive overview, while providing only an update over the last five years for α7-nAChR ligands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Giraudo
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Milan, via Mangiagalli 25, I-20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Marco Pallavicini
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Milan, via Mangiagalli 25, I-20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Cristiano Bolchi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Milan, via Mangiagalli 25, I-20133 Milano, Italy.
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Batista VF, Pinto DCGA, Silva AMS. Recent in vivo advances of spirocyclic scaffolds for drug discovery. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2022; 17:603-618. [PMID: 35333138 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2022.2055544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Spirocyclic scaffolds are an exceptional tool in drug design, allowing fine-tuning of a molecule's conformational and physicochemical properties. As it expands and diversifies, so does the number of therapeutics that contain this core. Several spirocyclic drugs are already marketed, and considerably more have shown promising results. AREAS COVERED This review addresses recent in vivo studies (2017-2021) on applying spirocyclic compounds to treat various diseases, mainly grouped within neurological, infectious, and metabolic diseases and cancer. An emphasis is given on the influence of the spiro-structure on activity and consequent structure-activity study. In vivo results and their significance in the future progression towards clinical trials are also presented. EXPERT OPINION Spirocyclic compounds present an exciting opportunity as an unexplored chemical space in medicinal chemistry. However, their development is hindered by their complexity and synthesis challenges. Furthermore, a clear preference is still seen for readily available spirocyclic compounds involving amine or amide bonds. Nevertheless, these are temporary as high-throughput synthesis, and computational techniques allow fast optimization studies. In our opinion, the field of spirocyclic chemistry will continue to thrive and contribute to drug development, improving activity and selectivity on emergent ailments, such as cancer, metabolic, infectious, and neurological diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vasco F Batista
- Laqv-requimte & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Diana C G A Pinto
- Laqv-requimte & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Artur M S Silva
- Laqv-requimte & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
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The Mechanisms Mediated by α7 Acetylcholine Nicotinic Receptors May Contribute to Peripheral Nerve Regeneration. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26247668. [PMID: 34946750 PMCID: PMC8709212 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26247668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Revised: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Due to the microenvironment created by Schwann cell (SC) activity, peripheral nerve fibers are able to regenerate. Inflammation is the first response to nerve damage and the removal of cellular and myelin debris is essential in preventing the persistence of the local inflammation that may negatively affect nerve regeneration. Acetylcholine (ACh) is one of the neurotransmitters involved in the modulation of inflammation through the activity of its receptors, belonging to both the muscarinic and nicotinic classes. In this report, we evaluated the expression of α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) in rat sciatic nerve, particularly in SCs, after peripheral nerve injury. α7 nAChRs are absent in sciatic nerve immediately after dissection, but their expression is significantly enhanced in SCs after 24 h in cultured sciatic nerve segments or in the presence of the proinflammatory neuropeptide Bradykinin (BK). Moreover, we found that activation of α7 nAChRs with the selective partial agonist ICH3 causes a decreased expression of c-Jun and an upregulation of uPA, MMP2 and MMP9 activity. In addition, ICH3 treatment inhibits IL-6 transcript level expression as well as the cytokine release. These results suggest that ACh, probably released from regenerating axons or by SC themselves, may actively promote through α7 nAChRs activation an anti-inflammatory microenvironment that contributes to better improving the peripheral nerve regeneration.
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Benvenutti R, Marcon M, Gallas-Lopes M, de Mello AJ, Herrmann AP, Piato A. Swimming in the maze: An overview of maze apparatuses and protocols to assess zebrafish behavior. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2021; 127:761-778. [PMID: 34087275 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.05.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Revised: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
Most preclinical behavioral assays use rodents as model animals, leaving room for species-specific biases that could be avoided by an expanded cross-species approach. In this context, zebrafish emerges as an alternative model organism to study neurobiological mechanisms of anxiety, preference, learning, and memory, as well as other phenotypes with relevance to neuropsychiatric disorders. In recent years, several zebrafish studies using different types of mazes have been published. However, the protocols and apparatuses' shapes and dimensions vary widely in the literature. This variation may puzzle researchers attempting to implement maze behavioral assays and challenges the reproducibility across institutions. This review aims to provide an overview of the behavioral paradigms assessed in different types of mazes in zebrafish reported in the last couple of decades. Also, this review aims to contribute to a better characterization of multi-behavioral assessment in zebrafish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Radharani Benvenutti
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Av. Sarmento Leite, 500/305, Porto Alegre, RS, 90050-170, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Neurociências, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Av. Sarmento Leite, 500/209, Porto Alegre, RS, 90050-170, Brazil
| | - Matheus Marcon
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Av. Sarmento Leite, 500/305, Porto Alegre, RS, 90050-170, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Neurociências, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Av. Sarmento Leite, 500/209, Porto Alegre, RS, 90050-170, Brazil
| | - Matheus Gallas-Lopes
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Av. Sarmento Leite, 500/305, Porto Alegre, RS, 90050-170, Brazil
| | - Anna Julie de Mello
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Av. Sarmento Leite, 500/305, Porto Alegre, RS, 90050-170, Brazil
| | - Ana Paula Herrmann
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Av. Sarmento Leite, 500/305, Porto Alegre, RS, 90050-170, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Farmacologia e Terapêutica, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Av. Sarmento Leite, 500/305, Porto Alegre, RS, 90050-170, Brazil
| | - Angelo Piato
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Av. Sarmento Leite, 500/305, Porto Alegre, RS, 90050-170, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Neurociências, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Av. Sarmento Leite, 500/209, Porto Alegre, RS, 90050-170, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Farmacologia e Terapêutica, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Av. Sarmento Leite, 500/305, Porto Alegre, RS, 90050-170, Brazil.
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Kącka-Zych A, Jasiński R. Understanding the molecular mechanism of the stereoselective conversion of N-trialkylsilyloxy nitronates into bicyclic isoxazoline derivatives. NEW J CHEM 2021. [DOI: 10.1039/d1nj01198g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The conversion of N-trialkylsilyloxy nitronates into bicyclic isoxazoline derivatives has been explored using the density functional theory method within the context of molecular electron density theory at the ωB97XD(PCM)/6-311G(d,p) level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnieszka Kącka-Zych
- Cracow University of Technology
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Technology
- Warszawska 24
- 31-155 Cracow
- Poland
| | - Radomir Jasiński
- Cracow University of Technology
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Technology
- Warszawska 24
- 31-155 Cracow
- Poland
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7
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Xie H, Yepuri N, Meng Q, Dhawan R, Leech CA, Chepurny OG, Holz GG, Cooney RN. Therapeutic potential of α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor agonists to combat obesity, diabetes, and inflammation. Rev Endocr Metab Disord 2020; 21:431-447. [PMID: 32851581 PMCID: PMC7572644 DOI: 10.1007/s11154-020-09584-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The cholinergic anti-inflammatory reflex (CAIR) represents an important homeostatic regulatory mechanism for sensing and controlling the body's response to inflammatory stimuli. Vagovagal reflexes are an integral component of CAIR whose anti-inflammatory effects are mediated by acetylcholine (ACh) acting at α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (α7nAChR) located on cells of the immune system. Recently, it is appreciated that CAIR and α7nAChR also participate in the control of metabolic homeostasis. This has led to the understanding that defective vagovagal reflex circuitry underlying CAIR might explain the coexistence of obesity, diabetes, and inflammation in the metabolic syndrome. Thus, there is renewed interest in the α7nAChR that mediates CAIR, particularly from the standpoint of therapeutics. Of special note is the recent finding that α7nAChR agonist GTS-21 acts at L-cells of the distal intestine to stimulate the release of two glucoregulatory and anorexigenic hormones: glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and peptide YY (PYY). Furthermore, α7nAChR agonist PNU 282987 exerts trophic factor-like actions to support pancreatic β-cell survival under conditions of stress resembling diabetes. This review provides an overview of α7nAChR function as it pertains to CAIR, vagovagal reflexes, and metabolic homeostasis. We also consider the possible usefulness of α7nAChR agonists for treatment of obesity, diabetes, and inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Xie
- Departments of Surgery, State University of New York (SUNY), Upstate Medical University, 750 E Adams St., Suite 8141, Syracuse, NY, 13210, USA
| | - Natesh Yepuri
- Departments of Surgery, State University of New York (SUNY), Upstate Medical University, 750 E Adams St., Suite 8141, Syracuse, NY, 13210, USA
| | - Qinghe Meng
- Departments of Surgery, State University of New York (SUNY), Upstate Medical University, 750 E Adams St., Suite 8141, Syracuse, NY, 13210, USA
| | - Ravi Dhawan
- Departments of Surgery, State University of New York (SUNY), Upstate Medical University, 750 E Adams St., Suite 8141, Syracuse, NY, 13210, USA
| | - Colin A Leech
- Departments of Surgery, State University of New York (SUNY), Upstate Medical University, 750 E Adams St., Suite 8141, Syracuse, NY, 13210, USA
| | - Oleg G Chepurny
- Departments of Medicine, State University of New York (SUNY), Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, USA
| | - George G Holz
- Departments of Medicine, State University of New York (SUNY), Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, USA
| | - Robert N Cooney
- Departments of Surgery, State University of New York (SUNY), Upstate Medical University, 750 E Adams St., Suite 8141, Syracuse, NY, 13210, USA.
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Pernarella M, Piovesana R, Matera C, Faroni A, Fiore M, Dini L, Reid AJ, Dallanoce C, Tata AM. Effects mediated by the α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor on cell proliferation and migration in rat adipose-derived stem cells. Eur J Histochem 2020; 64. [PMID: 33334089 PMCID: PMC7643034 DOI: 10.4081/ejh.2020.3159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) are an attractive source for regenerative medicine as they can be easily isolated, rapidly expandable in culture and show excellent in vitro differentiation potential. Acetylcholine (ACh), one of the main neurotransmitters in central and peripheral nervous systems, plays key roles in the control of several physiological processes also in non-neural tissues. As demonstrated in our previous studies, ACh can contribute to the rat ASCs physiology, negatively modulating ASCs proliferation and migration via M2 muscarinic receptor (mAChR) activation. In the present work we show that rat ASCs also express α7 nicotinic receptors (nAChRs). In particular, we have investigated the effects mediated by the selective activation of α7 nAChRs, which causes a reduction of ASC proliferation without affecting cell survival and morphology, and significantly promotes cell migration via upregulation of the CXCR4 expression. Interestingly, the activation of the α7 nAChR also upregulates the expression of M2 mAChR protein, indicating a cooperation between muscarinic and nicotinic receptors in the inhibition of ASC proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Pernarella
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies "Charles Darwin", Sapienza University of Rome.
| | - Roberta Piovesana
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies "Charles Darwin", Sapienza University of Rome.
| | - Carlo Matera
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Medicinal Chemistry Section "Pietro Pratesi", University of Milan.
| | - Alessandro Faroni
- Blond McIndoe Laboratories, Division of Cell Matrix Biology and Regenerative Medicine, University of Manchester.
| | - Mario Fiore
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology-CNR, Rome.
| | - Luciana Dini
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies "Charles Darwin", Sapienza University of Rome.
| | - Adam J Reid
- Department of Plastic Surgery and Burns, Wythenshawe Hospital, University of Manchester.
| | - Clelia Dallanoce
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Medicinal Chemistry Section "Pietro Pratesi", University of Milan.
| | - Ada Maria Tata
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies "Charles Darwin"; Research Centre of Neurobiology "Daniel Bovet", Sapienza University of Rome.
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Pismataro MC, Horenstein NA, Stokes C, Quadri M, De Amici M, Papke RL, Dallanoce C. Design, synthesis, and electrophysiological evaluation of NS6740 derivatives: Exploration of the structure-activity relationship for alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor silent activation. Eur J Med Chem 2020; 205:112669. [PMID: 32810771 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2020.112669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2020] [Revised: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) silent agonists, able to induce receptor desensitization and promote the α7 metabotropic function, are emerging as new promising therapeutic anti-inflammatory agents. Herein, we report the structure-activity relationship investigation of the archetypal silent agonist NS6740 (1,4-diazabicyclo[3.2.2]nonan-4-yl(5-(3-(trifluoromethyl)-phenyl)-furan-2-yl)methanone) (1) to elucidate the ligand-receptor interactions responsible for the α7 silent activation. In this study, NS6740 fragments 11-16 and analogs 17-32 were designed, synthesized, and assayed on human α7 nAChRs expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes with two-electrode voltage clamping experiments. All together the structural portions of NS6740 were critical to engender its peculiar activity profile. The diazabicyclic nucleus was essential but not sufficient for inducing α7 silent activation. The central hydrogen-bond acceptor core and the aromatic moiety were crucial for promoting prolonged α7 receptor binding and sustained desensitization. Compounds 13 and 17 were efficacious partial agonists. Compounds 12, 21, 23-26, and 30 strongly desensitized α7 nAChR and therefore may be of interest for additional investigation of inflammation responses. We gained key structural information useful for further silent agonist development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Chiara Pismataro
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Medicinal Chemistry Section "Pietro Pratesi", University of Milan, Via L. Mangiagalli 25, 20133, Milan, Italy; Department of Chemistry, University of Florida, P.O. Box 117200, Gainesville, FL 32611-7200, USA; Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Florida, P.O. Box 100267, Gainesville, FL 32610-0267, USA
| | - Nicole A Horenstein
- Department of Chemistry, University of Florida, P.O. Box 117200, Gainesville, FL 32611-7200, USA
| | - Clare Stokes
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Florida, P.O. Box 100267, Gainesville, FL 32610-0267, USA
| | - Marta Quadri
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Medicinal Chemistry Section "Pietro Pratesi", University of Milan, Via L. Mangiagalli 25, 20133, Milan, Italy; Department of Chemistry, University of Florida, P.O. Box 117200, Gainesville, FL 32611-7200, USA; Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Florida, P.O. Box 100267, Gainesville, FL 32610-0267, USA
| | - Marco De Amici
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Medicinal Chemistry Section "Pietro Pratesi", University of Milan, Via L. Mangiagalli 25, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Roger L Papke
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Florida, P.O. Box 100267, Gainesville, FL 32610-0267, USA
| | - Clelia Dallanoce
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Medicinal Chemistry Section "Pietro Pratesi", University of Milan, Via L. Mangiagalli 25, 20133, Milan, Italy.
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Scabia G, Cancello R, Dallanoce C, Berger S, Matera C, Dattilo A, Zulian A, Barone I, Ceccarini G, Santini F, De Amici M, Di Blasio AM, Maffei M. ICH3, a selective alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor agonist, modulates adipocyte inflammation associated with obesity. J Endocrinol Invest 2020; 43:983-993. [PMID: 31965518 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-020-01182-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2019] [Accepted: 01/08/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7nAChR), involved in the modulation of inflammation and insulin sensitivity, is downregulated in white adipose tissue (WAT) of obese patients. This study aims to test the ability of a selective synthetic α7nAChR agonist, the spirocyclic Δ2-isoxazoline derivative (R)-(-)-ICH3 (ICH3), to counteract acute inflammation and obesity-associated modifications in WAT. METHODS We employed the LPS-septic shock murine model, human primary adipocytes and diet-induced obese (DIO) mice. Inflammatory factor expression was assessed by ELISA and quantitative real-time PCR. Flow cytometry was employed to define WAT inflammatory infiltrate. Insulin signaling was monitored by quantification of AKT phosphorylation. RESULTS In the septic shock model, ICH3 revealed antipyretic action and reduced the surge of circulating cytokines. In vitro, ICH3 stimulation (10 µM) preserved viability of human adipocytes, decreased IL-6 mRNA (P < 0.05) and blunted LPS-induced peak of TNFα (P < 0.05) and IL-6 (P < 0.01). Chronic administration of ICH3 to DIO mice was associated with lower numbers of CD8+ T cells (P < 0.05) and to changed WAT expression of inflammatory factors (Hp, P < 0.05; CD301/MGL1, P < 0.01; Arg-1, P < 0.05). As compared to untreated, ICH3 DIO mice exhibited improved insulin signaling in the skeletal muscle (P < 0.01) mirrored by an improved response to glucose load (ipGTT: P < 0.05 at 120 min). CONCLUSIONS We proved that ICH3 is an anti-inflammatory drug, able to reduce inflammatory cytokines in human adipocytes and to blunt the effects of obesity on WAT inflammatory profile, on glucose tolerance and on tissue insulin sensitivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Scabia
- CNR Institute of Clinical Physiology, Pisa, Italy
- Obesity and Lipodystrophy Center at Endocrinology Unit, University Hospital of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - R Cancello
- Laboratorio di Ricerche Sull'Obesità, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - C Dallanoce
- Department of Pharmaceuticals Sciences, University of Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - S Berger
- Obesity and Lipodystrophy Center at Endocrinology Unit, University Hospital of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
- Dulbecco Telethon Institute, Pisa, Italy
| | - C Matera
- Department of Pharmaceuticals Sciences, University of Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - A Dattilo
- Obesity and Lipodystrophy Center at Endocrinology Unit, University Hospital of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
- Life Science Institute, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Pisa, Italy
| | - A Zulian
- Laboratorio di Ricerche Sull'Obesità, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - I Barone
- Obesity and Lipodystrophy Center at Endocrinology Unit, University Hospital of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - G Ceccarini
- Obesity and Lipodystrophy Center at Endocrinology Unit, University Hospital of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - F Santini
- Obesity and Lipodystrophy Center at Endocrinology Unit, University Hospital of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - M De Amici
- Department of Pharmaceuticals Sciences, University of Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - A M Di Blasio
- Laboratorio di Ricerche di Biologia Molecolare, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, IRCCS, Milan, Italy.
| | - M Maffei
- CNR Institute of Clinical Physiology, Pisa, Italy.
- Obesity and Lipodystrophy Center at Endocrinology Unit, University Hospital of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.
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Novel 5-(quinuclidin-3-ylmethyl)-1,2,4-oxadiazoles to investigate the activation of the α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subtype: Synthesis and electrophysiological evaluation. Eur J Med Chem 2018; 160:207-228. [PMID: 30342362 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2018.10.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2018] [Revised: 09/28/2018] [Accepted: 10/08/2018] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) are relevant therapeutic targets for a variety of disorders including neurodegeneration, cognitive impairment, and inflammation. Although traditionally identified as an ionotropic receptor, the α7 subtype showed metabotropic-like functions, mainly linked to the modulation of immune responses. In the present work, we investigated the structure-activity relationships in a set of novel α7 ligands incorporating the 5-(quinuclidin-3-ylmethyl)-1,2,4-oxadiazole scaffold, i.e. derivatives 21a-34a and 21b-34b, aiming to identify the structural requirements able to preferentially trigger one of the two activation modes of this receptor subtype. The new compounds were characterized as partial and silent α7 nAChR agonists in electrophysiological assays, which allowed to assess the contribution of the different groups towards the final pharmacological profile. Overall, modifications of the selected structural backbone mainly afforded partial agonists, among them tertiary bases 27a-33a, whereas additional hydrogen-bond acceptor groups in permanently charged ligands, such as 29b and 31b, favored a silent desensitizing profile at the α7 nAChR.
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