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Tong H, Yang T, Xu S, Li X, Liu L, Zhou G, Yang S, Yin S, Li XJ, Li S. Huntington's Disease: Complex Pathogenesis and Therapeutic Strategies. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:3845. [PMID: 38612657 PMCID: PMC11011923 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25073845] [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: 02/19/2024] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) arises from the abnormal expansion of CAG repeats in the huntingtin gene (HTT), resulting in the production of the mutant huntingtin protein (mHTT) with a polyglutamine stretch in its N-terminus. The pathogenic mechanisms underlying HD are complex and not yet fully elucidated. However, mHTT forms aggregates and accumulates abnormally in neuronal nuclei and processes, leading to disruptions in multiple cellular functions. Although there is currently no effective curative treatment for HD, significant progress has been made in developing various therapeutic strategies to treat HD. In addition to drugs targeting the neuronal toxicity of mHTT, gene therapy approaches that aim to reduce the expression of the mutant HTT gene hold great promise for effective HD therapy. This review provides an overview of current HD treatments, discusses different therapeutic strategies, and aims to facilitate future therapeutic advancements in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Xiao-Jiang Li
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-Human Primate Research, Key Laboratory of CNS Regeneration (Ministry of Education), Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China; (H.T.); (T.Y.); (S.X.); (X.L.); (L.L.); (G.Z.); (S.Y.); (S.Y.)
| | - Shihua Li
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-Human Primate Research, Key Laboratory of CNS Regeneration (Ministry of Education), Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China; (H.T.); (T.Y.); (S.X.); (X.L.); (L.L.); (G.Z.); (S.Y.); (S.Y.)
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Li S, Chen JS, Li X, Bai X, Shi D. MNK, mTOR or eIF4E-selecting the best anti-tumor target for blocking translation initiation. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 260:115781. [PMID: 37669595 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023]
Abstract
Overexpression of eIF4E is common in patients with various solid tumors and hematologic cancers. As a potential anti-cancer target, eIF4E has attracted extensive attention from researchers. At the same time, mTOR kinases inhibitors and MNK kinases inhibitors, which are directly related to regulation of eIF4E, have been rapidly developed. To explore the optimal anti-cancer targets among MNK, mTOR, and eIF4E, this review provides a detailed classification and description of the anti-cancer activities of promising compounds. In addition, the structures and activities of some dual-target inhibitors are briefly described. By analyzing the different characteristics of the inhibitors, it can be concluded that MNK1/2 and eIF4E/eIF4G interaction inhibitors are superior to mTOR inhibitors. Simultaneous inhibition of MNK and eIF4E/eIF4G interaction may be the most promising anti-cancer method for targeting translation initiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuo Li
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, 266237, Shandong, PR China.
| | - Jia-Shu Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, 266237, Shandong, PR China.
| | - Xiangqian Li
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, 266237, Shandong, PR China.
| | - Xiaoyi Bai
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, 266237, Shandong, PR China.
| | - Dayong Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, 266237, Shandong, PR China.
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3
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De Pascale M, Bissegger L, Tarantelli C, Beaufils F, Prescimone A, Mohamed Seid Hedad H, Kayali O, Orbegozo C, Raguž L, Schaefer T, Hebeisen P, Bertoni F, Wymann MP, Borsari C. Investigation of morpholine isosters for the development of a potent, selective and metabolically stable mTOR kinase inhibitor. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 248:115038. [PMID: 36634458 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2022.115038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 12/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Upregulation of mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling drives various types of cancers and neurological diseases. Rapamycin and its analogues (rapalogs) are first generation mTOR inhibitors, and selectively block mTOR complex 1 (TORC1) by an allosteric mechanism. In contrast, second generation ATP-binding site inhibitors of mTOR kinase (TORKi) target both TORC1 and TORC2. Here, we explore 3,6-dihydro-2H-pyran (DHP) and tetrahydro-2H-pyran (THP) as isosteres of the morpholine moiety to unlock a novel chemical space for TORKi generation. A library of DHP- and THP-substituted triazines was prepared, and molecular modelling provided a rational for a structure activity relationship study. Finally, compound 11b [5-(4-(3-oxa-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]octan-8-yl)-6-(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-4-yl)-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)-4-(difluoromethyl)pyridin-2-amine] was selected due its potency and selectivity for mTOR kinase over the structurally related class I phosphoinositide 3-kinases (PI3Ks) isoforms. 11b displayed high metabolic stability towards CYP1A1 degradation, which is of advantage in drug development. After oral administration to male Sprague Dawley rats, 11b reached high concentrations both in plasma and brain, revealing an excellent oral bioavailability. In a metabolic stability assay using human hepatocytes, 11b was more stable than PQR620, the first-in-class brain penetrant TORKi. Compound 11b also displayed dose-dependent anti-proliferative activity in splenic marginal zone lymphoma (SMZL) cell lines as single agent and when combined with BCL2 inhibition (venetoclax). Our results identify the THP-substituted triazine core as a novel scaffold for the development of metabolically stable TORKi for the treatment of chronic diseases and cancers driven by mTOR deregulation and requiring drug distribution also to the central nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina De Pascale
- University of Basel, Department of Biomedicine, Mattenstrasse 28, 4058, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Lukas Bissegger
- University of Basel, Department of Biomedicine, Mattenstrasse 28, 4058, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Chiara Tarantelli
- Institute of Oncology Research, Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, USI, Via Francesco Chiesa 5, 6500, Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Florent Beaufils
- University of Basel, Department of Biomedicine, Mattenstrasse 28, 4058, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Alessandro Prescimone
- University of Basel, Department of Chemistry, Mattenstrasse 24a, 4058, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Omar Kayali
- Institute of Oncology Research, Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, USI, Via Francesco Chiesa 5, 6500, Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Clara Orbegozo
- University of Basel, Department of Biomedicine, Mattenstrasse 28, 4058, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Luka Raguž
- University of Basel, Department of Biomedicine, Mattenstrasse 28, 4058, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Thorsten Schaefer
- University of Basel, Department of Biomedicine, Mattenstrasse 28, 4058, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Paul Hebeisen
- University of Basel, Department of Biomedicine, Mattenstrasse 28, 4058, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Francesco Bertoni
- Institute of Oncology Research, Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, USI, Via Francesco Chiesa 5, 6500, Bellinzona, Switzerland; Oncology Institute of Southern Switzerland, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale, Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Matthias P Wymann
- University of Basel, Department of Biomedicine, Mattenstrasse 28, 4058, Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Chiara Borsari
- University of Basel, Department of Biomedicine, Mattenstrasse 28, 4058, Basel, Switzerland.
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4
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Kumar S, Mehan S, Narula AS. Therapeutic modulation of JAK-STAT, mTOR, and PPAR-γ signaling in neurological dysfunctions. J Mol Med (Berl) 2023; 101:9-49. [PMID: 36478124 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-022-02272-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The cytokine-activated Janus kinase (JAK)-signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) cascade is a pleiotropic pathway that involves receptor subunit multimerization. The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a ubiquitously expressed serine-threonine kinase that perceives and integrates a variety of intracellular and environmental stimuli to regulate essential activities such as cell development and metabolism. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPARγ) is a prototypical metabolic nuclear receptor involved in neural differentiation and axon polarity. The JAK-STAT, mTOR, and PPARγ signaling pathways serve as a highly conserved signaling hub that coordinates neuronal activity and brain development. Additionally, overactivation of JAK/STAT, mTOR, and inhibition of PPARγ signaling have been linked to various neurocomplications, including neuroinflammation, apoptosis, and oxidative stress. Emerging research suggests that even minor disruptions in these cellular and molecular processes can have significant consequences manifested as neurological and neuropsychiatric diseases. Of interest, target modulators have been proven to alleviate neuronal complications associated with acute and chronic neurological deficits. This research-based review explores the therapeutic role of JAK-STAT, mTOR, and PPARγ signaling modulators in preventing neuronal dysfunctions in preclinical and clinical investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumit Kumar
- Division of Neuroscience, Department of Pharmacology, ISF College of Pharmacy, Punjab, Moga, India
| | - Sidharth Mehan
- Division of Neuroscience, Department of Pharmacology, ISF College of Pharmacy, Punjab, Moga, India.
| | - Acharan S Narula
- Narula Research, LLC, 107 Boulder Bluff, Chapel Hill, NC, 27516, USA
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Morawe MP, Liao F, Amberg W, van Bergeijk J, Chang R, Gulino M, Hamilton C, Hoft C, Lumpkin C, Mastis B, McGlame E, Nuber J, Plaas C, Ravikumar B, Roy K, Schanzenbächer M, Tierno J, Lakics V, Dellovade T, Townsend M. Pharmacological mTOR-inhibition facilitates clearance of AD-related tau aggregates in the mouse brain. Eur J Pharmacol 2022; 934:175301. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2022.175301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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Borsari C, Wymann MP. Targeting Phosphoinositide 3-Kinase - Five Decades of Chemical Space Exploration. Chimia (Aarau) 2021; 75:1037-1044. [PMID: 34920774 DOI: 10.2533/chimia.2021.1037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) plays a key role in a plethora of physiologic processes and controls cell growth, metabolism, immunity, cardiovascular and neurological function, and more. The discovery of wort-mannin as the first potent PI3K inhibitor (PI3Ki) in the 1990s provided rapid identification of PI3K-dependent processes, which drove the discovery of the PI3K/protein kinase B (PKB/Akt)/target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway. Genetic mouse models and first PI3K isoform-specific inhibitors pinpointed putative therapeutic applications. The recognition of PI3K as target for cancer therapy drove subsequently drug development. Here we provide a brief journey through the emerging roles of PI3K to the development of preclinical and clinical PI3Ki candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Borsari
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Mattenstrasse 28, CH-4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Matthias P Wymann
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Mattenstrasse 28, CH-4058 Basel, Switzerland;,
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Borsari C, De Pascale M, Wymann MP. Chemical and Structural Strategies to Selectively Target mTOR Kinase. ChemMedChem 2021; 16:2744-2759. [PMID: 34114360 PMCID: PMC8518124 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202100332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Dysregulation of the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway is implicated in cancer and neurological disorder, which identifies mTOR inhibition as promising strategy for the treatment of a variety of human disorders. First-generation mTOR inhibitors include rapamycin and its analogues (rapalogs) which act as allosteric inhibitors of TORC1. Structurally unrelated, ATP-competitive inhibitors that directly target the mTOR catalytic site inhibit both TORC1 and TORC2. Here, we review investigations of chemical scaffolds explored for the development of highly selective ATP-competitive mTOR kinase inhibitors (TORKi). Extensive medicinal chemistry campaigns allowed to overcome challenges related to structural similarity between mTOR and the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) family. A broad region of chemical space is covered by TORKi. Here, the investigation of chemical substitutions and physicochemical properties has shed light on the compounds' ability to cross the blood brain barrier (BBB). This work provides insights supporting the optimization of TORKi for the treatment of cancer and central nervous system disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Borsari
- Department of BiomedicineUniversity of BaselMattenstrasse 284058BaselSwitzerland
| | - Martina De Pascale
- Department of BiomedicineUniversity of BaselMattenstrasse 284058BaselSwitzerland
| | - Matthias P. Wymann
- Department of BiomedicineUniversity of BaselMattenstrasse 284058BaselSwitzerland
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8
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Qiu HY, Wang PF, Zhang M. A patent review of mTOR inhibitors for cancer therapy (2011-2020). Expert Opin Ther Pat 2021; 31:965-975. [PMID: 34098816 DOI: 10.1080/13543776.2021.1940137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) kinase is a central component in the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway and plays a crucial role in tumor biology, making it one appealing therapeutic target. In the past decade, the mTORi (mTOR inhibitor) development field has made great progress, with more agents entering key trials and the proposal of third-generation mTORi concept. Yet to achieve significant clinical success, combined efforts from multiple disciplines are ever needed. AREAS COVERED This review focuses on the progress of mTORi development with anticancer potential from the perspective of the patent literature proposed between 2011 and 2020. EXPERT OPINION The highly complex regulatory mechanism network of mTOR proposes huge challenges to the development of clinically efficient mTORis. While in-depth biological research and fundamental medchemistry research are of importance to provide guidelines for improving mTORis, new technologies to pre-diagnose applicable populations is another key to provide precise personal cancer treatment. New mTOR agents are ever needed to tackle the common problems of side effects and drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han-Yue Qiu
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Natural Product Synthesis and Drug Research, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
| | - Peng-Fei Wang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Natural Product Synthesis and Drug Research, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
| | - Min Zhang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Natural Product Synthesis and Drug Research, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
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Zha JH, Xia YC, Ye CL, Hu Z, Zhang Q, Xiao H, Yu BT, Xu WH, Xu GQ. The Anti-Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Cell Activity by a mTOR Kinase Inhibitor PQR620. Front Oncol 2021; 11:669518. [PMID: 34178653 PMCID: PMC8222575 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.669518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
In non-small-cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC), aberrant activation of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) contributes to tumorigenesis and cancer progression. PQR620 is a novel and highly-potent mTOR kinase inhibitor. We here tested its potential activity in NSCLC cells. In primary human NSCLC cells and established cell lines (A549 and NCI-H1944), PQR620 inhibited cell growth, proliferation, and cell cycle progression, as well as cell migration and invasion, while inducing significant apoptosis activation. PQR620 disrupted assembles of mTOR complex 1 (mTOR-Raptor) and mTOR complex 2 (mTOR-Rictor-Sin1), and blocked Akt, S6K1, and S6 phosphorylations in NSCLC cells. Restoring Akt-mTOR activation by a constitutively-active Akt1 (S473D) only partially inhibited PQR620-induced cytotoxicity in NSCLC cells. PQR620 was yet cytotoxic in Akt1/2-silenced NSCLC cells, supporting the existence of Akt-mTOR-independent mechanisms. Indeed, PQR620 induced sphingosine kinase 1 (SphK1) inhibition, ceramide production and oxidative stress in primary NSCLC cells. In vivo studies demonstrated that daily oral administration of a single dose of PQR620 potently inhibited primary NSCLC xenograft growth in severe combined immune deficient mice. In PQR620-treated xenograft tissues, Akt-mTOR inactivation, apoptosis induction, SphK1 inhibition and oxidative stress were detected. In conclusion, PQR620 exerted potent anti-NSCLC cell activity via mTOR-dependent and -independent mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian-Hua Zha
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Ying-Chen Xia
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Chun-Lin Ye
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Zhi Hu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Qin Zhang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Suzhou Hospital Affiliated Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, China
| | - Han Xiao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Ben-Tong Yu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Wei-Hua Xu
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Guo-Qiu Xu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
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The Novel Alpha-2 Adrenoceptor Inhibitor Beditin Reduces Cytotoxicity and Huntingtin Aggregates in Cell Models of Huntington's Disease. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:ph14030257. [PMID: 33809220 PMCID: PMC7998230 DOI: 10.3390/ph14030257] [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: 01/25/2021] [Revised: 03/06/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is a monogenetic neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the accumulation of polyglutamine-expanded huntingtin (mHTT). There is currently no cure, and therefore disease-slowing remedies are sought to alleviate symptoms of the multifaceted disorder. Encouraging findings in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease on alpha-2 adrenoceptor (α2-AR) inhibition have shown neuroprotective and aggregation-reducing effects in cell and animal models. Here, we analyzed the effect of beditin, a novel α2- adrenoceptor (AR) antagonist, on cell viability and mHTT protein levels in cell models of HD using Western blot, time-resolved Foerster resonance energy transfer (TR-FRET), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) cytotoxicity assays. Beditin decreases cytotoxicity, as measured by TUNEL staining and LDH release, in a neuronal progenitor cell model (STHdh cells) of HD and decreases the aggregation propensity of HTT exon 1 fragments in an overexpression model using human embryonic kidney (HEK) 293T cells. α2-AR is a promising therapeutic target for further characterization in HD models. Our data allow us to suggest beditin as a valuable candidate for the pharmaceutical manipulation of α2-AR, as it is capable of modulating neuronal cell survival and the level of mHTT.
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Borsari C, Keles E, Rageot D, Treyer A, Bohnacker T, Bissegger L, De Pascale M, Melone A, Sriramaratnam R, Beaufils F, Hamburger M, Hebeisen P, Löscher W, Fabbro D, Hillmann P, Wymann MP. 4-(Difluoromethyl)-5-(4-((3 R,5 S)-3,5-dimethylmorpholino)-6-(( R)-3-methylmorpholino)-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)pyridin-2-amine (PQR626), a Potent, Orally Available, and Brain-Penetrant mTOR Inhibitor for the Treatment of Neurological Disorders. J Med Chem 2020; 63:13595-13617. [PMID: 33166139 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c00620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway is hyperactivated in cancer and neurological disorders. Rapalogs and mTOR kinase inhibitors (TORKi) have recently been applied to alleviate epileptic seizures in tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC). Herein, we describe a pharmacophore exploration to identify a highly potent, selective, brain penetrant TORKi. An extensive investigation of the morpholine ring engaging the mTOR solvent exposed region led to the discovery of PQR626 (8). 8 displayed excellent brain penetration and was well-tolerated in mice. In mice with a conditionally inactivated Tsc1 gene in glia, 8 significantly reduced the loss of Tsc1-induced mortality at 50 mg/kg p.o. twice a day. 8 overcomes the metabolic liabilities of PQR620 (52), the first-in-class brain penetrant TORKi showing efficacy in a TSC mouse model. The improved stability in human hepatocytes, excellent brain penetration, and efficacy in Tsc1GFAPCKO mice qualify 8 as a potential therapeutic candidate for the treatment of neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Borsari
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Mattenstrasse 28, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Erhan Keles
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Mattenstrasse 28, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Denise Rageot
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Mattenstrasse 28, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Andrea Treyer
- Pharmaceutical Biology, Pharmacenter, University of Basel, Klingelbergstrasse 50, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Bohnacker
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Mattenstrasse 28, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Lukas Bissegger
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Mattenstrasse 28, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Martina De Pascale
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Mattenstrasse 28, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Anna Melone
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Mattenstrasse 28, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Rohitha Sriramaratnam
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Mattenstrasse 28, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Florent Beaufils
- PIQUR Therapeutics AG, Hochbergerstrasse 60, 4057 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Matthias Hamburger
- Pharmaceutical Biology, Pharmacenter, University of Basel, Klingelbergstrasse 50, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Paul Hebeisen
- PIQUR Therapeutics AG, Hochbergerstrasse 60, 4057 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Wolfgang Löscher
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmacy, University of Veterinary Medicine, 30559 Hannover, Germany.,Center for Systems Neuroscience, University of Veterinary Medicine, 30559 Hannover, Germany
| | - Doriano Fabbro
- PIQUR Therapeutics AG, Hochbergerstrasse 60, 4057 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Petra Hillmann
- PIQUR Therapeutics AG, Hochbergerstrasse 60, 4057 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Matthias P Wymann
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Mattenstrasse 28, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
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