1
|
Konofal E. From past to future: 50 years of pharmacological interventions to treat narcolepsy. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2024; 241:173804. [PMID: 38852786 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2024.173804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2024] [Revised: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 06/01/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
The history of narcolepsy research began with the pioneering work of Jean-Baptiste-Édouard Gélineau in the late 19th century. In the 1880s, Gélineau introduced the term "narcolepsy" to describe a condition characterized by sudden and uncontrollable episodes of sleep. His clinical descriptions laid the foundation for our understanding of this complex disorder. Over the last half-century, the pharmacological landscape for narcolepsy treatment has evolved remarkably, shifting from merely managing symptoms to increasingly targeting its underlying pathophysiology. By the 1930s, treatments such as ephedrine and amphetamine were introduced to alleviate excessive daytime sleepiness, marking significant advancements in narcolepsy management. These stimulants provided temporary relief, helping patients maintain wakefulness during the day. As research progressed, the focus shifted towards understanding the disorder's underlying mechanisms. The discovery of orexin (also known as hypocretin) in the late 1990s revolutionized the field. This breakthrough underscored the importance of orexin in regulating sleep-wake cycles and provided new targets for pharmacological intervention. Looking ahead, the future of narcolepsy pharmacotherapy is poised for further innovation. The ongoing exploration of orexin receptor agonists and the potential development of neuroprotective therapeutic targets underscore a promising horizon. Emerging research into the genetic and immunological underpinnings of narcolepsy opens new avenues for personalized medicine approaches and the identification of biomarkers for more precise treatment strategies. Additionally, the refinement of existing treatments through improved delivery systems and the investigation of combination therapies offer opportunities for enhanced efficacy and improved quality of life for patients with narcolepsy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eric Konofal
- Centre Pédiatrique des Pathologies du Sommeil, APHP Hôpital Robert Debré, 48 Boulevard Sérurier, Paris 75019, France.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Mavanji V, Pomonis BL, Shekels L, Kotz CM. Interactions between Lateral Hypothalamic Orexin and Dorsal Raphe Circuitry in Energy Balance. Brain Sci 2024; 14:464. [PMID: 38790443 PMCID: PMC11117928 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci14050464] [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: 03/18/2024] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Orexin/hypocretin terminals innervate the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN), which projects to motor control areas important for spontaneous physical activity (SPA) and energy expenditure (EE). Orexin receptors are expressed in the DRN, and obesity-resistant (OR) rats show higher expression of these receptors in the DRN and elevated SPA/EE. We hypothesized that orexin-A in the DRN enhances SPA/EE and that DRN-GABA modulates the effect of orexin-A on SPA/EE. We manipulated orexin tone in the DRN either through direct injection of orexin-A or through the chemogenetic activation of lateral-hypothalamic (LH) orexin neurons. In the orexin neuron activation experiment, fifteen minutes prior to the chemogenetic activation of orexin neurons, the mice received either the GABA-agonist muscimol or antagonist bicuculline injected into the DRN, and SPA/EE was monitored for 24 h. In a separate experiment, orexin-A was injected into the DRN to study the direct effect of DRN orexin on SPA/EE. We found that the activation of orexin neurons elevates SPA/EE, and manipulation of GABA in the DRN does not alter the SPA response to orexin neuron activation. Similarly, intra-DRN orexin-A enhanced SPA and EE in the mice. These results suggest that orexin-A in the DRN facilitates negative energy balance by increasing physical activity-induced EE, and that modulation of DRN orexin-A is a potential strategy to promote SPA and EE.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vijayakumar Mavanji
- Research Service, Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Minneapolis, MN 55417, USA; (V.M.); (B.L.P.); (L.S.)
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Brianna L. Pomonis
- Research Service, Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Minneapolis, MN 55417, USA; (V.M.); (B.L.P.); (L.S.)
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Laurie Shekels
- Research Service, Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Minneapolis, MN 55417, USA; (V.M.); (B.L.P.); (L.S.)
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Catherine M. Kotz
- Research Service, Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Minneapolis, MN 55417, USA; (V.M.); (B.L.P.); (L.S.)
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center, Minneapolis VA Health Care System, Minneapolis, MN 55417, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Wang W, Ranjan A, Zhang W, Liang Q, MacMillan KS, Chapman K, Wang X, Chandrasekaran P, Williams NS, Rosenbaum DM, De Brabander JK. Novel orexin receptor agonists based on arene- or pyridine-fused 1,3-dihydro-2H-imidazole-2-imines. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2024; 99:129624. [PMID: 38272190 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2024.129624] [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: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
A structurally novel class of benzo- or pyrido-fused 1,3-dihydro-2H-imidazole-2-imines was designed and evaluated in an inositol phosphate accumulation assay for Gq signaling to measure agonistic activation of the orexin receptor type 2 (OX2R). These compounds were synthesized in 4-9 steps overall from readily available starting materials. Analogs that contain a stereogenic methyl or cyclopropyl substituent at the benzylic center, and a correctly configured alkyl ether, alkoxyalkyl ether, cyanoalkyl ether, or α-hydroxyacetamido substituted homobenzylic sidechain were identified as the most potent activators of OX2R coupled Gq signaling. Our results also indicate that agonistic activity was stereospecific at both the benzylic and homobenzylic stereogenic centra. We identified methoxyethoxy-substituted pyrido-fused dihydroimidazolimine analog 63c containing a stereogenic benzylic methyl group was the most potent agonist, registering a respectable EC50 of 339 nM and a maximal response (Emax) of 96 % in this assay. In vivo pharmacokinetic analysis indicated good brain exposure for several analogs. Our combined results provide important information towards a structurally novel class of orexin receptor agonists distinct from current chemotypes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wentian Wang
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd., Dallas, TX 75390-9038, USA
| | - Alok Ranjan
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd., Dallas, TX 75390-9038, USA
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd., Dallas, TX 75390-9038, USA
| | - Qiren Liang
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd., Dallas, TX 75390-9038, USA
| | - Karen S MacMillan
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd., Dallas, TX 75390-9038, USA
| | - Karen Chapman
- Department of Biophysics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 6001 Forest Park Rd., Dallas, TX 75390-9041, USA
| | - Xiaoyu Wang
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd., Dallas, TX 75390-9038, USA
| | - Preethi Chandrasekaran
- Department of Biophysics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 6001 Forest Park Rd., Dallas, TX 75390-9041, USA
| | - Noelle S Williams
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd., Dallas, TX 75390-9038, USA
| | - Daniel M Rosenbaum
- Department of Biophysics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 6001 Forest Park Rd., Dallas, TX 75390-9041, USA.
| | - Jef K De Brabander
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd., Dallas, TX 75390-9038, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Bonifazi A, Del Bello F, Giorgioni G, Piergentili A, Saab E, Botticelli L, Cifani C, Micioni Di Bonaventura E, Micioni Di Bonaventura MV, Quaglia W. Targeting orexin receptors: Recent advances in the development of subtype selective or dual ligands for the treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders. Med Res Rev 2023; 43:1607-1667. [PMID: 37036052 DOI: 10.1002/med.21959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2023]
Abstract
Orexin-A and orexin-B, also named hypocretin-1 and hypocretin-2, are two hypothalamic neuropeptides highly conserved across mammalian species. Their effects are mediated by two distinct G protein-coupled receptors, namely orexin receptor type 1 (OX1-R) and type 2 (OX2-R), which share 64% amino acid identity. Given the wide expression of OX-Rs in different central nervous system and peripheral areas and the several pathophysiological functions in which they are involved, including sleep-wake cycle regulation (mainly mediated by OX2-R), emotion, panic-like behaviors, anxiety/stress, food intake, and energy homeostasis (mainly mediated by OX1-R), both subtypes represent targets of interest for many structure-activity relationship (SAR) campaigns carried out by pharmaceutical companies and academies. However, before 2017 the research was predominantly directed towards dual-orexin ligands, and limited chemotypes were investigated. Analytical characterizations, including resolved structures for both OX1-R and OX2-R in complex with agonists and antagonists, have improved the understanding of the molecular basis of receptor recognition and are assets for medicinal chemists in the design of subtype-selective ligands. This review is focused on the medicinal chemistry aspects of small molecules acting as dual or subtype selective OX1-R/OX2-R agonists and antagonists belonging to different chemotypes and developed in the last years, including radiolabeled OX-R ligands for molecular imaging. Moreover, the pharmacological effects of the most studied ligands in different neuropsychiatric diseases, such as sleep, mood, substance use, and eating disorders, as well as pain, have been discussed. Poly-pharmacology applications and multitarget ligands have also been considered.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Bonifazi
- Medicinal Chemistry Section, Molecular Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse - Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
| | - Fabio Del Bello
- School of Pharmacy, Medicinal Chemistry Unit, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
| | - Gianfabio Giorgioni
- School of Pharmacy, Medicinal Chemistry Unit, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
| | | | - Elizabeth Saab
- Medicinal Chemistry Section, Molecular Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse - Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
| | - Luca Botticelli
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacology Unit, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
| | - Carlo Cifani
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacology Unit, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
| | | | | | - Wilma Quaglia
- School of Pharmacy, Medicinal Chemistry Unit, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Saitoh T, Sakurai T. The Present and Future of Synthetic Orexin Receptor Agonists. Peptides 2023:171051. [PMID: 37422012 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2023.171051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/02/2023] [Indexed: 07/10/2023]
Abstract
The neuropeptide orexin/hypocretin plays a crucial role in various physiological processes, including the regulation of sleep/wakefulness, appetite, emotion and the reward system. Dysregulation of orexin signaling has been implicated in hypersomnia, especially in narcolepsy, which is a chronic neurological disorder characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS), sudden loss of muscle tone while awake (cataplexy), sleep paralysis, and hallucinations. Small-molecule orexin receptor agonists have emerged as promising therapeutics for these disorders, and significant progress has been made in this field in the past decade. This review summarizes recent advances in the design and synthesis of orexin receptor agonists, with a focus on peptidic and small-molecule OX2R-selective, dual, and OX1R-selective agonists. The review discusses the key structural features and pharmacological properties of these agonists, as well as their potential therapeutic applications. DATA AVAILABILITY: No data was used for the research described in the article.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tsuyoshi Saitoh
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8575, Japan; International Institute for Integrative Sleep Medicine (IIIS), University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8575, Japan
| | - Takeshi Sakurai
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8575, Japan; International Institute for Integrative Sleep Medicine (IIIS), University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8575, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Leino TO, Turku A, Urvas L, Adhikari K, Oksanen J, Steynen Y, Yli-Kauhaluoma J, Xhaard H, Kukkonen JP, Wallén EAA. Azulene as a biphenyl mimetic in orexin/hypocretin receptor agonists. Bioorg Med Chem 2023; 88-89:117325. [PMID: 37209639 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2023.117325] [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: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Azulene is a rare ring structure in drugs, and we investigated whether it could be used as a biphenyl mimetic in known orexin receptor agonist Nag 26, which is binding to both orexin receptors OX1 and OX2 with preference towards OX2. The most potent azulene-based compound was identified as an OX1 orexin receptor agonist (pEC50 = 5.79 ± 0.07, maximum response = 81 ± 8% (s.e.m. of five independent experiments) of the maximum response to orexin-A in Ca2+ elevation assay). However, the azulene ring and the biphenyl scaffold are not identical in their spatial shape and electron distribution, and their derivatives may adopt different binding modes in the binding site.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Teppo O Leino
- Drug Research Program, Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 56, FI-00014 University of Helsinki, Finland; Department of Chemistry and NanoScience Center, University of Jyväskylä, P.O. Box 35, FI-40014 University of Jyväskylä, Finland.
| | - Ainoleena Turku
- Drug Research Program, Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 56, FI-00014 University of Helsinki, Finland; Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 66, FI-00014 University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Lauri Urvas
- Drug Research Program, Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 56, FI-00014 University of Helsinki, Finland; Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 63, FI-00014 University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Karuna Adhikari
- Drug Research Program, Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 56, FI-00014 University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jouni Oksanen
- Drug Research Program, Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 56, FI-00014 University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Yana Steynen
- Drug Research Program, Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 56, FI-00014 University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jari Yli-Kauhaluoma
- Drug Research Program, Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 56, FI-00014 University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Henri Xhaard
- Drug Research Program, Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 56, FI-00014 University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jyrki P Kukkonen
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 66, FI-00014 University of Helsinki, Finland; Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 63, FI-00014 University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Erik A A Wallén
- Drug Research Program, Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 56, FI-00014 University of Helsinki, Finland
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Amezawa M, Yamamoto N, Nagumo Y, Kutsumura N, Ishikawa Y, Yanagisawa M, Nagase H, Saitoh T. Design and synthesis of novel orexin 2 receptor agonists with a 1,3,5‑trioxazatriquinane skeleton. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2023; 82:129151. [PMID: 36690040 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2023.129151] [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: 12/04/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
A novel series of 1,3,5‑trioxazatriquinane with multiple effective residues (TriMER) derivatives with amino-methylene side chains was designed and synthesized based on the docking-simulation results between orexin receptors (OXRs) and TriMER-type OXR antagonists. In vitro screening against orexin receptors identified six TriMER derivatives with a cis side-chain configuration, and, among these, 20d and 28d showed full agonist activity against OX2R at a concentration of 10 µM. To determine the absolute stereochemistry of these hit compounds, we also conducted the first asymmetric synthesis of a 1,3,5‑trioxazatriquinane skeleton using a Katsuki-Sharpless asymmetric epoxidation as the key reaction and obtained a set of the individual stereoisomers. After evaluating their activity, (+)-20d (EC50 = 3.87 μM for OX2R) and (+)-28d (EC50 = 1.62 μM for OX2R) were determined as eutomers for OX2R agonist activity. Our results provide a new class of skeleton consisting of an (R)-1,3,5‑trioxazatriquinane core with flexible methylene linkers and hydrophobic substituents at the terminals of the side chains via carbamates/sulfonamides as OX2R agonists.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mao Amezawa
- Graduate School of Pure and Applied Sciences, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8571, Japan
| | - Naoshi Yamamoto
- International Institute for Integrative Sleep Medicine (IIIS), University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8575, Japan
| | - Yasuyuki Nagumo
- International Institute for Integrative Sleep Medicine (IIIS), University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8575, Japan
| | - Noriki Kutsumura
- Graduate School of Pure and Applied Sciences, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8571, Japan; International Institute for Integrative Sleep Medicine (IIIS), University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8575, Japan; Graduate School of Comprehensive Human Sciences, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8575, Japan
| | - Yukiko Ishikawa
- International Institute for Integrative Sleep Medicine (IIIS), University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8575, Japan
| | - Masashi Yanagisawa
- International Institute for Integrative Sleep Medicine (IIIS), University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8575, Japan; R&D Center for Frontiers of Mirai in Policy and Technology (F-MIRAI), University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8575, Japan; Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, US
| | - Hiroshi Nagase
- Graduate School of Pure and Applied Sciences, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8571, Japan; International Institute for Integrative Sleep Medicine (IIIS), University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8575, Japan.
| | - Tsuyoshi Saitoh
- International Institute for Integrative Sleep Medicine (IIIS), University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8575, Japan; Graduate School of Comprehensive Human Sciences, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8575, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Chang Y, Hawkins BA, Du JJ, Groundwater PW, Hibbs DE, Lai F. A Guide to In Silico Drug Design. Pharmaceutics 2022; 15:pharmaceutics15010049. [PMID: 36678678 PMCID: PMC9867171 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15010049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Revised: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The drug discovery process is a rocky path that is full of challenges, with the result that very few candidates progress from hit compound to a commercially available product, often due to factors, such as poor binding affinity, off-target effects, or physicochemical properties, such as solubility or stability. This process is further complicated by high research and development costs and time requirements. It is thus important to optimise every step of the process in order to maximise the chances of success. As a result of the recent advancements in computer power and technology, computer-aided drug design (CADD) has become an integral part of modern drug discovery to guide and accelerate the process. In this review, we present an overview of the important CADD methods and applications, such as in silico structure prediction, refinement, modelling and target validation, that are commonly used in this area.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yiqun Chang
- Sydney Pharmacy School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Bryson A. Hawkins
- Sydney Pharmacy School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Jonathan J. Du
- Department of Biochemistry, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Paul W. Groundwater
- Sydney Pharmacy School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - David E. Hibbs
- Sydney Pharmacy School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Felcia Lai
- Sydney Pharmacy School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Yin J, Kang Y, McGrath AP, Chapman K, Sjodt M, Kimura E, Okabe A, Koike T, Miyanohana Y, Shimizu Y, Rallabandi R, Lian P, Bai X, Flinspach M, De Brabander JK, Rosenbaum DM. Molecular mechanism of the wake-promoting agent TAK-925. Nat Commun 2022; 13:2902. [PMID: 35614071 PMCID: PMC9133036 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-30601-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The OX2 orexin receptor (OX2R) is a highly expressed G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) in the brain that regulates wakefulness and circadian rhythms in humans. Antagonism of OX2R is a proven therapeutic strategy for insomnia drugs, and agonism of OX2R is a potentially powerful approach for narcolepsy type 1, which is characterized by the death of orexinergic neurons. Until recently, agonism of OX2R had been considered 'undruggable.' We harness cryo-electron microscopy of OX2R-G protein complexes to determine how the first clinically tested OX2R agonist TAK-925 can activate OX2R in a highly selective manner. Two structures of TAK-925-bound OX2R with either a Gq mimetic or Gi reveal that TAK-925 binds at the same site occupied by antagonists, yet interacts with the transmembrane helices to trigger activating microswitches. Our structural and mutagenesis data show that TAK-925's selectivity is mediated by subtle differences between OX1 and OX2 receptor subtypes at the orthosteric pocket. Finally, differences in the polarity of interactions at the G protein binding interfaces help to rationalize OX2R's coupling selectivity for Gq signaling. The mechanisms of TAK-925's binding, activation, and selectivity presented herein will aid in understanding the efficacy of small molecule OX2R agonists for narcolepsy and other circadian disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jie Yin
- Department of Biophysics, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 6001 Forest Park Road, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
- Chinese Institute for Brain Research, No. 26 Science Park Road, Zhongguancun Life Science Park, Changping District, Beijing, China
| | - Yanyong Kang
- Takeda Development Center Americas, Inc, 9625 Towne Centre Drive, San Diego, CA, 92121, USA
| | - Aaron P McGrath
- Takeda Development Center Americas, Inc, 9625 Towne Centre Drive, San Diego, CA, 92121, USA
| | - Karen Chapman
- Department of Biophysics, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 6001 Forest Park Road, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Megan Sjodt
- Takeda Development Center Americas, Inc, 9625 Towne Centre Drive, San Diego, CA, 92121, USA
| | - Eiji Kimura
- Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Ltd., 26-1 Muraoka-Higashi, 2-Chome, Fujisawa, Kanagawa, 251-8555, Japan
| | - Atsutoshi Okabe
- Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Ltd., 26-1 Muraoka-Higashi, 2-Chome, Fujisawa, Kanagawa, 251-8555, Japan
| | - Tatsuki Koike
- Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Ltd., 26-1 Muraoka-Higashi, 2-Chome, Fujisawa, Kanagawa, 251-8555, Japan
| | - Yuhei Miyanohana
- Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Ltd., 26-1 Muraoka-Higashi, 2-Chome, Fujisawa, Kanagawa, 251-8555, Japan
| | - Yuji Shimizu
- Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Ltd., 26-1 Muraoka-Higashi, 2-Chome, Fujisawa, Kanagawa, 251-8555, Japan
| | - Rameshu Rallabandi
- Department of Biochemistry, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Peng Lian
- BioHPC at the Lyda Hill Department of Bioinformatics, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Xiaochen Bai
- Department of Biophysics, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 6001 Forest Park Road, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Mack Flinspach
- Takeda Development Center Americas, Inc, 9625 Towne Centre Drive, San Diego, CA, 92121, USA.
| | - Jef K De Brabander
- Department of Biochemistry, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA.
| | - Daniel M Rosenbaum
- Department of Biophysics, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 6001 Forest Park Road, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA.
- Department of Biochemistry, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Fujimoto T, Rikimaru K, Fukuda K, Sugimoto H, Masuda K, Ohyabu N, Banno Y, Tokunaga N, Kawamoto T, Tomata Y, Kumagai Y, Iida M, Nagano Y, Yoneyama-Hirozane M, Shimizu Y, Sasa K, Ishikawa T, Yukitake H, Ito M, Aoyama K, Matsumoto T. Discovery of TAK-925 as a Potent, Selective, and Brain-Penetrant Orexin 2 Receptor Agonist. ACS Med Chem Lett 2022; 13:457-462. [PMID: 35295087 PMCID: PMC8919389 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.1c00626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
![]()
TAK-925, a potent,
selective, and brain-penetrant orexin 2 receptor
(OX2R) agonist, [methyl (2R,3S)-3-((methylsulfonyl)amino)-2-(((cis-4-phenylcyclohexyl)oxy)methyl)piperidine-1-carboxylate, 16], was identified through the optimization of compound 2, which was discovered by a high throughput screening (HTS)
campaign. Subcutaneous administration of compound 16 produced
wake-promoting effects in mice during the sleep phase. Compound 16 (TAK-925) is being developed for the treatment of narcolepsy
and other related disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tatsuhiko Fujimoto
- Research, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, 26-1, Muraoka-Higashi 2-Chome, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 251-8555, Japan
| | - Kentaro Rikimaru
- Research, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, 26-1, Muraoka-Higashi 2-Chome, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 251-8555, Japan
| | - Koichiro Fukuda
- Research, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, 26-1, Muraoka-Higashi 2-Chome, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 251-8555, Japan
| | - Hiromichi Sugimoto
- Research, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, 26-1, Muraoka-Higashi 2-Chome, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 251-8555, Japan
| | - Kei Masuda
- Research, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, 26-1, Muraoka-Higashi 2-Chome, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 251-8555, Japan
| | - Norio Ohyabu
- Research, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, 26-1, Muraoka-Higashi 2-Chome, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 251-8555, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Banno
- Research, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, 26-1, Muraoka-Higashi 2-Chome, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 251-8555, Japan
| | - Norihito Tokunaga
- Research, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, 26-1, Muraoka-Higashi 2-Chome, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 251-8555, Japan
| | - Tetsuji Kawamoto
- Research, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, 26-1, Muraoka-Higashi 2-Chome, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 251-8555, Japan
| | - Yoshihide Tomata
- Research, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, 26-1, Muraoka-Higashi 2-Chome, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 251-8555, Japan
| | - Yasumi Kumagai
- Research, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, 26-1, Muraoka-Higashi 2-Chome, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 251-8555, Japan
| | - Motoo Iida
- Research, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, 26-1, Muraoka-Higashi 2-Chome, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 251-8555, Japan
| | - Yoichi Nagano
- Research, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, 26-1, Muraoka-Higashi 2-Chome, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 251-8555, Japan
| | - Mariko Yoneyama-Hirozane
- Research, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, 26-1, Muraoka-Higashi 2-Chome, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 251-8555, Japan
| | - Yuji Shimizu
- Research, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, 26-1, Muraoka-Higashi 2-Chome, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 251-8555, Japan
| | - Katsunori Sasa
- Research, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, 26-1, Muraoka-Higashi 2-Chome, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 251-8555, Japan
| | - Takashi Ishikawa
- Research, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, 26-1, Muraoka-Higashi 2-Chome, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 251-8555, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Yukitake
- Research, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, 26-1, Muraoka-Higashi 2-Chome, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 251-8555, Japan
| | - Mitsuhiro Ito
- Research, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, 26-1, Muraoka-Higashi 2-Chome, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 251-8555, Japan
| | - Kazunobu Aoyama
- Research, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, 26-1, Muraoka-Higashi 2-Chome, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 251-8555, Japan
| | - Takahiro Matsumoto
- Research, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, 26-1, Muraoka-Higashi 2-Chome, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 251-8555, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Mavanji V, Pomonis B, Kotz CM. Orexin, serotonin, and energy balance. WIREs Mech Dis 2022; 14:e1536. [PMID: 35023323 PMCID: PMC9286346 DOI: 10.1002/wsbm.1536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2021] [Revised: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
The lateral hypothalamus is critical for the control of ingestive behavior and spontaneous physical activity (SPA), as lesion or stimulation of this region alters these behaviors. Evidence points to lateral hypothalamic orexin neurons as modulators of feeding and SPA. These neurons affect a broad range of systems, and project to multiple brain regions such as the dorsal raphe nucleus, which contains serotoninergic neurons (DRN) important to energy homeostasis. Physical activity is comprised of intentional exercise and SPA. These are opposite ends of a continuum of physical activity intensity and structure. Non‐goal‐oriented behaviors, such as fidgeting, standing, and ambulating, constitute SPA in humans, and reflect a propensity for activity separate from intentional activity, such as high‐intensity voluntary exercise. In animals, SPA is activity not influenced by rewards such as food or a running wheel. Spontaneous physical activity in humans and animals burns calories and could theoretically be manipulated pharmacologically to expend calories and protect against obesity. The DRN neurons receive orexin inputs, and project heavily onto cortical and subcortical areas involved in movement, feeding and energy expenditure (EE). This review discusses the function of hypothalamic orexin in energy‐homeostasis, the interaction with DRN serotonin neurons, and the role of this orexin‐serotonin axis in regulating food intake, SPA, and EE. In addition, we discuss possible brain areas involved in orexin–serotonin cross‐talk; the role of serotonin receptors, transporters and uptake‐inhibitors in the pathogenesis and treatment of obesity; animal models of obesity with impaired serotonin‐function; single‐nucleotide polymorphisms in the serotonin system and obesity; and future directions in the orexin–serotonin field. This article is categorized under:Metabolic Diseases > Molecular and Cellular Physiology
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vijayakumar Mavanji
- Research Service, Minneapolis VA Health Care System, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Brianna Pomonis
- Research Service, Minneapolis VA Health Care System, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Catherine M Kotz
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA.,Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, Minneapolis VA Health Care System, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Hino T, Saitoh T, Nagumo Y, Yamamoto N, Kutsumura N, Irukayama-Tomobe Y, Ishikawa Y, Tanimura R, Yanagisawa M, Nagase H. Design and synthesis of novel orexin 2 receptor agonists based on naphthalene skeleton. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2022; 59:128530. [PMID: 35007725 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2022.128530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Revised: 12/27/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
A novel series of naphthalene derivatives were designed and synthesized based on the strategy focusing on the restriction of the flexible bond rotation of OX2R selective agonist YNT-185 (1) and their agonist activities against orexin receptors were evaluated. The 1,7-naphthalene derivatives showed superior agonist activity than 2,7-naphthalene derivatives, suggesting that the bent form of 1 would be favorable for the agonist activity. The conformational analysis of 1,7-naphthalene derivatives indicated that the twisting of the amide unit out from the naphthalene plane is important for the enhancement of activity. The introduction of a methyl group on the 2-position of 1,7-naphthalene ring effectively increased the activity, which led to the discovery of the potent OX2R agonist 28c (EC50 = 9.21 nM for OX2R, 148 nM for OX1R). The structure-activity relationship results were well supported by a comparison of the docking simulation results of the most potent derivative 28c with an active state of agonist-bound OX2R cryo-EM SPA structure. These results suggested important information for understanding the active conformation and orientation of pharmacophores in the orexin receptor agonists, which is expected as a chemotherapeutic agent for the treatment of narcolepsy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tsubasa Hino
- Graduate School of Pure and Applied Sciences, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8571, Japan
| | - Tsuyoshi Saitoh
- International Institute for Integrative Sleep Medicine (WPI-IIIS), University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8575, Japan
| | - Yasuyuki Nagumo
- International Institute for Integrative Sleep Medicine (WPI-IIIS), University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8575, Japan
| | - Naoshi Yamamoto
- International Institute for Integrative Sleep Medicine (WPI-IIIS), University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8575, Japan
| | - Noriki Kutsumura
- Graduate School of Pure and Applied Sciences, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8571, Japan; International Institute for Integrative Sleep Medicine (WPI-IIIS), University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8575, Japan
| | - Yoko Irukayama-Tomobe
- International Institute for Integrative Sleep Medicine (WPI-IIIS), University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8575, Japan
| | - Yukiko Ishikawa
- International Institute for Integrative Sleep Medicine (WPI-IIIS), University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8575, Japan
| | - Ryuji Tanimura
- Pharmaceutical Research Laboratories, Toray Industries Inc., 10-1, Tebiro 6-choume, Kamakura, Kanagawa, 248-8555, Japan
| | - Masashi Yanagisawa
- International Institute for Integrative Sleep Medicine (WPI-IIIS), University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8575, Japan; R&D Center for Frontiers of Mirai in Policy and Technology (F-MIRAI), University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibarak i305-8575, Japan; Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX75390, US
| | - Hiroshi Nagase
- Graduate School of Pure and Applied Sciences, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8571, Japan; International Institute for Integrative Sleep Medicine (WPI-IIIS), University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8575, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Discovery of Orexin 2 Receptor Selective and Dual Orexin Receptor Agonists based on the Tetralin Structure: Switching of Receptor Selectivity by Chirality on the Tetralin Ring. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2022; 60:128555. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2022.128555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Revised: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
|