1
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Tremolanti C, Angeloni E, Da Pozzo E, Germelli L, Giacomelli C, Scalzi E, Taliani S, Da Settimo F, Mensah-Nyagan AG, Martini C, Costa B. Human oligodendrocyte-like cell differentiation is promoted by TSPO-mediated endogenous steroidogenesis. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2024; 1870:167174. [PMID: 38631406 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2024.167174] [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: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
Mature oligodendrocytes (OLs) arise from oligodendrocyte precursor cells that, in case of demyelination, are recruited at the lesion site to remyelinate the axons and therefore restore the transmission of nerve impulses. It has been widely documented that exogenously administered steroid molecules are potent inducers of myelination. However, little is known about how neurosteroids produced de novo by OLs can impact this process. Here, we employed a human OL precursor cell line to investigate the role of de novo neurosteroidogenesis in the regulation of OLs differentiation, paying particular attention to the 18 kDa Translocator Protein (TSPO) which controls the rate-limiting step of the neurosteroidogenic process. Our results showed that, over the time of OL maturation, the availability of cholesterol, which is the neurosteroidogenesis initial substrate, and key members of the neurosteroidogenic machinery, including TSPO, were upregulated. In addition, OLs differentiation was impaired following neurosteroidogenesis inhibition and TSPO silencing. On the contrary, TSPO pharmacological stimulation promoted neurosteroidogenic function and positively impacted differentiation. Collectively, our results suggest that de novo neurosteroidogenesis is actively involved in the autocrine and paracrine regulation of human OL differentiation. Moreover, since TSPO was able to promote OL differentiation through a positive modulation of the neurosteroid biosynthetic process, it could be exploited as a promising target to tackle demyelinating diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Tremolanti
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy.
| | - Elisa Angeloni
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy.
| | - Eleonora Da Pozzo
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy; Center for Instrument Sharing of the University of Pisa (CISUP), Via Santa Maria 53, 56126 Pisa. Italy.
| | - Lorenzo Germelli
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy.
| | - Chiara Giacomelli
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy; Center for Instrument Sharing of the University of Pisa (CISUP), Via Santa Maria 53, 56126 Pisa. Italy.
| | - Eduardo Scalzi
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Sabrina Taliani
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy.
| | - Federico Da Settimo
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy; Center for Instrument Sharing of the University of Pisa (CISUP), Via Santa Maria 53, 56126 Pisa. Italy.
| | - Ayikoé-Guy Mensah-Nyagan
- Biopathologie de la Myéline, Neuroprotection et Stratégies Thérapeutiques, INSERM U1119, Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg (FMTS), Université de Strasbourg, Bâtiment CRBS de la Faculté de Médecine, 1 rue Eugène Boeckel, 67 000 Strasbourg, France.
| | - Claudia Martini
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy; Center for Instrument Sharing of the University of Pisa (CISUP), Via Santa Maria 53, 56126 Pisa. Italy.
| | - Barbara Costa
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy; Center for Instrument Sharing of the University of Pisa (CISUP), Via Santa Maria 53, 56126 Pisa. Italy.
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2
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Giladi M, Montgomery AP, Kassiou M, Danon JJ. Structure-based drug design for TSPO: Challenges and opportunities. Biochimie 2024:S0300-9084(24)00120-2. [PMID: 38782353 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2024.05.018] [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: 02/19/2024] [Revised: 04/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
The translocator protein 18 kDa (TSPO) is an evolutionarily conserved mitochondrial transmembrane protein implicated in various neuropathologies and inflammatory conditions, making it a longstanding diagnostic and therapeutic target of interest. Despite the development of various classes of TSPO ligand chemotypes, and the elucidation of bacterial and non-human mammalian experimental structures, many unknowns exist surrounding its differential structural and functional features in health and disease. There are several limitations associated with currently used computational methodologies for modelling the native structure and ligand-binding behaviour of this enigmatic protein. In this perspective, we provide a critical analysis of the developments in the uses of these methods, outlining their uses, inherent limitations, and continuing challenges. We offer suggestions of unexplored opportunities that exist in the use of computational methodologies which offer promise for enhancing our understanding of the TSPO.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mia Giladi
- School of Chemistry, The University of Sydney, 2050, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Michael Kassiou
- School of Chemistry, The University of Sydney, 2050, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
| | - Jonathan J Danon
- School of Chemistry, The University of Sydney, 2050, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
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3
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Barresi E, Robello M, Baglini E, Poggetti V, Viviano M, Salerno S, Da Settimo F, Taliani S. Indol-3-ylglyoxylamide as Privileged Scaffold in Medicinal Chemistry. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:997. [PMID: 37513909 PMCID: PMC10386336 DOI: 10.3390/ph16070997] [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: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, indolylglyoxylamide-based derivatives have received much attention due to their application in drug design and discovery, leading to the development of a wide array of compounds that have shown a variety of pharmacological activities. Combining the indole nucleus, already validated as a "privileged structure," with the glyoxylamide function allowed for an excellent template to be obtained that is suitable to a great number of structural modifications aimed at permitting interaction with specific molecular targets and producing desirable therapeutic effects. The present review provides insight into how medicinal chemists have elegantly exploited the indolylglyoxylamide moiety to obtain potentially useful drugs, with a particular focus on compounds exhibiting activity in in vivo models or reaching clinical trials. All in all, this information provides exciting new perspectives on existing data that can be useful in further design of indolylglyoxylamide-based molecules with interesting pharmacological profiles. The aim of this report is to present an update of collection data dealing with the employment of this moiety in the rational design of compounds that are able to interact with a specific target, referring to the last 20 years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabetta Barresi
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Marco Robello
- Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), National Institutes of Health, 9000 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Emma Baglini
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Valeria Poggetti
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Monica Viviano
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, 84084 Fisciano, Italy
| | - Silvia Salerno
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Federico Da Settimo
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Sabrina Taliani
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
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4
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Angeloni E, Germelli L, Marchetti L, Da Pozzo E, Tremolanti C, Wetzel CH, Baglini E, Taliani S, Da Settimo F, Martini C, Costa B. The human microglial surveillant phenotype is preserved by de novo neurosteroidogenesis through the control of cholesterol homeostasis: Crucial role of 18 kDa Translocator Protein. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2023; 1869:166751. [PMID: 37169037 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2023.166751] [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: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Neurodegenerative disease-associated microglia commonly exhibit harmful cholesterol accumulation that impairs their ability to resolve the neuroinflammatory response, contributing to disease onset and progression. Neurosteroids, whose levels have been often found significantly altered in brain diseases, are the most potent endogenous anti-inflammatory molecules exerting beneficial effects on activities of brain cells, including microglia. For the first time, the impact of neurosteroidogenesis on cholesterol homeostasis for the immune surveillance phenotype maintenance was investigated in a human microglia in vitro model. To enhance and inhibit neurosteroidogenesis, pharmacological stimulation and knock-down of 18 kDa Translocator Protein (TSPO), which is involved in the neurosteroidogenesis rate-limiting step, were used as experimental approaches, respectively. The obtained results point to an essential autocrine control of neurosteroidogenesis in orchestrating cholesterol trafficking in human microglia. TSPO pharmacological stimulation ensured cholesterol turnover by strengthening cholesterol efflux systems and preserving healthy immune surveillant phenotype. Conversely, TSPO knock-down induced an impairment of the controlled interplay among cholesterol synthesis, efflux, and metabolism mechanisms, leading to an excessive cholesterol accumulation and acquisition of a chronically activated dysfunctional phenotype. In this model, the exogenous neurosteroid administration restored proper the cholesterol clearance. The TSPO ability in promoting native neurosteroidogenesis opens the way to restore cholesterol homeostasis, and thus to maintain microglia proper functionality for the treatment of neuroinflammation-related brain diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Angeloni
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy.
| | - Lorenzo Germelli
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy.
| | - Laura Marchetti
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy; Center for Instrument Sharing University of Pisa (CISUP), Lungarno Pacinotti, 43/44, 56126 Pisa, Italy.
| | - Eleonora Da Pozzo
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy; Center for Instrument Sharing University of Pisa (CISUP), Lungarno Pacinotti, 43/44, 56126 Pisa, Italy.
| | - Chiara Tremolanti
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy.
| | - Christian H Wetzel
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Molecular Neurosciences, University of Regensburg, 93059 Regensburg, Germany.
| | - Emma Baglini
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy.
| | - Sabrina Taliani
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy.
| | - Federico Da Settimo
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy.
| | - Claudia Martini
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy.
| | - Barbara Costa
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy; Center for Instrument Sharing University of Pisa (CISUP), Lungarno Pacinotti, 43/44, 56126 Pisa, Italy.
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5
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Boron Trifluoride Etherate Promoted Regioselective 3-Acylation of Indoles with Anhydrides. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27238281. [PMID: 36500373 PMCID: PMC9741063 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27238281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2022] [Revised: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
An efficient, high-yielding and scalable procedure for the regioselective 3-acylation of indoles with anhydrides promoted by boron trifluoride etherate under mild conditions was reported. This novel protocol provided a simple way to prepare 3-(benzofuran-2-yl) indole in three steps.
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6
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Corsi F, Baglini E, Barresi E, Salerno S, Cerri C, Martini C, Da Settimo Passetti F, Taliani S, Gargini C, Piano I. Targeting TSPO Reduces Inflammation and Apoptosis in an In Vitro Photoreceptor-Like Model of Retinal Degeneration. ACS Chem Neurosci 2022; 13:3188-3197. [PMID: 36300862 PMCID: PMC9673150 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.2c00582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The 18 kDa translocator protein (TSPO) is predominantly located in the mitochondrial outer membrane, playing an important role in steroidogenesis, inflammation, survival, and cell proliferation. Its expression in the CNS, and mainly in glial cells, is upregulated in neuropathologies and brain injury. In this study, the potential of targeting TSPO for the therapeutic treatment of inflammatory-based retinal neurodegeneration was evaluated by means of an in vitro model of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced degeneration in 661 W cells, a photoreceptor-like cell line. After the assessment of the expression of TSPO in 661W cells, which, to the best of our knowledge, was never investigated so far, the anti-inflammatory and cytoprotective effects of a number of known TSPO ligands, belonging to the class of N,N-dialkyl-2-arylindol-3-ylglyoxylamides (PIGAs), were evaluated, using the classic TSPO ligand PK11195 as the reference standard. All tested PIGAs showed the ability to modulate the inflammatory and apoptotic processes in 661 W photoreceptor-like cells and to reduce LPS-driven cellular cytotoxicity. The protective effect of PIGAs was, in all cases, reduced by cotreatment with the pregnenolone synthesis inhibitor SU-10603, suggesting the involvement of neurosteroids in the protective mechanism. As inflammatory processes play a crucial role in the retinal neurodegenerative disease progression toward photoreceptors' death and complete blindness, targeting TSPO might represent a successful strategy to slow down this degenerative process that may lead to the inexorable loss of vision.
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7
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Chen H, Jiang Z, Cheng X, Zheng W, Sun Y, Yu Z, Yang T, Zhang L, Yan J, Liu Y, Ji X, Wu Z. [ 18F]BIBD-239: 18F-Labeled ER176, a Positron Emission Tomography Tracer Specific for the Translocator Protein. Mol Pharm 2022; 19:2351-2366. [PMID: 35671264 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.2c00157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
[11C]ER176 has adequate sensitivity to image the human brain translocator protein (TSPO) in all three genotypes by positron emission tomography (PET). However, its clinical application is limited by the short half-life of 11C (20.38 min). To overcome the deficiency of [11C]ER176 and keep the pharmacophore features of ER176 to the maximum extent, we designed four fluorine-labeled ER176 derivatives using the deuterium method. In vitro competition binding confirmed that the designed compounds had high affinity for TSPO. Biodistribution experiments showed that tissues with high expression of TSPO had high uptake of these compounds, as well as that the compound showed high brain penetration and mild defluorination in vivo. Therefore, [18F]BIBD-239 with simple synthesis conditions was selected for further biological evaluation. Theoretical simulations showed that BIBD-239 and ER176 have similar binding modes and sites to Ala147-TSPO and Thr147-TSPO, which indicated that the tracers may have consistent sensitivity to the three affinity genotypes. In vitro autoradiography and in vivo PET studies of the ischemic rat brain showed dramatically higher uptake of [18F]BIBD-239 on the lesion site compared to the contralateral side with good brain kinetics. Additionally, [18F]BIBD-239 provided clear tumor PET images in a GL261 glioma model. Importantly, PET imaging and liquid chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS) results showed that in vivo defluorination and other metabolites of [18F]BIBD-239 did not interfere with brain imaging. Conclusively, [18F]BIBD-239, similar to ER176 with low polymorphism sensitivity, has simple labeling conditions, high labeling yield, high affinity, and high specificity for TSPO, and it is planned for further evaluation in higher species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hualong Chen
- Beijing Institute of Brain Disorders, Laboratory of Brain Disorders, Ministry of Science and Technology, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Disorders, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Zeng Jiang
- Beijing Institute of Brain Disorders, Laboratory of Brain Disorders, Ministry of Science and Technology, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Disorders, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Xuebo Cheng
- Beijing Institute of Brain Disorders, Laboratory of Brain Disorders, Ministry of Science and Technology, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Disorders, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Wei Zheng
- Beijing Institute of Brain Disorders, Laboratory of Brain Disorders, Ministry of Science and Technology, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Disorders, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Yuli Sun
- Beijing Institute of Brain Disorders, Laboratory of Brain Disorders, Ministry of Science and Technology, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Disorders, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Ziyue Yu
- Beijing Institute of Brain Disorders, Laboratory of Brain Disorders, Ministry of Science and Technology, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Disorders, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Tingyu Yang
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Lu Zhang
- Beijing Institute of Brain Disorders, Laboratory of Brain Disorders, Ministry of Science and Technology, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Disorders, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Jun Yan
- Beijing Institute of Brain Disorders, Laboratory of Brain Disorders, Ministry of Science and Technology, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Disorders, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Yajing Liu
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Xunming Ji
- Beijing Institute of Brain Disorders, Laboratory of Brain Disorders, Ministry of Science and Technology, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Disorders, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China.,Institute of Hypoxia Medicine, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100053, China
| | - Zehui Wu
- Beijing Institute of Brain Disorders, Laboratory of Brain Disorders, Ministry of Science and Technology, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Disorders, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
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8
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Translocator Protein Ligand PIGA1138 Reduces Disease Symptoms and Severity in Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis Model of Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis. Mol Neurobiol 2022; 59:1744-1765. [PMID: 35018577 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-022-02737-2] [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: 10/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune and demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS) caused by CNS infiltration of peripheral immune cells, immune-mediated attack of the myelin sheath, neuroinflammation, and/or axonal/neuronal dysfunctions. Some drugs are available to cope with relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) but there is no therapy for the primary progressive MS (PPMS). Because growing evidence supports a regulatory role of the translocator protein (TSPO) in neuroinflammatory, demyelinating, and neurodegenerative processes, we investigated the therapeutic potential of phenylindolyilglyoxylamydes (PIGAs) TSPO ligands in myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG)-induced experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) mice mimicking the human PPMS. MOG-EAE C57Bl/6-mice were treated by TSPO ligands PIGA839, PIGA1138, or the vehicle. Several methods were combined to evaluate PIGAs-TSPO ligand effects on MOG-EAE symptoms, CNS infiltration by immune cells, demyelination, and axonal damages. PIGA1138 (15 mg/kg) drastically reduced MOG-EAE mice clinical scores, ameliorated motor dysfunctions assessed with the Catwalk device, and counteracted MOG-EAE-induced demyelination by preserving Myelin basic protein (MBP) expression in the CNS. Furthermore, PIGA1138-treatment prevented EAE-evoked decreased neurofilament-200 expression in spinal and cerebellar axons. Moreover, PIGA1138 inhibited peripheral immune-CD45 + cell infiltration in the CNS, suggesting that it may control inflammatory mechanisms involved in PPMS. Concordantly, PIGA1138 enhanced anti-inflammatory interleukin-10 serum level in MOG-EAE mice. PIGA1138-treatment, which increased neurosteroid allopregnanolone production, ameliorated all pathological biomarkers, while PIGA839, unable to activate neurosteroidogenesis in vivo, exerted only moderate/partial effects in MOG-EAE mice. Altogether, our results suggest that PIGA1138-based treatment may represent an interesting possibility to be explored for the innovation of effective therapies against PPMS.
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Robello M, Barresi E, Baglini E, Salerno S, Taliani S, Settimo FD. The Alpha Keto Amide Moiety as a Privileged Motif in Medicinal Chemistry: Current Insights and Emerging Opportunities. J Med Chem 2021; 64:3508-3545. [PMID: 33764065 PMCID: PMC8154582 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c01808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Over the years, researchers in drug discovery have taken advantage of the use of privileged structures to design innovative hit/lead molecules. The α-ketoamide motif is found in many natural products, and it has been widely exploited by medicinal chemists to develop compounds tailored to a vast range of biological targets, thus presenting clinical potential for a plethora of pathological conditions. The purpose of this perspective is to provide insights into the versatility of this chemical moiety as a privileged structure in drug discovery. After a brief analysis of its physical-chemical features and synthetic procedures to obtain it, α-ketoamide-based classes of compounds are reported according to the application of this motif as either a nonreactive or reactive moiety. The goal is to highlight those aspects that may be useful to understanding the perspectives of employing the α-ketoamide moiety in the rational design of compounds able to interact with a specific target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Robello
- Synthetic Bioactive Molecules Section, LBC, NIDDK, NIH, 8 Center Drive, Room 404, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, United States
| | - Elisabetta Barresi
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Emma Baglini
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Silvia Salerno
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Sabrina Taliani
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Federico Da Settimo
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
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10
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De novo Neurosteroidogenesis in Human Microglia: Involvement of the 18 kDa Translocator Protein. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22063115. [PMID: 33803741 PMCID: PMC8003294 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22063115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Revised: 03/06/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroactive steroids are potent modulators of microglial functions and are capable of counteracting their excessive reactivity. This action has mainly been ascribed to neuroactive steroids released from other sources, as microglia have been defined unable to produce neurosteroids de novo. Unexpectedly, immortalized murine microglia recently exhibited this de novo biosynthesis; herein, de novo neurosteroidogenesis was characterized in immortalized human microglia. The results demonstrated that C20 and HMC3 microglial cells constitutively express members of the neurosteroidogenesis multiprotein machinery-in particular, the transduceosome members StAR and TSPO, and the enzyme CYP11A1. Moreover, both cell lines produce pregnenolone and transcriptionally express the enzymes involved in neurosteroidogenesis. The high TSPO expression levels observed in microglia prompted us to assess its role in de novo neurosteroidogenesis. TSPO siRNA and TSPO synthetic ligand treatments were used to reduce and prompt TSPO function, respectively. The TSPO expression downregulation compromised the de novo neurosteroidogenesis and led to an increase in StAR expression, probably as a compensatory mechanism. The pharmacological TSPO stimulation the de novo neurosteroidogenesis improved in turn the neurosteroid-mediated release of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor. In conclusion, these results demonstrated that de novo neurosteroidogenesis occurs in human microglia, unravelling a new mechanism potentially useful for future therapeutic purposes.
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11
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An update into the medicinal chemistry of translocator protein (TSPO) ligands. Eur J Med Chem 2020; 209:112924. [PMID: 33081988 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2020.112924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2020] [Revised: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 10/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
The Translocator Protein 18 kDa (TSPO) has been discovered in 1977 as an alternative binding site for the benzodiazepine diazepam. It is an evolutionary well-conserved and tryptophan-rich 169-amino acids protein with five alpha helical transmembrane domains stretching the outer mitochondrial membrane, with the carboxyl-terminus in the cytosol and a short amino-terminus in the intermembrane space of mitochondrion. At this level, together with the voltage-dependent anion channel (VDAC) and the adenine nucleotide translocase (ANT), it forms the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (MPTP). TSPO expression is ubiquitary, with higher levels in steroid producing tissues; in the central nervous system, it is mainly expressed in glial cells and in neurons. TSPO is implicated in a variety of fundamental cellular processes including steroidogenesis, heme biosynthesis, mitochondrial respiration, mitochondrial membrane potential, cell proliferation and differentiation, cell life/death balance, oxidative stress. Altered TSPO expression has been found in some pathological conditions. In particular, high TSPO expression levels have been documented in cancer, neuroinflammation, and brain injury. Conversely, low TSPO expression levels have been evidenced in anxiety disorders. Therefore, TSPO is not only an interesting drug target for therapeutic purpose (anticonvulsant, anxiolytic, etc.), but also a valid diagnostic marker of related-diseases detectable by fluorescent or radiolabeled ligands. The aim of this report is to present an update of previous reviews dealing with the medicinal chemistry of TSPO and to highlight the most outstanding advances in the development of TSPO ligands as potential therapeutic or diagnostic tools, especially referring to the last five years.
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12
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Taliani S, Da Settimo F, Martini C, Laneri S, Novellino E, Greco G. Exploiting the Indole Scaffold to Design Compounds Binding to Different Pharmacological Targets. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25102331. [PMID: 32429433 PMCID: PMC7287756 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25102331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2020] [Revised: 05/14/2020] [Accepted: 05/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Several indole derivatives have been disclosed by our research groups that have been collaborating for nearly 25 years. The results of our investigations led to a variety of molecules binding selectively to different pharmacological targets, specifically the type A γ-aminobutyric acid (GABAA) chloride channel, the translocator protein (TSPO), the murine double minute 2 (MDM2) protein, the A2B adenosine receptor (A2B AR) and the Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1). Herein, we describe how these works were conceived and carried out thanks to the versatility of indole nucleus to be exploited in the design and synthesis of drug-like molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Taliani
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno Pisano, 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (F.D.S.); (C.M.)
- Correspondence: (S.T.); (G.G.); Tel.: +39-050-2219547 (S.T.); +39-081-678645 (G.G.)
| | - Federico Da Settimo
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno Pisano, 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (F.D.S.); (C.M.)
| | - Claudia Martini
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno Pisano, 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (F.D.S.); (C.M.)
| | - Sonia Laneri
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples “Federico II”, Via D. Montesano, 49, 80131 Naples, Italy; (S.L.); (E.N.)
| | - Ettore Novellino
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples “Federico II”, Via D. Montesano, 49, 80131 Naples, Italy; (S.L.); (E.N.)
| | - Giovanni Greco
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples “Federico II”, Via D. Montesano, 49, 80131 Naples, Italy; (S.L.); (E.N.)
- Correspondence: (S.T.); (G.G.); Tel.: +39-050-2219547 (S.T.); +39-081-678645 (G.G.)
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13
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Lacapere JJ, Duma L, Finet S, Kassiou M, Papadopoulos V. Insight into the Structural Features of TSPO: Implications for Drug Development. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2020; 41:110-122. [PMID: 31864680 PMCID: PMC7021566 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2019.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2019] [Revised: 11/13/2019] [Accepted: 11/18/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The translocator protein (TSPO), an 18-kDa transmembrane protein primarily found in the outer mitochondrial membrane, is evolutionarily conserved and widely distributed across species. In mammals, TSPO has been described as a key member of a multiprotein complex involved in many putative functions and, over the years, several classes of ligand have been developed to modulate these functions. In this review, we consider the currently available atomic structures of mouse and bacterial TSPO and propose a rationale for the development of new ligands for the protein. We provide a review of TSPO monomeric and oligomeric states and their conformational flexibility, together with ligand-binding site and interaction mechanisms. These data are expected to help considerably the development of high-affinity ligands for TSPO-based therapies or diagnostics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Jacques Lacapere
- Sorbonne Université, Ecole Normale Supérieure, PSL University, CNRS, Laboratoire des Biomolécules (LBM), 4 Place Jussieu, F-75005 Paris, France.
| | - Luminita Duma
- CNRS Enzyme and Cell Engineering Laboratory, Sorbonne Université, Université de Technologie de Compiègne, 60203 Compiègne Cedex, France
| | - Stephanie Finet
- IMPMC, UMR 7590 CNRS Sorbonne Université, 4 Place Jussieu, F-75005 Paris, France
| | - Michael Kassiou
- School of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, F11, Eastern Ave, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Vassilios Papadopoulos
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
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14
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Bruno A, Barresi E, Simola N, Da Pozzo E, Costa B, Novellino E, Da Settimo F, Martini C, Taliani S, Cosconati S. Unbinding of Translocator Protein 18 kDa (TSPO) Ligands: From in Vitro Residence Time to in Vivo Efficacy via in Silico Simulations. ACS Chem Neurosci 2019; 10:3805-3814. [PMID: 31268683 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.9b00300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Translocator protein 18 kDa (TSPO) is a validated pharmacological target for the development of new treatments for neurological disorders. N,N-Dialkyl-2-phenylindol-3-ylglyoxylamides (PIGAs) are effective TSPO modulators and potentially useful therapeutics for the treatment of anxiety, central nervous system pathologies featuring astrocyte loss, and inflammatory-based neuropathologies. For this class of compounds, no correlation exists between the TSPO binding affinity and the corresponding functional efficacy. Rather, their biological effectiveness correlates with the kinetics of the unbinding events and more specifically with the residence time (RT). So far, the structural reasons for the different recorded RT of congeneric PIGAs remain elusive. Here, to understand the different kinetics of PIGAs, their unbinding paths were studied by employing enhanced-sampling molecular dynamics simulations. Results of these studies revealed how subtle structural differences between PIGAs have a substantial effect on the unbinding energetics. In particular, during the egress from the TSPO binding site, slow-dissociating PIGAs find tight interactions with the protein LP1 region thereby determining a long RT. Further support to these findings was achieved by in vivo studies, which demonstrated how the anxiolytic effect observed for the inspected PIGAs correlated with their RT to TSPO.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agostino Bruno
- Department of Pharmacy, University Federico II of Naples, Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Barresi
- Department of Pharmacy, Università di Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Nicola Simola
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Monserrato University Campus, 09042 Monserrato, Italy
| | - Eleonora Da Pozzo
- Department of Pharmacy, Università di Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Barbara Costa
- Department of Pharmacy, Università di Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Ettore Novellino
- Department of Pharmacy, University Federico II of Naples, Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Federico Da Settimo
- Department of Pharmacy, Università di Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Claudia Martini
- Department of Pharmacy, Università di Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Sabrina Taliani
- Department of Pharmacy, Università di Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Sandro Cosconati
- DiSTABiF, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Via Vivaldi 43, 81100 Caserta, Italy
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15
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Cosimelli B, Greco G, Laneri S, Novellino E, Sacchi A, Amendola G, Cosconati S, Bortolozzi R, Viola G. Identification of novel indole derivatives acting as inhibitors of the Keap1-Nrf2 interaction. J Enzyme Inhib Med Chem 2019; 34:1152-1157. [PMID: 31179771 PMCID: PMC6567006 DOI: 10.1080/14756366.2019.1623209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Nine indole derivatives (9a-i) were tested as potential inhibitors of the Keap1–Nrf2 interaction. This class of compounds increases the intracellular levels of the transcription factor Nrf2 and the consequent expression of enzymes encoded by genes containing the antioxidant response element (ARE). In the ARE-luciferase reporter assay only 9e-g revealed to be remarkably more active than t-butylhydroxyquinone (t-BHQ), with 9g standing out as the best performing compound. While 9e and 9f are weak acids, 9g is an ampholyte prevailing as a zwitterion in neutral aqueous solutions. The ability of 9e-g to significantly increase levels of Nrf2, NADPH:quinone oxidoreductase 1, and transketolase (TKT) gave further support to the hypothesis that these compounds act as inhibitors of the Keap1–Nrf2 interaction. Docking simulations allowed us to elucidate the nature of the putative interactions between 9g and Keap1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Cosimelli
- a Dipartimento di Farmacia , Università di Napoli "Federico II" , Naples , Italy
| | - Giovanni Greco
- a Dipartimento di Farmacia , Università di Napoli "Federico II" , Naples , Italy
| | - Sonia Laneri
- a Dipartimento di Farmacia , Università di Napoli "Federico II" , Naples , Italy
| | - Ettore Novellino
- a Dipartimento di Farmacia , Università di Napoli "Federico II" , Naples , Italy
| | - Antonia Sacchi
- a Dipartimento di Farmacia , Università di Napoli "Federico II" , Naples , Italy
| | - Giorgio Amendola
- b Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Ambientali Biologiche e Farmaceutiche , Università degli Studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli" , Caserta , Italy
| | - Sandro Cosconati
- b Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Ambientali Biologiche e Farmaceutiche , Università degli Studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli" , Caserta , Italy
| | - Roberta Bortolozzi
- c Dipartimento di Salute della Donna e del Bambino , Università di Padova , Padua , Italy
| | - Giampietro Viola
- c Dipartimento di Salute della Donna e del Bambino , Università di Padova , Padua , Italy
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16
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Tosh D, Ciancetta A, Mannes P, Warnick E, Janowsky A, Eshleman AJ, Gizewski E, Brust TF, Bohn LM, Auchampach JA, Gao ZG, Jacobson KA. Repurposing of a Nucleoside Scaffold from Adenosine Receptor Agonists to Opioid Receptor Antagonists. ACS OMEGA 2018; 3:12658-12678. [PMID: 30411015 PMCID: PMC6210068 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.8b01237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2018] [Accepted: 09/19/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
While screening off-target effects of rigid (N)-methanocarba-adenosine 5'-methylamides as A3 adenosine receptor (AR) agonists, we discovered μM binding hits at the δ-opioid receptor (DOR) and translocator protein (TSPO). In an effort to increase OR and decrease AR affinity by structure activity analysis of this series, antagonist activity at κ-(K)OR appeared in 5'-esters (ethyl 24 and propyl 30), which retained TSPO interaction (μM). 7-Deaza modification of C2-(arylethynyl)-5'-esters but not 4'-truncation enhanced KOR affinity (MRS7299 28 and 29, K i ≈ 40 nM), revealed μ-OR and DOR binding, and reduced AR affinity. Molecular docking and dynamics simulations located a putative KOR binding mode consistent with the observed affinities, placing C7 in a hydrophobic region. 3-Deaza modification permitted TSPO but not OR binding, and 1-deaza was permissive to both; ribose-restored analogues were inactive at both. Thus, we have repurposed a known AR nucleoside scaffold for OR antagonism, with a detailed hypothesis for KOR recognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dilip
K. Tosh
- Molecular
Recognition Section, Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry, National
Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, 9000 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, United States
| | - Antonella Ciancetta
- Molecular
Recognition Section, Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry, National
Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, 9000 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, United States
| | - Philip Mannes
- Molecular
Recognition Section, Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry, National
Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, 9000 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, United States
| | - Eugene Warnick
- Molecular
Recognition Section, Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry, National
Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, 9000 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, United States
| | - Aaron Janowsky
- VA
Portland Health Care System, Research Service (R&D-22), and Departments
of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health and Science University, 3710 S.W. U.S. Veterans Hospital Blvd., Portland, Oregon 97239, United States
| | - Amy J. Eshleman
- VA
Portland Health Care System, Research Service (R&D-22), and Departments
of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health and Science University, 3710 S.W. U.S. Veterans Hospital Blvd., Portland, Oregon 97239, United States
| | - Elizabeth Gizewski
- Department
of Pharmacology, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 Watertown Plank Road, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53226, United States
| | - Tarsis F. Brust
- Departments
of Molecular Medicine and Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, 130 Scripps Way, Jupiter, Florida 33458, United
States
| | - Laura M. Bohn
- Departments
of Molecular Medicine and Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, 130 Scripps Way, Jupiter, Florida 33458, United
States
| | - John A. Auchampach
- Department
of Pharmacology, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 Watertown Plank Road, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53226, United States
| | - Zhan-Guo Gao
- Molecular
Recognition Section, Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry, National
Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, 9000 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, United States
| | - Kenneth A. Jacobson
- Molecular
Recognition Section, Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry, National
Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, 9000 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, United States
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17
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Modification of Bischler-Möhlau indole derivatives through palladium catalyzed Suzuki reaction as effective cholinesterase inhibitors, their kinetic and molecular docking studies. Bioorg Chem 2018; 76:166-176. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2017.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2017] [Revised: 11/08/2017] [Accepted: 11/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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18
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Milite C, Barresi E, Da Pozzo E, Costa B, Viviano M, Porta A, Messere A, Sbardella G, Da Settimo F, Novellino E, Cosconati S, Castellano S, Taliani S, Martini C. Exploiting the 4-Phenylquinazoline Scaffold for the Development of High Affinity Fluorescent Probes for the Translocator Protein (TSPO). J Med Chem 2017; 60:7897-7909. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.7b01031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ciro Milite
- Dipartimento
di Farmacia, Università di Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II 132, 84084 Fisciano, Salerno, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Barresi
- Dipartimento
di Farmacia, Università di Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Eleonora Da Pozzo
- Dipartimento
di Farmacia, Università di Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Barbara Costa
- Dipartimento
di Farmacia, Università di Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Monica Viviano
- Dipartimento
di Farmacia, Università di Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II 132, 84084 Fisciano, Salerno, Italy
| | - Amalia Porta
- Dipartimento
di Farmacia, Università di Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II 132, 84084 Fisciano, Salerno, Italy
| | - Anna Messere
- DiSTABiF, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, 81100 Caserta, Italy
| | - Gianluca Sbardella
- Dipartimento
di Farmacia, Università di Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II 132, 84084 Fisciano, Salerno, Italy
| | - Federico Da Settimo
- Dipartimento
di Farmacia, Università di Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Ettore Novellino
- Dipartimento
di Farmacia, Università di Napoli “Federico II”, Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Napoli, Italy
| | - Sandro Cosconati
- DiSTABiF, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, 81100 Caserta, Italy
| | - Sabrina Castellano
- Dipartimento
di Farmacia, Università di Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II 132, 84084 Fisciano, Salerno, Italy
- Dipartimento
di Medicina, Chirurgia e Odontoiatria “Scuola Medica Salernitana”, Università di Salerno, Via Salvador Allende, I-84081 Baronissi, Salerno, Italy
| | - Sabrina Taliani
- Dipartimento
di Farmacia, Università di Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Claudia Martini
- Dipartimento
di Farmacia, Università di Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
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19
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Iacobazzi RM, Lopalco A, Cutrignelli A, Laquintana V, Lopedota A, Franco M, Denora N. Bridging Pharmaceutical Chemistry with Drug and Nanoparticle Targeting to Investigate the Role of the 18-kDa Translocator Protein TSPO. ChemMedChem 2017; 12:1261-1274. [PMID: 28771957 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.201700322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2017] [Revised: 07/06/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
An interesting mitochondrial biomarker is the 18-kDa mitochondrial translocator protein (TSPO). Decades of study have shown that this protein plays an important role in a wide range of cellular functions, including opening of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore as well as programmed cell death and proliferation. Variations in TSPO expression have been correlated to different diseases, from tumors to endocrine and neurological disorders. TSPO has therefore become an appealing target for both early diagnosis and selective mitochondrial drug delivery. The number of structurally different TSPO ligands examined has increased over time, highlighting the scientific community's growing understanding of the roles of TSPO in normal and pathological conditions. However, only few TSPO ligands are characterized by the presence of groups that are potentially derivatizable; therefore only few such ligands are well suited for the preparation of targeted prodrugs or nanocarriers able to deliver therapeutics and/or diagnostic agents to mitochondria. This review provides an overview of the very few examples of drug delivery systems characterized by moieties that target TSPO.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Antonio Lopalco
- Dipartimento di Farmacia-Scienze del Farmaco, Università degli Studi di Bari Aldo Moro, Via Orabona 4, 70125, Bari, Italy
| | - Annalisa Cutrignelli
- Dipartimento di Farmacia-Scienze del Farmaco, Università degli Studi di Bari Aldo Moro, Via Orabona 4, 70125, Bari, Italy
| | - Valentino Laquintana
- Dipartimento di Farmacia-Scienze del Farmaco, Università degli Studi di Bari Aldo Moro, Via Orabona 4, 70125, Bari, Italy
| | - Angela Lopedota
- Dipartimento di Farmacia-Scienze del Farmaco, Università degli Studi di Bari Aldo Moro, Via Orabona 4, 70125, Bari, Italy
| | - Massimo Franco
- Dipartimento di Farmacia-Scienze del Farmaco, Università degli Studi di Bari Aldo Moro, Via Orabona 4, 70125, Bari, Italy
| | - Nunzio Denora
- Dipartimento di Farmacia-Scienze del Farmaco, Università degli Studi di Bari Aldo Moro, Via Orabona 4, 70125, Bari, Italy
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20
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Costa B, Cavallini C, Da Pozzo E, Taliani S, Da Settimo F, Martini C. The Anxiolytic Etifoxine Binds to TSPO Ro5-4864 Binding Site with Long Residence Time Showing a High Neurosteroidogenic Activity. ACS Chem Neurosci 2017; 8:1448-1454. [PMID: 28362078 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.7b00027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The low binding affinity of the approved anxiolytic drug etifoxine (Stresam) at the steroidogenic 18 kDa translocator protein (TSPO) has questioned the specific contribution of this protein in mediating the etifoxine neurosteroidogenic efficacy. Residence time (RT) at the binding site of the classical TSPO ligand PK11195 is emerging as a relevant neurosteroidogenic efficacy measure rather than the binding affinity. Here etifoxine was evaluated for (i) the in vitro neurosteroidogenic activity in comparison to poorly neurosteroidogenic reference TSPO ligands (PK11195 and Ro5-4864) and (ii) the affinity and RT at [3H]PK11195 and [3H]Ro5-4864 binding sites in rat kidney membranes. Etifoxine shows (i) high neurosteroidogenic efficacy and (ii) low affinity/short RT at the [3H]PK11195 site and low affinity/long RT at the [3H]Ro5-4864 site, at which etifoxine competitively bound. These findings suggest that the long RT of etifoxine at the Ro5-4864 binding site could account for its high neurosteroidogenic efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Costa
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, via Bonanno, 6-56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Chiara Cavallini
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, via Bonanno, 6-56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Eleonora Da Pozzo
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, via Bonanno, 6-56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Sabrina Taliani
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, via Bonanno, 6-56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Federico Da Settimo
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, via Bonanno, 6-56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Claudia Martini
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, via Bonanno, 6-56126 Pisa, Italy
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21
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Costa B, Taliani S, Da Pozzo E, Barresi E, Robello M, Cavallini C, Cosconati S, Da Settimo F, Novellino E, Martini C. Residence Time, a New parameter to Predict Neurosteroidogenic Efficacy of Translocator Protein (TSPO) Ligands: the Case Study of N,N-Dialkyl-2-arylindol-3-ylglyoxylamides. ChemMedChem 2017; 12:1275-1278. [PMID: 28467680 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.201700220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2017] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Targeting the biosynthetic pathway of neuroactive steroids with specific 18 kDa translocator protein (TSPO) ligands may be a viable therapeutic approach for a variety of neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric diseases. However, the lack of correlation between binding affinity and in vitro steroidogenic efficacy has limited the identification of lead compounds by traditional affinity-based drug discovery strategies. Our recent research indicates that the key factor for robust steroidogenic TSPO ligand efficacy is not the binding affinity per se, but rather the time the compound spends in the target, namely its residence time (RT). The assessment of this kinetic parameter during the in vitro characterization of compounds appears mandatory in order to obtain structure-efficacy relationships suitable for the future development of novel molecules with promising pharmacological properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Costa
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, via Bonanno 6, 56126, Pisa, Italy
| | - Sabrina Taliani
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, via Bonanno 6, 56126, Pisa, Italy
| | - Eleonora Da Pozzo
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, via Bonanno 6, 56126, Pisa, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Barresi
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, via Bonanno 6, 56126, Pisa, Italy
| | - Marco Robello
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, via Bonanno 6, 56126, Pisa, Italy
| | - Chiara Cavallini
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, via Bonanno 6, 56126, Pisa, Italy
| | - Sandro Cosconati
- DiSTABiF, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, 81100, Caserta, Italy
| | - Federico Da Settimo
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, via Bonanno 6, 56126, Pisa, Italy
| | - Ettore Novellino
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples "Federico II", Via D. Montesano 49, 80131, Napoli, Italy
| | - Claudia Martini
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, via Bonanno 6, 56126, Pisa, Italy
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22
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Hansen AH, Sergeev E, Pandey SK, Hudson BD, Christiansen E, Milligan G, Ulven T. Development and Characterization of a Fluorescent Tracer for the Free Fatty Acid Receptor 2 (FFA2/GPR43). J Med Chem 2017; 60:5638-5645. [PMID: 28570808 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.7b00338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
The free fatty acid receptor 2 (FFA2/GPR43) is considered a potential target for treatment of metabolic and inflammatory diseases. Here we describe the development of the first fluorescent tracer for FFA2 intended as a tool for assessment of thermodynamic and kinetic binding parameters of unlabeled ligands. Starting with a known azetidine FFA2 antagonist, we used a carboxylic acid moiety known not to be critical for receptor interaction as attachment point for a nitrobenzoxadiazole (NBD) fluorophore. This led to the development of 4 (TUG-1609), a fluorescent tracer for FFA2 with favorable spectroscopic properties and high affinity, as determined by bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET)-based saturation and kinetic binding experiments, as well as a high specific to nonspecific BRET binding signal. A BRET-based competition binding assay with 4 was also established and used to determine binding constants and kinetics of unlabeled ligands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anders Højgaard Hansen
- Department of Physics, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Southern Denmark , Campusvej 55, DK-5230 Odense M, Denmark
| | - Eugenia Sergeev
- Centre for Translational Pharmacology, Institute of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow , Glasgow G12 8QQ, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Sunil K Pandey
- Department of Physics, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Southern Denmark , Campusvej 55, DK-5230 Odense M, Denmark
| | - Brian D Hudson
- Centre for Translational Pharmacology, Institute of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow , Glasgow G12 8QQ, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Elisabeth Christiansen
- Department of Physics, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Southern Denmark , Campusvej 55, DK-5230 Odense M, Denmark
| | - Graeme Milligan
- Centre for Translational Pharmacology, Institute of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow , Glasgow G12 8QQ, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Trond Ulven
- Department of Physics, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Southern Denmark , Campusvej 55, DK-5230 Odense M, Denmark
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23
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Kim T, Pae AN. Translocator protein (TSPO) ligands for the diagnosis or treatment of neurodegenerative diseases: a patent review (2010 – 2015; part 2). Expert Opin Ther Pat 2016; 26:1353-1366. [DOI: 10.1080/13543776.2016.1230605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- TaeHun Kim
- Convergence Research Center for Diagnosis, Treatment and Care System of Dementia, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Biological Chemistry, Korea University of Science and Technology, Daejon, Republic of Korea
| | - Ae Nim Pae
- Convergence Research Center for Diagnosis, Treatment and Care System of Dementia, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Biological Chemistry, Korea University of Science and Technology, Daejon, Republic of Korea
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24
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Cacheux F, Médran-Navarrete V, Dollé F, Marguet F, Puech F, Damont A. Synthesis and in vitro characterization of novel fluorinated derivatives of the translocator protein 18 kDa ligand CfO-DPA-714. Eur J Med Chem 2016; 125:346-359. [PMID: 27688189 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2016.09.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2016] [Revised: 09/07/2016] [Accepted: 09/08/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The translocator protein 18 kDa (TSPO) is today a validated target for a number of therapeutic applications, but also a well-recognized diagnostic/imaging biomarker for the evaluation of inflammatory related-disease state and progression, prompting the development of specific and dedicated TSPO ligands worldwide. For this purpose, pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine acetamides constitute a unique class of high affinity and selectivity TSPO ligands; it includes DPA-714, a fluorine-containing derivative that has also been labelled with the positron-emitter fluorine-18, and is nowadays widely used as a Positron Emission Tomography imaging probe. Recently, to prevent defluorination issues encountered in vivo with this tracer, a first series of analogues was reported where the oxygen atom bridging the phenyl ring of the core structure and the fluorinated moiety was replaced with a more robust linkage. Among this new series, CfO-DPA-714 was discovered as a highly promising TSPO ligand. Herein, a novel series of fluorinated analogues of the latter molecule were synthesized and in vitro characterized, where the pharmacomodulation at the amide position of the molecule was explored. Thirteen compounds were thus prepared from a common key-ester intermediate (synthesized in 7 steps from 4-iodobenzoate - 11% overall yield) and a set of commercially available amines and obtained with moderate to good yields (23-81%) and high purities (>95%). With one exception, all derivatives displayed nanomolar to subnanomolar affinity for the TSPO and also high selectivity versus the CBR (Ki (CBR)/Ki (TSPO) > 103). Within this series, three compounds showed better Ki values (0.25, 0.26 and 0.30 nM) than that of DPA-714 (0.91 nM) and CfO-DPA-714 (0.37 nM), and favorable lipophilicity for brain penetration (3.6 < logD7.4 < 4.4). Among these three compounds, the N-methyl-N-propyl amide analogue (9) exhibited similar metabolic stability when compared to CfO-DPA-714 in mouse, rat and human microsomes. Therefore, the latter compound stands out as a promising candidate for drug development or for use as a PET probe, once fluorine-18-labelled, for in vivo neuroinflammation imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fanny Cacheux
- CEA, I2BM, Service Hospitalier Frédéric Joliot, Orsay, France; Inserm/CEA/Université Paris Sud, UMR 1023, ERL 9218 CNRS, IMIV, Université Paris-Saclay, Orsay, France
| | - Vincent Médran-Navarrete
- CEA, I2BM, Service Hospitalier Frédéric Joliot, Orsay, France; Inserm/CEA/Université Paris Sud, UMR 1023, ERL 9218 CNRS, IMIV, Université Paris-Saclay, Orsay, France
| | - Frédéric Dollé
- CEA, I2BM, Service Hospitalier Frédéric Joliot, Orsay, France; Inserm/CEA/Université Paris Sud, UMR 1023, ERL 9218 CNRS, IMIV, Université Paris-Saclay, Orsay, France
| | | | | | - Annelaure Damont
- CEA, I2BM, Service Hospitalier Frédéric Joliot, Orsay, France; Inserm/CEA/Université Paris Sud, UMR 1023, ERL 9218 CNRS, IMIV, Université Paris-Saclay, Orsay, France.
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Costa B, Da Pozzo E, Cavallini C, Taliani S, Da Settimo F, Martini C. Long Residence Time at the Neurosteroidogenic 18 kDa Translocator Protein Characterizes the Anxiolytic Ligand XBD173. ACS Chem Neurosci 2016; 7:1041-6. [PMID: 27385308 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.6b00149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent data have demonstrated a positive correlation between the residence time (RT) and neurosteroidogenic efficacy of a ligand at the translocator protein (TSPO), an attractive anxyolitic target. To explore the potential impact of RT on TSPO ligand anxiolytic activity, the RT and the steroidogenic activity of XBD173, a ligand exerting anxiolytic activity in humans, were retrospectively evaluated. To this aim, XBD173 association and dissociation rate constants were measured (1.23 × 10(7) M(-1) min(-1) and 0.0079 min(-1), respectively). XBD173 resulted to have a long RT (127 min) and to stimulate efficaciously neurosteroidogenesis, in terms of pregnenolone production. The present findings corroborate the importance of TSPO ligand RT to predict their effective neurosteroidogenic activity and promising anxiolytic action. These positive results prompted us to set up a fast and high-throughput kinetic method to improve the efficiency of RT-based TSPO drug-discovery process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Costa
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, via Bonanno, 6-56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Eleonora Da Pozzo
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, via Bonanno, 6-56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Chiara Cavallini
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, via Bonanno, 6-56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Sabrina Taliani
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, via Bonanno, 6-56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Federico Da Settimo
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, via Bonanno, 6-56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Claudia Martini
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, via Bonanno, 6-56126 Pisa, Italy
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TSPO PIGA Ligands Promote Neurosteroidogenesis and Human Astrocyte Well-Being. Int J Mol Sci 2016; 17:ijms17071028. [PMID: 27367681 PMCID: PMC4964404 DOI: 10.3390/ijms17071028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2016] [Revised: 06/22/2016] [Accepted: 06/23/2016] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The steroidogenic 18 kDa translocator protein (TSPO) is an emerging, attractive therapeutic tool for several pathological conditions of the nervous system. Here, 13 high affinity TSPO ligands belonging to our previously described N,N-dialkyl-2-phenylindol-3-ylglyoxylamide (PIGA) class were evaluated for their potential ability to affect the cellular Oxidative Metabolism Activity/Proliferation index, which is used as a measure of astrocyte well-being. The most active PIGA ligands were also assessed for steroidogenic activity in terms of pregnenolone production, and the values were related to the metabolic index in rat and human models. The results showed a positive correlation between the increase in the Oxidative Metabolism Activity/Proliferation index and the pharmacologically induced stimulation of steroidogenesis. The specific involvement of steroid molecules in mediating the metabolic effects of the PIGA ligands was demonstrated using aminoglutethimide, a specific inhibitor of the first step of steroid biosynthesis. The most promising steroidogenic PIGA ligands were the 2-naphthyl derivatives that showed a long residence time to the target, in agreement with our previous data. In conclusion, TSPO ligand-induced neurosteroidogenesis was involved in astrocyte well-being.
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Daniele S, La Pietra V, Barresi E, Di Maro S, Da Pozzo E, Robello M, La Motta C, Cosconati S, Taliani S, Marinelli L, Novellino E, Martini C, Da Settimo F. Lead Optimization of 2-Phenylindolylglyoxylyldipeptide Murine Double Minute (MDM)2/Translocator Protein (TSPO) Dual Inhibitors for the Treatment of Gliomas. J Med Chem 2016; 59:4526-38. [PMID: 27050782 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.5b01767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
In glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), translocator protein (TSPO) and murine double minute (MDM)2/p53 complex represent two druggable targets. We recently reported the first dual binder 3 possessing a higher anticancer effect in GBM cells than the standards PK11195 1 or Nutlin-3 2 singularly applied. Herein, through a structure-activity relationship study, we developed derivatives 4-10 with improved potencies toward both TSPO and MDM2. As a result, compound 9: (i) reactivated the p53 functionality; (ii) inhibited the viability of two human GBM cells; (iii) impaired the proliferation of glioma cancer stem cells (CSCs), more resistant to chemotherapeutics and responsible of GBM recurrence; (iv) sensitized GBM cells and CSCs to the activity of temozolomide; (v) directed its effects preferentially toward tumor cells with respect to healthy ones. Thus, 9 may represent a promising cytotoxic agent, which is worthy of being further developed for a therapeutic approach against GBM, where the downstream p53 signaling is intact and TSPO is overexpressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Daniele
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa , Pisa 56126, Italy
| | - Valeria La Pietra
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II , Via Montesano 49, Naples 80131, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Marco Robello
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa , Pisa 56126, Italy
| | | | | | - Sabrina Taliani
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa , Pisa 56126, Italy
| | - Luciana Marinelli
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II , Via Montesano 49, Naples 80131, Italy
| | - Ettore Novellino
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II , Via Montesano 49, Naples 80131, Italy
| | - Claudia Martini
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa , Pisa 56126, Italy
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Santoro A, Mattace Raso G, Taliani S, Da Pozzo E, Simorini F, Costa B, Martini C, Laneri S, Sacchi A, Cosimelli B, Calignano A, Da Settimo F, Meli R. TSPO-ligands prevent oxidative damage and inflammatory response in C6 glioma cells by neurosteroid synthesis. Eur J Pharm Sci 2016; 88:124-31. [PMID: 27094781 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejps.2016.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2016] [Revised: 04/01/2016] [Accepted: 04/05/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Translocator protein 18kDa (TSPO) is predominantly located in the mitochondrial outer membrane, playing an important role in steroidogenesis, inflammation, cell survival and proliferation. Its expression in central nervous system, mainly in glial cells, has been found to be upregulated in neuropathology, and brain injury. In this study, we investigated the anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory effects of a group of TSPO ligands from the N,N-dialkyl-2-phenylindol-3-ylglyoxylamide class (PIGAs), highlighting the involvement of neurosteroids in their pharmacological effects. To this aim we used a well-known in vitro model of neurosteroidogenesis: the astrocytic C6 glioma cell line, where TSPO expression and localization, as well as cell response to TSPO ligand treatment, have been established. All PIGAs reduced l-buthionine-(S,R)-sulfoximine (BSO)-driven cell cytotoxicity and lipid peroxidation. Moreover, an anti-inflammatory effect was observed due to the reduction of inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase-2 induction in LPS/IFNγ challenged cells. Both effects were blunted by aminoglutethimide (AMG), an inhibitor of pregnenolone synthesis, suggesting neurosteroids' involvement in PIGA protective mechanism. Finally, pregnenolone evaluation in PIGA exposed cells revealed an increase in its synthesis, which was prevented by AMG pre-treatment. These findings indicate that these TSPO ligands reduce oxidative stress and pro-inflammatory enzymes in glial cells through the de novo synthesis of neurosteroids, suggesting that these compounds could be potential new therapeutic tools for the treatment of inflammatory-based neuropathologies with beneficial effects possibly comparable to steroids, but potentially avoiding the negative side effects of long-term therapies with steroid hormones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Santoro
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Mattace Raso
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Sabrina Taliani
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | | | | | - Barbara Costa
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Claudia Martini
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Sonia Laneri
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Antonia Sacchi
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Barbara Cosimelli
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Antonio Calignano
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Rosaria Meli
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy.
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Bruno A, Aiello F, Costantino G, Radi M. Homology Modeling, Validation and Dynamics of the G Protein-coupled Estrogen Receptor 1 (GPER-1). Mol Inform 2016; 35:333-9. [PMID: 27546037 DOI: 10.1002/minf.201501024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2015] [Accepted: 03/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Estrogens exert their action mainly by binding three receptors, namely estrogen receptors α and β (ERα and ERβ) and GPER-1 (G-protein coupled estrogen receptor 1). While the patho-physiological role of both ERα and ERβ has been deeply investigated, the role of GPER-1 in estrogens' signaling has not been clearly defined yet. Unfortunately, only few GPER-1 selective ligands were discovered so far, and the real efficiency of such compounds is still matter of debate. To better understand the physiological relevance of GPER-1, new selective chemical probes are higly needed. In this scenario, we report herein the generation and validation of a three-dimensional (3-D) GPER-1 homology model by means of docking studies and molecular dynamics simulations. The model thus generated was employed to (i) decipher the structural basis underlying the ability of estrogens and some Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators (SERMs) to bind GPER-1 and classical ERα and ERβ, and (ii) generate a reliable G1/GPER-1 complex useful in rationalizing the pharmacological profile of G1 reported in the literature. The G1/GPER-1 complex herein reported could be further exploited in drug design approaches aimed at improving the pharmacological profile of G1 or at identifying new chemical entities (NCEs) as potential modulators of GPER-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agostino Bruno
- P4T Group, Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Parma, Viale delle Scienze, 27/A, 43124, Parma, Italy .
| | - Francesca Aiello
- Dipartimento di Farmacia e Sienze della Salute e della Nutrizione, Università della Calabria, Edificio Polifunzionale, 87036, Arcavacata di Rende (CS, Italy
| | - Gabriele Costantino
- P4T Group, Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Parma, Viale delle Scienze, 27/A, 43124, Parma, Italy
| | - Marco Radi
- P4T Group, Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Parma, Viale delle Scienze, 27/A, 43124, Parma, Italy .
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Costa B, Da Pozzo E, Giacomelli C, Barresi E, Taliani S, Da Settimo F, Martini C. TSPO ligand residence time: a new parameter to predict compound neurosteroidogenic efficacy. Sci Rep 2016; 6:18164. [PMID: 26750656 PMCID: PMC4707509 DOI: 10.1038/srep18164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2015] [Accepted: 11/13/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The pharmacological activation of the cholesterol-binding Translocator Protein (TSPO) leads to an increase of endogenous steroids and neurosteroids determining benefic pleiotropic effects in several pathological conditions, including anxiety disorders. The relatively poor relationship between TSPO ligand binding affinities and steroidogenic efficacies prompted us to investigate the time (Residence Time, RT) that a number of compounds with phenylindolylglyoxylamide structure (PIGAs) spends in contact with the target. Here, given the poor availability of TSPO ligand kinetic parameters, a kinetic radioligand binding assay was set up and validated for RT determination using a theoretical mathematical model successfully applied to other ligand-target systems. TSPO ligand RT was quantified and the obtained results showed a positive correlation between the period for which a drug interacts with TSPO and the compound ability to stimulate steroidogenesis. Specifically, the TSPO ligand RT significantly fitted both with steroidogenic efficacy (Emax) and with area under the dose-response curve, a parameter combining drug potency and efficacy. A positive relation between RT and anxiolytic activity of three compounds was evidenced. In conclusion, RT could be a relevant parameter to predict the steroidogenic efficacy and the in vivo anxiolytic action of new TSPO ligands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Costa
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, via Bonanno, 6-56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Eleonora Da Pozzo
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, via Bonanno, 6-56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Chiara Giacomelli
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, via Bonanno, 6-56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Barresi
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, via Bonanno, 6-56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Sabrina Taliani
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, via Bonanno, 6-56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Federico Da Settimo
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, via Bonanno, 6-56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Claudia Martini
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, via Bonanno, 6-56126 Pisa, Italy
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