1
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Zi Z, Rao Y. Discoveries of GPR39 as an evolutionarily conserved receptor for bile acids and of its involvement in biliary acute pancreatitis. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadj0146. [PMID: 38306436 PMCID: PMC10836733 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adj0146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/04/2024]
Abstract
Acute pancreatitis (AP) is one of the most common gastrointestinal diseases. Bile acids (BAs) were proposed to be a cause of AP nearly 170 years ago, though the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we report that two G protein-coupled receptors, GPR39 and GHSR, mediated cellular responses to BAs. Our results revealed GPR39 as an evolutionarily conserved receptor for BAs, particularly 3-O-sulfated lithocholic acids. In cultured cell lines, GPR39 is sufficient for BA-induced Ca2+ elevation. In pancreatic acinar cells, GPR39 mediated BA-induced Ca2+ elevation and necrosis. Furthermore, AP induced by BAs was significantly reduced in GPR39 knockout mice. Our findings provide in vitro and in vivo evidence demonstrating that GPR39 is necessary and sufficient to mediate BA signaling, highlighting its involvement in biliary AP pathogenesis, and suggesting it as a promising therapeutic target for biliary AP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhentao Zi
- Chinese Institutes for Medical Research, Beijing (CIMR, Beijing) and the State Key Laboratory of Digestive Health, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, PKU-IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, School of Life Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Chemical Biology, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Yi Rao
- Chinese Institutes for Medical Research, Beijing (CIMR, Beijing) and the State Key Laboratory of Digestive Health, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, PKU-IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, School of Life Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Chemical Biology, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Changping Laboratory, Chinese Institute of Brain Research Beijing and Research Unit of Medical Neurobiology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 102206, China
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2
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Doboszewska U, Maret W, Wlaź P. GPR39: An orphan receptor begging for ligands. Drug Discov Today 2024; 29:103861. [PMID: 38122967 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2023.103861] [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: 08/18/2023] [Revised: 12/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Progress in the understanding of the receptor GPR39 is held up by inconsistent pharmacological data. First, the endogenous ligand(s) remain(s) contentious. Data pointing to zinc ions (Zn2+) and/or eicosanoids as endogenous ligands are a matter of debate. Second, there are uncertainties in the specificity of the widely used synthetic ligand (agonist) TC-G 1008. Third, activation of GPR39 has been often proposed as a novel treatment strategy, but new data also support that inhibition might be beneficial in certain disease contexts. Constitutive activity/promiscuous signaling suggests the need for antagonists/inverse agonists in addition to (biased) agonists. Here, we scrutinize data on the signaling and functions of GPR39 and critically assess factors that might have contributed to divergent outcomes and interpretations of investigations on this important receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Urszula Doboszewska
- Department of Pharmacobiology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Medyczna 9, PL 30-688 Kraków, Poland
| | - Wolfgang Maret
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, School of Life Course and Population Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, London SE1 9NH, UK
| | - Piotr Wlaź
- Department of Animal Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Akademicka 19, PL 20-033 Lublin, Poland.
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3
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Wu Q, Han J, Huang J, Zhang H, Ren M, Zhang X, Fu Z. Asymmetric synthesis of chiral pyrazolo[3,4- b]pyridin-6-ones under carbene catalysis. Org Biomol Chem 2023; 21:6898-6902. [PMID: 37581413 DOI: 10.1039/d3ob01057k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/16/2023]
Abstract
A structurally diverse set of chiral pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-6-ones was efficiently prepared in excellent yields with excellent enantioselectivities via N-heterocyclic carbene-catalyzed oxidative [3 + 3] annulation of enals with pyrazol-5-amines. The reaction features mild reaction conditions, a broad substrate scope, and easy scale-up.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianqian Wu
- Institute of Advanced Materials, Nanjing Tech University, 30 South Puzhu Road, Nanjing 211816, China.
| | - Jinna Han
- Institute of Advanced Materials, Nanjing Tech University, 30 South Puzhu Road, Nanjing 211816, China.
| | - Jie Huang
- Institute of Advanced Materials, Nanjing Tech University, 30 South Puzhu Road, Nanjing 211816, China.
| | - Hailong Zhang
- Institute of Advanced Materials, Nanjing Tech University, 30 South Puzhu Road, Nanjing 211816, China.
| | - Min Ren
- Institute of Advanced Materials, Nanjing Tech University, 30 South Puzhu Road, Nanjing 211816, China.
| | - Xiaoxiang Zhang
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center of Efficient Processing and Utilization of Forest Resources, College of Chemical Engineering, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
| | - Zhenqian Fu
- Institute of Advanced Materials, Nanjing Tech University, 30 South Puzhu Road, Nanjing 211816, China.
- Ningbo Institute, Chongqing Technology Innovation Center, Frontiers Science Center for Flexible Electronics (FSCFE), Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an 710072, China
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4
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Morales-Manrique C, Baquero EA, Guevara-Pulido J. Recent Advances in the Synthesis of 3,4-Dihydropyran-2-Ones Organocatalyzed by N-Heterocyclic Carbenes. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28093743. [PMID: 37175154 PMCID: PMC10179788 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28093743] [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: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, N-heterocyclic carbenes (NHC) have gained recognition as versatile molecules capable of acting as organocatalysts in various reactions, particularly through the activation of aldehydes via Breslow-type adducts. This organocatalytic activation has enabled the production of numerous 3,4-dihydropyran-2-ones and related derivatives. In this review, we provide an overview of the production of 3,4-dihydropyran-2-ones and derivatives via organocatalytic processes involving NHCs over the past eight years. These processes involve the use of a diverse range of substrates, catalysts, and reaction conditions, which can be classified into [4+2]-and [3+3]-type cycloadditions, primarily aimed at synthesizing this skeleton due to its biological activity and multiple stereocenters. These processes are scaled up to the gram scale, and the resulting products are often directed towards epimerization and functionalization to produce more complex molecules with potential applications in the biological field. Finally, we provide a perspective and the future directions of this topic in organic synthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camilo Morales-Manrique
- Estado Sólido y Catálisis Ambiental (ESCA), Departamento de Química, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Carrera 30 No. 45-03, Bogotá 111321, Colombia
- INQA, Química Farmacéutica, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad El Bosque, Bogotá 11001, Colombia
| | - Edwin A Baquero
- Estado Sólido y Catálisis Ambiental (ESCA), Departamento de Química, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Carrera 30 No. 45-03, Bogotá 111321, Colombia
| | - James Guevara-Pulido
- INQA, Química Farmacéutica, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad El Bosque, Bogotá 11001, Colombia
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5
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Doboszewska U, Socała K, Pieróg M, Nieoczym D, Sawicki J, Szafarz M, Gawel K, Rafało-Ulińska A, Sajnóg A, Wyska E, Esguerra CV, Szewczyk B, Maćkowiak M, Barałkiewicz D, Mlyniec K, Nowak G, Sowa I, Wlaź P. TC-G 1008 facilitates epileptogenesis by acting selectively at the GPR39 receptor but non-selectively activates CREB in the hippocampus of pentylenetetrazole-kindled mice. Cell Mol Life Sci 2023; 80:133. [PMID: 37185787 PMCID: PMC10130118 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-023-04766-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
The pharmacological activation of the GPR39 receptor has been proposed as a novel strategy for treating seizures; however, this hypothesis has not been verified experimentally. TC-G 1008 is a small molecule agonist increasingly used to study GPR39 receptor function but has not been validated using gene knockout. Our aim was to assess whether TC-G 1008 produces anti-seizure/anti-epileptogenic effects in vivo and whether the effects are mediated by GPR39. To obtain this goal we utilized various animal models of seizures/epileptogenesis and GPR39 knockout mice model. Generally, TC-G 1008 exacerbated behavioral seizures. Furthermore, it increased the mean duration of local field potential recordings in response to pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) in zebrafish larvae. It facilitated the development of epileptogenesis in the PTZ-induced kindling model of epilepsy in mice. We demonstrated that TC-G 1008 aggravated PTZ-epileptogenesis by selectively acting at GPR39. However, a concomitant analysis of the downstream effects on the cyclic-AMP-response element binding protein in the hippocampus of GPR39 knockout mice suggested that the molecule also acts via other targets. Our data argue against GPR39 activation being a viable therapeutic strategy for treating epilepsy and suggest investigating whether TC-G 1008 is a selective agonist of the GPR39 receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Urszula Doboszewska
- Department of Animal Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, Maria Curie-Sklodowska University, Akademicka 19, 20-033, Lublin, Poland.
- Department of Pharmacobiology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Medyczna 9, 30-688, Kraków, Poland.
| | - Katarzyna Socała
- Department of Animal Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, Maria Curie-Sklodowska University, Akademicka 19, 20-033, Lublin, Poland
| | - Mateusz Pieróg
- Department of Animal Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, Maria Curie-Sklodowska University, Akademicka 19, 20-033, Lublin, Poland
| | - Dorota Nieoczym
- Department of Animal Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, Maria Curie-Sklodowska University, Akademicka 19, 20-033, Lublin, Poland
| | - Jan Sawicki
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Medical University of Lublin, Chodźki 4A, 20-093, Lublin, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Szafarz
- Department of Pharmacokinetics and Physical Pharmacy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Medyczna 9, 30-688, Kraków, Poland
| | - Kinga Gawel
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Lublin, Jaczewskiego 8B, 20-090, Lublin, Poland
| | - Anna Rafało-Ulińska
- Department of Neurobiology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Smętna 12, 31-343, Kraków, Poland
| | - Adam Sajnóg
- Department of Trace Analysis, Adam Mickiewicz University, Uniwersytetu Poznańskiego 8, 61-614, Poznań, Poland
| | - Elżbieta Wyska
- Department of Pharmacokinetics and Physical Pharmacy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Medyczna 9, 30-688, Kraków, Poland
| | - Camila V Esguerra
- Chemical Neuroscience Group, Centre for Molecular Medicine Norway, University of Oslo, Gaustadalléen 21, Forskningsparken, 0349, Oslo, Norway
| | - Bernadeta Szewczyk
- Department of Neurobiology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Smętna 12, 31-343, Kraków, Poland
| | - Marzena Maćkowiak
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Brain Biostructure, Department of Pharmacology, Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Smętna 12, 31-343, Kraków, Poland
| | - Danuta Barałkiewicz
- Department of Trace Analysis, Adam Mickiewicz University, Uniwersytetu Poznańskiego 8, 61-614, Poznań, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Mlyniec
- Department of Pharmacobiology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Medyczna 9, 30-688, Kraków, Poland
| | - Gabriel Nowak
- Department of Pharmacobiology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Medyczna 9, 30-688, Kraków, Poland
| | - Ireneusz Sowa
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Medical University of Lublin, Chodźki 4A, 20-093, Lublin, Poland
| | - Piotr Wlaź
- Department of Animal Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, Maria Curie-Sklodowska University, Akademicka 19, 20-033, Lublin, Poland
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6
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Cao B, Wang J, Feng J. Signaling pathway mechanisms of neurological diseases induced by G protein-coupled receptor 39. CNS Neurosci Ther 2023; 29:1470-1483. [PMID: 36942516 PMCID: PMC10173710 DOI: 10.1111/cns.14174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND G protein-coupled receptor 39 (GPR39) is a transmembrane zinc receptor with two splice variants, which belongs to the G-protein-coupled receptor growth hormone-releasing peptide family. Its expression is induced by zinc, which activates GPR39, and its activation mediates cell proliferation, ion homeostasis, and anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and other pathophysiological effects via different signaling pathways. AIMS The article reviews the latest literature in this field. In particular, the role of GPR39 in nervous system is discussed. MATERIALS AND METHODS GPR39 can be a promising target in neurological diseases for targeted therapy, which will help doctors overcome the associated problems. DISCUSSION GPR39 is expressed in vivo at several sites. Increasing evidence suggests that GPR39 plays an important role as a neuroprotective agent in vivo and regulates various neurological functions, including neurodegeneration, neuroelectrophysiology, and neurovascular homeostasis. CONCLUSION This review aims to provide an overview of the functions, signal transduction pathways, and pathophysiological role of GPR39 in neurological diseases and summarize the GPR39 agonists that have been identified in the recent years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Cao
- Department of Neurology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Jue Wang
- Department of Neurology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Juan Feng
- Department of Neurology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
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7
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Dietary Zinc Differentially Regulates the Effects of the GPR39 Receptor Agonist, TC-G 1008, in the Maximal Electroshock Seizure Test and Pentylenetetrazole-Kindling Model of Epilepsy. Cells 2023; 12:cells12020264. [PMID: 36672199 PMCID: PMC9856893 DOI: 10.3390/cells12020264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2022] [Revised: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The G-protein coupled receptor 39 (GPR39) is gaining increasing attention as a target for future drugs, yet there are gaps in the understanding of its pharmacology. Zinc is an endogenous agonist or an allosteric modulator, while TC-G 1008 is a synthetic, small molecule agonist. Zinc is also a positive allosteric modulator for the activity of TC-G 1008 at GPR39. Activation of GPR39 by TC-G 1008 facilitated the development of epileptogenesis in the pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced kindling model of epilepsy. Congruently, TC-G 1008 decreased the seizure threshold in the maximal electroshock seizure threshold (MEST) test. Here, we investigated the effects of TC-G 1008 under the condition of zinc deficiency. Mice were fed a zinc-adequate diet (ZnA, 50 mg Zn/kg) or a zinc-deficient diet (ZnD, 3 mg Zn/kg) for 4 weeks. Following 4 weeks of dietary zinc restriction, TC-G 1008 was administered as a single dose and the MEST test was performed. Additional groups of mice began the PTZ-kindling model during which TC-G 1008 was administered repeatedly and the diet was continued. TC-G 1008 administered acutely decreased the seizure threshold in the MEST test in mice fed the ZnD diet but not in mice fed the ZnA diet. TC-G 1008 administered chronically increased the maximal seizure severity and the percentage of fully kindled mice in those fed the ZnA diet, but not in mice fed the ZnD diet. Our data showed that the amount of zinc in a diet is a factor contributing to the effects of TC-G 1008 in vivo.
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8
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Functions of the Zinc-Sensing Receptor GPR39 in Regulating Intestinal Health in Animals. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232012133. [PMID: 36292986 PMCID: PMC9602648 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232012133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Revised: 10/08/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
G protein-coupled receptor 39 (GPR39) is a zinc-sensing receptor (ZnR) that can sense changes in extracellular Zn2+, mediate Zn2+ signal transmission, and participate in the regulation of numerous physiological activities in living organisms. For example, GPR39 activates the extracellular signal-regulated kinase/mitogen-activated protein kinase (ERK/MAPK) and phosphatidylinositol3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/AKT) signaling pathways upon Zn2+ stimulation, enhances the proliferation and differentiation of colonic cells, and regulates ion transport, as well as exerting other functions. In recent years, with the increased attention to animal gut health issues and the intensive research on GPR39, GPR39 has become a potential target for regulating animal intestinal health. On the one hand, GPR39 is involved in regulating ion transport in the animal intestine, mediating the Cl− efflux by activating the K+/Cl− synergistic protein transporter, and relieving diarrhea symptoms. On the other hand, GPR39 can maintain the homeostasis of the animal intestine, promoting pH restoration in colonic cells, regulating gastric acid secretion, and facilitating nutrient absorption. In addition, GPR39 can affect the expression of tight junction proteins in intestinal epithelial cells, improving the barrier function of the animal intestinal mucosa, and maintaining the integrity of the intestine. This review summarizes the structure and signaling transduction processes involving GPR39 and the effect of GPR39 on the regulation of intestinal health in animals, with the aim of further highlighting the role of GPR39 in regulating animal intestinal health and providing new directions and ideas for studying the prevention and treatment of animal intestinal diseases.
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9
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Synthesis and SAR of novel GPR39 Agonists and Positive Allosteric Modulators. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2022; 61:128607. [PMID: 35123006 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2022.128607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Revised: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
We report a significant decrease in transcription of the G protein-coupled receptor GPR39 in striatal neurons of Parkinson's disease patients compared to healthy controls, suggesting that a positive modulator of GPR39 may beneficially impact neuroprotection. To test this notion, we developed various structurally diverse tool molecules. While we elaborated on previously reported starting points, we also performed an in silico screen which led to completely novel pharmacophores. In vitro studies indicated that GPR39 agonism does not have a profound effect on neuroprotection.
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10
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Bender BJ, Gahbauer S, Luttens A, Lyu J, Webb CM, Stein RM, Fink EA, Balius TE, Carlsson J, Irwin JJ, Shoichet BK. A practical guide to large-scale docking. Nat Protoc 2021; 16:4799-4832. [PMID: 34561691 PMCID: PMC8522653 DOI: 10.1038/s41596-021-00597-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 184] [Impact Index Per Article: 61.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Structure-based docking screens of large compound libraries have become common in early drug and probe discovery. As computer efficiency has improved and compound libraries have grown, the ability to screen hundreds of millions, and even billions, of compounds has become feasible for modest-sized computer clusters. This allows the rapid and cost-effective exploration and categorization of vast chemical space into a subset enriched with potential hits for a given target. To accomplish this goal at speed, approximations are used that result in undersampling of possible configurations and inaccurate predictions of absolute binding energies. Accordingly, it is important to establish controls, as are common in other fields, to enhance the likelihood of success in spite of these challenges. Here we outline best practices and control docking calculations that help evaluate docking parameters for a given target prior to undertaking a large-scale prospective screen, with exemplification in one particular target, the melatonin receptor, where following this procedure led to direct docking hits with activities in the subnanomolar range. Additional controls are suggested to ensure specific activity for experimentally validated hit compounds. These guidelines should be useful regardless of the docking software used. Docking software described in the outlined protocol (DOCK3.7) is made freely available for academic research to explore new hits for a range of targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian J Bender
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California-San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Stefan Gahbauer
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California-San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Andreas Luttens
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Jiankun Lyu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California-San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Chase M Webb
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California-San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Reed M Stein
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California-San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Elissa A Fink
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California-San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Trent E Balius
- NCI RAS Initiative, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Jens Carlsson
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - John J Irwin
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California-San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Brian K Shoichet
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California-San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
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11
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The expression and clinical significance of GPR39 in colon cancer. Ir J Med Sci 2021; 191:1577-1585. [PMID: 34586565 DOI: 10.1007/s11845-021-02792-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer and requires more prognostic biomarkers for precise treatment. GPR39 is a GPCR which can interact with Zn and modulate the colonocytes' survival. The clinical significance of GPR39 in colon cancer has never been reported. MATERIALS In our study, we compared GPR39 expression between colon cancers and tumor-adjacent tissues by retrieving TCGA data and detected the expression of GPR39 in colon cancers with qPCR and immunohistochemistry. The clinical significance of GPR39 was evaluated by analyzing the correlations with clinicopathological factors with the chi-square test. The prognostic significance of GPR39 was estimated with univariate and multivariate analyses. The expression of several other biomarkers including PPARG, EPCAM, and PD-L1 was investigated by re-analyzing TCGA data, qPCR, and IHC. The prognostic value of PPARG, EPCAM, and PD-L1 was also estimated with univariate analysis. RESULTS In both TCGA database and our 15 colon cancer pairs, GPR39 expression was significantly upregulated in colon cancer tissues. GPR39 was an independent prognostic biomarker in colon cancer for poor prognosis. With TCGA data re-analysis, qPCR, and IHC, we showed that GPR39 expression was significantly correlated with the expression of EPCAM and PD-L1, but not PPARG. EPCAM and PD-L1 were also unfavorable prognostic biomarkers of colon cancer. CONCLUSIONS GPR39 was upregulated in colon cancer tissues compared with tumor-adjacent tissues. GPR39 was an independent prognostic biomarker in colon cancer for poor prognosis. EPCAM and PD-L1 were substantially associated with GPR39 expression, and they were also identified as prognostic biomarkers in colon cancers.
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12
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Xu Y, Barnes AP, Alkayed NJ. Role of GPR39 in Neurovascular Homeostasis and Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:8200. [PMID: 34360964 PMCID: PMC8346997 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22158200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2021] [Revised: 07/24/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
GPR39, a member of the ghrelin family of G protein-coupled receptors, is zinc-responsive and contributes to the regulation of diverse neurovascular and neurologic functions. Accumulating evidence suggests a role as a homeostatic regulator of neuronal excitability, vascular tone, and the immune response. We review GPR39 structure, function, and signaling, including constitutive activity and biased signaling, and summarize its expression pattern in the central nervous system. We further discuss its recognized role in neurovascular, neurological, and neuropsychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifan Xu
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA;
| | - Anthony P. Barnes
- Knight Cardiovascular Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA;
| | - Nabil J. Alkayed
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA;
- Knight Cardiovascular Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA;
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13
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Laitakari A, Liu L, Frimurer TM, Holst B. The Zinc-Sensing Receptor GPR39 in Physiology and as a Pharmacological Target. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22083872. [PMID: 33918078 PMCID: PMC8070507 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22083872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Revised: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The G-protein coupled receptor GPR39 is abundantly expressed in various tissues and can be activated by changes in extracellular Zn2+ in physiological concentrations. Previously, genetically modified rodent models have been able to shed some light on the physiological functions of GPR39, and more recently the utilization of novel synthetic agonists has led to the unraveling of several new functions in the variety of tissues GPR39 is expressed. Indeed, GPR39 seems to be involved in many important metabolic and endocrine functions, but also to play a part in inflammation, cardiovascular diseases, saliva secretion, bone formation, male fertility, addictive and depression disorders and cancer. These new discoveries offer opportunities for the development of novel therapeutic approaches against many diseases where efficient therapeutics are still lacking. This review focuses on Zn2+ as an endogenous ligand as well as on the novel synthetic agonists of GPR39, placing special emphasis on the recently discovered physiological functions and discusses their pharmacological potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Laitakari
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark; (A.L.); (L.L.); (T.M.F.)
| | - Lingzhi Liu
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark; (A.L.); (L.L.); (T.M.F.)
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Thomas M. Frimurer
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark; (A.L.); (L.L.); (T.M.F.)
| | - Birgitte Holst
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark; (A.L.); (L.L.); (T.M.F.)
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
- Correspondence:
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14
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Grunddal KV, Diep TA, Petersen N, Tough IR, Skov LJ, Liu L, Buijink JA, Mende F, Jin C, Jepsen SL, Sørensen LME, Achiam MP, Strandby RB, Bach A, Hartmann B, Frimurer TM, Hjorth SA, Bouvier M, Cox H, Holst B. Selective release of gastrointestinal hormones induced by an orally active GPR39 agonist. Mol Metab 2021; 49:101207. [PMID: 33711555 PMCID: PMC8042403 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmet.2021.101207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2020] [Revised: 03/03/2021] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Obesity is a complex disease associated with a high risk of comorbidities. Gastric bypass surgery, an invasive procedure with low patient eligibility, is currently the most effective intervention that achieves sustained weight loss. This beneficial effect is attributed to alterations in gut hormone signaling. An attractive alternative is to pharmacologically mimic the effects of bariatric surgery by targeting several gut hormonal axes. The G protein-coupled receptor 39 (GPR39) expressed in the gastrointestinal tract has been shown to mediate ghrelin signaling and control appetite, food intake, and energy homeostasis, but the broader effect on gut hormones is largely unknown. A potent and efficacious GPR39 agonist (Cpd1324) was recently discovered, but the in vivo function was not addressed. Herein we studied the efficacy of the GPR39 agonist, Cpd1324, on metabolism and gut hormone secretion. METHODS Body weight, food intake, and energy expenditure in GPR39 agonist-treated mice and GPR39 KO mice were studied in calorimetric cages. Plasma ghrelin, glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP), glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), and peptide YY (PYY) levels were measured. Organoids generated from murine and human small intestine and mouse colon were used to study GLP-1 and PYY release. Upon GPR39 agonist administration, dynamic changes in intracellular GLP-1 content were studied via immunostaining and changes in ion transport across colonic mucosa were monitored in Ussing chambers. The G protein activation underlying GPR39-mediated selective release of gut hormones was studied using bioluminescence resonance energy transfer biosensors. RESULTS The GPR39 KO mice displayed a significantly increased food intake without corresponding increases in respiratory exchange ratios or energy expenditure. Oral administration of a GPR39 agonist induced an acute decrease in food intake and subsequent weight loss in high-fat diet (HFD)-fed mice without affecting their energy expenditure. The tool compound, Cpd1324, increased GLP-1 secretion in the mice as well as in mouse and human intestinal organoids, but not in GPR39 KO mouse organoids. In contrast, the GPR39 agonist had no effect on PYY or GIP secretion. Transepithelial ion transport was acutely affected by GPR39 agonism in a GLP-1- and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP)-dependent manner. Analysis of Cpd1324 signaling properties showed activation of Gαq and Gαi/o signaling pathways in L cells, but not Gαs signaling. CONCLUSIONS The GPR39 agonist described in this study can potentially be used by oral administration as a weight-lowering agent due to its stimulatory effect on GLP-1 secretion, which is most likely mediated through a unique activation of Gα subunits. Thus, GPR39 agonism may represent a novel approach to effectively treat obesity through selective modulation of gastrointestinal hormonal axes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaare V Grunddal
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Thi A Diep
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200, Copenhagen, Denmark; Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3, 2200, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Natalia Petersen
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3, 2200, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Iain R Tough
- Wolfson Center for Age-Related Diseases, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, SE1 1UL, UK
| | - Louise J Skov
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200, Copenhagen, Denmark; Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3, 2200, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lingzhi Liu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200, Copenhagen, Denmark; Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3, 2200, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jesse A Buijink
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3, 2200, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Franziska Mende
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3, 2200, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Chunyu Jin
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Sara L Jepsen
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200, Copenhagen, Denmark; Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3, 2200, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Louis M E Sørensen
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, 2100, Denmark
| | - Michael P Achiam
- Department of Surgical Gastroenterology, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Rune B Strandby
- Department of Surgical Gastroenterology, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anders Bach
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, 2100, Denmark
| | - Bolette Hartmann
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Thomas M Frimurer
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3, 2200, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Siv A Hjorth
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3, 2200, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Michel Bouvier
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer, Molecular Pharmacology Research Unit, University of Montréal, Marcelle-Coutu Bureau Pavilion 1306-3, Montréal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Helen Cox
- Wolfson Center for Age-Related Diseases, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, SE1 1UL, UK
| | - Birgitte Holst
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200, Copenhagen, Denmark; Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3, 2200, Copenhagen, Denmark.
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15
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Zhang L, Song J, Zang Z, Tang H, Li W, Lai S, Deng C. Adaptive evolution of GPR39 in diverse directions in vertebrates. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2020; 299:113610. [PMID: 32916170 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2020.113610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2020] [Revised: 08/27/2020] [Accepted: 08/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) play an important role in physiology and disease and represent productive drug targets. Orphan GPCRs, which have unknown endogenous ligands, are considered drug targets and consequently have attracted great interest in identifying their endogenous cognate ligands for deorphanization. However, additional studies have shown that GPCRs, including many orphan GPCRs, can constitutively activate G protein signaling in a ligand-independent manner. GPR39 is such an orphan GPCR with constitutive activity. Here, we performed a phylogenetic and selection analysis of GPR39 in vertebrates, and we found that GPR39 underwent positive selection in different branches of vertebrates. Using luciferase reporter assays, we demonstrated that human, frog and chicken GPR39 can constitutively activate Gq and G12 signaling pathways in a ligand-independent manner. Zebrafish GPR39 can constitutively activate Gs, Gq and G12 signaling pathways in a ligand-independent manner. We further found that the zebrafish-H2967.35 site is crucial for the activity of the Gs signaling pathway. In addition, our mutagenesis studies indicated that the positive selection sites of GPR39 from different species had important effects on the constitutive activity of the receptor. Our results revealed the adaptive evolution of GPR39 in diverse directions, which led to differences in constitutive activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lina Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Jingjing Song
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Zhuqing Zang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Huihao Tang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Wei Li
- Department of Dermatovenereology, Rare Disease Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37 Guo Xue Xiang Street, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Shanshan Lai
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China.
| | - Cheng Deng
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China.
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16
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Goto K, Nishitsuji H, Sugiyama M, Nishida N, Mizokami M, Shimotohno K. Orchestration of Intracellular Circuits by G Protein-Coupled Receptor 39 for Hepatitis B Virus Proliferation. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21165661. [PMID: 32784555 PMCID: PMC7460832 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21165661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Revised: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 08/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV), a highly persistent pathogen causing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), takes full advantage of host machinery, presenting therapeutic targets. Here we aimed to identify novel druggable host cellular factors using the reporter HBV we have recently generated. In an RNAi screen of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), GPCR39 (GPR39) appeared as the top hit to facilitate HBV proliferation. Lentiviral overexpression of active GPR39 proteins and an agonist enhanced HBV replication and transcriptional activities of viral promoters, inducing the expression of CCAAT/enhancer binding protein (CEBP)-β (CEBPB). Meanwhile, GPR39 was uncovered to activate the heat shock response, upregulating the expression of proviral heat shock proteins (HSPs). In addition, glioma-associated oncogene homologue signaling, a recently reported target of GPR39, was suggested to inhibit HBV replication and eventually suppress expression of CEBPB and HSPs. Thus, GPR39 provirally governed intracellular circuits simultaneously affecting the carcinopathogenetic gene functions. GPR39 and the regulated signaling networks would serve as antiviral targets, and strategies with selective inhibitors of GPR39 functions can develop host-targeted antiviral therapies preventing HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaku Goto
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +81-47-372-3501; Fax: +81-47-375-4766
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17
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Gimeno RE, Briere DA, Seeley RJ. Leveraging the Gut to Treat Metabolic Disease. Cell Metab 2020; 31:679-698. [PMID: 32187525 PMCID: PMC7184629 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmet.2020.02.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2019] [Revised: 11/23/2019] [Accepted: 02/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
25 years ago, the future of treating obesity and diabetes focused on end organs known to be involved in energy balance and glucose regulation, including the brain, muscle, adipose tissue, and pancreas. Today, the most effective therapies are focused around the gut. This includes surgical options, such as vertical sleeve gastrectomy and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, that can produce sustained weight loss and diabetes remission but also extends to pharmacological treatments that simulate or amplify various signals that come from the gut. The purpose of this Review is to discuss the wealth of approaches currently under development that seek to further leverage the gut as a source of novel therapeutic opportunities with the hope that we can achieve the effects of surgical interventions with less invasive and more scalable solutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth E Gimeno
- Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, IN 46225, USA
| | - Daniel A Briere
- Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, IN 46225, USA
| | - Randy J Seeley
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
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18
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Hedegaard MA, Holst B. The Complex Signaling Pathways of the Ghrelin Receptor. Endocrinology 2020; 161:5734640. [PMID: 32049280 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqaa020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2019] [Accepted: 02/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The ghrelin receptor (GhrR) is known for its strong orexigenic effects in pharmacological doses and has long been considered as a promising target for the treatment of obesity. Several antagonists have been developed to decrease the orexigenic signaling, but none of these have been approved for the treatment of obesity because of adverse effects and lack of efficacy. Heterodimerization and biased signaling are important concepts for G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) signaling, and the influence of these aspects on the GhrR may be important for feeding behavior and obesity. GhrR has been described to heterodimerize with other GPCRs, such as the dopamine receptors 1 and 2, leading to a modulation of the signaling properties of both dimerization partners. Another complicating factor of GhrR-mediated signaling is its ability to activate several different signaling pathways on ligand stimulation. Importantly, some ligands have shown to be "biased" or "functionally selective," implying that the ligand favors a particular signaling pathway. These unique signaling properties could have a sizeable impact on the physiological functions of the GhrR system. Importantly, heterodimerization may explain why the GhrR is expressed in areas of the brain that are difficult for peptide ligands to access. One possibility is that the purpose of GhrR expression is to modulate the function of other receptors in addition to merely being independently activated. We suggest that a deeper understanding of the signaling properties of the GhrR will facilitate future drug discovery in the areas of obesity and weight management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morten Adler Hedegaard
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Birgitte Holst
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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19
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Lichitsky BV, Komogortsev AN, Dudinov AA, Krayushkin MM, Khodot EN, Samet AV, Silyanova EA, Konyushkin LD, Karpov AS, Gorses D, Radimerski T, Semenova MN, Kiselyov AS, Semenov VV. Benzimidazolyl-pyrazolo[3,4- b]pyridinones, Selective Inhibitors of MOLT-4 Leukemia Cell Growth and Sea Urchin Embryo Spiculogenesis: Target Quest. ACS COMBINATORIAL SCIENCE 2019; 21:805-816. [PMID: 31689077 DOI: 10.1021/acscombsci.9b00135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
1,3-Substituted pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridinones 11-18 were synthesized by a three-component condensation of Meldrum's acid with aryl aldehydes and 1,3-substituted 5-aminopyrazoles. Their biological activity was evaluated using the in vivo phenotypic sea urchin embryo assay and the in vitro cytotoxicity screen against human cancer cell lines. In the sea urchin embryo model, 1-benzimidazolyl-pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridinones 11 caused inhibition of hatching and spiculogenesis at sub-micromolar concentrations. These compounds also selectively and potently inhibited growth of the MOLT-4 leukemia cell line. Subsequent structure-activity relationship studies determined the benzimidazolyl fragment as an essential pharmacophore for both effects. We applied numerous techniques for target identification. A preliminary QSAR target identification search did not result in tangible leads. Attempts to prepare a relevant photoaffinity probe that retained potency in both assays were not successful. Compounds 11 were further characterized for their activity in a wild-type versus Notch-mutant leukemia cell lines, and in in vitro panels of kinases and matrix metalloproteinases. Using a series of diverse modulators of spiculogenesis as standards, we excluded multiple signaling networks including Notch, Wnt/β-catenin, receptor tyrosine kinases (VEGF/VEGFR, FGF/FGFR), PI3K, and Raf-MEK-ERK as possible targets of 11. On the other hand, matrix metalloproteinase-9/hatching enzyme was identified as one potential target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boris V. Lichitsky
- N. D. Zelinsky Institute of Organic Chemistry, RAS, Leninsky Prospect, 47, 119991 Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Andrey N. Komogortsev
- N. D. Zelinsky Institute of Organic Chemistry, RAS, Leninsky Prospect, 47, 119991 Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Arkady A. Dudinov
- N. D. Zelinsky Institute of Organic Chemistry, RAS, Leninsky Prospect, 47, 119991 Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Mikhail M. Krayushkin
- N. D. Zelinsky Institute of Organic Chemistry, RAS, Leninsky Prospect, 47, 119991 Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Evgenii N. Khodot
- N. D. Zelinsky Institute of Organic Chemistry, RAS, Leninsky Prospect, 47, 119991 Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Alexander V. Samet
- N. D. Zelinsky Institute of Organic Chemistry, RAS, Leninsky Prospect, 47, 119991 Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Eugenia A. Silyanova
- N. D. Zelinsky Institute of Organic Chemistry, RAS, Leninsky Prospect, 47, 119991 Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Leonid D. Konyushkin
- N. D. Zelinsky Institute of Organic Chemistry, RAS, Leninsky Prospect, 47, 119991 Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Alexei S. Karpov
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, CH-4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Delphine Gorses
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, CH-4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Radimerski
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, CH-4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Marina N. Semenova
- N. K. Kol’tsov Institute of Developmental Biology, RAS, Vavilov Street, 26, 119334 Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Alex S. Kiselyov
- Myocea, Inc., 9833 Pacific Heights Blvd., San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Victor V. Semenov
- N. D. Zelinsky Institute of Organic Chemistry, RAS, Leninsky Prospect, 47, 119991 Moscow, Russian Federation
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20
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Systematic Meta-Analysis Identifies Co-Expressed Kinases and GPCRs in Ovarian Cancer Tissues Revealing a Potential for Targeted Kinase Inhibitor Delivery. Pharmaceutics 2019; 11:pharmaceutics11090454. [PMID: 31480803 PMCID: PMC6781325 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics11090454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2019] [Revised: 08/12/2019] [Accepted: 08/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The use of many anticancer drugs is problematic due to severe adverse effects. While the recent clinical launch of several kinase inhibitors led to tremendous progress, these targeted agents tend to be of non-specific nature within the kinase target class. Moreover, target mediated adverse effects limit the exploitation of some very promising kinase targets, including mitotic kinases. A future strategy will be the development of nanocarrier-based systems for the active delivery of kinase inhibitors using cancer specific surface receptors. The G-protein-coupled-receptors (GPCRs) represent the largest cell surface receptor family and some members are known to be frequently overexpressed in various cancer types. In the presented study, we used ovarian cancer tissues as an example to systematically identify concurrently overexpressed GPCRs and kinases. The rationale of this approach will guide the future design of nanoparticles, which will dock to GPCRs on cancer cells via specific ligands and deliver anticancer compounds after receptor mediated internalization. In addition to this, the approach is expected to be most effective by matching the inhibitor profiles of the delivered kinase inhibitors to the observed kinase gene expression profiles. We validated the suggested strategy in a meta-analysis, revealing overexpression of selected GPCRs and kinases in individual samples of a large ovarian cancer data set. The presented data demonstrate a large untapped potential for personalized cancer therapy using high-end targeted nanopharmaceuticals with kinase inhibitors.
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21
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Cuzon Carlson VC, Ford MM, Carlson TL, Lomniczi A, Grant KA, Ferguson B, Cervera-Juanes RP. Modulation of Gpr39, a G-protein coupled receptor associated with alcohol use in non-human primates, curbs ethanol intake in mice. Neuropsychopharmacology 2019; 44:1103-1113. [PMID: 30610192 PMCID: PMC6461847 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-018-0308-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2018] [Revised: 12/13/2018] [Accepted: 12/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a chronic condition with devastating health and socioeconomic effects. Still, pharmacotherapies to treat AUD are scarce. In a prior study aimed at identifying novel AUD therapeutic targets, we investigated the DNA methylome of the nucleus accumbens core (NAcc) of rhesus macaques after chronic alcohol use. The G-protein coupled receptor 39 (GPR39) gene was hypermethylated and its expression downregulated in heavy alcohol drinking macaques. GPR39 encodes a Zn2+-binding metabotropic receptor known to modulate excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmission, the balance of which is altered in AUD. These prior findings suggest that a GPR39 agonist would reduce alcohol intake. Using a drinking-in-the-dark two bottle choice (DID-2BC) model, we showed that an acute 7.5 mg/kg dose of the GPR39 agonist, TC-G 1008, reduced ethanol intake in mice without affecting total fluid intake, locomotor activity or saccharin preference. Furthermore, repeated doses of the agonist prevented ethanol escalation in an intermittent access 2BC paradigm (IA-2BC). This effect was reversible, as ethanol escalation followed agonist "wash out". As observed during the DID-2BC study, a subsequent acute agonist challenge during the IA-2BC procedure reduced ethanol intake by ~47%. Finally, Gpr39 activation was associated with changes in Gpr39 and Bdnf expression, and in glutamate release in the NAcc. Together, our findings suggest that GPR39 is a promising target for the development of prevention and treatment therapies for AUD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Verginia C Cuzon Carlson
- Division of Neuroscience, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health and Sciences University, Beaverton, Oregon, USA
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Matthew M Ford
- Division of Neuroscience, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health and Sciences University, Beaverton, Oregon, USA
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Timothy L Carlson
- Division of Neuroscience, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health and Sciences University, Beaverton, Oregon, USA
| | - Alejandro Lomniczi
- Division of Genetics, Oregon National Primate Research, Oregon Health and Sciences University, Beaverton, Oregon, USA
| | - Kathleen A Grant
- Division of Neuroscience, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health and Sciences University, Beaverton, Oregon, USA
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Betsy Ferguson
- Division of Neuroscience, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health and Sciences University, Beaverton, Oregon, USA
- Division of Genetics, Oregon National Primate Research, Oregon Health and Sciences University, Beaverton, Oregon, USA
- Department of Molecular and Medical Genetics, Oregon Health and Sciences University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Rita P Cervera-Juanes
- Division of Neuroscience, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health and Sciences University, Beaverton, Oregon, USA.
- Division of Genetics, Oregon National Primate Research, Oregon Health and Sciences University, Beaverton, Oregon, USA.
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22
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Abstract
Structures of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) in complex with ligands mainly provide frozen pictures with little information about the actual molecular mechanism of action of the ligand in the normally highly dynamic receptor. Through computer-based molecular dynamics simulations of a receptor for long-chain fatty acids, free fatty acid receptor 1 (FFAR1), we discover that an unoccupied, solvent-exposed pocket closes on removal of the lipid-like agonist; that is, during a major conformational change of the receptor. Importantly, a compound designed to prevent closure of this previously unrecognized, dynamic pocket was identified through structure-based virtual screening and shown to function as an allosteric agonist for the receptor. The study demonstrates that molecular dynamics simulations can be used in drug discovery to identify different modes of stabilizing specific receptor states. The long-chain fatty acid receptor FFAR1/GPR40 binds agonists in both an interhelical site between the extracellular segments of transmembrane helix (TM)-III and TM-IV and a lipid-exposed groove between the intracellular segments of these helices. Molecular dynamics simulations of FFAR1 with agonist removed demonstrated a major rearrangement of the polar and charged anchor point residues for the carboxylic acid moiety of the agonist in the interhelical site, which was associated with closure of a neighboring, solvent-exposed pocket between the extracellular poles of TM-I, TM-II, and TM-VII. A synthetic compound designed to bind in this pocket, and thereby prevent its closure, was identified through structure-based virtual screening and shown to function both as an agonist and as an allosteric modulator of receptor activation. This discovery of an allosteric agonist for a previously unexploited, dynamic pocket in FFAR1 demonstrates both the power of including molecular dynamics in the drug discovery process and that this specific, clinically proven, but difficult, antidiabetes target can be addressed by chemotypes different from existing ligands.
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23
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Pottel J, Levit A, Korczynska M, Fischer M, Shoichet BK. The Recognition of Unrelated Ligands by Identical Proteins. ACS Chem Biol 2018; 13:2522-2533. [PMID: 30095890 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.8b00443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Unrelated ligands, often found in drug discovery campaigns, can bind to the same receptor, even with the same protein residues. To investigate how this might occur, and whether it might be typically possible to find unrelated ligands for the same drug target, we sought examples of topologically unrelated ligands that bound to the same protein in the same site. Seventy-six pairs of ligands, each bound to the same protein (152 complexes total), were considered, classified into three groups. In the first (31 pairs of complexes), unrelated ligands interacted largely with the same pocket residues through different functional groups. In the second group (39 pairs), the unrelated ligand in each pair engaged different residues, though still within the same pocket. The smallest group (6 pairs) contained ligands with different scaffolds but with shared functional groups interacting with the same residues. We found that there are multiple chemically unrelated but physically similar functional groups that can complement any given local protein pocket; when these functional group substitutions are combined within a single molecule, they lead to topologically unrelated ligands that can each well-complement a site. It may be that many active and orthosteric sites can recognize topologically unrelated ligands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua Pottel
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94158, United States
| | - Anat Levit
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94158, United States
| | - Magdalena Korczynska
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94158, United States
| | - Marcus Fischer
- Department of Chemical Biology and Therapeutics & Department of Structural Biology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee 38105, United States
| | - Brian K. Shoichet
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94158, United States
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Hershfinkel M. The Zinc Sensing Receptor, ZnR/GPR39, in Health and Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19020439. [PMID: 29389900 PMCID: PMC5855661 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19020439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2018] [Revised: 01/24/2018] [Accepted: 01/29/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
A distinct G-protein coupled receptor that senses changes in extracellular Zn2+, ZnR/GPR39, was found in cells from tissues in which Zn2+ plays a physiological role. Most prominently, ZnR/GPR39 activity was described in prostate cancer, skin keratinocytes, and colon epithelial cells, where zinc is essential for cell growth, wound closure, and barrier formation. ZnR/GPR39 activity was also described in neurons that are postsynaptic to vesicular Zn2+ release. Activation of ZnR/GPR39 triggers Gαq-dependent signaling and subsequent cellular pathways associated with cell growth and survival. Furthermore, ZnR/GPR39 was shown to regulate the activity of ion transport mechanisms that are essential for the physiological function of epithelial and neuronal cells. Thus, ZnR/GPR39 provides a unique target for therapeutically modifying the actions of zinc in a specific and selective manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michal Hershfinkel
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology and The Zlotowski Center for Neuroscience, Faculty of Health Sciences, POB 653, Ben-Gurion Ave. Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva 84105, Israel.
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Abstract
GPCRs play a pervasive physiological role and, in turn, are the leading target class for pharmaceuticals. Beginning with the determination of the structure of rhodopsin, and dramatically accelerating since the reporting of the first ligand-mediated GPCR X-ray structures, our understanding of the structural and functional characteristics of these proteins has grown dramatically. Deploying this now rapidly emerging information for drug discovery has already been extensively demonstrated through a watershed of studies appearing in numerous scientific reports. Included in these expositions are areas such as sites and characteristics of ligand to GPCR binding, protein activation, effector bias, allosteric mechanisms, dimerization, polypharmacology and others. Computational chemistry studies are demonstrating an increasing role in capitalizing on the structural studies to further advance our understanding of these proteins as well as to drive drug discovery. Such drug discovery activities range from the design of orthosteric site inhibitors through, for example, allosteric modulators, biased ligands, partial agonists and bitopic ligands. Herein, these topics are outlined through specific examples in the hopes of providing a glimpse of the state of the field.
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Trauelsen M, Rexen Ulven E, Hjorth SA, Brvar M, Monaco C, Frimurer TM, Schwartz TW. Receptor structure-based discovery of non-metabolite agonists for the succinate receptor GPR91. Mol Metab 2017; 6:1585-1596. [PMID: 29157600 PMCID: PMC5699910 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmet.2017.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2017] [Revised: 09/14/2017] [Accepted: 09/25/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective Besides functioning as an intracellular metabolite, succinate acts as a stress-induced extracellular signal through activation of GPR91 (SUCNR1) for which we lack suitable pharmacological tools. Methods and results Here we first determined that the cis conformation of the succinate backbone is preferred and that certain backbone modifications are allowed for GPR91 activation. Through receptor modeling over the X-ray structure of the closely related P2Y1 receptor, we discovered that the binding pocket is partly occupied by a segment of an extracellular loop and that succinate therefore binds in a very different mode than generally believed. Importantly, an empty side-pocket is identified next to the succinate binding site. All this information formed the basis for a substructure-based search query, which, combined with molecular docking, was used in virtual screening of the ZINC database to pick two serial mini-libraries of a total of only 245 compounds from which sub-micromolar, selective GPR91 agonists of unique structures were identified. The best compounds were backbone-modified succinate analogs in which an amide-linked hydrophobic moiety docked into the side-pocket next to succinate as shown by both loss- and gain-of-function mutagenesis. These compounds displayed GPR91-dependent activity in altering cytokine expression in human M2 macrophages similar to succinate, and importantly were devoid of any effect on the major intracellular target, succinate dehydrogenase. Conclusions These novel, synthetic non-metabolite GPR91 agonists will be valuable both as pharmacological tools to delineate the GPR91-mediated functions of succinate and as leads for the development of GPR91-targeted drugs to potentially treat low grade metabolic inflammation and diabetic complications such as retinopathy and nephropathy. The GPR91 binding site for succinate is identified with an adjacent empty pocket. The binding pocket structure is used to identify novel synthetic GPR91 agonists. The non-metabolite GPR91 ligands can be used as pharmacological tools and drug leads. Novel compounds demonstrate GPR91 control of cytokine expression in M2 macrophages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mette Trauelsen
- NNF Center for Basic Metabolic Research, Section for Metabolic Receptology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Elisabeth Rexen Ulven
- Department of Physics, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Southern Denmark, Campusvej 55, 5230 Odense M, Denmark
| | - Siv A Hjorth
- Laboratory for Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Matjaz Brvar
- Department of Physics, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Southern Denmark, Campusvej 55, 5230 Odense M, Denmark
| | - Claudia Monaco
- Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, University of Oxford, Roosevelt Drive, Headington, OX3 7FY Oxford, UK
| | - Thomas M Frimurer
- NNF Center for Basic Metabolic Research, Section for Metabolic Receptology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Thue W Schwartz
- NNF Center for Basic Metabolic Research, Section for Metabolic Receptology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark; Laboratory for Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark.
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Metal-free regioselective construction of diazabenzo[e]acephenanthrylene-1,2-dicarboxylates via a phosphine-mediated cycloadditon. Tetrahedron 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tet.2017.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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