1
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Lembo V, Bottegoni G. Systematic Investigation of Dual-Target-Directed Ligands. J Med Chem 2024; 67:10374-10385. [PMID: 38843874 PMCID: PMC11215722 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.4c00838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2024] [Revised: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
Multitarget-directed ligands (MTDLs) are compounds rationally designed to affect multiple targets, aiming for a better therapeutic profile. For over 20 years, MTDLs have garnered increasing attention, the idea being that their full potential would have been achieved, thanks to unprecedented target combinations and advanced medicinal chemistry strategies. This study presents a literature mining effort resulting in a data set of dual-target-directed ligands (DTDLs), the fundamental example of MTDLs. We used this data set to evaluate the rationale behind target selection and the chemical novelty of DTDLs targeting specific protein combinations. Our analysis focused on DTDL targets in terms of biological function, disease association, structure, and chemogenomic traits. We also compared DTDLs with single-target compounds. We found that well-known target pathology associations often guide DTDL design, leveraging existing chemical scaffolds and binding pocket similarities. These findings highlight the current state of the field and suggest substantial untapped potential for rational polypharmacology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vittorio Lembo
- Department
of Biomolecular Sciences, Università
degli Studi di Urbino Carlo Bo, Piazza Rinascimento 6, 61029 Urbino, Italy
- Computational
and Chemical Biology, Istituto Italiano
di Tecnologia, Via Morego
30, 16163 Genova, Italy
| | - Giovanni Bottegoni
- Department
of Biomolecular Sciences, Università
degli Studi di Urbino Carlo Bo, Piazza Rinascimento 6, 61029 Urbino, Italy
- Institute
of Clinical Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, B15 2TT Birmingham, U.K.
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2
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Henry M, Minty L, Kwok ACW, Elwood JML, Foulis AJ, Pettinger J, Jamieson C. One-Pot Oxidative Amidation of Aldehydes via the Generation of Nitrile Imine Intermediates. J Org Chem 2024; 89:7913-7926. [PMID: 38778786 PMCID: PMC11165588 DOI: 10.1021/acs.joc.4c00575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2024] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
A one-pot procedure for the oxidative amidation of aldehydes via the in situ generation of reactive nitrile imine (NI) intermediates has been developed. Distinct from our progenitor processes, mechanistic and control experiments revealed that the NI undergoes rapid oxidation to an acyl diazene species, which then facilitates N-acylation of an amine. A range of substrates have been explored, including application in the synthesis of pharmaceutically relevant compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martyn
C. Henry
- Department
of Pure and Applied Chemistry, University
of Strathclyde, Glasgow G1 1XL, United
Kingdom
| | - Laura Minty
- Department
of Pure and Applied Chemistry, University
of Strathclyde, Glasgow G1 1XL, United
Kingdom
| | - Alexander C. W. Kwok
- Department
of Pure and Applied Chemistry, University
of Strathclyde, Glasgow G1 1XL, United
Kingdom
| | - Jessica M. L. Elwood
- Department
of Pure and Applied Chemistry, University
of Strathclyde, Glasgow G1 1XL, United
Kingdom
| | - Adam J. Foulis
- Department
of Pure and Applied Chemistry, University
of Strathclyde, Glasgow G1 1XL, United
Kingdom
| | - Jonathan Pettinger
- GSK,
Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage SG1 2NY, United Kingdom
| | - Craig Jamieson
- Department
of Pure and Applied Chemistry, University
of Strathclyde, Glasgow G1 1XL, United
Kingdom
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3
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Jin Y, Shangguan Z, Pang J, Chen Y, Lin S, Liu H. Pin1 Exacerbates Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease by Enhancing Its Activity through Binding to ACC1. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5822. [PMID: 38892011 PMCID: PMC11171836 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25115822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2024] [Revised: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a clinicopathological syndrome characterized by diffuse hepatocellular steatosis due to fatty deposits in hepatocytes, excluding alcohol and other known liver injury factors. However, there are no specific drugs for the clinical treatment of NAFLD. Therefore, research on the pathogenesis of NAFLD at the cellular and molecular levels is a promising approach to finding therapeutic targets and developing targeted drugs for NAFLD. Pin1 is highly expressed during adipogenesis and contributes to adipose differentiation, but its specific mechanism of action in NAFLD is unclear. In this study, we investigated the role of Pin1 in promoting the development of NAFLD and its potential mechanisms in vitro and in vivo. First, Pin1 was verified in the NAFLD model in vitro using MCD diet-fed mice by Western Blot, RT-qPCR and immunohistochemistry (IHC) assays. In the in vitro study, we used the oleic acid (OA) stimulation-induced lipid accumulation model and examined the lipid accumulation in each group of cells by oil red O staining as well as BODIPY staining. The results showed that knockdown of Pin1 inhibited lipid accumulation in hepatocytes in an in vitro lipid accumulation model and improved lipid indices and liver injury levels. Moreover, in vivo, WT and Pin1-KO mice were fed a methionine-choline deficient (MCD) diet for 4 weeks to induce the NAFLD model. The effects of Pin1 on lipid accumulation, hepatic fibrosis, and oxidative stress were evaluated by biochemical analysis, glucose and insulin tolerance tests, histological analysis, IHC, RT-qPCR and Western blot assays. The results indicate that Pin1 knockdown significantly alleviated hepatic steatosis, fibrosis and inflammation in MCD-induced NAFLD mice, improved glucose tolerance and alleviated insulin resistance in mice. Further studies showed that the AMPK/ACC1 signalling pathway might take part in the process by which Pin1 regulates NAFLD, as evidenced by the inhibition of the AMPK/ACC1 pathway. In addition, immunofluorescence (IF), coimmunoprecipitation (Co-IP) and GST pull-down experiments also showed that Pin1 interacts directly with ACC1 and inhibits ACC1 phosphorylation levels. Our study suggests that Pin1 promotes NAFLD progression by inhibiting the activation of the AMPK/ACC1 signalling pathway, and it is possible that this effect is achieved by Pin1 interacting with ACC1 and inhibiting the phosphorylation of ACC1.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Hekun Liu
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Translational Research in Cancer and Neurodegenerative Diseases, The School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, No. 1, Xuefu North Road, Fuzhou 350122, China; (Y.J.); (Z.S.); (J.P.); (Y.C.); (S.L.)
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4
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Khan MAH, Nolan B, Stavniichuk A, Merk D, Imig JD. Dual soluble epoxide hydrolase inhibitor - farnesoid X receptor agonist interventional treatment attenuates renal inflammation and fibrosis. Front Immunol 2024; 14:1269261. [PMID: 38235144 PMCID: PMC10791967 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1269261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Renal fibrosis associated with inflammation is a critical pathophysiological event in chronic kidney disease (CKD). We have developed DM509 which acts concurrently as a farnesoid X receptor agonist and a soluble epoxide hydrolase inhibitor and investigated DM509 efficacy as an interventional treatment using the unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) mouse model. Methods Male mice went through either UUO or sham surgery. Interventional DM509 treatment (10mg/kg/d) was started three days after UUO induction and continued for 7 days. Plasma and kidney tissue were collected at the end of the experimental protocol. Results UUO mice demonstrated marked renal fibrosis with higher kidney hydroxyproline content and collagen positive area. Interventional DM509 treatment reduced hydroxyproline content by 41% and collagen positive area by 65%. Renal inflammation was evident in UUO mice with elevated MCP-1, CD45-positive immune cell positive infiltration, and profibrotic inflammatory gene expression. DM509 treatment reduced renal inflammation in UUO mice. Renal fibrosis in UUO was associated with epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and DM509 treatment reduced EMT. UUO mice also had tubular epithelial barrier injury with increased renal KIM-1, NGAL expression. DM509 reduced tubular injury markers by 25-50% and maintained tubular epithelial integrity in UUO mice. Vascular inflammation was evident in UUO mice with 9 to 20-fold higher ICAM and VCAM gene expression which was reduced by 40-50% with DM509 treatment. Peritubular vascular density was reduced by 35% in UUO mice and DM509 prevented vascular loss. Discussion Interventional treatment with DM509 reduced renal fibrosis and inflammation in UUO mice demonstrating that DM509 is a promising drug that combats renal epithelial and vascular pathological events associated with progression of CKD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md. Abdul Hye Khan
- Drug Discovery Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States
| | - Benjamin Nolan
- Drug Discovery Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States
| | - Anna Stavniichuk
- Drug Discovery Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States
- Department of Integrative Biology and Pharmacology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Daniel Merk
- Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - John D. Imig
- Drug Discovery Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, United States
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5
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Lin X, Zhang Y, Zhou X, Lai C, Dong Y, Zhang W. Inhibition of soluble epoxide hydrolase relieves adipose inflammation via modulating M1/M2 macrophage polarization to alleviate airway inflammation and hyperresponsiveness in obese asthma. Biochem Pharmacol 2024; 219:115948. [PMID: 38042452 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115948] [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: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/04/2023]
Abstract
Obesityincreasestheriskofasthma and tends to enhance the asthma severity, however, its mechanism is not fully elucidated. The expansion of adipose tissue in obesity is accompanied by the accumulation of adiposetissue macrophages (ATMs) that could contribute to alow-gradeinflammationstate. In this study, we researched the regulatory role of soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) on ATMs-mediated inflammation in obese asthma. A mouse model of obese asthma that induced by high-fat diet (HFD) feeding and Ovalbumin (OVA) sensitization was employed to investigate the effects of AUDA, a sEH inhibitor (sEHi), on airway inflammation, airway hyperresponsivenesss (AHR) and pulmonary pathological changes. In addition to alleviating the key features of asthma in obese mice, we confirmed that AUDA reduced the expression of pro-inflammatory factor, such as interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumornecrosisfactor-α (TNF-α) in adipose tissue and serum. Moreover, AUDA could remarkedly reduce Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-elevated IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α in RAW264.7 macrophage cells. Mechanistically, AUDA effectively reduced inflammation in adipose tissue, resulting in reduced systemic inflammation, by inhibiting M1-type macrophage polarization and promoting M2-type macrophage polarization. These processes were found to act through ERK1/2 signaling pathway. Herein, we proved that inhibition of sEH expression helped to mitigate multiple parameters of obese asthma by regulating the balance of M1/M2 macrophage polarization in adipose tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xixi Lin
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Yuanyuan Zhang
- Department of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Xinyu Zhou
- Department of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Chuqiao Lai
- Department of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Yaoyao Dong
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Weixi Zhang
- Department of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.
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6
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Ding C, Wang Z, Dou X, Yang Q, Ning Y, Kao S, Sang X, Hao M, Wang K, Peng M, Zhang S, Han X, Cao G. Farnesoid X receptor: From Structure to Function and Its Pharmacology in Liver Fibrosis. Aging Dis 2023:AD.2023.0830. [PMID: 37815898 DOI: 10.14336/ad.2023.0830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The farnesoid X receptor (FXR), a ligand-activated transcription factor, plays a crucial role in regulating bile acid metabolism within the enterohepatic circulation. Beyond its involvement in metabolic disorders and immune imbalances affecting various tissues, FXR is implicated in microbiota modulation, gut- to-brain communication, and liver disease. The liver, as a pivotal metabolic and detoxification organ, is susceptible to damage from factors such as alcohol, viruses, drugs, and high-fat diets. Chronic or recurrent liver injury can culminate in liver fibrosis, which, if left untreated, may progress to cirrhosis and even liver cancer, posing significant health risks. However, therapeutic options for liver fibrosis remain limited in terms of FDA- approved drugs. Recent insights into the structure of FXR, coupled with animal and clinical investigations, have shed light on its potential pharmacological role in hepatic fibrosis. Progress has been achieved in both fundamental research and clinical applications. This review critically examines recent advancements in FXR research, highlighting challenges and potential mechanisms underlying its role in liver fibrosis treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuan Ding
- School of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
- Jinhua Institute, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Jinhua, China
| | - Zeping Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xinyue Dou
- School of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qiao Yang
- School of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yan Ning
- School of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shi Kao
- School of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xianan Sang
- School of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Min Hao
- School of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Kuilong Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Mengyun Peng
- School of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shuosheng Zhang
- College of Chinese Materia Medica and Food Engineering, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Jinzhong, China
| | - Xin Han
- School of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
- Jinhua Institute, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Jinhua, China
| | - Gang Cao
- School of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
- Jinhua Institute, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Jinhua, China
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7
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Fiorucci S, Sepe V, Biagioli M, Fiorillo B, Rapacciuolo P, Distrutti E, Zampella A. Development of bile acid activated receptors hybrid molecules for the treatment of inflammatory and metabolic disorders. Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 216:115776. [PMID: 37659739 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115776] [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: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/04/2023]
Abstract
The farnesoid-x-receptor (FXR) and the G protein bile acid activated receptor (GPBAR)1 are two bile acid activated receptors highly expressed in entero-hepatic, immune, adipose and cardiovascular tissues. FXR and GPBAR1 are clinically validated targets in the treatment of metabolic disorders and FXR agonists are currently trialled in patients with non-alcoholic steato-hepatitis (NASH). Results of these trials, however, have raised concerns over safety and efficacy of selective FXR ligands suggesting that the development of novel agent designed to impact on multiple targets might have utility in the treatment of complex, multigenic, disorders. Harnessing on FXR and GPBAR1 agonists, several novel hybrid molecules have been developed, including dual FXR and GPBAR1 agonists and antagonists, while exploiting the flexibility of FXR agonists toward other nuclear receptors, dual FXR and peroxisome proliferators-activated receptors (PPARs) and liver-X-receptors (LXRs) and Pregnane-X-receptor (PXR) agonists have been reported. In addition, modifications of FXR agonists has led to the discovery of dual FXR agonists and fatty acid binding protein (FABP)1 and Leukotriene B4 hydrolase (LTB4H) inhibitors. The GPBAR1 binding site has also proven flexible to accommodate hybrid molecules functioning as GPBAR1 agonist and cysteinyl leukotriene receptor (CYSLTR)1 antagonists, as well as dual GPBAR1 agonists and retinoid-related orphan receptor (ROR)γt antagonists, dual GPBAR1 agonist and LXR antagonists and dual GPBAR1 agonists endowed with inhibitory activity on dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP4). In this review we have revised the current landscape of FXR and GPBAR1 based hybrid agents focusing on their utility in the treatment of metabolic associated liver disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Fiorucci
- Dipartimento di Medicina e Chirurgia, Università di Perugia, Perugia, Italy.
| | - Valentina Sepe
- Dipartimento di Medicina e Chirurgia, Università di Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Michele Biagioli
- Dipartimento di Medicina e Chirurgia, Università di Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Bianca Fiorillo
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Pasquale Rapacciuolo
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples "Federico II", Via D. Montesano, 49, Naples I-80131, Italy
| | | | - Angela Zampella
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples "Federico II", Via D. Montesano, 49, Naples I-80131, Italy
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8
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Sar S, Mitra S, Panda P, Mandal SC, Ghosh N, Halder AK, Cordeiro MNDS. In Silico Modeling and Structural Analysis of Soluble Epoxide Hydrolase Inhibitors for Enhanced Therapeutic Design. Molecules 2023; 28:6379. [PMID: 37687207 PMCID: PMC10490281 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28176379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Human soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH), a dual-functioning homodimeric enzyme with hydrolase and phosphatase activities, is known for its pivotal role in the hydrolysis of epoxyeicosatrienoic acids. Inhibitors targeting sEH have shown promising potential in the treatment of various life-threatening diseases. In this study, we employed a range of in silico modeling approaches to investigate a diverse dataset of structurally distinct sEH inhibitors. Our primary aim was to develop predictive and validated models while gaining insights into the structural requirements necessary for achieving higher inhibitory potential. To accomplish this, we initially calculated molecular descriptors using nine different descriptor-calculating tools, coupled with stochastic and non-stochastic feature selection strategies, to identify the most statistically significant linear 2D-QSAR model. The resulting model highlighted the critical roles played by topological characteristics, 2D pharmacophore features, and specific physicochemical properties in enhancing inhibitory potential. In addition to conventional 2D-QSAR modeling, we implemented the Transformer-CNN methodology to develop QSAR models, enabling us to obtain structural interpretations based on the Layer-wise Relevance Propagation (LRP) algorithm. Moreover, a comprehensive 3D-QSAR analysis provided additional insights into the structural requirements of these compounds as potent sEH inhibitors. To validate the findings from the QSAR modeling studies, we performed molecular dynamics (MD) simulations using selected compounds from the dataset. The simulation results offered crucial insights into receptor-ligand interactions, supporting the predictions obtained from the QSAR models. Collectively, our work serves as an essential guideline for the rational design of novel sEH inhibitors with enhanced therapeutic potential. Importantly, all the in silico studies were performed using open-access tools to ensure reproducibility and accessibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuvam Sar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Jadavpur University, Kolkata 700032, India; (S.S.)
| | - Soumya Mitra
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Jadavpur University, Kolkata 700032, India; (S.S.)
- Dr. B. C. Roy College of Pharmacy and Allied Health Sciences, Campus Dr. Meghnad Saha Sarani, Durgapur 713206, India
| | - Parthasarathi Panda
- Dr. B. C. Roy College of Pharmacy and Allied Health Sciences, Campus Dr. Meghnad Saha Sarani, Durgapur 713206, India
| | - Subhash C. Mandal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Jadavpur University, Kolkata 700032, India; (S.S.)
| | - Nilanjan Ghosh
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Jadavpur University, Kolkata 700032, India; (S.S.)
| | - Amit Kumar Halder
- Dr. B. C. Roy College of Pharmacy and Allied Health Sciences, Campus Dr. Meghnad Saha Sarani, Durgapur 713206, India
- LAQV@REQUIMTE—Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
| | - Maria Natalia D. S. Cordeiro
- LAQV@REQUIMTE—Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
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9
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Imig JD. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors, farnesoid X receptor, and dual modulating drugs in hypertension. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1186477. [PMID: 37427406 PMCID: PMC10326315 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1186477] [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: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Hypertension characterized by an elevated blood pressure is a cardiovascular disease that afflicts greater than one in every three adults worldwide. Nuclear receptors are large superfamily of DNA-binding transcription factors that target genes to regulate metabolic and cardiovascular function. Drugs have been developed for nuclear receptors such as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARα and PPARγ) and farnesoid X receptor (FXR). PPARα, PPARγ, and FXR agonists are used clinically to treat lipid disorders and metabolic diseases. Evidence from clinical studies and animal hypertension models have demonstrated that PPARα, PPARγ, and FXR agonism can lower blood pressure and decrease end organ damage which could be useful for the treatment of hypertension in patients with metabolic diseases. Unfortunately, PPAR and FXR agonists have unwanted clinical side effects. There have been recent developments to limit side effects for PPAR and FXR agonists. Combining PPAR and FXR agonism with soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) inhibition or Takeda G protein receptor 5 (TGR5) agonism has been demonstrated in preclinical studies to have actions that would decrease clinical side effects. In addition, these dual modulating drugs have been demonstrated in preclinical studies to have blood pressure lowering, anti-fibrotic, and anti-inflammatory actions. There is now an opportunity to thoroughly test these novel dual modulators in animal models of hypertension associated with metabolic diseases. In particular, these newly developed dual modulating PPAR and FXR drugs could be beneficial for the treatment of metabolic diseases, organ fibrosis, and hypertension.
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10
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Conforti I, Benzi A, Caffa I, Bruzzone S, Nencioni A, Marra A. Iminosugar-Based Nicotinamide Phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT) Inhibitors as Potential Anti-Pancreatic Cancer Agents. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:pharmaceutics15051472. [PMID: 37242714 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15051472] [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: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT) is considered a very promising therapeutic target because it is overexpressed in pancreatic cancer. Although many inhibitors have been prepared and tested, clinical trials have shown that NAMPT inhibition may result in severe haematological toxicity. Therefore, the development of conceptually new inhibitors is an important and challenging task. We synthesized ten β-d-iminoribofuranosides bearing various heterocycle-based chains carbon-linked to the anomeric position starting from non-carbohydrate derivatives. They were then submitted to NAMPT inhibition assays, as well as to pancreatic tumor cells viability and intracellular NAD+ depletion evaluation. The biological activity of the compounds was compared to that of the corresponding analogues lacking the carbohydrate unit to assess, for the first time, the contribution of the iminosugar moiety to the properties of these potential antitumor agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Conforti
- Institut des Biomolécules Max Mousseron (IBMM, UMR 5247), Université de Montpellier, Pôle Chimie Balard Recherche, 1919 Route de Mende, CEDEX 5, 34293 Montpellier, France
| | - Andrea Benzi
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale-DIMES, Scuola di Scienze Mediche e Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi di Genova, Viale Benedetto XV 1, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Irene Caffa
- Dipartimento di Medicina Interna e Specialità Mediche-DIMI, Università degli Studi di Genova, Viale Benedetto XV 6, 16132 Genova, Italy
- IRCCS, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Santina Bruzzone
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale-DIMES, Scuola di Scienze Mediche e Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi di Genova, Viale Benedetto XV 1, 16132 Genova, Italy
- IRCCS, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Alessio Nencioni
- Dipartimento di Medicina Interna e Specialità Mediche-DIMI, Università degli Studi di Genova, Viale Benedetto XV 6, 16132 Genova, Italy
- IRCCS, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Alberto Marra
- Institut des Biomolécules Max Mousseron (IBMM, UMR 5247), Université de Montpellier, Pôle Chimie Balard Recherche, 1919 Route de Mende, CEDEX 5, 34293 Montpellier, France
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11
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Ren Q, Chen Y, Zhou Z, Cai Z, Jiao S, Huang W, Wang B, Chen S, Wang W, Cao Z, Yang Z, Deng L, Hu L, Zhang L, Li Z. Discovery of the First-in-Class Intestinal Restricted FXR and FABP1 Dual Modulator ZLY28 for the Treatment of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. J Med Chem 2023; 66:6082-6104. [PMID: 37079895 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c01918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/22/2023]
Abstract
The prevalence of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is increasing rapidly worldwide, and NASH has become a serious problem for human health. Recently, the selective activation of the intestinal farnesoid X receptor (FXR) was considered as a more promising strategy for the treatment of NASH with lesser side effects due to reduced systemic exposure. Moreover, the inhibition of intestinal fatty acid binding protein 1 (FABP1) alleviated obesity and NASH by reducing dietary fatty acid uptake. In this study, the first-in-class intestinal restricted FXR and FABP1 dual-target modulator ZLY28 was discovered by comprehensive multiparameter optimization studies. The reduced systemic exposure of ZLY28 might provide better safety by decreasing the on- and off-target side effects in vivo. In NASH mice, ZLY28 exerted robust anti-NASH effects by inhibiting FABP1 and activating the FXR-FGF15 signaling pathway in the ileum. With the above attractive efficacy and preliminary safety profiles, ZLY28 is worthy of further evaluation as a novel anti-NASH agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Ren
- School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, PR China
- Key Laboratory of New Drug Discovery and Evaluation of the Guangdong Provincial Education Department, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, PR China
| | - Ya Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, PR China
| | - Zongtao Zhou
- School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, PR China
- Key Specialty of Clinical Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, PR China
- Key Laboratory of New Drug Discovery and Evaluation of the Guangdong Provincial Education Department, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, PR China
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Construction and Application of New Drug Screening Model Systems, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, PR China
| | - Zongyu Cai
- School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, PR China
| | - Shixuan Jiao
- School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, PR China
- Key Laboratory of New Drug Discovery and Evaluation of the Guangdong Provincial Education Department, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, PR China
| | - Wanqiu Huang
- School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, PR China
- Key Laboratory of New Drug Discovery and Evaluation of the Guangdong Provincial Education Department, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, PR China
| | - Bin Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, PR China
| | - Siliang Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, PR China
| | - Wenxin Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, PR China
- Key Laboratory of New Drug Discovery and Evaluation of the Guangdong Provincial Education Department, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, PR China
| | - Zhijun Cao
- School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, PR China
- Key Laboratory of New Drug Discovery and Evaluation of the Guangdong Provincial Education Department, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, PR China
| | - Zhongcheng Yang
- School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, PR China
| | - Liming Deng
- School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, PR China
- Key Laboratory of New Drug Discovery and Evaluation of the Guangdong Provincial Education Department, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, PR China
| | - Lijun Hu
- School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, PR China
| | - Luyong Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, PR China
- Key Laboratory of New Drug Discovery and Evaluation of the Guangdong Provincial Education Department, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, PR China
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Construction and Application of New Drug Screening Model Systems, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, PR China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Screening, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, PR China
| | - Zheng Li
- School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, PR China
- Key Specialty of Clinical Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, PR China
- Key Laboratory of New Drug Discovery and Evaluation of the Guangdong Provincial Education Department, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, PR China
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12
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Current Pharmacotherapy and Multi-Target Approaches for Alzheimer's Disease. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:ph15121560. [PMID: 36559010 PMCID: PMC9781592 DOI: 10.3390/ph15121560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Revised: 11/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by decreased synaptic transmission and cerebral atrophy with appearance of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles. Cognitive, functional, and behavioral alterations are commonly associated with the disease. Different pathophysiological pathways of AD have been proposed, some of which interact and influence one another. Current treatment for AD mainly involves the use of therapeutic agents to alleviate the symptoms in AD patients. The conventional single-target treatment approaches do not often cause the desired effect in the disease due to its multifactorial origin. Thus, multi-target strategies have since been undertaken, which aim to simultaneously target multiple targets involved in the development of AD. In this review, we provide an overview of the pathogenesis of AD and the current drug therapies for the disease. Additionally, rationales of the multi-target approaches and examples of multi-target drugs with pharmacological actions against AD are also discussed.
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13
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Hao YY, Cui WW, Gao HL, Wang MY, Liu Y, Li CR, Hou YL, Jia ZH. Jinlida granules ameliorate the high-fat-diet induced liver injury in mice by antagonising hepatocytes pyroptosis. PHARMACEUTICAL BIOLOGY 2022; 60:274-281. [PMID: 35138995 PMCID: PMC8843117 DOI: 10.1080/13880209.2022.2029501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2020] [Revised: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Jinlida (JLD) as a traditional Chinese medicine formula has been used to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and studies have shown its anti-obesity effect. OBJECTIVE To investigate the therapeutic effects of JLD in a mouse model of non-alcoholic fatty liver (NAFL). MATERIALS AND METHODS C57BL/6J mice were divided into three groups and fed a low-diet diet (LFD), high-fat diet (HFD), or HFD + JLD (3.8 g/kg) for 16 weeks, respectively. The free fatty acids-induced lipotoxicity in HepG2 cells were used to evaluate the anti-pyroptotic effects of JLD. The pharmacological effects of JLD on NAFL were investigated by pathological examination, intraperitoneal glucose and insulin tolerance tests, western blotting, and quantitative real-time PCR. RESULTS In vivo studies showed that JLD ameliorated HFD-induced liver injury, significantly decreased body weight and enhanced insulin sensitivity and improved glucose tolerance. Furthermore, JLD suppressed both the mRNA expression of caspase-1 (1.58 vs. 2.90), IL-1β (0.93 vs. 3.44) and IL-18 (1.34 vs. 1.60) and protein expression of NLRP3 (2.04 vs. 5.71), pro-caspase-1 (2.68 vs. 4.92) and IL-1β (1.61 vs. 2.60). In vitro, JLD inhibited the formation of lipid droplets induced by 2 mM FFA (IC50 = 2.727 mM), reduced the protein expression of NLRP3 (0.74 vs. 2.27), caspase-1 (0.57 vs. 2.68), p20 (1.67 vs. 3.33), and IL-1β (1.44 vs. 2.41), and lowered the ratio of p-IKB-α/IKB-α (0.47 vs. 2.19). CONCLUSION JLD has a protective effect against NAFLD, which may be related to its anti-pyroptosis, suggesting that JLD has the potential as a novel agent in the treatment of NAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan-yuan Hao
- College of Integrative Medicine, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Hebei, China
| | - Wen-wen Cui
- College of Integrative Medicine, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Hebei, China
- Hebei Yiling Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Hebei, China
| | - Huai-lin Gao
- College of Integrative Medicine, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Hebei, China
- Hebei Yiling Hospital, Hebei, China
| | - Ming-ye Wang
- College of Integrative Medicine, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Hebei, China
| | - Yan Liu
- Xianghe Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hebei, China
| | - Cui-ru Li
- College of Integrative Medicine, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Hebei, China
- National Key Laboratory of Luobing Research and Innovative Chinese Medicine, Hebei, China
| | - Yun-long Hou
- College of Integrative Medicine, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Hebei, China
- Hebei Yiling Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Hebei, China
| | - Zhen-hua Jia
- Hebei Yiling Hospital, Hebei, China
- National Key Laboratory of Luobing Research and Innovative Chinese Medicine, Hebei, China
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14
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In Combo Studies for the Optimization of 5-Aminoanthranilic Acid Derivatives as Potential Multitarget Drugs for the Management of Metabolic Syndrome. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:ph15121461. [PMID: 36558912 PMCID: PMC9784827 DOI: 10.3390/ph15121461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Metabolic syndrome is a set of risk factors that consist of abdominal obesity, arterial hypertension, alterations in the lipid profile, and hyperglycemia. The current therapeutic strategy includes polypharmacy, using three or more drugs to control each syndrome component. However, this approach has drawbacks that could lead to therapeutic failure. Multitarget drugs are molecules with the ability to act on different targets simultaneously and are an attractive alternative for treating complex diseases such as metabolic syndrome. Previously, we identified a triamide derivative of 5-aminoanthranilic acid that exhibited hypoglycemic, hypolipemic, and antihypertensive activities simultaneously. In the present study, we report the synthesis and in combo evaluation of new derivatives of anthranilic acid, intending to identify the primary structural factors that improve the activity over metabolic syndrome-related parameters. We found that substitution on position 5, incorporation of 3,4-dimethoxyphenyl substituents, and having a free carboxylic acid group lead to the in vitro inhibition of HMG-CoA reductase, and simultaneously the diminution of the serum levels of glucose, triglycerides, and cholesterol in a diet-induced in vivo model.
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15
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Reßing N, Schliehe-Diecks J, Watson PR, Sönnichsen M, Cragin AD, Schöler A, Yang J, Schäker-Hübner L, Borkhardt A, Christianson DW, Bhatia S, Hansen FK. Development of Fluorinated Peptoid-Based Histone Deacetylase (HDAC) Inhibitors for Therapy-Resistant Acute Leukemia. J Med Chem 2022; 65:15457-15472. [PMID: 36351184 PMCID: PMC9691607 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c01418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Using a microwave-assisted protocol, we synthesized 16 peptoid-capped HDAC inhibitors (HDACi) with fluorinated linkers and identified two hit compounds. In biochemical and cellular assays, 10h stood out as a potent unselective HDACi with remarkable cytotoxic potential against different therapy-resistant leukemia cell lines. 10h demonstrated prominent antileukemic activity with low cytotoxic activity toward healthy cells. Moreover, 10h exhibited synergistic interactions with the DNA methyltransferase inhibitor decitabine in AML cell lines. The comparison of crystal structures of HDAC6 complexes with 10h and its nonfluorinated counterpart revealed a similar occupation of the L1 loop pocket but slight differences in zinc coordination. The substitution pattern of the acyl residue turned out to be crucial in terms of isoform selectivity. The introduction of an isopropyl group onto the phenyl ring provided the highly HDAC6-selective inhibitor 10p, which demonstrated moderate synergy with decitabine and exceeded the HDAC6 selectivity of tubastatin A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Reßing
- Pharmaceutical Institute, Pharmaceutical and Cell Biological Chemistry, University of Bonn, An der Immenburg 4, 53121Bonn, Germany
- Institute for Drug Discovery, Medical Faculty, Leipzig University, Brüderstraße 34, 04103Leipzig, Germany
| | - Julian Schliehe-Diecks
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Hematology and Clinical Immunology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Moorenstrasse 5, 40225Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Paris R Watson
- Roy and Diana Vagelos Laboratories, Department of Chemistry, University of Pennsylvania, 231 South 34th Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania19104-6323, United States
| | - Melf Sönnichsen
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Hematology and Clinical Immunology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Moorenstrasse 5, 40225Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Abigail D Cragin
- Roy and Diana Vagelos Laboratories, Department of Chemistry, University of Pennsylvania, 231 South 34th Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania19104-6323, United States
| | - Andrea Schöler
- Institute for Drug Discovery, Medical Faculty, Leipzig University, Brüderstraße 34, 04103Leipzig, Germany
| | - Jing Yang
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Hematology and Clinical Immunology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Moorenstrasse 5, 40225Düsseldorf, Germany
- Department of Medicine, Yangzhou Polytechnic College, West Wenchang Road 458, Yangzhou225009, P. R. China
| | - Linda Schäker-Hübner
- Pharmaceutical Institute, Pharmaceutical and Cell Biological Chemistry, University of Bonn, An der Immenburg 4, 53121Bonn, Germany
| | - Arndt Borkhardt
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Hematology and Clinical Immunology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Moorenstrasse 5, 40225Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - David W Christianson
- Roy and Diana Vagelos Laboratories, Department of Chemistry, University of Pennsylvania, 231 South 34th Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania19104-6323, United States
| | - Sanil Bhatia
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Hematology and Clinical Immunology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Moorenstrasse 5, 40225Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Finn K Hansen
- Pharmaceutical Institute, Pharmaceutical and Cell Biological Chemistry, University of Bonn, An der Immenburg 4, 53121Bonn, Germany
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16
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Heering J, Jores N, Kilu W, Schallmayer E, Peelen E, Muehler A, Kohlhof H, Vitt D, Linhard V, Gande SL, Chaikuad A, Sreeramulu S, Schwalbe H, Merk D. Mechanistic Impact of Different Ligand Scaffolds on FXR Modulation Suggests Avenues to Selective Modulators. ACS Chem Biol 2022; 17:3159-3168. [PMID: 36318238 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.2c00599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
The bile-acid sensing nuclear farnesoid X receptor (FXR) is an attractive target for the treatment of hepatic and metabolic diseases, but application of this chemotherapeutic concept remains limited due to adverse effects of FXR activation observed in clinical trials. To elucidate the mechanistic basis of FXR activation at the molecular level, we have systematically studied FXR co-regulator interactions and dimerization in response to seven chemically diverse FXR ligands. Different molecular effects on FXR activation mediated by different scaffolds were evident and aligned with characteristic structural changes within the ligand binding domain of FXR. A partial FXR agonist acted mainly through co-repressor displacement from FXR and caused an FXR-regulated gene expression pattern markedly differing from FXR agonist effects. These results suggest selective modulation of FXR dimerization and co-regulator interactions for different ligands, offering a potential avenue for the design of gene- or tissue-selective FXR modulators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Heering
- Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP, and Fraunhofer Cluster of Excellence for Immune Mediated Diseases CIMD, 60596Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Nathalie Jores
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Center for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance (BMRZ), Goethe-University Frankfurt, 60438Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Whitney Kilu
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe-University Frankfurt, 60438Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Espen Schallmayer
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe-University Frankfurt, 60438Frankfurt, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | - Verena Linhard
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Center for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance (BMRZ), Goethe-University Frankfurt, 60438Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Santosh L Gande
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Center for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance (BMRZ), Goethe-University Frankfurt, 60438Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Apirat Chaikuad
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe-University Frankfurt, 60438Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Sridhar Sreeramulu
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Center for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance (BMRZ), Goethe-University Frankfurt, 60438Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Harald Schwalbe
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Center for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance (BMRZ), Goethe-University Frankfurt, 60438Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Daniel Merk
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe-University Frankfurt, 60438Frankfurt, Germany.,Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 81377Munich, Germany
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17
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H M Ehrler J, Brunst S, Tjaden A, Kilu W, Heering J, Hernandez-Olmos V, Krommes A, Kramer JS, Steinhilber D, Schubert-Zsilavecz M, Müller-Knapp S, Merk D, Proschak E. Compilation and Evaluation of Fatty Acid Mimetics Screening Library. Biochem Pharmacol 2022; 204:115191. [PMID: 35907497 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2022.115191] [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: 05/30/2022] [Revised: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Focused compound libraries are well-established tools for hit identification in drug discovery and chemical probe development. We present the compilation and application of a focused screening library of fatty acid mimetics (FAMs), which are compounds designed to bind the orthosteric site proteins that endogenously accommodate natural fatty acids and lipid metabolites. This set complies with chemical properties of FAM and was found suitable for use also in cellular setting. Several hits were retrieved in screening the focused library against diverse fatty acid binding targets including the enzymes soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) and leukotriene A4 hydrolase (LTA4H), the nuclear receptors peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) and retinoid X receptor α (RXRα), the carrier proteins fatty acid binding protein 4 and 5 (FABP4 and FABP5), as well as the G-protein coupled receptors leukotriene B4 receptor 1 (BLT1) and free-fatty acid receptor 1 (FFAR1). Thus, the focused FAM library is suitable to obtain chemical starting matter for fatty acid binding proteins and valuable extends available screening collections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanna H M Ehrler
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe-University, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, D-60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Steffen Brunst
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe-University, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, D-60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, D-60596 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Amelie Tjaden
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe-University, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, D-60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Buchmann Institute for Molecular Life Sciences and Structural Genomics Consortium (SGC), Max-von-Laue-Str. 15, 60438, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Whitney Kilu
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe-University, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, D-60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, D-60596 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Jan Heering
- Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, D-60596 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Victor Hernandez-Olmos
- Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, D-60596 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Andrè Krommes
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe-University, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, D-60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Jan S Kramer
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe-University, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, D-60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Dieter Steinhilber
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe-University, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, D-60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, D-60596 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Manfred Schubert-Zsilavecz
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe-University, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, D-60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Susanne Müller-Knapp
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe-University, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, D-60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Buchmann Institute for Molecular Life Sciences and Structural Genomics Consortium (SGC), Max-von-Laue-Str. 15, 60438, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Daniel Merk
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe-University, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, D-60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Department of Pharmacy, Butenandtstr. 5-13, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Ewgenij Proschak
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe-University, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, D-60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, D-60596 Frankfurt, Germany.
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18
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Ablajan K, Tian L, Zhang Q. Iodine-Promoted N-Acylation of Amines with Hydrazide: An Efficient Metal-Free Amidation. SYNTHESIS-STUTTGART 2022. [DOI: 10.1055/a-1838-9491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
AbstractAn efficient protocol for the amidation of hydrazide with amine has been developed by utilizing I2 as an oxidant under metal- and base-free conditions at room temperature. N-Acylation products of amines were obtained in good to excellent yields without using toxic reagents. This method is operationally straightforward and tolerates aliphatic/aromatic and primary/secondary amines with different hydrazides.
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19
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Sampietro A, Pérez-Areales FJ, Martínez P, Arce EM, Galdeano C, Muñoz-Torrero D. Unveiling the Multitarget Anti-Alzheimer Drug Discovery Landscape: A Bibliometric Analysis. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:545. [PMID: 35631371 PMCID: PMC9146451 DOI: 10.3390/ph15050545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Revised: 04/09/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Multitarget anti-Alzheimer agents are the focus of very intensive research. Through a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of the publications in the period 1990-2020, we have identified trends and potential gaps that might guide future directions. We found that: (i) the number of publications boomed by 2011 and continued ascending in 2020; (ii) the linked-pharmacophore strategy was preferred over design approaches based on fusing or merging pharmacophores or privileged structures; (iii) a significant number of in vivo studies, mainly using the scopolamine-induced amnesia mouse model, have been performed, especially since 2017; (iv) China, Italy and Spain are the countries with the largest total number of publications on this topic, whereas Portugal, Spain and Italy are the countries in whose scientific communities this topic has generated greatest interest; (v) acetylcholinesterase, β-amyloid aggregation, oxidative stress, butyrylcholinesterase, and biometal chelation and the binary combinations thereof have been the most commonly pursued, while combinations based on other key targets, such as tau aggregation, glycogen synthase kinase-3β, NMDA receptors, and more than 70 other targets have been only marginally considered. These results might allow us to spot new design opportunities based on innovative target combinations to expand and diversify the repertoire of multitarget drug candidates and increase the likelihood of finding effective therapies for this devastating disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Sampietro
- Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry (CSIC Associated Unit), Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, Institute of Biomedicine (IBUB), University of Barcelona, E-08028 Barcelona, Spain; (A.S.); (P.M.); (E.M.A.)
| | - F. Javier Pérez-Areales
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW, UK;
| | - Paula Martínez
- Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry (CSIC Associated Unit), Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, Institute of Biomedicine (IBUB), University of Barcelona, E-08028 Barcelona, Spain; (A.S.); (P.M.); (E.M.A.)
| | - Elsa M. Arce
- Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry (CSIC Associated Unit), Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, Institute of Biomedicine (IBUB), University of Barcelona, E-08028 Barcelona, Spain; (A.S.); (P.M.); (E.M.A.)
| | - Carles Galdeano
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology and Physical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, Institute of Biomedicine (IBUB), University of Barcelona, E-08028 Barcelona, Spain;
| | - Diego Muñoz-Torrero
- Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry (CSIC Associated Unit), Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, Institute of Biomedicine (IBUB), University of Barcelona, E-08028 Barcelona, Spain; (A.S.); (P.M.); (E.M.A.)
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20
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Iyer MR, Kundu B, Wood CM. Soluble epoxide hydrolase inhibitors: an overview and patent review from the last decade. Expert Opin Ther Pat 2022; 32:629-647. [PMID: 35410559 DOI: 10.1080/13543776.2022.2054329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Biological effects mediated by the CYP450 arm of arachidonate cascade implicate the enzyme-soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) in hydrolyzing anti-inflammatory epoxy fatty acids to pro-inflammatory diols. Hence, inhibiting the sEH offers a therapeutic approach to treating inflammatory diseases. Over three decades of work has shown the role of sEH inhibitors (sEHis) in treating various disorders in rodents and larger veterinary subjects. Novel chemical strategies to enhance the efficacy of sEHi have now appeared. AREAS COVERED A comprehensive review of patent literature related to soluble epoxide hydrolase inhibitors in the last decade (2010-2021) is provided. EXPERT OPINION Soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) is an important enzyme that metabolizes the bioactive epoxy fatty acids (EFAs) in the arachidonic acid signaling pathway and converts them to vicinal diols, which appear to be pro-inflammatory. Inhibition of sEH hence offers a mechanism to increase in vivo epoxyeicosanoid levels and resolve pro-inflammatory pathways in disease states. Significant efforts in the field have led to potent single target as well as multi-target inhibitors with promising in vitro and widely encompassing in vivo activities. Successful clinical translation of compounds targeting sEH inhibition will further validate the promised therapeutic potential of this pathway in treating human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malliga R Iyer
- Section on Medicinal Chemistry, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland, United States
| | - Biswajit Kundu
- Section on Medicinal Chemistry, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland, United States
| | - Casey M Wood
- Section on Medicinal Chemistry, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland, United States
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21
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Codony S, Pont C, Griñán-Ferré C, Di Pede-Mattatelli A, Calvó-Tusell C, Feixas F, Osuna S, Jarné-Ferrer J, Naldi M, Bartolini M, Loza MI, Brea J, Pérez B, Bartra C, Sanfeliu C, Juárez-Jiménez J, Morisseau C, Hammock BD, Pallàs M, Vázquez S, Muñoz-Torrero D. Discovery and In Vivo Proof of Concept of a Highly Potent Dual Inhibitor of Soluble Epoxide Hydrolase and Acetylcholinesterase for the Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease. J Med Chem 2022; 65:4909-4925. [PMID: 35271276 PMCID: PMC8958510 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c02150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
With innumerable clinical failures of target-specific drug candidates for multifactorial diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), which remains inefficiently treated, the advent of multitarget drug discovery has brought a new breath of hope. Here, we disclose a class of 6-chlorotacrine (huprine)-TPPU hybrids as dual inhibitors of the enzymes soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE), a multitarget profile to provide cumulative effects against neuroinflammation and memory impairment. Computational studies confirmed the gorge-wide occupancy of both enzymes, from the main site to a secondary site, including a so far non-described AChE cryptic pocket. The lead compound displayed in vitro dual nanomolar potencies, adequate brain permeability, aqueous solubility, human microsomal stability, lack of neurotoxicity, and it rescued memory, synaptic plasticity, and neuroinflammation in an AD mouse model, after low dose chronic oral administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Codony
- Laboratory
of Medicinal Chemistry (CSIC Associated Unit), Faculty of Pharmacy
and Food Sciences, and Institute of Biomedicine (IBUB), University of Barcelona (UB), Av. Joan XXIII 27-31, E-08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Caterina Pont
- Laboratory
of Medicinal Chemistry (CSIC Associated Unit), Faculty of Pharmacy
and Food Sciences, and Institute of Biomedicine (IBUB), University of Barcelona (UB), Av. Joan XXIII 27-31, E-08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Christian Griñán-Ferré
- Pharmacology
Section, Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutic Chemistry,
Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, and Institute of Neurosciences, University of Barcelona (UB), Av. Joan XXIII 27-31, E-08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ania Di Pede-Mattatelli
- Department
of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology and Physical Chemistry,
Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, and Institute of Theoretical
and Computational Chemistry (IQTCUB), University
of Barcelona (UB), Av. Joan XXIII 27-31, E-08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carla Calvó-Tusell
- CompBioLab
Group, Departament de Química and Institut de Química
Computacional i Catàlisi (IQCC), Universitat de Girona, C/ Maria Aurèlia Capmany 69, E-17003 Girona, Spain
| | - Ferran Feixas
- CompBioLab
Group, Departament de Química and Institut de Química
Computacional i Catàlisi (IQCC), Universitat de Girona, C/ Maria Aurèlia Capmany 69, E-17003 Girona, Spain
| | - Sílvia Osuna
- CompBioLab
Group, Departament de Química and Institut de Química
Computacional i Catàlisi (IQCC), Universitat de Girona, C/ Maria Aurèlia Capmany 69, E-17003 Girona, Spain,Institució
Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), E-08010 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Júlia Jarné-Ferrer
- Pharmacology
Section, Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutic Chemistry,
Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, and Institute of Neurosciences, University of Barcelona (UB), Av. Joan XXIII 27-31, E-08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marina Naldi
- Department
of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University
of Bologna, Via Belmeloro, 6, I-40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Manuela Bartolini
- Department
of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University
of Bologna, Via Belmeloro, 6, I-40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - María Isabel Loza
- BioFarma
Research Group, Centro Singular de Investigación en Medicina
Molecular y Enfermedades Crónicas (CIMUS), Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Av. de Barcelona s/n, E-15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - José Brea
- BioFarma
Research Group, Centro Singular de Investigación en Medicina
Molecular y Enfermedades Crónicas (CIMUS), Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Av. de Barcelona s/n, E-15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Belén Pérez
- Department
of Pharmacology, Therapeutics and Toxicology, Autonomous University of Barcelona, E-08193 Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Clara Bartra
- Institute
of Biomedical Research of Barcelona, CSIC and Institut d’Investigacions
Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Rosselló, 149, E-08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Coral Sanfeliu
- Institute
of Biomedical Research of Barcelona, CSIC and Institut d’Investigacions
Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Rosselló, 149, E-08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jordi Juárez-Jiménez
- Department
of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology and Physical Chemistry,
Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, and Institute of Theoretical
and Computational Chemistry (IQTCUB), University
of Barcelona (UB), Av. Joan XXIII 27-31, E-08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Christophe Morisseau
- Department
of Entomology and Nematology and Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, One Shields Avenue, Davis, California 95616, United States
| | - Bruce D. Hammock
- Department
of Entomology and Nematology and Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, One Shields Avenue, Davis, California 95616, United States
| | - Mercè Pallàs
- Pharmacology
Section, Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutic Chemistry,
Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, and Institute of Neurosciences, University of Barcelona (UB), Av. Joan XXIII 27-31, E-08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Santiago Vázquez
- Laboratory
of Medicinal Chemistry (CSIC Associated Unit), Faculty of Pharmacy
and Food Sciences, and Institute of Biomedicine (IBUB), University of Barcelona (UB), Av. Joan XXIII 27-31, E-08028 Barcelona, Spain,. Phone: (+34) 934024533
| | - Diego Muñoz-Torrero
- Laboratory
of Medicinal Chemistry (CSIC Associated Unit), Faculty of Pharmacy
and Food Sciences, and Institute of Biomedicine (IBUB), University of Barcelona (UB), Av. Joan XXIII 27-31, E-08028 Barcelona, Spain,. Phone: (+34) 934024533
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22
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Lillich FF, Willems S, Ni X, Kilu W, Borkowsky C, Brodsky M, Kramer JS, Brunst S, Hernandez-Olmos V, Heering J, Schierle S, Kestner RI, Mayser FM, Helmstädter M, Göbel T, Weizel L, Namgaladze D, Kaiser A, Steinhilber D, Pfeilschifter W, Kahnt AS, Proschak A, Chaikuad A, Knapp S, Merk D, Proschak E. Structure-Based Design of Dual Partial Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor γ Agonists/Soluble Epoxide Hydrolase Inhibitors. J Med Chem 2021; 64:17259-17276. [PMID: 34818007 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c01331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Polypharmaceutical regimens often impair treatment of patients with metabolic syndrome (MetS), a complex disease cluster, including obesity, hypertension, heart disease, and type II diabetes. Simultaneous targeting of soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) synergistically counteracted MetS in various in vivo models, and dual sEH inhibitors/PPARγ agonists hold great potential to reduce the problems associated with polypharmacy in the context of MetS. However, full activation of PPARγ leads to fluid retention associated with edema and weight gain, while partial PPARγ agonists do not have these drawbacks. In this study, we designed a dual partial PPARγ agonist/sEH inhibitor using a structure-guided approach. Exhaustive structure-activity relationship studies lead to the successful optimization of the designed lead. Crystal structures of one representative compound with both targets revealed potential points for optimization. The optimized compounds exhibited favorable metabolic stability, toxicity, selectivity, and desirable activity in adipocytes and macrophages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felix F Lillich
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe-University, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, D-60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Sabine Willems
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe-University, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, D-60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Xiaomin Ni
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe-University, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, D-60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,Structural Genomics Consortium, Buchmann Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Goethe-University, Max-von-Laue-Str. 15, D-60438 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Whitney Kilu
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe-University, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, D-60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Carmen Borkowsky
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe-University, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, D-60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Mirko Brodsky
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe-University, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, D-60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Jan S Kramer
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe-University, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, D-60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Steffen Brunst
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe-University, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, D-60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Victor Hernandez-Olmos
- Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, D-60596 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Jan Heering
- Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, D-60596 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Simone Schierle
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe-University, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, D-60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Roxane-I Kestner
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University, D-60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Franziska M Mayser
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University, D-60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Moritz Helmstädter
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe-University, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, D-60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Tamara Göbel
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe-University, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, D-60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Lilia Weizel
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe-University, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, D-60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Dmitry Namgaladze
- Institute of Biochemistry I, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University, D-60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Astrid Kaiser
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe-University, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, D-60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Dieter Steinhilber
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe-University, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, D-60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Waltraud Pfeilschifter
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University, D-60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Astrid S Kahnt
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe-University, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, D-60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Anna Proschak
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe-University, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, D-60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Apirat Chaikuad
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe-University, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, D-60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,Structural Genomics Consortium, Buchmann Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Goethe-University, Max-von-Laue-Str. 15, D-60438 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Stefan Knapp
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe-University, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, D-60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,Structural Genomics Consortium, Buchmann Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Goethe-University, Max-von-Laue-Str. 15, D-60438 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Daniel Merk
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe-University, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, D-60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Ewgenij Proschak
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe-University, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, D-60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, D-60596 Frankfurt, Germany
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23
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Imig JD, Merk D, Proschak E. Multi-Target Drugs for Kidney Diseases. KIDNEY360 2021; 2:1645-1653. [PMID: 35372984 PMCID: PMC8785794 DOI: 10.34067/kid.0003582021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Kidney diseases such as AKI, CKD, and GN can lead to dialysis and the need for kidney transplantation. The pathologies for kidney diseases are extremely complex, progress at different rates, and involve several cell types and cell signaling pathways. Complex kidney diseases require therapeutics that can act on multiple targets. In the past 10 years, in silico design of drugs has allowed for multi-target drugs to progress quickly from concept to reality. Several multi-target drugs have been made successfully to target AA pathways and transcription factors for the treatment of inflammatory, fibrotic, and metabolic diseases. Multi-target drugs have also demonstrated great potential to treat diabetic nephropathy and fibrotic kidney disease. These drugs act by decreasing renal TGF-β signaling, inflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and oxidative stress. There are several other recently developed multi-target drugs that have yet to be tested for their ability to combat kidney diseases. Overall, there is excellent potential for multi-target drugs that act on several cell types and signaling pathways to treat kidney diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- John D. Imig
- Drug Discovery Center and Cardiovascular Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | - Daniel Merk
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Eugen Proschak
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
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24
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Shu X, Li M, Cao Y, Li C, Zhou W, Ji G, Zhang L. Berberine Alleviates Non-alcoholic Steatohepatitis Through Modulating Gut Microbiota Mediated Intestinal FXR Activation. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:750826. [PMID: 34603061 PMCID: PMC8484326 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.750826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Berberine is a natural plant alkaloid isolated from a diverse range of genera, it obtains anti-inflammatory, anti-obesity, and hepatoprotective properties, and is a promising agent for non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Farnesoid X receptor (FXR) is a bile acid receptor and a drug target for NASH, however, the underlying mechanisms of berberine on regulating FXR are still unknown. In the present study, we feed mice with a 12-week high-fat diet with interval dextran sulfate sodium (0.5% in drinking water) diet to induce NASH, and treat the mice with berberine (100 mg/kg per day) via oral gavage for additional 4 weeks. We demonstrate that administration of berberine alleviates steatosis and infiltration of inflammatory cells in the liver of NASH mice. We apply 16S ribosomal DNA sequencing to screen the structure of gut microbiota, and ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry analysis to determine the bile acid profiles. The results show that berberine modulates gut dysbiosis, and specifically increases the relative abundance of Clostridiales, Lactobacillaceae, and Bacteroidale. Berberine modulated microbiomes are associated with bile acid de-conjugation and transformation, which are consistent with the altered bile acid species (e.g., deoxycholic acid, ursodeoxycholic acid) upon berberine treatment. BA species that respond to berberine treatment are known FXR agonists, thus we performed quantitative Real Time-PCR and western blot to examine the FXR pathway, and find that berberine up-regulates intestinal FXR and fibroblast growth factor 15 (FGF15) expression, and the secretion of FGF15 further inhibits lipogenesis and nuclear factor-κB activation in the liver. Whereas the beneficial effects of berberine are blunted in FXR knockout mice. Our results reveal that berberine alleviates NASH by modulating the interplay of gut microbiota and bile acid metabolism, as well as the subsequent intestinal FXR activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangbing Shu
- Institute of Digestive Diseases, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Department of Geratology, Baoshan Branch of Shuguang Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Meng Li
- Institute of Digestive Diseases, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ying Cao
- Institute of Digestive Diseases, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Chunlin Li
- Institute of Digestive Diseases, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenjun Zhou
- Institute of Digestive Diseases, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Guang Ji
- Institute of Digestive Diseases, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Li Zhang
- Institute of Digestive Diseases, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
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25
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Schierle S, Brunst S, Helmstädter M, Ebert R, Kramer JS, Steinhilber D, Proschak E, Merk D. Development and in vitro Profiling of Dual FXR/LTA4H Modulators. ChemMedChem 2021; 16:2366-2374. [PMID: 33856122 PMCID: PMC8453936 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202100118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Designed polypharmacology presents as an attractive strategy to increase therapeutic efficacy in multi-factorial diseases by a directed modulation of multiple involved targets with a single molecule. Such an approach appears particularly suitable in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) which involves hepatic steatosis, inflammation and fibrosis as pathological hallmarks. Among various potential pharmacodynamic mechanisms, activation of the farnesoid X receptor (FXRa) and inhibition of leukotriene A4 hydrolase (LTA4Hi) hold promise to counteract NASH according to preclinical and clinical observations. We have developed dual FXR/LTA4H modulators as pharmacological tools, enabling evaluation of this polypharmacology concept to treat NASH and related pathologies. The optimized FXRa/LTA4Hi exhibits well-balanced dual activity on the intended targets with sub-micromolar potency and is highly selective over related nuclear receptors and enzymes rendering it suitable as tool to probe synergies of dual FXR/LTA4H targeting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Schierle
- Institute of Pharmaceutical ChemistryGoethe University FrankfurtMax-von-Laue-Str. 960438FrankfurtGermany
| | - Steffen Brunst
- Institute of Pharmaceutical ChemistryGoethe University FrankfurtMax-von-Laue-Str. 960438FrankfurtGermany
| | - Moritz Helmstädter
- Institute of Pharmaceutical ChemistryGoethe University FrankfurtMax-von-Laue-Str. 960438FrankfurtGermany
| | - Roland Ebert
- Institute of Pharmaceutical ChemistryGoethe University FrankfurtMax-von-Laue-Str. 960438FrankfurtGermany
| | - Jan S. Kramer
- Institute of Pharmaceutical ChemistryGoethe University FrankfurtMax-von-Laue-Str. 960438FrankfurtGermany
| | - Dieter Steinhilber
- Institute of Pharmaceutical ChemistryGoethe University FrankfurtMax-von-Laue-Str. 960438FrankfurtGermany
| | - Ewgenij Proschak
- Institute of Pharmaceutical ChemistryGoethe University FrankfurtMax-von-Laue-Str. 960438FrankfurtGermany
| | - Daniel Merk
- Institute of Pharmaceutical ChemistryGoethe University FrankfurtMax-von-Laue-Str. 960438FrankfurtGermany
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26
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Friedrich L, Cingolani G, Ko Y, Iaselli M, Miciaccia M, Perrone MG, Neukirch K, Bobinger V, Merk D, Hofstetter RK, Werz O, Koeberle A, Scilimati A, Schneider G. Learning from Nature: From a Marine Natural Product to Synthetic Cyclooxygenase-1 Inhibitors by Automated De Novo Design. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2021; 8:e2100832. [PMID: 34176236 PMCID: PMC8373093 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202100832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Revised: 05/16/2021] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
The repertoire of natural products offers tremendous opportunities for chemical biology and drug discovery. Natural product-inspired synthetic molecules represent an ecologically and economically sustainable alternative to the direct utilization of natural products. De novo design with machine intelligence bridges the gap between the worlds of bioactive natural products and synthetic molecules. On employing the compound Marinopyrrole A from marine Streptomyces as a design template, the algorithm constructs innovative small molecules that can be synthesized in three steps, following the computationally suggested synthesis route. Computational activity prediction reveals cyclooxygenase (COX) as a putative target of both Marinopyrrole A and the de novo designs. The molecular designs are experimentally confirmed as selective COX-1 inhibitors with nanomolar potency. X-ray structure analysis reveals the binding of the most selective compound to COX-1. This molecular design approach provides a blueprint for natural product-inspired hit and lead identification for drug discovery with machine intelligence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukas Friedrich
- Department of Chemistry and Applied BiosciencesETH ZurichVladimir‐Prelog‐Weg 4Zurich8093Switzerland
| | - Gino Cingolani
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologySidney Kimmel Cancer CenterThomas Jefferson University1020 Locust StreetPhiladelphiaPA19107USA
| | - Ying‐Hui Ko
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologySidney Kimmel Cancer CenterThomas Jefferson University1020 Locust StreetPhiladelphiaPA19107USA
| | - Mariaclara Iaselli
- Department of Pharmacy – Pharmaceutical SciencesUniversity of BariVia E. Orabona 4Bari70125Italy
| | - Morena Miciaccia
- Department of Pharmacy – Pharmaceutical SciencesUniversity of BariVia E. Orabona 4Bari70125Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Perrone
- Department of Pharmacy – Pharmaceutical SciencesUniversity of BariVia E. Orabona 4Bari70125Italy
| | - Konstantin Neukirch
- Michael Popp Institute and Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck (CMBI)University of InnsbruckInnsbruck6020Austria
| | - Veronika Bobinger
- Department of Chemistry and Applied BiosciencesETH ZurichVladimir‐Prelog‐Weg 4Zurich8093Switzerland
| | - Daniel Merk
- Department of Chemistry and Applied BiosciencesETH ZurichVladimir‐Prelog‐Weg 4Zurich8093Switzerland
- Institute of Pharmaceutical ChemistryGoethe‐UniversityMax‐von‐Laue Straße 9Frankfurt am Main60438Germany
| | - Robert Klaus Hofstetter
- Department of Pharmaceutical/Medicinal ChemistryFriedrich‐Schiller‐University JenaPhilosophenweg 14Jena07743Germany
| | - Oliver Werz
- Department of Pharmaceutical/Medicinal ChemistryFriedrich‐Schiller‐University JenaPhilosophenweg 14Jena07743Germany
| | - Andreas Koeberle
- Michael Popp Institute and Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck (CMBI)University of InnsbruckInnsbruck6020Austria
| | - Antonio Scilimati
- Department of Pharmacy – Pharmaceutical SciencesUniversity of BariVia E. Orabona 4Bari70125Italy
| | - Gisbert Schneider
- Department of Chemistry and Applied BiosciencesETH ZurichVladimir‐Prelog‐Weg 4Zurich8093Switzerland
- ETH Singapore SEC Ltd1 CREATE Way, #06‐01 CREATE TowerSingapore138602Singapore
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27
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Li X, Li X, Liu F, Li S, Shi D. Rational Multitargeted Drug Design Strategy from the Perspective of a Medicinal Chemist. J Med Chem 2021; 64:10581-10605. [PMID: 34313432 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c00683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The development of multitarget-directed ligands (MTDLs) has become a widely focused research topic, but rational design remains as an enormous challenge. This paper reviews and discusses the design strategy of incorporating the second activity into an existing single-active ligand. If the binding sites of both targets share similar endogenous substrates, MTDLs can be designed by merging two lead compounds with similar functional groups. If the binding sites are large or adjacent to the solution, two key pharmacophores can be fused directly. If the binding regions are small and deep inside the proteins, the linked-pharmacophore strategy might be the only way. The added pharmacophores of second targets should not affect the binding mode of the original ones. Moreover, the inhibitory activities of the two targets need to be adjusted to achieve an optimal ratio.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangqian Li
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, 72 Binhai Road, Qingdao 266237, Shandong, P. R. China
| | - Xiaowei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, 72 Binhai Road, Qingdao 266237, Shandong, P. R. China
| | - Fang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, 72 Binhai Road, Qingdao 266237, Shandong, P. R. China
| | - Shuo Li
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, 72 Binhai Road, Qingdao 266237, Shandong, P. R. China
| | - Dayong Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, 72 Binhai Road, Qingdao 266237, Shandong, P. R. China
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28
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Helmstädter M, Kaiser A, Brunst S, Schmidt J, Ronchetti R, Weizel L, Proschak E, Merk D. Second-Generation Dual FXR/sEH Modulators with Optimized Pharmacokinetics. J Med Chem 2021; 64:9525-9536. [PMID: 34165993 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c00831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) presents as an epidemic chronic liver disease that is closely associated with metabolic disorders and involves hepatic steatosis, inflammation, and fibrosis as key factors. Despite the enormous global prevalence of NASH, effective pharmacological interventions are lacking. Based on the hypothesis that the multifactorial condition NASH may benefit from combined multiple modes of action for enhanced therapeutic efficacy, we have previously developed dual FXR activators/sEH inhibitors (FXRa/sEHi) and observed remarkable antifibrotic effects upon their use in rodent NASH models. However, these first-generation FXRa/sEHi were characterized by moderate metabolic stability and short in vivo half-life. Aiming to overcome these pharmacokinetic drawbacks, we have systematically studied the structure-activity and structure-stability relationships of the chemotype and obtained second-generation FXRa/sEHi with improved pharmacokinetic parameters. With high plasma exposure, a half-life greater than 5 h, and similar dual potency on the intended targets, 13 presents as a substantially optimized FXRa/sEHi for late-stage preclinical development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moritz Helmstädter
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, 60438 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Astrid Kaiser
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, 60438 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Steffen Brunst
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, 60438 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Jurema Schmidt
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, 60438 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Riccardo Ronchetti
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, 60438 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Lilia Weizel
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, 60438 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Ewgenij Proschak
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, 60438 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Daniel Merk
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, 60438 Frankfurt, Germany
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29
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Helmstädter M, Schmidt J, Kaiser A, Weizel L, Proschak E, Merk D. Differential Therapeutic Effects of FXR Activation, sEH Inhibition, and Dual FXR/sEH Modulation in NASH in Diet-Induced Obese Mice. ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci 2021; 4:966-979. [PMID: 33860214 DOI: 10.1021/acsptsci.1c00041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is an epidemic chronic liver disease and may progress over nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) to liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. The multiple metabolic, environmental, and genetic factors that are involved in NAFLD/NASH pathogenesis and progression suggest a need for multimechanistic interventions. We have developed and preliminarily characterized a concept of dual farnesoid X receptor (FXR) and soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) modulation as a promising polypharmacological strategy to counteract NASH. Here we report the profiling of FXR activation, sEH inhibition, and simultaneous FXR/sEH modulation as an interventional treatment in pre-established NASH in mice with diet-induced obesity (DIO). We found that full FXR activation was required to obtain antisteatosis effects but also worsened ballooning degeneration and fibrosis. In contrast, sEH inhibition and dual FXR/sEH modulation, despite a lack of antisteatosis activity, had anti-inflammatory effects and efficiently counteracted hepatic fibrosis. These results demonstrate great therapeutic potential of sEH inhibition to counteract hepatic fibrosis and validate the designed polypharmacology concept of dual FXR/sEH modulation as a potentially superior avenue for the effective treatment of the multifactorial condition NASH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moritz Helmstädter
- Goethe University Frankfurt, Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Max-von-Laue-Strasse 9, 60438 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Jurema Schmidt
- Goethe University Frankfurt, Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Max-von-Laue-Strasse 9, 60438 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Astrid Kaiser
- Goethe University Frankfurt, Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Max-von-Laue-Strasse 9, 60438 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Lilia Weizel
- Goethe University Frankfurt, Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Max-von-Laue-Strasse 9, 60438 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Ewgenij Proschak
- Goethe University Frankfurt, Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Max-von-Laue-Strasse 9, 60438 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Daniel Merk
- Goethe University Frankfurt, Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Max-von-Laue-Strasse 9, 60438 Frankfurt, Germany
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30
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Lillich FF, Imig JD, Proschak E. Multi-Target Approaches in Metabolic Syndrome. Front Pharmacol 2021; 11:554961. [PMID: 33776749 PMCID: PMC7994619 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.554961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2020] [Accepted: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a highly prevalent disease cluster worldwide. It requires polypharmacological treatment of the single conditions including type II diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia, as well as the associated comorbidities. The complex treatment regimens with various drugs lead to drug-drug interactions and inadequate patient adherence, resulting in poor management of the disease. Multi-target approaches aim at reducing the polypharmacology and improving the efficacy. This review summarizes the medicinal chemistry efforts to develop multi-target ligands for MetS. Different combinations of pharmacological targets in context of in vivo efficacy and future perspective for multi-target drugs in MetS are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felix F. Lillich
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe-University of Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - John D. Imig
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States
| | - Ewgenij Proschak
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe-University of Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
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31
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Helmstädter M, Vietor J, Sommer J, Schierle S, Willems S, Kaiser A, Schmidt J, Merk D. A New FXR Ligand Chemotype with Agonist/Antagonist Switch. ACS Med Chem Lett 2021; 12:267-274. [PMID: 33603974 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.0c00647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Therapeutic modulation of the bile acid-sensing transcription factor farnesoid X receptor (FXR) is an appealing strategy to counteract hepatic and metabolic diseases. Despite the availability of several highly potent FXR agonists structural diversity of FXR modulators is limited, and new ligand scaffolds are needed. Here we report structure-activity relationship elucidation of a new FXR modulator chemotype whose activity can be tuned between agonism and antagonism by two minor structural modifications. Starting from a weak FXR/PPAR agonist, we have developed selective FXR activators and antagonists with nanomolar to low-micromolar potencies and binding affinities. The new FXR ligand chemotype modulates the FXR activity in the native cellular setting, is endowed with favorable metabolic stability, and lacks cytotoxicity. It valuably expands the collection of FXR modulators as a new scaffold for FXR-targeted drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moritz Helmstädter
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, D-60438 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Jan Vietor
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, D-60438 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Jana Sommer
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, D-60438 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Simone Schierle
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, D-60438 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Sabine Willems
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, D-60438 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Astrid Kaiser
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, D-60438 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Jurema Schmidt
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, D-60438 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Daniel Merk
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, D-60438 Frankfurt, Germany
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32
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Brunst S, Kramer JS, Kilu W, Heering J, Pollinger J, Hiesinger K, George S, Steinhilber D, Merk D, Proschak E. Systematic Assessment of Fragment Identification for Multitarget Drug Design. ChemMedChem 2021; 16:1088-1092. [PMID: 33283450 PMCID: PMC8049054 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202000858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Designed multitarget ligands are a popular approach to generating efficient and safe drugs, and fragment-based strategies have been postulated as a versatile avenue to discover multitarget ligand leads. To systematically probe the potential of fragment-based multiple ligand discovery, we have employed a large fragment library for comprehensive screening on five targets chosen from proteins for which multitarget ligands have been successfully developed previously (soluble epoxide hydrolase, leukotriene A4 hydrolase, 5-lipoxygenase, retinoid X receptor, farnesoid X receptor). Differential scanning fluorimetry served as primary screening method before fragments hitting at least two targets were validated in orthogonal assays. Thereby, we obtained valuable fragment leads with dual-target engagement for six out of ten target combinations. Our results demonstrate the applicability of fragment-based approaches to identify starting points for polypharmacological compound development with certain limitations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steffen Brunst
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University, Max-von-Laue Str. 9, 60438, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Jan S Kramer
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University, Max-von-Laue Str. 9, 60438, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Whitney Kilu
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University, Max-von-Laue Str. 9, 60438, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Jan Heering
- Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60596, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Julius Pollinger
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University, Max-von-Laue Str. 9, 60438, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Kerstin Hiesinger
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University, Max-von-Laue Str. 9, 60438, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Sven George
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University, Max-von-Laue Str. 9, 60438, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Dieter Steinhilber
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University, Max-von-Laue Str. 9, 60438, Frankfurt, Germany.,Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60596, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Daniel Merk
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University, Max-von-Laue Str. 9, 60438, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Ewgenij Proschak
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University, Max-von-Laue Str. 9, 60438, Frankfurt, Germany.,Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60596, Frankfurt, Germany
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33
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Kalveram L, Schunck WH, Rothe M, Rudolph B, Loddenkemper C, Holzhütter HG, Henning S, Bufler P, Schulz M, Meierhofer D, Zhang IW, Weylandt KH, Wiegand S, Hudert CA. Regulation of the cytochrome P450 epoxyeicosanoid pathway is associated with distinct histologic features in pediatric non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids 2021; 164:102229. [PMID: 33388475 DOI: 10.1016/j.plefa.2020.102229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2020] [Revised: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a significant health burden in obese children for which there is currently no specific therapy. Preclinical studies indicate that epoxyeicosanoids, a class of bioactive lipid mediators that are generated by cytochrome P450 (CYP) epoxygenases and inactivated by the soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH), play a protective role in NAFLD. We performed a comprehensive lipidomics analysis using liver tissue and blood samples of 40 children with NAFLD. Proteomics was performed to determine CYP epoxygenase and sEH expressions. Hepatic epoxyeicosanoids significantly increased with higher grades of steatosis, while their precursor PUFAs were unaltered. Concomitantly, total CYP epoxygenase activity increased while protein level and activity of sEH decreased. In contrast, hepatic epoxyeicosanoids showed a strong decreasing trend with higher stages of fibrosis, accompanied by a decrease of CYP epoxygenase activity and protein expression. These findings suggest that the CYP epoxygenase/sEH pathway represents a potential pharmacologic target for the treatment of NAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Kalveram
- Center for Chronically Sick Children, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | | | | | - Birgit Rudolph
- Institute of Pathology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | | | | | - Stephan Henning
- Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Nephrology and Metabolic Diseases, Charité -Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Philip Bufler
- Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Nephrology and Metabolic Diseases, Charité -Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Marten Schulz
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - David Meierhofer
- Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics, Mass Spectrometry Facility, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Ingrid W Zhang
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Karsten H Weylandt
- Department of Gastroenterology, Diabetes, Oncology and Rheumatology, Ruppiner Kliniken, Brandenburg Medical School, 16816 Neuruppin, Germany
| | - Susanna Wiegand
- Center for Chronically Sick Children, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Christian A Hudert
- Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Nephrology and Metabolic Diseases, Charité -Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 13353 Berlin, Germany.
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34
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Sun CP, Zhang XY, Morisseau C, Hwang SH, Zhang ZJ, Hammock BD, Ma XC. Discovery of Soluble Epoxide Hydrolase Inhibitors from Chemical Synthesis and Natural Products. J Med Chem 2020; 64:184-215. [PMID: 33369424 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c01507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) is an α/β hydrolase fold protein and widely distributed in numerous organs including the liver, kidney, and brain. The inhibition of sEH can effectively maintain endogenous epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs) levels and reduce dihydroxyeicosatrienoic acids (DHETs) levels, resulting in therapeutic potentials for cardiovascular, central nervous system, and metabolic diseases. Therefore, since the beginning of this century, the development of sEH inhibitors is a hot research topic. A variety of potent sEH inhibitors have been developed by chemical synthesis or isolated from natural sources. In this review, we mainly summarized the interconnected aspects of sEH with cardiovascular, central nervous system, and metabolic diseases and then focus on representative inhibitors, which would provide some useful guidance for the future development of potential sEH inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng-Peng Sun
- Dalian Key Laboratory of Metabolic Target Characterization and Traditional Chinese Medicine Intervention, College (Institute) of Integrative Medicine, College of Pharmacy, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, People's Republic of China
| | - Xin-Yue Zhang
- Dalian Key Laboratory of Metabolic Target Characterization and Traditional Chinese Medicine Intervention, College (Institute) of Integrative Medicine, College of Pharmacy, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, People's Republic of China
| | - Christophe Morisseau
- Department of Entomology and Nematology, UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, Davis, California 95616, United States
| | - Sung Hee Hwang
- Department of Entomology and Nematology, UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, Davis, California 95616, United States
| | - Zhan-Jun Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, People's Republic of China
| | - Bruce D Hammock
- Department of Entomology and Nematology, UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, Davis, California 95616, United States
| | - Xiao-Chi Ma
- Dalian Key Laboratory of Metabolic Target Characterization and Traditional Chinese Medicine Intervention, College (Institute) of Integrative Medicine, College of Pharmacy, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, People's Republic of China.,College of Pharmacy, School of Medicine, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, People's Republic of China
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35
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Das Mahapatra A, Choubey R, Datta B. Small Molecule Soluble Epoxide Hydrolase Inhibitors in Multitarget and Combination Therapies for Inflammation and Cancer. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25235488. [PMID: 33255197 PMCID: PMC7727688 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25235488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Revised: 11/13/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The enzyme soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) plays a central role in metabolism of bioactive lipid signaling molecules. The substrate-specific hydrolase activity of sEH converts epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs) to less bioactive dihydroxyeicosatrienoic acids. EETs exhibit anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antihypertensive, cardio-protective and organ-protective properties. Accordingly, sEH inhibition is a promising therapeutic strategy for addressing a variety of diseases. In this review, we describe small molecule architectures that have been commonly deployed as sEH inhibitors with respect to angiogenesis, inflammation and cancer. We juxtapose commonly used synthetic scaffolds and natural products within the paradigm of a multitarget approach for addressing inflammation and inflammation induced carcinogenesis. Structural insights from the inhibitor complexes and novel strategies for development of sEH-based multitarget inhibitors are also presented. While sEH inhibition is likely to suppress inflammation-induced carcinogenesis, it can also lead to enhanced angiogenesis via increased EET concentrations. In this regard, sEH inhibitors in combination chemotherapy are described. Urea and amide-based architectures feature prominently across multitarget inhibition and combination chemotherapy applications of sEH inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amarjyoti Das Mahapatra
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar, Palaj, Gandhinagar 382355, India; (A.D.M.); (R.C.)
| | - Rinku Choubey
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar, Palaj, Gandhinagar 382355, India; (A.D.M.); (R.C.)
| | - Bhaskar Datta
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar, Palaj, Gandhinagar 382355, India; (A.D.M.); (R.C.)
- Department of Biological Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar, Palaj, Gandhinagar 382355, India
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +079-2395-2073; Fax: +079-2397-2622
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36
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A triple farnesoid X receptor and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α/δ activator reverses hepatic fibrosis in diet-induced NASH in mice. Commun Chem 2020; 3:174. [PMID: 36703463 PMCID: PMC9814779 DOI: 10.1038/s42004-020-00411-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 10/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) - a hepatic manifestation of the metabolic syndrome - is a multifactorial disease with alarming global prevalence. It involves steatosis, inflammation and fibrosis in the liver, thus demanding multiple modes of action for robust therapeutic efficacy. Aiming to fuse complementary validated anti-NASH strategies in a single molecule, we have designed and systematically optimized a scaffold for triple activation of farnesoid X receptor (FXR), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) α and PPARδ. Pilot profiling of the resulting triple modulator demonstrated target engagement in native cellular settings and in mice, rendering it a suitable tool to probe the triple modulator concept in vivo. In DIO NASH in mice, the triple agonist counteracted hepatic inflammation and reversed hepatic fibrosis highlighting the potential of designed polypharmacology in NASH.
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37
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Meijer I, Willems S, Ni X, Heering J, Chaikuad A, Merk D. Chemical Starting Matter for HNF4α Ligand Discovery and Chemogenomics. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E7895. [PMID: 33114319 PMCID: PMC7660650 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21217895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Revised: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocyte nuclear factor 4α (HNF4α) is a ligand-sensing transcription factor and presents as a potential drug target in metabolic diseases and cancer. In humans, mutations in the HNF4α gene cause maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY), and the elevated activity of this protein has been associated with gastrointestinal cancers. Despite the high therapeutic potential, available ligands and structure-activity relationship knowledge for this nuclear receptor are scarce. Here, we disclose a chemically diverse collection of orthogonally validated fragment-like activators as well as inverse agonists, which modulate HNF4α activity in a low micromolar range. These compounds demonstrate the druggability of HNF4α and thus provide a starting point for medicinal chemistry as well as an early tool for chemogenomics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabelle Meijer
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, 60438 Frankfurt, Germany; (I.M.); (S.W.); (X.N.); (A.C.)
| | - Sabine Willems
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, 60438 Frankfurt, Germany; (I.M.); (S.W.); (X.N.); (A.C.)
| | - Xiaomin Ni
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, 60438 Frankfurt, Germany; (I.M.); (S.W.); (X.N.); (A.C.)
- Structural Genomics Consortium, BMLS, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 15, 60438 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Jan Heering
- Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Branch for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology TMP, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60596 Frankfurt, Germany;
| | - Apirat Chaikuad
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, 60438 Frankfurt, Germany; (I.M.); (S.W.); (X.N.); (A.C.)
- Structural Genomics Consortium, BMLS, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 15, 60438 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Daniel Merk
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, 60438 Frankfurt, Germany; (I.M.); (S.W.); (X.N.); (A.C.)
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38
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Luo G, Lin X, Li Z, Xiao M, Li X, Zhang D, Xiang H. Structure-guided modification of isoxazole-type FXR agonists: Identification of a potent and orally bioavailable FXR modulator. Eur J Med Chem 2020; 209:112910. [PMID: 33049605 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2020.112910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2020] [Revised: 10/03/2020] [Accepted: 10/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Farnesoid X receptor (FXR) agonists are emerging as potential therapeutics for the treatment of various metabolic diseases, as they display multiple effects on bile acid, lipid, and glucose homeostasis. Although the steroidal obeticholic acid, a full FXR agonist, was recently approved, several side effects probably due to insufficient pharmacological selectivity impede its further clinical application. Activating FXR in a partial manner is therefore crucial in the development of novel FXR modulators. Our efforts focusing on isoxazole-type FXR agonists, common nonsteroidal agonists for FXR, led to the discovery a series of novel FXR agonists bearing aryl urea moieties through structural simplification of LJN452 (phase 2). Encouragingly, compound 11k was discovered as a potent FXR agonist which exhibited similar FXR agonism potency but lower maximum efficacy compared to full agonists GW4064 and LJN452 in cell-based FXR transactivation assay. Extensive in vitro evaluation further confirmed partial efficacy of 11k in cellular FXR-dependent gene modulation, and revealed its lipid-reducing activity. More importantly, orally administration of 11k in mice exhibited desirable pharmacokinetic characters resulting in promising in vivo FXR agonistic activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guoshun Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China; Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Xin Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China; Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Zhenbang Li
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, PR China
| | - Maoxu Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China; Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Xinyu Li
- School of Life and Health Sciences and Warshel Institute for Computational Biology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Dayong Zhang
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, PR China.
| | - Hua Xiang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China; Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China.
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39
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Schierle S, Neumann S, Heitel P, Willems S, Kaiser A, Pollinger J, Merk D. Design and Structural Optimization of Dual FXR/PPARδ Activators. J Med Chem 2020; 63:8369-8379. [PMID: 32687365 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c00618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is considered as severe hepatic manifestation of the metabolic syndrome and has alarming global prevalence. The ligand-activated transcription factors farnesoid X receptor (FXR) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) δ have been validated as molecular targets to counter NASH. To achieve robust therapeutic efficacy in this multifactorial pathology, combined peripheral PPARδ-mediated activity and hepatic effects of FXR activation appear as a promising multitarget approach. We have designed a minimal dual FXR/PPARδ activator scaffold by rational fusion of pharmacophores derived from selective agonists. Our dual agonist lead compound exhibited weak agonism on FXR and PPARδ and was structurally refined to a potent and balanced FXR/PPARδ activator in a computer-aided fashion. The resulting dual FXR/PPARδ modulator comprises high selectivity over related nuclear receptors and activates the two target transcription factors in native cellular settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Schierle
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Straße 9, D-60438 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Sebastian Neumann
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Straße 9, D-60438 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Pascal Heitel
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Straße 9, D-60438 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Sabine Willems
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Straße 9, D-60438 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Astrid Kaiser
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Straße 9, D-60438 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Julius Pollinger
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Straße 9, D-60438 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Daniel Merk
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Straße 9, D-60438 Frankfurt, Germany
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40
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Waheed A, Ahmad T, Haroon M, Ullah N. A Highly Sensitive and Selective Fluorescent Sensor for Zinc(II) Ions Based on a 1,2,3‐Triazolyl‐Functionalized 2,2’‐Dipicolylamine (DPA). ChemistrySelect 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/slct.202000928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Abdul Waheed
- Chemistry DepartmentKing Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals Dhahran 31261 Saudi Arabia
| | - Tauqir Ahmad
- Chemistry DepartmentKing Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals Dhahran 31261 Saudi Arabia
| | - Muhammad Haroon
- Chemistry DepartmentKing Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals Dhahran 31261 Saudi Arabia
| | - Nisar Ullah
- Chemistry DepartmentKing Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals Dhahran 31261 Saudi Arabia
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41
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Lamers C, Merk D. Discovery, Structural Refinement and Therapeutic Potential of Farnesoid X Receptor Activators. ANTI-FIBROTIC DRUG DISCOVERY 2020. [DOI: 10.1039/9781788015783-00076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Farnesoid X receptor acts as bile acid sensing transcription factor and has been identified as valuable molecular drug target to treat severe liver disorders, such as non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Preclinical and clinical data indicate anti-fibrotic effects obtained with FXR activation that also appear promising for other fibrotic diseases beyond NASH. Strong efforts in FXR ligand discovery have yielded potent steroidal and non-steroidal FXR activators, some of which have been studied in clinical trials. While the structure–activity relationship of some FXR agonist frameworks have been studied extensively, the structural diversity of potent FXR activator chemotypes is still limited to a handful of well-studied compound classes. Together with safety concerns related to full therapeutic activation of FXR, this indicates the need for novel innovative FXR ligands with selective modulatory properties. This chapter evaluates FXR's value as drug target with emphasis on fibrotic diseases, analyses FXR ligand recognition and requirements and focuses on the discovery and structural refinement of leading FXR activator chemotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Lamers
- University Basel, Molecular Pharmacy Klingelberstr. 50 CH-4056 Basel Switzerland
| | - Daniel Merk
- Goethe University Frankfurt, Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry Max-von-Laue-Str. 9 D-60438 Frankfurt Germany
- Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) Zurich, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 4 CH-8093 Zurich Switzerland
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42
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Dai L, Feng Z, Zha R, Cheng K, Wen X, Sun H, Yuan H. Discovery of Novel Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor α (PPARα) Agonists by Virtual Screening and Biological Evaluation. J Chem Inf Model 2020; 60:1717-1727. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.9b00838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Liang Dai
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Discovery for Metabolic Disease and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, P. R. China
| | - Zhiqi Feng
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Discovery for Metabolic Disease and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, P. R. China
| | - Rili Zha
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Discovery for Metabolic Disease and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, P. R. China
| | - Keguang Cheng
- State Key Laboratory for Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources, School of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Guangxi Normal University, 15 Yucai Road, Guilin 541004, P. R. China
| | - Xiaoan Wen
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Discovery for Metabolic Disease and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, P. R. China
| | - Hongbin Sun
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Discovery for Metabolic Disease and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, P. R. China
| | - Haoliang Yuan
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Discovery for Metabolic Disease and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, P. R. China
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Wu R, Liu S, Liu Y, Sun Y, Xiao H, Huang Y, Yang Z, Wu Z. PET probe with Aggregation Induced Emission characteristics for the specific turn-on of aromatase. Talanta 2020; 208:120412. [DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2019.120412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2019] [Revised: 07/04/2019] [Accepted: 09/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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Schierle S, Helmstädter M, Schmidt J, Hartmann M, Horz M, Kaiser A, Weizel L, Heitel P, Proschak A, Hernandez‐Olmos V, Proschak E, Merk D. Dual Farnesoid X Receptor/Soluble Epoxide Hydrolase Modulators Derived from Zafirlukast. ChemMedChem 2020; 15:50-67. [PMID: 31670489 PMCID: PMC7004070 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.201900576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2019] [Revised: 10/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
The nuclear farnesoid X receptor (FXR) and the enzyme soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) are validated molecular targets to treat metabolic disorders such as non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Their simultaneous modulation in vivo has demonstrated a triad of anti-NASH effects and thus may generate synergistic efficacy. Here we report dual FXR activators/sEH inhibitors derived from the anti-asthma drug Zafirlukast. Systematic structural optimization of the scaffold has produced favorable dual potency on FXR and sEH while depleting the original cysteinyl leukotriene receptor antagonism of the lead drug. The resulting polypharmacological activity profile holds promise in the treatment of liver-related metabolic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Schierle
- Institute of Pharmaceutical ChemistryGoethe University FrankfurtMax-von-Laue-Str. 960438FrankfurtGermany
| | - Moritz Helmstädter
- Institute of Pharmaceutical ChemistryGoethe University FrankfurtMax-von-Laue-Str. 960438FrankfurtGermany
| | - Jurema Schmidt
- Institute of Pharmaceutical ChemistryGoethe University FrankfurtMax-von-Laue-Str. 960438FrankfurtGermany
| | - Markus Hartmann
- Institute of Pharmaceutical ChemistryGoethe University FrankfurtMax-von-Laue-Str. 960438FrankfurtGermany
| | - Maximiliane Horz
- Institute of Pharmaceutical ChemistryGoethe University FrankfurtMax-von-Laue-Str. 960438FrankfurtGermany
| | - Astrid Kaiser
- Institute of Pharmaceutical ChemistryGoethe University FrankfurtMax-von-Laue-Str. 960438FrankfurtGermany
| | - Lilia Weizel
- Institute of Pharmaceutical ChemistryGoethe University FrankfurtMax-von-Laue-Str. 960438FrankfurtGermany
| | - Pascal Heitel
- Institute of Pharmaceutical ChemistryGoethe University FrankfurtMax-von-Laue-Str. 960438FrankfurtGermany
| | - Anna Proschak
- Institute of Pharmaceutical ChemistryGoethe University FrankfurtMax-von-Laue-Str. 960438FrankfurtGermany
| | - Victor Hernandez‐Olmos
- Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IMEBranch for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology TMPTheodor-Stern-Kai 760596Frankfurt am MainGermany
| | - Ewgenij Proschak
- Institute of Pharmaceutical ChemistryGoethe University FrankfurtMax-von-Laue-Str. 960438FrankfurtGermany
| | - Daniel Merk
- Institute of Pharmaceutical ChemistryGoethe University FrankfurtMax-von-Laue-Str. 960438FrankfurtGermany
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45
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Luan ZL, Huo XK, Dong PP, Tian XG, Sun CP, Lv X, Feng L, Ning J, Wang C, Zhang BJ, Ma XC. Highly potent non-steroidal FXR agonists protostane-type triterpenoids: Structure-activity relationship and mechanism. Eur J Med Chem 2019; 182:111652. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2019.111652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2019] [Revised: 08/08/2019] [Accepted: 08/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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46
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Pollinger J, Schierle S, Neumann S, Ohrndorf J, Kaiser A, Merk D. Computer-Assisted Selective Optimization of Side-Activities-from Cinalukast to a PPARα Modulator. ChemMedChem 2019; 14:1343-1348. [PMID: 31141287 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.201900286] [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: 05/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Automated computational analogue design and scoring can speed up hit-to-lead optimization and appears particularly promising in selective optimization of side-activities (SOSA) where possible analogue diversity is confined. Probing this concept, we employed the cysteinyl leukotriene receptor 1 (CysLT1 R) antagonist cinalukast as lead for which we discovered peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα) modulatory activity. We automatically generated a virtual library of close analogues and classified these roughly 8000 compounds for PPARα agonism and CysLT1 R antagonism using automated affinity scoring and machine learning. A computationally preferred analogue for SOSA was synthesized, and in vitro characterization indeed revealed a marked activity shift toward enhanced PPARα activation and diminished CysLT1 R antagonism. Thereby, this prospective application study highlights the potential of automating SOSA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julius Pollinger
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, 60438, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Simone Schierle
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, 60438, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Sebastian Neumann
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, 60438, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Julia Ohrndorf
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, 60438, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Astrid Kaiser
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, 60438, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Daniel Merk
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, 60438, Frankfurt, Germany
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47
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Rodríguez-Soacha DA, Scheiner M, Decker M. Multi-target-directed-ligands acting as enzyme inhibitors and receptor ligands. Eur J Med Chem 2019; 180:690-706. [PMID: 31401465 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2019.07.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2019] [Revised: 07/04/2019] [Accepted: 07/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
In this review, we present the latest advances in the field of multi-target-directed ligand (MTDL) design for the treatment of various complex pathologies of multifactorial origin. In particular, latest findings in the field of MTDL design targeting both an enzyme and a receptor are presented for different diseases such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), depression, addiction, glaucoma, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis and pain and inflammation. The ethology of the diseases is briefly described, with special emphasis on how the MTDL can evolve into novel therapies that replace the classic pharmacological dogma "one target one disease". Considering the current needs for therapy adherence improvement, it is exposed as from the medicinal chemistry, different molecular scaffolds are studied. With the use of structure activity relationship studies and molecular optimization, new hybrid molecules are generated with improved biological properties acting at two biologically very distinct targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Alejandro Rodríguez-Soacha
- Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Food Chemistry, Julius Maximilian University of Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Matthias Scheiner
- Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Food Chemistry, Julius Maximilian University of Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Michael Decker
- Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Food Chemistry, Julius Maximilian University of Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074, Würzburg, Germany.
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A dual farnesoid X receptor/soluble epoxide hydrolase modulator treats non-alcoholic steatohepatitis in mice. Biochem Pharmacol 2019; 166:212-221. [PMID: 31129048 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2019.05.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2019] [Accepted: 05/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) are the most prevalent metabolic liver disorders and a serious global health burden. NAFLD/NASH pathogenesis and progression are highly multi-factorial and likely demand a combination of multiple mechanisms to provide a more effective treatment. We have developed a dual farnesoid X receptor agonist (FXRA)/soluble epoxide hydrolase inhibitor (sEHi) to simultaneously address two validated and complementary modes of action in NASH treatment. Here we report the in vivo profiling for this FXRA/sEHi in toxin- and diet-induced rodent NASH models. In streptozotocin-induced NASH as a proof-of-concept study, the experimental FXRA/sEHi drug robustly prevented hepatic steatosis and fibrosis, and improved lipid homeostasis as well as biochemical markers of liver health. In methionine-choline-deficient high-fat diet-induced NASH, FXRA/sEHi treatment reduced hepatic steatosis and fibrosis to levels similar to healthy animals and demonstrated anti-inflammatory activity confirming that dual FXRA/sEHi modulation produces a triad of complementary anti-NASH effects. Our results validate dual FXRA/sEHi modulation as an effective therapeutic strategy to treat NASH and advocates for a combinational drug therapeutic approach for multifactorial liver diseases.
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Pollinger J, Gellrich L, Schierle S, Kilu W, Schmidt J, Kalinowsky L, Ohrndorf J, Kaiser A, Heering J, Proschak E, Merk D. Tuning Nuclear Receptor Selectivity of Wy14,643 towards Selective Retinoid X Receptor Modulation. J Med Chem 2019; 62:2112-2126. [PMID: 30702885 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.8b01848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The fatty acid sensing nuclear receptor families retinoid X receptors (RXRs) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) hold therapeutic potential in neurodegeneration. Valuable pleiotropic activities of Wy14,643 in models of such conditions exceed its known PPAR agonistic profile. Here, we characterize the compound as an RXR agonist explaining the pleiotropic effects and report its systematic structure-activity relationship analysis with the discovery of specific molecular determinants driving activity on PPARs and RXRs. We have designed close analogues of the drug comprising selective and dual agonism on RXRs and PPARs that may serve as superior pharmacological tools to study the role and interplay of the nuclear receptors in various pathologies. A systematically optimized high potency RXR agonist revealed activity in vivo and active concentrations in brain. With its lack of RXR/liver X receptor-mediated side effects and superior profile compared to classical rexinoids, it establishes a new class of innovative RXR modulators to overcome key challenges in RXR targeting drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julius Pollinger
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry , Goethe University Frankfurt , Max-von-Laue-Str. 9 , D-60438 Frankfurt , Germany
| | - Leonie Gellrich
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry , Goethe University Frankfurt , Max-von-Laue-Str. 9 , D-60438 Frankfurt , Germany
| | - Simone Schierle
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry , Goethe University Frankfurt , Max-von-Laue-Str. 9 , D-60438 Frankfurt , Germany
| | - Whitney Kilu
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry , Goethe University Frankfurt , Max-von-Laue-Str. 9 , D-60438 Frankfurt , Germany
| | - Jurema Schmidt
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry , Goethe University Frankfurt , Max-von-Laue-Str. 9 , D-60438 Frankfurt , Germany
| | - Lena Kalinowsky
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry , Goethe University Frankfurt , Max-von-Laue-Str. 9 , D-60438 Frankfurt , Germany
| | - Julia Ohrndorf
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry , Goethe University Frankfurt , Max-von-Laue-Str. 9 , D-60438 Frankfurt , Germany
| | - Astrid Kaiser
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry , Goethe University Frankfurt , Max-von-Laue-Str. 9 , D-60438 Frankfurt , Germany
| | - Jan Heering
- Project Group Translational Medicine and Pharmacology TMP , Fraunhofer IME , Theodor-Stern-Kai 7 , D-60596 Frankfurt , Germany
| | - Ewgenij Proschak
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry , Goethe University Frankfurt , Max-von-Laue-Str. 9 , D-60438 Frankfurt , Germany
| | - Daniel Merk
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry , Goethe University Frankfurt , Max-von-Laue-Str. 9 , D-60438 Frankfurt , Germany
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50
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Karmakar U, Samanta R. Pd(II)-Catalyzed Direct Sulfonylation of Benzylamines Using Sodium Sulfinates. J Org Chem 2019; 84:2850-2861. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.joc.8b03098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Ujjwal Karmakar
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur 721302, India
| | - Rajarshi Samanta
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur 721302, India
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