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Pinheiro PDSM, Franco LS, Fraga CAM. The Magic Methyl and Its Tricks in Drug Discovery and Development. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:1157. [PMID: 37631072 PMCID: PMC10457765 DOI: 10.3390/ph16081157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 08/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
One of the key scientific aspects of small-molecule drug discovery and development is the analysis of the relationship between its chemical structure and biological activity. Understanding the effects that lead to significant changes in biological activity is of paramount importance for the rational design and optimization of bioactive molecules. The "methylation effect", or the "magic methyl" effect, is a factor that stands out due to the number of examples that demonstrate profound changes in either pharmacodynamic or pharmacokinetic properties. In many cases, this has been carried out rationally, but in others it has been the product of serendipitous observations. This paper summarizes recent examples that provide an overview of the current state of the art and contribute to a better understanding of the methylation effect in bioactive small-molecule drug candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro de Sena Murteira Pinheiro
- Laboratório de Avaliação e Síntese de Substâncias Bioativas (LASSBio), Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, RJ, Brazil; (P.d.S.M.P.); (L.S.F.)
| | - Lucas Silva Franco
- Laboratório de Avaliação e Síntese de Substâncias Bioativas (LASSBio), Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, RJ, Brazil; (P.d.S.M.P.); (L.S.F.)
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia de Fármacos e Medicamentos (INCT-INOFAR), CCS, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Cidade Universitária, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, RJ, Brazil
| | - Carlos Alberto Manssour Fraga
- Laboratório de Avaliação e Síntese de Substâncias Bioativas (LASSBio), Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, RJ, Brazil; (P.d.S.M.P.); (L.S.F.)
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia de Fármacos e Medicamentos (INCT-INOFAR), CCS, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Cidade Universitária, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, RJ, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Farmacologia e Química Medicinal, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Cidade Universitária, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, RJ, Brazil
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Decker AM, Brackeen MF, Mohammadkhani A, Kormos CM, Hesk D, Borgland SL, Blough BE. Identification of a Potent Human Trace Amine-Associated Receptor 1 Antagonist. ACS Chem Neurosci 2022; 13:1082-1095. [PMID: 35325532 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.2c00086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Human trace amine-associated receptor subtype 1 (hTAAR1) is a G protein-coupled receptor that has therapeutic potential for multiple diseases, including schizophrenia, drug addiction, and Parkinson's disease (PD). Although several potent agonists have been identified and have shown positive results in various clinical trials for schizophrenia, the discovery of potent hTAAR1 antagonists remains elusive. Herein, we report the results of structure-activity relationship studies that have led to the discovery of a potent hTAAR1 antagonist (RTI-7470-44, 34). RTI-7470-44 exhibited an IC50 of 8.4 nM in an in vitro cAMP functional assay, a Ki of 0.3 nM in a radioligand binding assay, and showed species selectivity for hTAAR1 over the rat and mouse orthologues. RTI-7470-44 displayed good blood-brain barrier permeability, moderate metabolic stability, and a favorable preliminary off-target profile. Finally, RTI-7470-44 increased the spontaneous firing rate of mouse VTA dopaminergic neurons and blocked the effects of the known TAAR1 agonist RO5166017. Collectively, this work provides a promising hTAAR1 antagonist probe that can be used to study TAAR1 pharmacology and the potential therapeutic role in hypodopaminergic diseases such as PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann M. Decker
- Center for Drug Discovery, RTI International, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709, United States
| | - Marcus F. Brackeen
- Center for Drug Discovery, RTI International, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709, United States
| | - Aida Mohammadkhani
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta T2N4N1, Canada
| | - Chad M. Kormos
- Center for Drug Discovery, RTI International, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709, United States
| | - David Hesk
- Center for Drug Discovery, RTI International, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709, United States
| | - Stephanie L. Borgland
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta T2N4N1, Canada
| | - Bruce E. Blough
- Center for Drug Discovery, RTI International, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709, United States
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Zaidi SA, Katritch V. Structural Characterization of KOR Inactive and Active States for 3D Pharmacology and Drug Discovery. Handb Exp Pharmacol 2021; 271:41-64. [PMID: 33945028 DOI: 10.1007/164_2021_461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
The structure of the human kappa opioid receptor (KOR) in complex with the long-acting antagonist JDTic was solved crystallographically in 2012 and, along with structures of other opioid receptors, revolutionized our understanding of opioid system function and pharmacology. More recently, active state KOR structure was also determined, giving important insights into activation mechanisms of the receptor. In this review, we will discuss how the understanding of atomistic structures of KOR established a key platform for deciphering details of subtype and functional selectivity of KOR-targeting ligands and for discovery of new chemical probes with potentially beneficial pharmacological profiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saheem A Zaidi
- Department of Quantitative and Computational Biology, Bridge Institute, USC Michelson Center for Convergent Biosciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Vsevolod Katritch
- Department of Quantitative and Computational Biology, Bridge Institute, USC Michelson Center for Convergent Biosciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA. .,Department of Chemistry, Bridge Institute, USC Michelson Center for Convergent Biosciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
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Abstract
This paper is the forty-first consecutive installment of the annual anthological review of research concerning the endogenous opioid system, summarizing articles published during 2018 that studied the behavioral effects of molecular, pharmacological and genetic manipulation of opioid peptides and receptors as well as effects of opioid/opiate agonists and antagonists. The review is subdivided into the following specific topics: molecular-biochemical effects and neurochemical localization studies of endogenous opioids and their receptors (2), the roles of these opioid peptides and receptors in pain and analgesia in animals (3) and humans (4), opioid-sensitive and opioid-insensitive effects of nonopioid analgesics (5), opioid peptide and receptor involvement in tolerance and dependence (6), stress and social status (7), learning and memory (8), eating and drinking (9), drug abuse and alcohol (10), sexual activity and hormones, pregnancy, development and endocrinology (11), mental illness and mood (12), seizures and neurologic disorders (13), electrical-related activity and neurophysiology (14), general activity and locomotion (15), gastrointestinal, renal and hepatic functions (16), cardiovascular responses (17), respiration and thermoregulation (18), and immunological responses (19).
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard J Bodnar
- Department of Psychology and Neuropsychology Doctoral Sub-Program, Queens College, City University of New York, Flushing, NY, 11367, United States.
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Decker AM, Mathews KM, Blough BE, Gilmour BP. Validation of a High-Throughput Calcium Mobilization Assay for the Human Trace Amine-Associated Receptor 1. SLAS DISCOVERY 2020; 26:140-150. [PMID: 32734809 DOI: 10.1177/2472555220945279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The human trace amine-associated receptor 1 (hTAAR1) is a G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) that is widely expressed in monoaminergic nuclei in the central nervous system and has therapeutic potential for multiple diseases, including drug addiction and schizophrenia. Thus, identification of novel hTAAR1 ligands is critical to advancing our knowledge of hTAAR1 function and to the development of therapeutics for a wide range of diseases. Herein we describe the development of a robust, 3-addition high-throughput screening (HTS) calcium mobilization assay using stable CHO-Gαq16-hTAAR1 cells, which functionally couple hTAAR1 to the promiscuous Gαq16 protein and thus allow signal transduction to occur through mobilization of internal calcium. Our previously established 96-well hTAAR1 assay was first miniaturized to the 384-well format and optimized to provide an assay with a Z' factor of 0.84, which is indicative of a robust HTS assay. Using the 3-addition protocol, 22,000 compounds were screened and yielded a ~1% agonist hit rate and a ~0.2% antagonist hit rate. Of the antagonist hits, two confirmed hits are the most potent hTAAR1 antagonists identified to date (IC50 = 206 and 281 nM). While scientists have been studying hTAAR1 for years, the lack of suitable hTAAR1 antagonists has been a major roadblock for studying the basic pharmacology of hTAAR1. Thus, these new ligands will serve as valuable tools to study hTAAR1-mediated signaling mechanisms, therapeutic potential, and in vivo functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann M Decker
- Center for Drug Discovery, RTI International, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Kelly M Mathews
- Center for Drug Discovery, RTI International, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Bruce E Blough
- Center for Drug Discovery, RTI International, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Brian P Gilmour
- Center for Drug Discovery, RTI International, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
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Reed B, Butelman ER, Kreek MJ. Kappa Opioid Receptor Antagonists as Potential Therapeutics for Mood and Substance Use Disorders. Handb Exp Pharmacol 2020; 271:473-491. [PMID: 33174064 DOI: 10.1007/164_2020_401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The kappa opioid receptor (KOR) and its primary cognate ligands, the dynorphin peptides, are involved in diverse physiological processes. Disruptions to the KOR/dynorphin system have been found to likely play a role in multiple neuropsychological disorders, and hence KOR has emerged as a potential therapeutic target. Targeting KOR is complicated by close homology to the mu and delta opioid receptors (MOR and DOR), and many KOR ligands have at least moderate affinity to MOR and/or DOR. Animal models utilizing primarily very long-lasting selective KOR antagonists (>3 weeks following a single dose) have demonstrated that KOR antagonism attenuates certain anxiety-like and depression-like behaviors and blocks stress- and cue-induced reinstatement to drug seeking. Recently, relatively selective KOR antagonists with medication-like pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties and durations of action have been developed. One of these, JNJ-67953964 (also referred to as CERC-501, LY2456302, OpraKappa or Aticaprant) has been studied in humans, and shown to be safe, relatively KOR selective, and able to substantially attenuate binding of a KOR PET tracer to CNS localized KOR for greater than 24 h. While animal studies have indicated that compounds of this structural class are capable of normalizing withdrawal signs in animal models of cocaine and alcohol dependence and reducing cocaine and alcohol intake/seeking, additional studies are needed to determine the value of these second generation KOR antagonists in treating mood disorders and substance use disorders in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian Reed
- Laboratory of the Biology of Addictive Diseases, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Eduardo R Butelman
- Laboratory of the Biology of Addictive Diseases, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Mary Jeanne Kreek
- Laboratory of the Biology of Addictive Diseases, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA
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Subota AI, Lutsenko AO, Vashchenko BV, Volochnyuk DM, Levchenko V, Dmytriv YV, Rusanov EB, Gorlova AO, Ryabukhin SV, Grygorenko OO. Scalable and Straightforward Synthesis of All Isomeric (Cyclo)alkylpiperidines. European J Org Chem 2019. [DOI: 10.1002/ejoc.201900450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Andrii I. Subota
- Enamine Ltd. (www.enamine.net); Chervonotkatska Street 78 02094 Kyiv Ukraine
- Institute of Organic Chemistry; National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine; Murmanska Street 5 02094 Kyiv Ukraine
| | - Anton O. Lutsenko
- Enamine Ltd. (www.enamine.net); Chervonotkatska Street 78 02094 Kyiv Ukraine
- Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv; Volodymyrska Street 64 01601 Kyiv Ukraine
| | - Bohdan V. Vashchenko
- Enamine Ltd. (www.enamine.net); Chervonotkatska Street 78 02094 Kyiv Ukraine
- Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv; Volodymyrska Street 64 01601 Kyiv Ukraine
| | - Dmitriy M. Volochnyuk
- Institute of Organic Chemistry; National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine; Murmanska Street 5 02094 Kyiv Ukraine
- Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv; Volodymyrska Street 64 01601 Kyiv Ukraine
| | - Vitalina Levchenko
- Enamine Ltd. (www.enamine.net); Chervonotkatska Street 78 02094 Kyiv Ukraine
| | - Yurii V. Dmytriv
- Enamine Ltd. (www.enamine.net); Chervonotkatska Street 78 02094 Kyiv Ukraine
- Department of Chemical Technology; National Technical University of Ukraine “Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute”; Peremohy Ave. 37 03056 Kyiv Ukraine
| | - Eduard B. Rusanov
- Institute of Organic Chemistry; National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine; Murmanska Street 5 02094 Kyiv Ukraine
| | - Alina O. Gorlova
- Enamine Ltd. (www.enamine.net); Chervonotkatska Street 78 02094 Kyiv Ukraine
- Institute of Organic Chemistry; National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine; Murmanska Street 5 02094 Kyiv Ukraine
| | - Sergey V. Ryabukhin
- Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv; Volodymyrska Street 64 01601 Kyiv Ukraine
| | - Oleksandr O. Grygorenko
- Enamine Ltd. (www.enamine.net); Chervonotkatska Street 78 02094 Kyiv Ukraine
- Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv; Volodymyrska Street 64 01601 Kyiv Ukraine
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Kormos CM, Ondachi PW, Runyon SP, Thomas JB, Mascarella SW, Decker AM, Navarro HA, Fennell TR, Snyder RW, Carroll FI. Potent and Selective Tetrahydroisoquinoline Kappa Opioid Receptor Antagonists of Lead Compound (3 R)- N-[1 R)-1-(Cyclohexylmethyl)-2-methylpropyl]-7-hydroxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline-3-carboxamide (CDTic). J Med Chem 2018; 61:7546-7559. [PMID: 30032602 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.8b00674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Animal pharmacological studies suggest that potent and selective κ opioid receptor antagonists have potential as pharmacotherapies targeting depression, anxiety, and substance abuse (opiates, alcohol, nicotine, cocaine). We recently reported lead compound 1 as a new class of κ opioid receptor antagonists with only one basic amine group. Analogues were synthesized and evaluated for their in vitro opioid receptor antagonist properties using a [35S]GTPγS binding assay. All analogues were pure opioid receptor antagonists with no agonist activity. Compounds 1, 8, 9, 13, and 14 ( Ke values 0.058-0.64 nM) are highly potent and highly selective for the κ relative to the μ and δ opioid receptors. Favorable calculated physiochemical properties were confirmed in rat PK studies, demonstrating brain penetration for selected compounds 1, 9, and 13. High κ opioid receptor potency and selectivity and highly favorable calculated physiochemical and PK properties for brain penetration suggest these compounds should be considered for further development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chad M Kormos
- Research Triangle Institute , P.O. Box 12194, Research Triangle Park , North Carolina 27709-2194 , United States
| | - Pauline W Ondachi
- Research Triangle Institute , P.O. Box 12194, Research Triangle Park , North Carolina 27709-2194 , United States
| | - Scott P Runyon
- Research Triangle Institute , P.O. Box 12194, Research Triangle Park , North Carolina 27709-2194 , United States
| | - James B Thomas
- Research Triangle Institute , P.O. Box 12194, Research Triangle Park , North Carolina 27709-2194 , United States
| | - S Wayne Mascarella
- Research Triangle Institute , P.O. Box 12194, Research Triangle Park , North Carolina 27709-2194 , United States
| | - Ann M Decker
- Research Triangle Institute , P.O. Box 12194, Research Triangle Park , North Carolina 27709-2194 , United States
| | - Hernán A Navarro
- Research Triangle Institute , P.O. Box 12194, Research Triangle Park , North Carolina 27709-2194 , United States
| | - Timothy R Fennell
- Research Triangle Institute , P.O. Box 12194, Research Triangle Park , North Carolina 27709-2194 , United States
| | - Rodney W Snyder
- Research Triangle Institute , P.O. Box 12194, Research Triangle Park , North Carolina 27709-2194 , United States
| | - F Ivy Carroll
- Research Triangle Institute , P.O. Box 12194, Research Triangle Park , North Carolina 27709-2194 , United States
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