1
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Christie LA, Brice NL, Rowland A, Dickson L, Anand R, Teall M, Doyle KJ, Narayana L, Mitchell C, Harvey JRM, Mulligan V, Dawson LA, Cragg SJ, Carlton M, Bürli RW. Discovery of CVN417, a Novel Brain-Penetrant α6-Containing Nicotinic Receptor Antagonist for the Modulation of Motor Dysfunction. J Med Chem 2023; 66:11718-11731. [PMID: 37651656 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c00630] [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] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
Nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) α6 subunit RNA expression is relatively restricted to midbrain regions and is located presynaptically on dopaminergic neurons projecting to the striatum. This subunit modulates dopamine neurotransmission and may have therapeutic potential in movement disorders. We aimed to develop potent and selective α6-containing nAChR antagonists to explore modulation of dopamine release and regulation of motor function in vivo. High-throughput screening (HTS) identified novel α6-containing nAChR antagonists and led to the development of CVN417. This molecule blocks α6-containing nAChR activity in recombinant cells and reduces firing frequency of noradrenergic neurons in the rodent locus coeruleus. CVN417 modulated phasic dopaminergic neurotransmission in an impulse-dependent manner. In a rodent model of resting tremor, CVN417 attenuated this behavioral phenotype. These data suggest that selective antagonism of α6-containing nAChR, with molecules such as CVN417, may have therapeutic utility in treating the movement dysfunctions observed in conditions such as Parkinson's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louisa A Christie
- Cerevance Limited, 418 Cambridge Science Park, Cambridge CB4 0PZ, United Kingdom
- Takeda Cambridge Limited, 418 Cambridge Science Park, Cambridge CB4 0PZ, United Kingdom
| | - Nicola L Brice
- Cerevance Limited, 418 Cambridge Science Park, Cambridge CB4 0PZ, United Kingdom
- Takeda Cambridge Limited, 418 Cambridge Science Park, Cambridge CB4 0PZ, United Kingdom
| | - Anna Rowland
- Cerevance Limited, 418 Cambridge Science Park, Cambridge CB4 0PZ, United Kingdom
- Takeda Cambridge Limited, 418 Cambridge Science Park, Cambridge CB4 0PZ, United Kingdom
| | - Louise Dickson
- Cerevance Limited, 418 Cambridge Science Park, Cambridge CB4 0PZ, United Kingdom
- Takeda Cambridge Limited, 418 Cambridge Science Park, Cambridge CB4 0PZ, United Kingdom
| | - Rishi Anand
- Centre for Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology, Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3PT, United Kingdom
| | - Martin Teall
- Cerevance Limited, 418 Cambridge Science Park, Cambridge CB4 0PZ, United Kingdom
- Takeda Cambridge Limited, 418 Cambridge Science Park, Cambridge CB4 0PZ, United Kingdom
| | - Kevin J Doyle
- Cerevance Limited, 418 Cambridge Science Park, Cambridge CB4 0PZ, United Kingdom
| | - Lakshminarayana Narayana
- Aragen Lifesciences Limited, Plot #284A (part), Bommasandra-Jigani Link Road Industrial Area, Bengaluru 562106, India
| | - Christine Mitchell
- Takeda Cambridge Limited, 418 Cambridge Science Park, Cambridge CB4 0PZ, United Kingdom
| | - Jenna R M Harvey
- Cerevance Limited, 418 Cambridge Science Park, Cambridge CB4 0PZ, United Kingdom
- Takeda Cambridge Limited, 418 Cambridge Science Park, Cambridge CB4 0PZ, United Kingdom
| | - Victoria Mulligan
- Cerevance Limited, 418 Cambridge Science Park, Cambridge CB4 0PZ, United Kingdom
- Takeda Cambridge Limited, 418 Cambridge Science Park, Cambridge CB4 0PZ, United Kingdom
| | - Lee A Dawson
- Cerevance Limited, 418 Cambridge Science Park, Cambridge CB4 0PZ, United Kingdom
| | - Stephanie J Cragg
- Centre for Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology, Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3PT, United Kingdom
| | - Mark Carlton
- Cerevance Limited, 418 Cambridge Science Park, Cambridge CB4 0PZ, United Kingdom
- Takeda Cambridge Limited, 418 Cambridge Science Park, Cambridge CB4 0PZ, United Kingdom
| | - Roland W Bürli
- Cerevance Limited, 418 Cambridge Science Park, Cambridge CB4 0PZ, United Kingdom
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2
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Giraudo A, Pallavicini M, Bolchi C. Small molecule ligands for α9* and α7 nicotinic receptors: a survey and an update, respectively. Pharmacol Res 2023; 193:106801. [PMID: 37236412 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2023.106801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
The α9- and α7-containing nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) mediate numerous physiological and pathological processes by complex mechanisms that are currently the subject of intensive study and debate. In this regard, selective ligands serve as invaluable investigative tools and, in many cases, potential therapeutics for the treatment of various CNS disfunctions and diseases, neuropathic pain, inflammation, and cancer. However, the present scenario differs significantly between the two aforementioned nicotinic subtypes. Over the past few decades, a large number of selective α7-nAChR ligands, including full, partial and silent agonists, antagonists, and allosteric modulators, have been described and reviewed. Conversely, reports on selective α9-containing nAChR ligands are relatively scarce, also due to a more recent characterization of this receptor subtype, and hardly any focusing on small molecules. In this review, we focus on the latter, providing a comprehensive overview, while providing only an update over the last five years for α7-nAChR ligands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Giraudo
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Milan, via Mangiagalli 25, I-20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Marco Pallavicini
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Milan, via Mangiagalli 25, I-20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Cristiano Bolchi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Milan, via Mangiagalli 25, I-20133 Milano, Italy.
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3
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Tae HS, Adams DJ. Nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subtype expression, function, and pharmacology: Therapeutic potential of α-conotoxins. Pharmacol Res 2023; 191:106747. [PMID: 37001708 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2023.106747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
Abstract
The pentameric nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) are typically classed as muscle- or neuronal-type, however, the latter has also been reported in non-neuronal cells. Given their broad distribution, nAChRs mediate numerous physiological and pathological processes including synaptic transmission, presynaptic modulation of transmitter release, neuropathic pain, inflammation, and cancer. There are 17 different nAChR subunits and combinations of these subunits produce subtypes with diverse pharmacological properties. The expression and role of some nAChR subtypes have been extensively deciphered with the aid of knock-out models. Many nAChR subtypes expressed in heterologous systems are selectively targeted by the disulfide-rich α-conotoxins. α-Conotoxins are small peptides isolated from the venom of cone snails, and a number of them have potential pharmaceutical value.
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4
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Bavo F, Pallavicini M, Pucci S, Appiani R, Giraudo A, Oh H, Kneisley DL, Eaton B, Lucero L, Gotti C, Clementi F, Whiteaker P, Bolchi C. Subnanomolar Affinity and Selective Antagonism at α7 Nicotinic Receptor by Combined Modifications of 2-Triethylammonium Ethyl Ether of 4-Stilbenol (MG624). J Med Chem 2022; 66:306-332. [PMID: 36526469 PMCID: PMC9841521 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c01256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Modifications of the cationic head and the ethylene linker of 2-(triethylammonium)ethyl ether of 4-stilbenol (MG624) have been proved to produce selective α9*-nAChR antagonism devoid of any effect on the α7-subtype. Here, single structural changes at the styryl portion of MG624 lead to prevailing α7-nAChR antagonism without abolishing α9*-nAChR antagonism. Nevertheless, rigidification of the styryl into an aromatic bicycle, better if including a H-bond donor NH, such as 5-indolyl (31), resulted in higher and more selective α7-nAChR affinity. Hybridization of this modification with the constraint of the 2-triethylammoniumethyloxy portion into (R)-N,N-dimethyl-3-pyrrolidiniumoxy substructure, previously reported as the best modification for the α7-nAChR affinity of MG624 (2), was a winning strategy. The resulting hybrid 33 had a subnanomolar α7-nAChR affinity and was a potent and selective α7-nAChR antagonist, producing at the α7-, but not at the α9*-nAChR, a profound loss of subsequent ACh function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Bavo
- Dipartimento
di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università
degli Studi di Milano, via Mangiagalli 25, I-20133 Milano, Italy,Department
of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University
of Copenhagen, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Marco Pallavicini
- Dipartimento
di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università
degli Studi di Milano, via Mangiagalli 25, I-20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Susanna Pucci
- Institute
of Neuroscience, CNR, via Vanvitelli 32, I-20129 Milano, Italy,NeuroMi
Milan Center for Neuroscience, University
of Milano Bicocca, piazza
Ateneo Nuovo 1, I-20126 Milano, Italy
| | - Rebecca Appiani
- Dipartimento
di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università
degli Studi di Milano, via Mangiagalli 25, I-20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Alessandro Giraudo
- Dipartimento
di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università
degli Studi di Milano, via Mangiagalli 25, I-20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Hyoungil Oh
- Department
of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Virginia Campus, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia 23298, United States
| | - Dana L. Kneisley
- Department
of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Virginia Campus, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia 23298, United States
| | - Brek Eaton
- Division
of Neurobiology, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, Arizona 85013, United States
| | - Linda Lucero
- Division
of Neurobiology, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, Arizona 85013, United States
| | - Cecilia Gotti
- Institute
of Neuroscience, CNR, via Vanvitelli 32, I-20129 Milano, Italy
| | - Francesco Clementi
- Institute
of Neuroscience, CNR, via Vanvitelli 32, I-20129 Milano, Italy
| | - Paul Whiteaker
- Department
of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Virginia Campus, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia 23298, United States
| | - Cristiano Bolchi
- Dipartimento
di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università
degli Studi di Milano, via Mangiagalli 25, I-20133 Milano, Italy,. Phone: +390250319347
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5
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Neurotransmitters: Potential Targets in Glioblastoma. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14163970. [PMID: 36010960 PMCID: PMC9406056 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14163970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Revised: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Aiming to discover potential treatments for GBM, this review connects emerging research on the roles of neurotransmitters in the normal neural and the GBM microenvironments and sheds light on the prospects of their application in the neuropharmacology of GBM. Conventional therapy is blamed for its poor effect, especially in inhibiting tumor recurrence and invasion. Facing this dilemma, we focus on neurotransmitters that modulate GBM initiation, progression and invasion, hoping to provide novel therapy targeting GBM. By analyzing research concerning GBM therapy systematically and scientifically, we discover increasing insights into the regulatory effects of neurotransmitters, some of which have already shown great potential in research in vivo or in vitro. After that, we further summarize the potential drugs in correlation with previously published research. In summary, it is worth expecting that targeting neurotransmitters could be a promising novel pharmacological approach for GBM treatment. Abstract For decades, glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), a type of the most lethal brain tumor, has remained a formidable challenge in terms of its treatment. Recently, many novel discoveries have underlined the regulatory roles of neurotransmitters in the microenvironment both physiologically and pathologically. By targeting the receptors synaptically or non-synaptically, neurotransmitters activate multiple signaling pathways. Significantly, many ligands acting on neurotransmitter receptors have shown great potential for inhibiting GBM growth and development, requiring further research. Here, we provide an overview of the most novel advances concerning the role of neurotransmitters in the normal neural and the GBM microenvironments, and discuss potential targeted drugs used for GBM treatment.
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6
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Zhang B, Ren M, Yang F, Li R, Yu L, Luo A, Zhangsun D, Luo S, Dong S. Oligo-basic amino acids, potential nicotinic acetylcholine receptor inhibitors. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 152:113215. [PMID: 35667234 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 05/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Oligo-basic amino acids have been extensively studied in molecular biology and pharmacology, but the inhibitory activity on nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) was unknown. In this study, the inhibitory activity of 8 oligopeptides, including both basic and acidic amino acids, was evaluated on 9 nAChR subtypes by a two-electrode voltage clamp (TEVC). Among them, the oligo-lysine K9, K12, d-K9, d-K9F, and oligo-arginine R9 showed nanomolar inhibitory activity on various nAChRs, especially for α7 and α9α10 nAChRs. d-K9 containing N-Fmoc protecting group (d-K9F) has an enhanced inhibitory activity on most of the nAChRs, including 47-fold promotion on α1β1δε nAChR. However, H9 and H12 only showed weak inhibitory activity on α9α10 and α1β1δε nAChRs, and the acidic oligopeptide D9 has no inhibitory activity on nAChRs. Flexible docking of K9 in α10(+) α9(-) and α7(+) α7(-) binding pockets showed particularly strong dipole-dipole interactions, which may be responsible for the inhibition of nAChRs. These results demonstrated that oligo-basic amino acids have the potential to be the lead compounds as selective nAChR subtype inhibitors, and oligo-lysines deserved to be modified for further exploitation and utilization. On the other hand, the toxicity and side effects of these nAChR inhibitory peptides should be contemplated in the application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baojian Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory for Marine Drugs of Haikou, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou, China
| | - Maomao Ren
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory for Marine Drugs of Haikou, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou, China
| | - Fang Yang
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory for Marine Drugs of Haikou, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou, China
| | - Rui Li
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Liutong Yu
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory for Marine Drugs of Haikou, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou, China
| | - An Luo
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory for Marine Drugs of Haikou, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou, China
| | - Dongting Zhangsun
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory for Marine Drugs of Haikou, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou, China
| | - Sulan Luo
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory for Marine Drugs of Haikou, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou, China
| | - Shuai Dong
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory for Marine Drugs of Haikou, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou, China.
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7
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Bavo F, Pallavicini M, Pucci S, Appiani R, Giraudo A, Eaton B, Lucero L, Gotti C, Moretti M, Whiteaker P, Bolchi C. From 2-Triethylammonium Ethyl Ether of 4-Stilbenol (MG624) to Selective Small-Molecule Antagonists of Human α9α10 Nicotinic Receptor by Modifications at the Ammonium Ethyl Residue. J Med Chem 2022; 65:10079-10097. [PMID: 35834819 PMCID: PMC9339509 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c00746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors containing α9 subunits (α9*-nAChRs) are potential druggable targets arousing great interest for pain treatment alternative to opioids. Nonpeptidic small molecules selectively acting as α9*-nAChRs antagonists still remain an unattained goal. Here, through modifications of the cationic head and the ethylene linker, we have converted the 2-triethylammonium ethyl ether of 4-stilbenol (MG624), a well-known α7- and α9*-nAChRs antagonist, into some selective antagonists of human α9*-nAChR. Among these, the compound with cyclohexyldimethylammonium head (7) stands out for having no α7-nAChR agonist or antagonist effect along with very low affinity at both α7- and α3β4-nAChRs. At supra-micromolar concentrations, 7 and the other selective α9* antagonists behaved as partial agonists at α9*-nAChRs with a very brief response, followed by rebound current once the application is stopped and the channel is disengaged. The small or null postapplication activity of ACh seems to be related to the slow recovery of the rebound current.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Bavo
- Dipartimento
di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università
degli Studi di Milano, via Mangiagalli 25, I-20133 Milano, Italy,Department
of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University
of Copenhagen, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Marco Pallavicini
- Dipartimento
di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università
degli Studi di Milano, via Mangiagalli 25, I-20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Susanna Pucci
- Institute
of Neuroscience, CNR, via Vanvitelli 32, I-20129 Milano, Italy,NeuroMi
Milan Center for Neuroscience, University
of Milano Bicocca, piazza
Ateneo Nuovo 1, I-20126 Milano, Italy
| | - Rebecca Appiani
- Dipartimento
di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università
degli Studi di Milano, via Mangiagalli 25, I-20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Alessandro Giraudo
- Dipartimento
di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università
degli Studi di Milano, via Mangiagalli 25, I-20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Brek Eaton
- Division
of Neurobiology, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, Arizona 85013, United States
| | - Linda Lucero
- Division
of Neurobiology, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, Arizona 85013, United States
| | - Cecilia Gotti
- Institute
of Neuroscience, CNR, via Vanvitelli 32, I-20129 Milano, Italy
| | - Milena Moretti
- Institute
of Neuroscience, CNR, via Vanvitelli 32, I-20129 Milano, Italy,Department
of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano, via Vanvitelli 32, I-20129 Milano, Italy
| | - Paul Whiteaker
- Department
of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Virginia Campus, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia 23298, United States
| | - Cristiano Bolchi
- Dipartimento
di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università
degli Studi di Milano, via Mangiagalli 25, I-20133 Milano, Italy,. Phone: +390250319347
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8
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Thakur A, Faujdar C, Sharma R, Sharma S, Malik B, Nepali K, Liou JP. Glioblastoma: Current Status, Emerging Targets, and Recent Advances. J Med Chem 2022; 65:8596-8685. [PMID: 35786935 PMCID: PMC9297300 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c01946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
![]()
Glioblastoma (GBM) is a highly malignant
brain tumor characterized
by a heterogeneous population of genetically unstable and highly infiltrative
cells that are resistant to chemotherapy. Although substantial efforts
have been invested in the field of anti-GBM drug discovery in the
past decade, success has primarily been confined to the preclinical
level, and clinical studies have often been hampered due to efficacy-,
selectivity-, or physicochemical property-related issues. Thus, expansion
of the list of molecular targets coupled with a pragmatic design of
new small-molecule inhibitors with central nervous system (CNS)-penetrating
ability is required to steer the wheels of anti-GBM drug discovery
endeavors. This Perspective presents various aspects of drug discovery
(challenges in GBM drug discovery and delivery, therapeutic targets,
and agents under clinical investigation). The comprehensively covered
sections include the recent medicinal chemistry campaigns embarked
upon to validate the potential of numerous enzymes/proteins/receptors
as therapeutic targets in GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amandeep Thakur
- School of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University, 250 Wuxing Street, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
| | - Chetna Faujdar
- Department of Biotechnology, Jaypee Institute of Information Technology, Noida 201307, India
| | - Ram Sharma
- School of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University, 250 Wuxing Street, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
| | - Sachin Sharma
- School of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University, 250 Wuxing Street, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
| | - Basant Malik
- Department of Sterile Product Development, Research and Development-Unit 2, Jubiliant Generics Ltd., Noida 201301, India
| | - Kunal Nepali
- School of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University, 250 Wuxing Street, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
| | - Jing Ping Liou
- School of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University, 250 Wuxing Street, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
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9
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Appiani R, Pallavicini M, Hamouda AK, Bolchi C. Pyrrolidinyl benzofurans and benzodioxanes: Selective α4β2 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor ligands with different activity profiles at the two receptor stoichiometries. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2022; 65:128701. [PMID: 35346843 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2022.128701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Revised: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
A series of racemic benzofurans bearing N-methyl-2-pyrrolidinyl residue at C(2) or C(3) has been synthesized and tested for affinity at the α4β2 and α3β4 nicotine acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs). As previously reported for the benzodioxane based analogues, hydroxylation at proper position of benzene ring results in high α4β2 nAChR affinity and α4β2 vs. α3β4 nAChR selectivity. 7-Hydroxy-N-methyl-2-pyrrolidinyl-1,4-benzodioxane (2) and its 7- and 5-amino benzodioxane analogues 3 and 4, which are all α4β2 nAChR partial agonists, and 2-(N-methyl-2-pyrrolidinyl)-6-hydroxybenzofuran (12) were selected for functional characterization at the two α4β2 stoichiometries, the high sensitivity (α4)2(β2)3 and the low sensitivity (α4)3(β2)2. The benzene pattern substitution, which had previously been found to control α4β2 partial agonist activity and α4β2 vs. α3β4 selectivity, proved to be also involved in stoichiometry-selectivity. The 7-hydroxybenzodioxane derivative 2 selectively activates (α4)2(β2)3 nAChR, which cannot be activated by its 5-amino analogue 4. A marginal structural modification, not altering the base pyrrolidinyl benzodioxane scaffold, resulted in opposite activity profiles at the two α4β2 nAChR isoforms providing an interesting novel case study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Appiani
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi di Milano, via Mangiagalli 25, I-20133 Milano, Italy.
| | - Marco Pallavicini
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi di Milano, via Mangiagalli 25, I-20133 Milano, Italy.
| | - Ayman K Hamouda
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Health Outcomes, Fisch College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Tyler, Tyler, TX, USA.
| | - Cristiano Bolchi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi di Milano, via Mangiagalli 25, I-20133 Milano, Italy.
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10
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Pucci S, Zoli M, Clementi F, Gotti C. α9-Containing Nicotinic Receptors in Cancer. Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 15:805123. [PMID: 35126059 PMCID: PMC8814915 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2021.805123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors containing the α9 or the α9 and α10 subunits are expressed in various extra-neuronal tissues. Moreover, most cancer cells and tissues highly express α9-containing receptors, and a number of studies have shown that they are powerful regulators of responses that stimulate cancer processes such as proliferation, inhibition of apoptosis, and metastasis. It has also emerged that their modulation is a promising target for drug development. The aim of this review is to summarize recent data showing the involvement of these receptors in controlling the downstream signaling cascades involved in the promotion of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanna Pucci
- Institute of Neuroscience, National Research Council (CNR), Milan, Italy
- NeuroMi Milan Center for Neuroscience, University of Milano Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Michele Zoli
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, Center for Neuroscience and Neurotechnology (CfNN), University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Francesco Clementi
- Institute of Neuroscience, National Research Council (CNR), Milan, Italy
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Cecilia Gotti
- Institute of Neuroscience, National Research Council (CNR), Milan, Italy
- NeuroMi Milan Center for Neuroscience, University of Milano Bicocca, Milan, Italy
- *Correspondence: Cecilia Gotti
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11
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Kolodziej MA, Gött H, Kopischke B, Bender MK, Weigand MA, Di Fazio P, Schwarm FP, Uhle F. Antiproliferative effect of GTS-21 in glioblastoma cells. Oncol Lett 2021; 22:759. [PMID: 34539863 PMCID: PMC8436335 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2021.13020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common malignant brain tumour in adults. The poor prognosis and short median overall survival of patients with GBM is associated with resistance to therapy after surgical and adjuvant treatment. The expression of various acetylcholine receptors (AChR) in GBM has been widely reported. The present study aimed to investigate the expression of cholinergic system-related genes in primary GBM and to explore the antiproliferative effect of 3-(2,4-dimethoxybenzylidene) anabaseine (GTS-21) in GBM cell lines. Therefore, the expression of 28 genes associated with the cholinergic system was detected using a customized RT2 Profiler PCR Array in 44 GBM and 5 healthy control brain tissue samples. In addition, the activity of GTS-21, an alpha 7 subunit nicotinic AChR (α7 nAChR) agonist, and that of α-bungarotoxin (α-BTX), an α7 nAChR antagonist, was determined in primary and established GBM cells. Therefore, the A172, U87 and G28 cell lines and primary GBM cells were treated with GTS-21, ACh or nicotine. Cell viability was evaluated using MTT assay at 24, 48 and 72 h following cell treatment with the corresponding compounds. The results revealed that the expression of cholinergic system-related components was notably downregulated, except that of cholinergic receptor nicotinic alpha 7 subunit (CHRNA7), in primary GBM and U87 cells. However, the dominant-negative duplicate form of CHRNA7 was also downregulated. Furthermore, A172 and G28 cells exhibited a heterogeneous gene expression pattern. Additionally, GTS-21 inhibited the proliferation of GBM cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Interestingly, treatment with α-BTX restored the proliferation of U87 cells, but not that of A172 and G28 cells. Collectively, the findings of the present study suggested that GTS-21 may inhibit the proliferation of GBM cells and may therefore serve as a novel therapeutic approach to the treatment of GBM, which warrants further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malgorzata A. Kolodziej
- Department of Neurosurgery, Justus-Liebig University Giessen, D-35392 Giessen, Germany
- Correspondence to: Dr Malgorzata Anna Kolodziej, Department of Neurosurgery, Justus-Liebig University Giessen, Klinikstrasse 33, D-35392 Giessen, Germany, E-mail:
| | - Hanna Gött
- Department of Neurosurgery, Justus-Liebig University Giessen, D-35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Benjamin Kopischke
- Department of Neurosurgery, Justus-Liebig University Giessen, D-35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Michael K.F. Bender
- Department of Neurosurgery, Justus-Liebig University Giessen, D-35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Markus A. Weigand
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Heidelberg University Hospital, D-69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Pietro Di Fazio
- Department of Visceral, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, Philipps University Marburg, D-35033 Marburg, Germany
| | - Frank P. Schwarm
- Department of Neurosurgery, Justus-Liebig University Giessen, D-35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Florian Uhle
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Heidelberg University Hospital, D-69120 Heidelberg, Germany
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12
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Evidence of a dual mechanism of action underlying the anti-proliferative and cytotoxic effects of ammonium-alkyloxy-stilbene-based α7- and α9-nicotinic ligands on glioblastoma cells. Pharmacol Res 2021; 175:105959. [PMID: 34756924 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2021.105959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Revised: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Glioblastomas (GBMs), the most frequent brain tumours, are highly invasive and their prognosis is still poor despite the use of combination treatment. MG624 is a 4-oxystilbene derivative that is active on α7- and α9-containing neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) subtypes. Hybridisation of MG624 with a non-nicotinic resveratrol-derived pro-oxidant mitocan has led to two novel compounds (StN-4 and StN-8) that are more potent than MG624 in reducing the viability of GBM cells, but less potent in reducing the viability of mouse astrocytes. Functional analysis of their activity on α7 receptors showed that StN-4 is a silent agonist, whereas StN-8 is a full antagonist, and neither alters intracellular [Ca2+] levels when acutely applied to U87MG cells. After 72 h of exposure, both compounds decreased U87MG cell proliferation, and pAKT and oxphos ATP levels, but only StN-4 led to a significant accumulation of cells in phase G1/G0 and increased apoptosis. One hour of exposure to either compound also decreased the mitochondrial and cytoplasmic ATP production of U87MG cells, and this was not paralleled by any increase in the production of reactive oxygen species. Knocking down the α9 subunit (which is expressed at relatively high levels in U87MG cells) decreased the potency of the effects of both compounds on cell viability, but cell proliferation, ATP production, pAKT levels were unaffected by the presence of the noncell-permeable α7/α9-selective antagonist αBungarotoxin. These last findings suggest that the anti-tumoral effects of StN-4 and StN-8 on GBM cells are not only due to their action on nAChRs, but also to other non-nicotinic mechanisms.
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Borroni V, Barrantes FJ. Homomeric and Heteromeric α7 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors in Health and Some Central Nervous System Diseases. MEMBRANES 2021; 11:membranes11090664. [PMID: 34564481 PMCID: PMC8465519 DOI: 10.3390/membranes11090664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Revised: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) are pentameric ligand-gated ion channels involved in the modulation of essential brain functions such as memory, learning, and attention. Homomeric α7 nAChR, formed exclusively by five identical α7 subunits, is involved in rapid synaptic transmission, whereas the heteromeric oligomers composed of α7 in combination with β subunits display metabotropic properties and operate in slower time frames. At the cellular level, the activation of nAChRs allows the entry of Na+ and Ca2+; the two cations depolarize the membrane and trigger diverse cellular signals, depending on the type of nAChR pentamer and neurons involved, the location of the intervening cells, and the networks of which these neuronal cells form part. These features make the α7 nAChR a central player in neurotransmission, metabolically associated Ca2+-mediated signaling, and modulation of diverse fundamental processes operated by other neurotransmitters in the brain. Due to its ubiquitous distribution and the multiple functions it displays in the brain, the α7 nAChR is associated with a variety of neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders whose exact etiopathogenic mechanisms are still elusive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virginia Borroni
- Instituto de Tecnología en Polímeros y Nanotecnología (ITPN-UBA-CONICET), Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad Universitaria, Buenos Aires C1127AAR, Argentina;
| | - Francisco J. Barrantes
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Institute for Biomedical Research, UCA–CONICET, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Catholic University of Argentina, Av. Alicia Moreau de Justo 1600, Buenos Aires C1107AAZ, Argentina
- Correspondence:
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14
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Bavo F, Pallavicini M, Appiani R, Bolchi C. Determinants for α4β2 vs. α3β4 Subtype Selectivity of Pyrrolidine-Based nAChRs Ligands: A Computational Perspective with Focus on Recent cryo-EM Receptor Structures. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26123603. [PMID: 34204637 PMCID: PMC8231201 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26123603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Revised: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The selectivity of α4β2 nAChR agonists over the α3β4 nicotinic receptor subtype, predominant in ganglia, primarily conditions their therapeutic range and it is still a complex and challenging issue for medicinal chemists and pharmacologists. Here, we investigate the determinants for such subtype selectivity in a series of more than forty α4β2 ligands we have previously reported, docking them into the structures of the two human subtypes, recently determined by cryo-electron microscopy. They are all pyrrolidine based analogues of the well-known α4β2 agonist N-methylprolinol pyridyl ether A-84543 and differ in the flexibility and pattern substitution of their aromatic portion. Indeed, the direct or water mediated interaction with hydrophilic residues of the relatively narrower β2 minus side through the elements decorating the aromatic ring and the stabilization of the latter by facing to the not conserved β2-Phe119 result as key distinctive features for the α4β2 affinity. Consistently, these compounds show, despite the structural similarity, very different α4β2 vs. α3β4 selectivities, from modest to very high, which relate to rigidity/extensibility degree of the portion containing the aromatic ring and to substitutions at the latter. Furthermore, the structural rationalization of the rat vs. human differences of α4β2 vs. α3β4 selectivity ratios is here proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Bavo
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Universita’degli Studi di Milano, I-20133 Milano, Italy; (F.B.); (M.P.); (R.A.)
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Marco Pallavicini
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Universita’degli Studi di Milano, I-20133 Milano, Italy; (F.B.); (M.P.); (R.A.)
| | - Rebecca Appiani
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Universita’degli Studi di Milano, I-20133 Milano, Italy; (F.B.); (M.P.); (R.A.)
| | - Cristiano Bolchi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Universita’degli Studi di Milano, I-20133 Milano, Italy; (F.B.); (M.P.); (R.A.)
- Correspondence:
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15
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Bavo F, Pallavicini M, Gotti C, Appiani R, Moretti M, Colombo SF, Pucci S, Viani P, Budriesi R, Renzi M, Fucile S, Bolchi C. Modifications at C(5) of 2-(2-Pyrrolidinyl)-Substituted 1,4-Benzodioxane Elicit Potent α4β2 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor Partial Agonism with High Selectivity over the α3β4 Subtype. J Med Chem 2020; 63:15668-15692. [PMID: 33325696 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c01150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
A series of diastereomeric 2-(2-pyrrolidinyl)-1,4-benzodioxanes bearing a small, hydrogen-bonding substituent at the 7-, 6-, or 5-position of benzodioxane have been studied for α4β2 and α3β4 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor affinity and activity. Analogous to C(5)H replacement with N and to a much greater extent than decoration at C(7), substitution at benzodioxane C(5) confers very high α4β2/α3β4 selectivity to the α4β2 partial agonism. Docking into the two receptor structures recently determined by cryo-electron microscopy and site-directed mutagenesis at the minus β2 side converge in indicating that the limited accommodation capacity of the β2 pocket, compared to that of the β4 pocket, makes substitution at C(5) rather than at more projecting C(7) position determinant for this pursued subtype selectivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Bavo
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Mangiagalli 25, I-20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Marco Pallavicini
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Mangiagalli 25, I-20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Cecilia Gotti
- Institute of Neuroscience, CNR, Via Vanvitelli 32, I-20129 Milano, Italy
| | - Rebecca Appiani
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Mangiagalli 25, I-20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Milena Moretti
- Institute of Neuroscience, CNR, Via Vanvitelli 32, I-20129 Milano, Italy.,Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Vanvitelli 32, I-20129 Milano, Italy
| | | | - Susanna Pucci
- Institute of Neuroscience, CNR, Via Vanvitelli 32, I-20129 Milano, Italy.,Hunimed University, Via Rita Levi-Montalcini 4, Pieve Emanuele, I-20090 Milan, Italy
| | - Paola Viani
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Vanvitelli 32, I-20129 Milano, Italy
| | - Roberta Budriesi
- Dipartimento di Farmacia e Biotecnologie, Università degli Studi di Bologna, Via Belmeloro 6, I-40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Renzi
- Dipartimento di Fisiologia e Farmacologia, Sapienza Università di Roma, Piazzale Moro 5, 00185 Roma, Italy
| | - Sergio Fucile
- Dipartimento di Fisiologia e Farmacologia, Sapienza Università di Roma, Piazzale Moro 5, 00185 Roma, Italy.,I.R.C.C.S. Neuromed, Via Atinese 18, 86077 Pozzilli, Italy
| | - Cristiano Bolchi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Mangiagalli 25, I-20133 Milano, Italy
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16
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Li X, Tae HS, Chu Y, Jiang T, Adams DJ, Yu R. Medicinal chemistry, pharmacology, and therapeutic potential of α-conotoxins antagonizing the α9α10 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor. Pharmacol Ther 2020; 222:107792. [PMID: 33309557 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2020.107792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
α-Conotoxins are disulfide-rich and well-structured peptides, most of which can block nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) with exquisite selectivity and potency. There are various nAChR subtypes, of which the α9α10 nAChR functions as a heteromeric ionotropic receptor in the mammalian cochlea and mediates postsynaptic transmission from the medial olivocochlear. The α9α10 nAChR subtype has also been proposed as a target for the treatment of neuropathic pain and the suppression of breast cancer cell proliferation. Therefore, α-conotoxins targeting the α9α10 nAChR are potentially useful in the development of specific therapeutic drugs and pharmacological tools. Despite dissimilarities in their amino acid sequence and structures, these conopeptides are potent antagonists of the α9α10 nAChR subtype. Consequently, the activity and stability of these peptides have been subjected to chemical modifications. The resulting synthetic analogues have not only functioned as molecular probes to explore ligand binding sites of the α9α10 nAChR, but also have the potential to become candidates for drug development. From the perspectives of medicinal chemistry and pharmacology, we highlight the structure and function of the α9α10 nAChR and review studies of α-conotoxins targeting it, including their three-dimensional structures, structure optimization strategies, and binding modes at the α9α10 nAChR, as well as their therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Li
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao 266003, China; Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Han-Shen Tae
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute (IHMRI), University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales 2522, Australia
| | - Yanyan Chu
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao 266003, China; Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266003, China; Innovation Platform of Marine Drug Screening & Evaluation, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, Shandong 266100, China
| | - Tao Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao 266003, China; Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - David J Adams
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute (IHMRI), University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales 2522, Australia.
| | - Rilei Yu
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao 266003, China; Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266003, China; Innovation Platform of Marine Drug Screening & Evaluation, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, Shandong 266100, China.
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17
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Pucci S, Fasoli F, Moretti M, Benfante R, Di Lascio S, Viani P, Daga A, Gordon TJ, McIntosh M, Zoli M, Clementi F, Gotti C. Choline and nicotine increase glioblastoma cell proliferation by binding and activating α7- and α9- containing nicotinic receptors. Pharmacol Res 2020; 163:105336. [PMID: 33276105 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2020.105336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2020] [Revised: 11/12/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Glioblastomas (GBMs), the most frequent and aggressive human primary brain tumours, have altered cell metabolism, and one of the strongest indicators of malignancy is an increase in choline compounds. Choline is also a selective agonist of some neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) subtypes. As little is known concerning the expression of nAChR in glioblastoma cells, we analysed in U87MG human grade-IV astrocytoma cell line and GBM5 temozolomide-resistant glioblastoma cells selected from a cancer stem cell-enriched culture, molecularly, pharmacologically and functionally which nAChR subtypes are expressed and,whether choline and nicotine can affect GBM cell proliferation. We found that U87MG and GBM5 cells express similar nAChR subtypes, and choline and nicotine increase their proliferation rate and activate the anti-apoptotic AKT and pro-proliferative ERK pathways. These effects are blocked by the presence of non-cell-permeable peptide antagonists selective for α7- and α9-containing nicotinic receptors. siRNA-mediated silencing of α7 or α9 subunit expression also selectively prevents the effects of nicotine and choline on GBM cell proliferation. Our findings indicate that nicotine and choline activate the signalling pathways involved in the proliferation of GBM cells, and that these effects are mediated by α7 and α9-containing nAChRs. This suggests that these nicotinic receptors may contribute to the aggressive behaviour of this tumor and may indicate new therapeutic strategies against high-grade human brain tumours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanna Pucci
- CNR, Institute of Neuroscience, Milan, Italy; NeuroMi Milan Center for Neuroscience, University of Milano-Bicocca, Italy; Hunimed University, Via Rita Levi-Montalcini 4, 20090 Pieve Emanuele (MI), Italy
| | - Francesca Fasoli
- CNR, Institute of Neuroscience, Milan, Italy; NeuroMi Milan Center for Neuroscience, University of Milano-Bicocca, Italy
| | - Milena Moretti
- CNR, Institute of Neuroscience, Milan, Italy; Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Roberta Benfante
- CNR, Institute of Neuroscience, Milan, Italy; NeuroMi Milan Center for Neuroscience, University of Milano-Bicocca, Italy; Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Simona Di Lascio
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Paola Viani
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Antonio Daga
- Cellular Oncology, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Thomas J Gordon
- Department of Biology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Michael McIntosh
- Department of Biology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA; George E. Wahlen Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Department of Psychiatry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Michele Zoli
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, Center for Neuroscience and Neurotechnology (CfNN), University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Francesco Clementi
- CNR, Institute of Neuroscience, Milan, Italy; Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Cecilia Gotti
- CNR, Institute of Neuroscience, Milan, Italy; NeuroMi Milan Center for Neuroscience, University of Milano-Bicocca, Italy; Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy.
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18
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Zhao L, Zhu J, Gong J, Song N, Wu S, Qiao W, Yang J, Zhu M, Zhao J. Polyethylenimine-based theranostic nanoplatform for glioma-targeting single-photon emission computed tomography imaging and anticancer drug delivery. J Nanobiotechnology 2020; 18:143. [PMID: 33054757 PMCID: PMC7557081 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-020-00705-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Glioma is the deadliest brain cancer in adults because the blood–brain-barrier (BBB) prevents the vast majority of therapeutic drugs from entering into the central nervous system. The development of BBB-penetrating drug delivery systems for glioma therapy still remains a great challenge. In this study, we aimed to design and develop a theranostic nanocomplex with enhanced BBB penetrability and tumor-targeting efficiency for glioma single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) imaging and anticancer drug delivery. Results This multifunctional nanocomplex was manufactured using branched polyethylenimine (PEI) as a template to sequentially conjugate with methoxypolyethylene glycol (mPEG), glioma-targeting peptide chlorotoxin (CTX), and diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA) for 99mTc radiolabeling on the surface of PEI. After the acetylation of the remaining PEI surface amines using acetic anhydride (Ac2O), the CTX-modified PEI (mPEI-CTX) was utilized as a carrier to load chemotherapeutic drug doxorubicin (DOX) in its interior cavity. The formed mPEI-CTX/DOX complex had excellent water dispersibility and released DOX in a sustainable and pH-dependent manner; furthermore, it showed targeting specificity and therapeutic effect of DOX toward glioma cells in vitro and in vivo (a subcutaneous tumor mouse model). Owing to the unique biological properties of CTX, the mPEI-CTX/DOX complex was able to cross the BBB and accumulate at the tumor site in an orthotopic rat glioma model. In addition, after efficient radiolabeling of PEI with 99mTc via DTPA, the 99mTc-labeled complex could help to visualize the drug accumulation in tumors of glioma-bearing mice and the drug delivery into the brains of rats through SPECT imaging. Conclusions These results indicate the potential of the developed PEI-based nanocomplex in facilitating glioma-targeting SPECT imaging and chemotherapy. ![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingzhou Zhao
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200080, People's Republic of China
| | - Jingyi Zhu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, 211816, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiali Gong
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200080, People's Republic of China
| | - Ningning Song
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200080, People's Republic of China
| | - Shan Wu
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200080, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenli Qiao
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200080, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiqin Yang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, Ningxia, People's Republic of China.
| | - Meilin Zhu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, Ningxia, People's Republic of China.
| | - Jinhua Zhao
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200080, People's Republic of China.
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19
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Characterization of Effectiveness in Concerted Ih Inhibition and IK(Ca) Stimulation by Pterostilbene (Trans-3,5-dimethoxy-4'-hydroxystilbene), a Stilbenoid. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21010357. [PMID: 31948124 PMCID: PMC6981816 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21010357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2019] [Revised: 12/31/2019] [Accepted: 01/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Pterostilbene (PTER), a natural dimethylated analog of resveratrol, has been demonstrated to produce anti-neoplastic or neuroprotective actions. However, how and whether this compound can entail any perturbations on ionic currents in electrically excitable cells remains unknown. In whole-cell current recordings, addition of PTER decreased the amplitude of macroscopic Ih during long-lasting hyperpolarization in GH3 cells in a concentration-dependent manner, with an effective IC50 value of 0.84 μM. Its presence also shifted the activation curve of Ih along the voltage axis to a more hyperpolarized potential, by 11 mV. PTER at a concentration greater than 10 μM could also suppress l-type Ca2+ and transient outward K+ currents in GH3 cells. With the addition of PTER, IK(Ca) amplitude was increased, with an EC50 value of 2.23 μM. This increase in IK(Ca) amplitude was attenuated by further addition of verruculogen, but not by tolbutamide or TRAM-39. Neither atropine nor nicotine, in the continued presence of PTER, modified the PTER-stimulated IK(Ca). PTER (10 μM) slightly suppressed the amplitude of l-type Ca2+ current and transient outward K+ current. The presence of PTER (3 μM) was also effective at increasing the open-state probability of large-conductance Ca2+-activated K+ (BKCa) channels identified in hippocampal mHippoE-14 neurons; however, its inability to alter single-channel conductance was detected. Our study highlights evidence to show that PTER has the propensity to perturb ionic currents (e.g., Ih and IK(Ca)), thereby influencing the functional activities of neurons, and neuroendocrine or endocrine cells.
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20
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Bugaenko DI, Volkov AA, Livantsov MV, Yurovskaya MA, Karchava AV. Catalyst-Free Arylation of Tertiary Phosphines with Diaryliodonium Salts Enabled by Visible Light. Chemistry 2019; 25:12502-12506. [PMID: 31339601 DOI: 10.1002/chem.201902955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2019] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
The visible-light-induced arylation of tertiary phosphines with aryl(mesityl)iodonium triflates to produce the quaternary phosphonium salts occurs under mild, metal, and catalyst-free conditions. Photo-excited EDA complexes between diaryliodonium salts and phosphines supposedly enable this transformation, which is difficult to achieve through the traditional ground-state reactions. Demonstrating high functional group tolerance, broad scope, and complete selectivity of the aryl group transfer, the method is particularly compatible with sterically congested phosphines, which are challenging under metal-based catalytic methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dmitry I Bugaenko
- Department of Chemistry, M. V. Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119234, Moscow, Russia
| | - Alexey A Volkov
- Department of Chemistry, M. V. Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119234, Moscow, Russia
| | - Mikhail V Livantsov
- Department of Chemistry, M. V. Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119234, Moscow, Russia
| | - Marina A Yurovskaya
- Department of Chemistry, M. V. Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119234, Moscow, Russia
| | - Alexander V Karchava
- Department of Chemistry, M. V. Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119234, Moscow, Russia
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Meleddu R, Petrikaite V, Distinto S, Arridu A, Angius R, Serusi L, Škarnulytė L, Endriulaitytė U, Paškevičiu̅tė M, Cottiglia F, Gaspari M, Taverna D, Deplano S, Fois B, Maccioni E. Investigating the Anticancer Activity of Isatin/Dihydropyrazole Hybrids. ACS Med Chem Lett 2019; 10:571-576. [PMID: 30996798 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.8b00596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2018] [Accepted: 12/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
A series of isatin-dihydropyrazole hybrids have been synthesized in order to assess their potential as anticancer agents. In particular, 12 compounds were evaluated for their antiproliferative activity toward A549, IGR39, U87, MDA-MB-231, MCF-7, BT474, BxPC-3, SKOV-3, and H1299 cell lines, and human foreskin fibroblasts. Four compounds exhibited interesting antiproliferative activity and were further examined to determine their EC50 values toward a panel of selected tumor cell lines. The best compounds were then investigated for their induced mechanism of cell death. Preliminary structure-activity relationship indicates that the presence of a substituent such as a chlorine atom or a methyl moiety in position 5 of the isatin nucleus is beneficial for the antitumor activity. EMAC4001 proved the most promising compound within the studied series with EC50 values ranging from 0.01 to 0.38 μM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita Meleddu
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Via Ospedale 72, 09124 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Vilma Petrikaite
- Department of Drug Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, 50162 Kaunas, Lithuania
- Institute of Biotechnology, Vilnius University, LT-10257 Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Simona Distinto
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Via Ospedale 72, 09124 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Antonella Arridu
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Via Ospedale 72, 09124 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Rossella Angius
- Laboratorio NMR e Tecnologie Bioanalitiche, Sardegna Ricerche, Pula, 09010 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Serusi
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Via Ospedale 72, 09124 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Laura Škarnulytė
- Department of Drug Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, 50162 Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Ugnė Endriulaitytė
- Department of Drug Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, 50162 Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Miglė Paškevičiu̅tė
- Department of Drug Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, 50162 Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Filippo Cottiglia
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Via Ospedale 72, 09124 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Marco Gaspari
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, “Magna Græcia” University of Catanzaro, Viale Europa, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Domenico Taverna
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, “Magna Græcia” University of Catanzaro, Viale Europa, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Serenella Deplano
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Via Ospedale 72, 09124 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Benedetta Fois
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Via Ospedale 72, 09124 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Elias Maccioni
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Via Ospedale 72, 09124 Cagliari, Italy
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