1
|
Lin C, Wang H, Chen K, Liu S, Mao Z, Mo Z, Huang R, Zhang Y, Xie W, Wei J, Jin J. A Cyclometalated Iridium(III) Complex Exerts High Anticancer Efficacy via Fatty Acid Beta-Oxidation Inhibition and Sphingolipid Metabolism Reprogramming. J Med Chem 2024; 67:14912-14926. [PMID: 39226239 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.4c00280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/05/2024]
Abstract
Given the extensive role of lipids in cancer development, there is substantial clinical interest in developing therapies that target lipid metabolism. In this study, we identified one cyclometalated iridium complex (Ir2) that exhibits potent antiproliferation activity in MIA PaCa-2 cells by regulating fatty acid metabolism and sphingolipid metabolism simultaneously. Ir2 also efficiently overcomes cisplatin resistance in vitro. Satisfyingly, the generated Ir2@F127 carriers, as a temperature-sensitive in situ gelling system of Ir2, showed effective cancer treatment with minimal side effects in an in vivo xenograft study. To the best of our knowledge, Ir2 is the first reported cyclometalated iridium complex that exerts anticancer activity in MIA PaCa-2 cells by intervening in lipid metabolism, which provides an alternative pathway for the anticancer mechanism of cyclometalated iridium complexes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cuiyan Lin
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine in Liver Injury and Repair, The Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi 541001, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Drug Discovery and Optimization, Guangxi Engineering Research Center for Pharmaceutical Molecular Screening and Druggability Evaluation, Key Laboratory of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi 541199, China
| | - Huiling Wang
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine in Liver Injury and Repair, The Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi 541001, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Drug Discovery and Optimization, Guangxi Engineering Research Center for Pharmaceutical Molecular Screening and Druggability Evaluation, Key Laboratory of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi 541199, China
| | - Keyu Chen
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Drug Discovery and Optimization, Guangxi Engineering Research Center for Pharmaceutical Molecular Screening and Druggability Evaluation, Key Laboratory of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi 541199, China
| | - Shuangqiang Liu
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Drug Discovery and Optimization, Guangxi Engineering Research Center for Pharmaceutical Molecular Screening and Druggability Evaluation, Key Laboratory of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi 541199, China
| | - Zhichen Mao
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Drug Discovery and Optimization, Guangxi Engineering Research Center for Pharmaceutical Molecular Screening and Druggability Evaluation, Key Laboratory of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi 541199, China
| | - Zuyu Mo
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Drug Discovery and Optimization, Guangxi Engineering Research Center for Pharmaceutical Molecular Screening and Druggability Evaluation, Key Laboratory of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi 541199, China
- State Key Laboratory for Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources, Collaborative Innovation Centre for Guangxi Ethnic Medicine, School of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin 541004, China
| | - Rizhen Huang
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Drug Discovery and Optimization, Guangxi Engineering Research Center for Pharmaceutical Molecular Screening and Druggability Evaluation, Key Laboratory of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi 541199, China
| | - Ye Zhang
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Drug Discovery and Optimization, Guangxi Engineering Research Center for Pharmaceutical Molecular Screening and Druggability Evaluation, Key Laboratory of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi 541199, China
| | - Wei Xie
- Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease, School of Life Science and Technology, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
| | - Jianhua Wei
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine in Liver Injury and Repair, The Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi 541001, China
- Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease, School of Life Science and Technology, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Drug Discovery and Optimization, Guangxi Engineering Research Center for Pharmaceutical Molecular Screening and Druggability Evaluation, Key Laboratory of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi 541199, China
- State Key Laboratory for Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources, Collaborative Innovation Centre for Guangxi Ethnic Medicine, School of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin 541004, China
| | - Junfei Jin
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine in Liver Injury and Repair, The Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi 541001, China
- Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease, School of Life Science and Technology, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
- Guangxi Health Commission Key Laboratory of Basic Research in Sphingolipid Metabolism Related Diseases, The Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi 541001, China
- China-USA Lipids in Health and Disease Research Center, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi 541001, China
- Laboratory of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi 541001, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Shi S, Ma D, Guo X, Chen Y, Yu J, Hu X, Wang X, Li T, Wang K, Zhi Y, Yang G, Lin L, Hao Q, Yang Y, Yang K, Wang J. Discovery of a Novel ASM Direct Inhibitor with a 1,5-Diphenyl-pyrazole Scaffold and Its Antidepressant Mechanism of Action. J Med Chem 2024; 67:10350-10373. [PMID: 38888140 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.4c00831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
Multiple studies have confirmed that acid sphingomyelinase (ASM) activity is associated with depression. The discovery of direct inhibitors against ASM is of great significance for exploring antidepressants and their mechanisms of action. Herein, a series of novel phenylpyrazole analogues were rationally designed and synthesized. Among them, compound 46 exhibited potent inhibitory activity (IC50 = 0.87 μM) and good drug-like properties. In vivo studies demonstrated that compound 46 was involved in multiple antidepressant mechanisms of action, which were associated with a decline of ceramide, including increasing the Bcl-2/Bax ratio and BDNF expression, down-regulating caspase-3 and caspase-9, ameliorating oxidative stress, reducing the levels of proinflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6, and elevating 5-HT levels in the brains of mice, respectively. These meaningful results reveal for the first time that direct inhibitors exhibit remarkable antidepressant effects in the CUMS-induced mouse model through multiple mechanisms of antidepressant action.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shaochun Shi
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Dingchen Ma
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Ximing Guo
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Yu Chen
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Jinying Yu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Xiao Hu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Xuan Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Ting Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Ke Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Yunbao Zhi
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Guoqing Yang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Lizhi Lin
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Qingjing Hao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Yuqiao Yang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Kan Yang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Quality Control of Hebei Province, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hebei University, Baoding 071002, China
| | - Jinxin Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Mir IH, Thirunavukkarasu C. The relevance of acid sphingomyelinase as a potential target for therapeutic intervention in hepatic disorders: current scenario and anticipated trends. Arch Toxicol 2023; 97:2069-2087. [PMID: 37248308 PMCID: PMC10226719 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-023-03529-w] [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: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Acid sphingomyelinase (ASMase) serves as one of the most remarkable enzymes in sphingolipid biology. ASMase facilitates the hydrolysis of sphingomyelin, yielding ceramide and phosphorylcholine via the phospholipase C signal transduction pathway. Owing to its prominent intervention in apoptosis, ASMase, and its product ceramide is now at the bleeding edge of lipid research due to the coalesced efforts of several research institutions over the past 40 years. ASMase-catalyzed ceramide synthesis profoundly alters the physiological properties of membrane structure in response to a broad range of stimulations, orchestrating signaling cascades for endoplasmic reticulum stress, autophagy, and lysosomal membrane permeabilization, which influences the development of hepatic disorders, such as steatohepatitis, hepatic fibrosis, drug-induced liver injury, and hepatocellular carcinoma. As a result, the potential to modulate the ASMase action with appropriate pharmaceutical antagonists has sparked a lot of curiosity. This article emphasizes the fundamental mechanisms of the systems that govern ASMase aberrations in various hepatic pathologies. Furthermore, we present an insight into the potential therapeutic agents used to mitigate ASMase irregularities and the paramountcy of such inhibitors in drug repurposing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ishfaq Hassan Mir
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Pondicherry University, Puducherry, 605 014, India
| | | |
Collapse
|
4
|
Zhang T, Alonzo I, Stubben C, Geng Y, Herdman C, Chandler N, Doane KP, Pluimer BR, Trauger SA, Peterson RT. A zebrafish model of combined saposin deficiency identifies acid sphingomyelinase as a potential therapeutic target. Dis Model Mech 2023; 16:dmm049995. [PMID: 37183607 PMCID: PMC10320721 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.049995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Sphingolipidoses are a subcategory of lysosomal storage diseases (LSDs) caused by mutations in enzymes of the sphingolipid catabolic pathway. Like many LSDs, neurological involvement in sphingolipidoses leads to early mortality with limited treatment options. Given the role of myelin loss as a major contributor toward LSD-associated neurodegeneration, we investigated the pathways contributing to demyelination in a CRISPR-Cas9-generated zebrafish model of combined saposin (psap) deficiency. psap knockout (KO) zebrafish recapitulated major LSD pathologies, including reduced lifespan, reduced lipid storage, impaired locomotion and severe myelin loss; loss of myelin basic protein a (mbpa) mRNA was progressive, with no changes in additional markers of oligodendrocyte differentiation. Brain transcriptomics revealed dysregulated mTORC1 signaling and elevated neuroinflammation, where increased proinflammatory cytokine expression preceded and mTORC1 signaling changes followed mbpa loss. We examined pharmacological and genetic rescue strategies via water tank administration of the multiple sclerosis drug monomethylfumarate (MMF), and crossing the psap KO line into an acid sphingomyelinase (smpd1) deficiency model. smpd1 mutagenesis, but not MMF treatment, prolonged lifespan in psap KO zebrafish, highlighting the modulation of acid sphingomyelinase activity as a potential path toward sphingolipidosis treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tejia Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Ivy Alonzo
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Chris Stubben
- Bioinformatic Analysis Shared Resource, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Yijie Geng
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Chelsea Herdman
- Department of Neurobiology and Molecular Medicine Program, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Nancy Chandler
- Electron Microscopy Core Laboratory, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Kim P. Doane
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Brock R. Pluimer
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Sunia A. Trauger
- Harvard Center for Mass Spectrometry, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Randall T. Peterson
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Melchiorri D, Merlo S, Micallef B, Borg JJ, Dráfi F. Alzheimer's disease and neuroinflammation: will new drugs in clinical trials pave the way to a multi-target therapy? Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1196413. [PMID: 37332353 PMCID: PMC10272781 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1196413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite extensive research, no disease-modifying therapeutic option, able to prevent, cure or halt the progression of Alzheimer's disease [AD], is currently available. AD, a devastating neurodegenerative pathology leading to dementia and death, is characterized by two pathological hallmarks, the extracellular deposits of amyloid beta (Aβ) and the intraneuronal deposits of neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) consisting of altered hyperphosphorylated tau protein. Both have been widely studied and pharmacologically targeted for many years, without significant therapeutic results. In 2022, positive data on two monoclonal antibodies targeting Aβ, donanemab and lecanemab, followed by the 2023 FDA accelerated approval of lecanemab and the publication of the final results of the phase III Clarity AD study, have strengthened the hypothesis of a causal role of Aβ in the pathogenesis of AD. However, the magnitude of the clinical effect elicited by the two drugs is limited, suggesting that additional pathological mechanisms may contribute to the disease. Cumulative studies have shown inflammation as one of the main contributors to the pathogenesis of AD, leading to the recognition of a specific role of neuroinflammation synergic with the Aβ and NFTs cascades. The present review provides an overview of the investigational drugs targeting neuroinflammation that are currently in clinical trials. Moreover, their mechanisms of action, their positioning in the pathological cascade of events that occur in the brain throughout AD disease and their potential benefit/limitation in the therapeutic strategy in AD are discussed and highlighted as well. In addition, the latest patent requests for inflammation-targeting therapeutics to be developed in AD will also be discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Melchiorri
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Sara Merlo
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | | | - John-Joseph Borg
- Malta Medicines Authority, San Ġwann, Malta
- School of Pharmacy, Department of Biology, University of Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - František Dráfi
- Institute of Experimental Pharmacology and Toxicology, Centre of Experimental Medicine SAS Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovakia
- State Institute for Drug Control, Bratislava, Slovakia
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Yang K, Nong K, Xu F, Chen Y, Yu J, Lin L, Hu X, Wang Y, Li T, Dong J, Wang J. Discovery of Novel N-Hydroxy-1,2,4-oxadiazole-5-formamides as ASM Direct Inhibitors for the Treatment of Atherosclerosis. J Med Chem 2023; 66:2681-2698. [PMID: 36786607 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c01643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/15/2023]
Abstract
Acid sphingomyelinase (ASM), which regulates sphingolipid metabolism and lipid signaling, has been considered as a new potential target for the treatment of atherosclerosis. In this study, a series of benzene-heterocyclic-based ASM inhibitors were rationally designed, synthesized, and screened for the first time. As a result, some compounds showed favorable inhibitory activity against recombinant human ASM. The detailed SARs are also discussed. Compound 4i revealed good pharmacokinetic data and in vivo inhibitory activity against ASM by reducing the level of ceramide in mice plasma and liver. Pharmacodynamic studies confirmed that 4i could lessen lipid plaques in the aortic arch and aorta and reduce plasma ceramide concentration and Ox-LDL levels. Moreover, 4i was found to significantly decrease LPS-induced and Ox-LDL-induced cell inflammation by regulating the levels of ceramide and sphingomyelin. Overall, this study preliminarily demonstrates that ASM may be an effective target against atherosclerosis for the first time.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kan Yang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China.,Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Quality Control of Hebei Province, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hebei University, Baoding 071002, China
| | - Keyi Nong
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China.,State Key Laboratory of Coordination Chemistry and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Advanced Organic Materials, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, 163 Xianlin Avenue, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210023, China
| | - Fei Xu
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Yu Chen
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Jinying Yu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Lizhi Lin
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Xiao Hu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Youzhi Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Ting Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Jibin Dong
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Jinxin Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Chowdhury MR, Jin HK, Bae JS. Diverse Roles of Ceramide in the Progression and Pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s Disease. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10081956. [PMID: 36009503 PMCID: PMC9406151 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10081956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Revised: 07/31/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common neurodegenerative disorder, and is associated with several pathophysiological features, including cellular dysfunction, failure of neurotransmission, cognitive impairment, cell death, and other clinical consequences. Advanced research on the pathogenesis of AD has elucidated a mechanistic framework and revealed many therapeutic possibilities. Among the mechanisms, sphingolipids are mentioned as distinctive mediators to be associated with the pathology of AD. Reportedly, alteration in the metabolism of sphingolipids and their metabolites result in the dysfunction of mitochondria, autophagy, amyloid beta regulation, and neuronal homeostasis, which exacerbates AD progression. Considering the importance of sphingolipids, in this review, we discuss the role of ceramide, a bioactive sphingolipid metabolite, in the progression and pathogenesis of AD. Herein, we describe the ceramide synthesis pathway and its involvement in the dysregulation of homeostasis, which eventually leads to AD. Furthermore, this review references different therapeutics proposed to modulate the ceramide pathway to maintain ceramide levels and prevent the disease progression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Md Riad Chowdhury
- KNU Alzheimer’s Disease Research Institute, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Korea
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41944, Korea
| | - Hee Kyung Jin
- KNU Alzheimer’s Disease Research Institute, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Korea
- Department of Laboratory Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Korea
- Correspondence: (H.K.J.); (J.-s.B.); Tel.: +82-53-950-5966 (H.K.J.); +82-53-420-4815 (J.-s.B.); Fax: +82-53-950-5955 (H.K.J.); +82-53-424-3349 (J.-s.B.)
| | - Jae-sung Bae
- KNU Alzheimer’s Disease Research Institute, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Korea
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41944, Korea
- Correspondence: (H.K.J.); (J.-s.B.); Tel.: +82-53-950-5966 (H.K.J.); +82-53-420-4815 (J.-s.B.); Fax: +82-53-950-5955 (H.K.J.); +82-53-424-3349 (J.-s.B.)
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Shang Y, Wang M, Hao Q, Meng T, Li L, Shi J, Yang G, Zhang Z, Yang K, Wang J. Development of indole-2-carbonyl piperazine urea derivatives as selective FAAH inhibitors for efficient treatment of depression and pain. Bioorg Chem 2022; 128:106031. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2022.106031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2022] [Revised: 07/10/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
|
9
|
Xie WS, Shehzadi K, Ma HL, Liang JH. A Potential Strategy for Treatment of Neurodegenerative Disorders by Regulation of Adult Hippocampal Neurogenesis in Human Brain. Curr Med Chem 2022; 29:5315-5347. [DOI: 10.2174/0929867329666220509114232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 02/13/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Abstract:
Adult hippocampal neurogenesis is a multistage mechanism that continues throughout the lifespan of human and non-human mammals. These adult-born neurons in the central nervous system (CNS) play a significant role in various hippocampus-dependent processes, including learning, mood regulation, pattern recognition, etc. Reduction of adult hippocampal neurogenesis, caused by multiple factors such as neurological disorders and aging, would impair neuronal proliferation and differentiation and result in memory loss. Accumulating studies have indicated that functional neuron impairment could be restored by promoting adult hippocampal neurogenesis. In this review, we summarized the small molecules that could efficiently promote the process of adult neurogenesis, particularly the agents that have the capacity of crossing the blood-brain barrier (BBB), and showed in vivo efficacy in mammalian brains. This may pave the way for the rational design of drugs to treat humnan neurodegenerative disorders in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Song Xie
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecule Science and Pharmaceutics Engineering, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 102488, China
| | - Kiran Shehzadi
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecule Science and Pharmaceutics Engineering, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 102488, China
| | - Hong-Le Ma
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecule Science and Pharmaceutics Engineering, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 102488, China
| | - Jian-Hua Liang
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecule Science and Pharmaceutics Engineering, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 102488, China
- Yangtze Delta Region Academy of Beijing Institute of Technology, Jiaxing 314019, China
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Yao C, Jiang X, Ye X, Xie T, Bai R. Antidepressant Drug Discovery and Development: Mechanism and Drug Design Based on Small Molecules. ADVANCED THERAPEUTICS 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/adtp.202200007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Chuansheng Yao
- School of Pharmacy Hangzhou Normal University Hangzhou 311121 PR China
- Key Laboratory of Elemene Class Anti‐Cancer Chinese Medicine of Zhejiang Province Engineering Laboratory of Development and Application of Traditional Chinese Medicine from Zhejiang Province Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicines from Zhejiang Province Hangzhou Normal University Hangzhou 311121 PR China
| | - Xiaoying Jiang
- College of Material, Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Key Laboratory of Organosilicon Chemistry and Material Technology Ministry of Education, Hangzhou Normal University Hangzhou 311121 P.R. China
| | - Xiang‐Yang Ye
- School of Pharmacy Hangzhou Normal University Hangzhou 311121 PR China
- Key Laboratory of Elemene Class Anti‐Cancer Chinese Medicine of Zhejiang Province Engineering Laboratory of Development and Application of Traditional Chinese Medicine from Zhejiang Province Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicines from Zhejiang Province Hangzhou Normal University Hangzhou 311121 PR China
| | - Tian Xie
- School of Pharmacy Hangzhou Normal University Hangzhou 311121 PR China
- Key Laboratory of Elemene Class Anti‐Cancer Chinese Medicine of Zhejiang Province Engineering Laboratory of Development and Application of Traditional Chinese Medicine from Zhejiang Province Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicines from Zhejiang Province Hangzhou Normal University Hangzhou 311121 PR China
| | - Renren Bai
- School of Pharmacy Hangzhou Normal University Hangzhou 311121 PR China
- Key Laboratory of Elemene Class Anti‐Cancer Chinese Medicine of Zhejiang Province Engineering Laboratory of Development and Application of Traditional Chinese Medicine from Zhejiang Province Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicines from Zhejiang Province Hangzhou Normal University Hangzhou 311121 PR China
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Discovery of a dual-action small molecule that improves neuropathological features of Alzheimer's disease mice. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:2115082119. [PMID: 35027452 PMCID: PMC8784098 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2115082119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Since Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a multifaceted neurodegenerative disease, multitargeted therapeutic approaches are likely required for effective AD treatment. The importance of acid sphingomyelinase (ASM) activation in the various neuropathological features of AD is well-known. Therefore, in this study, we focused on identifying an efficient, direct inhibitor of ASM activity. We found that KARI 201 was a highly selective ASM activity inhibitor without any off-target effects. Through RNA-sequencing analysis in brains of AD mice, we also unexpectedly uncovered the role of KARI 201 as a ghrelin receptor agonist. This dual role of KARI 201 in neurons led to improvement of Aβ accumulation, neuroinflammation, synapse loss, hippocampal neurogenesis, and memory dysfunction in AD mice. Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is characterized by complex, multifactorial neuropathology, suggesting that small molecules targeting multiple neuropathological factors are likely required to successfully impact clinical progression. Acid sphingomyelinase (ASM) activation has been recognized as an important contributor to these neuropathological features in AD, leading to the concept of using ASM inhibitors for the treatment of this disorder. Here we report the identification of KARI 201, a direct ASM inhibitor evaluated for AD treatment. KARI 201 exhibits highly selective inhibition effects on ASM, with excellent pharmacokinetic properties, especially with regard to brain distribution. Unexpectedly, we found another role of KARI 201 as a ghrelin receptor agonist, which also has therapeutic potential for AD treatment. This dual role of KARI 201 in neurons efficiently rescued neuropathological features in AD mice, including amyloid beta deposition, autophagy dysfunction, neuroinflammation, synaptic loss, and decreased hippocampal neurogenesis and synaptic plasticity, leading to an improvement in memory function. Our data highlight the possibility of potential clinical application of KARI 201 as an innovative and multifaceted drug for AD treatment.
Collapse
|
12
|
Kornhuber J, Gulbins E. New Molecular Targets for Antidepressant Drugs. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:894. [PMID: 34577594 PMCID: PMC8472072 DOI: 10.3390/ph14090894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Revised: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a common and severe mental disorder that is usually recurrent and has a high risk of suicide. This disorder manifests not only with psychological symptoms but also multiple changes throughout the body, including increased risks of obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Peripheral markers of oxidative stress and inflammation are elevated. MDD is therefore best described as a multisystem whole-body disease. Pharmacological treatment with antidepressants usually requires several weeks before the desired effects manifest. Previous theories of depression, such as the monoamine or neurogenesis hypotheses, do not explain these characteristics well. In recent years, new mechanisms of action have been discovered for long-standing antidepressants that also shed new light on depression, including the sphingolipid system and the receptor for brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Johannes Kornhuber
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital, Friedrich-Alexander-University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Erich Gulbins
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45117 Essen, Germany;
- Department of Surgery, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Breiden B, Sandhoff K. Acid Sphingomyelinase, a Lysosomal and Secretory Phospholipase C, Is Key for Cellular Phospholipid Catabolism. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:9001. [PMID: 34445706 PMCID: PMC8396676 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22169001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Revised: 08/14/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Here, we present the main features of human acid sphingomyelinase (ASM), its biosynthesis, processing and intracellular trafficking, its structure, its broad substrate specificity, and the proposed mode of action at the surface of the phospholipid substrate carrying intraendolysosomal luminal vesicles. In addition, we discuss the complex regulation of its phospholipid cleaving activity by membrane lipids and lipid-binding proteins. The majority of the literature implies that ASM hydrolyses solely sphingomyelin to generate ceramide and ignores its ability to degrade further substrates. Indeed, more than twenty different phospholipids are cleaved by ASM in vitro, including some minor but functionally important phospholipids such as the growth factor ceramide-1-phosphate and the unique lysosomal lysolipid bis(monoacylglycero)phosphate. The inherited ASM deficiency, Niemann-Pick disease type A and B, impairs mainly, but not only, cellular sphingomyelin catabolism, causing a progressive sphingomyelin accumulation, which furthermore triggers a secondary accumulation of lipids (cholesterol, glucosylceramide, GM2) by inhibiting their turnover in late endosomes and lysosomes. However, ASM appears to be involved in a variety of major cellular functions with a regulatory significance for an increasing number of metabolic disorders. The biochemical characteristics of ASM, their potential effect on cellular lipid turnover, as well as a potential impact on physiological processes will be discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Konrad Sandhoff
- Membrane Biology and Lipid Biochemistry Unit, LIMES Institute, University of Bonn, 53121 Bonn, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Prause K, Naseri G, Schumacher F, Kappe C, Kleuser B, Arenz C. A photocaged inhibitor of acid sphingomyelinase. Chem Commun (Camb) 2021; 56:14885-14888. [PMID: 33179626 DOI: 10.1039/d0cc06661c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Acid sphingomyelinase (ASM) is a potential drug target and involved in rapid lipid signalling events. However, there are no tools available to adequately study such processes. Based on a non cell-permeable PtdIns(3,5)P2 inhibitor of ASM, we developed a compound with o-nitrobenzyl photocages and butyryl esters to transiently mask hydroxyl groups. This resulted in a potent light-inducible photocaged ASM inhibitor (PCAI). The first example of a time-resolved inhibition of ASM was shown in intact living cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Prause
- Institute for Chemistry, Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, 12437 Berlin, Germany.
| | - Gita Naseri
- Institute for Chemistry, Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, 12437 Berlin, Germany.
| | - Fabian Schumacher
- Institute of Pharmacy, Freie Universität Berlin, Königin-Luise-Str. 2+4, 14195 Berlin, Germany and Department of Molecular Biology, University of Duisburg-Essen, Hufelandstr. 55, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Christian Kappe
- Institute for Chemistry, Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, 12437 Berlin, Germany.
| | - Burkhard Kleuser
- Institute of Pharmacy, Freie Universität Berlin, Königin-Luise-Str. 2+4, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Christoph Arenz
- Institute for Chemistry, Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, 12437 Berlin, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Skácel J, Slusher BS, Tsukamoto T. Small Molecule Inhibitors Targeting Biosynthesis of Ceramide, the Central Hub of the Sphingolipid Network. J Med Chem 2021; 64:279-297. [PMID: 33395289 PMCID: PMC8023021 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c01664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Ceramides are composed of a sphingosine and a single fatty acid connected by an amide linkage. As one of the major classes of biologically active lipids, ceramides and their upstream and downstream metabolites have been implicated in several pathological conditions including cancer, neurodegeneration, diabetes, microbial pathogenesis, obesity, and inflammation. Consequently, tremendous efforts have been devoted to deciphering the dynamics of metabolic pathways involved in ceramide biosynthesis. Given that several distinct enzymes can produce ceramide, different enzyme targets have been pursued depending on the underlying disease mechanism. The main objective of this review is to provide a comprehensive overview of small molecule inhibitors reported to date for each of these ceramide-producing enzymes from a medicinal chemistry perspective.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jan Skácel
- Johns Hopkins Drug Discovery and Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States
| | - Barbara S. Slusher
- Johns Hopkins Drug Discovery and Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States
| | - Takashi Tsukamoto
- Johns Hopkins Drug Discovery and Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States
| |
Collapse
|