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Wang X, Wei S, Wang M, Xu Y, Hu W, Niu M, Wang S, Lei K, Ji L, Liu R, Ji G. Diphenyl Ether Derivatives as Novel GPR120 Agonists for the Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. Chem Biodivers 2023; 20:e202200814. [PMID: 36471492 DOI: 10.1002/cbdv.202200814] [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: 08/25/2022] [Revised: 12/04/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a serious disease affecting human health. Numerous attempts have been made to develop safe and effective new antidiabetic drugs. Recently, a series of G protein-coupled receptors for free fatty acids (FFAs) have been described and characterized, and small molecule agonists and antagonists of these receptors show considerable promise for managing diabetes and related complications. FFA-activated GPR120 could stimulate the release of glucagon-like peptide-1(GLP-1), which can enhance the glucose-dependent secretion of insulin from pancreatic β cells. GPR120 is a promising target for treating type 2 DM (T2DM). Herein we designed and synthesized a series of novel GPR120 agonists based on the structure of TUG-891, which was the first potent and selective GPR120 agonist. Among the designed compounds, 18 f showed excellent GPR120 activation activity and high selectivity for GPR40 in vitro. Compound 18 f dose-dependently improved glucose tolerance in normal mice, and no hypoglycemic side effects were observed at high dose. In addition, compound 18 f increased insulin release and displayed good antidiabetic effect in diet-induced obese mice. Molecular simulations illustrated that compound 18 f could enter the active site of GPR120 and interact with Arg99. Based on these observations, compound 18 f may be a promising lead compound for the design of novel GPR120 agonists to treat T2DM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuekun Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Liaocheng University, 1 Hunan Street, Liaocheng, Shandong 252059, China
| | - Shiting Wei
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Liaocheng University, 1 Hunan Street, Liaocheng, Shandong 252059, China
| | - Min Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Liaocheng University, 1 Hunan Street, Liaocheng, Shandong 252059, China
| | - Yao Xu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Liaocheng University, 1 Hunan Street, Liaocheng, Shandong 252059, China
| | - Weidi Hu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Liaocheng University, 1 Hunan Street, Liaocheng, Shandong 252059, China
| | - Mingyue Niu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Liaocheng University, 1 Hunan Street, Liaocheng, Shandong 252059, China
| | - Shiben Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Liaocheng University, 1 Hunan Street, Liaocheng, Shandong 252059, China
| | - Kang Lei
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Liaocheng University, 1 Hunan Street, Liaocheng, Shandong 252059, China
| | - Lusha Ji
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Liaocheng University, 1 Hunan Street, Liaocheng, Shandong 252059, China
| | - Renmin Liu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Liaocheng University, 1 Hunan Street, Liaocheng, Shandong 252059, China
| | - Guoxia Ji
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Liaocheng University, 1 Hunan Street, Liaocheng, Shandong 252059, China.,School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Liaocheng University, 1 Hunan Street, Liaocheng, Shandong 252059, China
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Wang X, Li X, Wei S, Wang M, Xu Y, Hu W, Gao Z, Liu R, Wang S, Ji G. Discovery of Novel and Selective G-Protein Coupled Receptor 120 (GPR120) Agonists for the Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27249018. [PMID: 36558150 PMCID: PMC9781217 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27249018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2022] [Revised: 12/11/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Diabetes mellitus (DM), a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by high blood glucose, not only poses a serious threat to human life and health, but also places an economic burden on society. Currently available antidiabetic pharmacological agents have some adverse effects, which have stimulated researchers to explore novel antidiabetic agents with different mechanisms of action. G-protein Coupled Receptor 120 (GPR120), also known as free fatty acid receptor 4 (FFAR4), which is activated by medium-chain and long-chain fatty acids, has emerged as an interesting potential target for the treatment of metabolic disorders. Herein, we designed and synthesized a series of novel GPR120 agonists based on the structure of TUG-891, which is susceptible to β-oxidation and loses its GPR120 agonistic activity in vivo. Among the designed compounds, 14d showed excellent agonistic activity and selectivity and could improve glucose tolerance in normal mice in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, the compound 14d displayed good antidiabetic effects in diet-induced obese (DIO) mice and elevated insulin levels. Molecular simulations illustrated that compound 14d could enter the active site of GPR120 and interact with ARG99, which plays an important role in GPR120 activation. Based on these observations, compound 14d may be a promising lead compound deserving of further biological evaluation and structural modifications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuekun Wang
- Correspondence: (X.W.); (S.W.); (G.J.); Tel.: +86-0635-823-9087 (X.W.)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Shiben Wang
- Correspondence: (X.W.); (S.W.); (G.J.); Tel.: +86-0635-823-9087 (X.W.)
| | - Guoxia Ji
- Correspondence: (X.W.); (S.W.); (G.J.); Tel.: +86-0635-823-9087 (X.W.)
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3
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Activation of Free Fatty Acid Receptor 4 (FFA4) Ameliorates Ovalbumin-Induced Allergic Asthma by Suppressing Activation of Dendritic and Mast Cells in Mice. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23095270. [PMID: 35563671 PMCID: PMC9100770 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23095270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Revised: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Epidemiological and clinical studies have suggested that intake of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) reduces the incidence of allergic airway diseases and improves pulmonary function in patients with allergic asthma. However, the pharmacological targets of PUFA have not been elucidated upon. We investigated whether free fatty acid receptor 4 (FFA4, also known as GPR120) is a molecular target for beneficial PUFA in asthma therapy. In an ovalbumin (OVA)-induced allergic asthma model, compound A (a selective agonist of FFA4) was administrated before OVA sensitization or OVA challenge in FFA4 wild-type (WT) and knock-out (KO) mice. Compound A treatment of RBL-2H3 cells suppressed mast cell degranulation in vitro in a concentration-dependent manner. Administration of compound A suppressed in vivo allergic characteristics in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and lungs, such as inflammatory cytokine levels and eosinophil accumulation in BALF, inflammation and mucin secretion in the lungs. Compound A-induced suppression was not only observed in mice treated with compound A before OVA challenge, but in mice treated before OVA sensitization as well, implying that compound A acts on mast cells as well as dendritic cells. Furthermore, this suppression by compound A was only observed in FFA4-WT mice and was absent in FFA4-KO mice, implying that compound A action is mediated through FFA4. Activation of FFA4 may be a therapeutic target of PUFA in allergic asthma by suppressing the activation of dendritic cells and mast cells, suggesting that highly potent specific agonists of FFA4 could be a novel therapy for allergic asthma.
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Batista VF, Pinto DCGA, Silva AMS. Recent in vivo advances of spirocyclic scaffolds for drug discovery. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2022; 17:603-618. [PMID: 35333138 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2022.2055544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Spirocyclic scaffolds are an exceptional tool in drug design, allowing fine-tuning of a molecule's conformational and physicochemical properties. As it expands and diversifies, so does the number of therapeutics that contain this core. Several spirocyclic drugs are already marketed, and considerably more have shown promising results. AREAS COVERED This review addresses recent in vivo studies (2017-2021) on applying spirocyclic compounds to treat various diseases, mainly grouped within neurological, infectious, and metabolic diseases and cancer. An emphasis is given on the influence of the spiro-structure on activity and consequent structure-activity study. In vivo results and their significance in the future progression towards clinical trials are also presented. EXPERT OPINION Spirocyclic compounds present an exciting opportunity as an unexplored chemical space in medicinal chemistry. However, their development is hindered by their complexity and synthesis challenges. Furthermore, a clear preference is still seen for readily available spirocyclic compounds involving amine or amide bonds. Nevertheless, these are temporary as high-throughput synthesis, and computational techniques allow fast optimization studies. In our opinion, the field of spirocyclic chemistry will continue to thrive and contribute to drug development, improving activity and selectivity on emergent ailments, such as cancer, metabolic, infectious, and neurological diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vasco F Batista
- Laqv-requimte & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Diana C G A Pinto
- Laqv-requimte & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Artur M S Silva
- Laqv-requimte & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
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5
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Xu F, Wang J, Wang P, Hou T, Zhou H, Zhao Y, Wang J, Liu Y, Liang X. Ursodesoxycholic acid is an FFA4 agonist and reduces hepatic steatosis via FFA4 signaling. Eur J Pharmacol 2022; 917:174760. [PMID: 35033554 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2022.174760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Revised: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) is a safe bile acid effective in reducing hepatic steatosis in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). However, the mechanism of action linked to this effect is poorly defined. In the present study, we identified that UDCA acted as a free fatty acid receptor 4 (FFA4) agonist with EC50 of 10.4 ± 0.7 μM, and its activity was determined by dynamic mass redistribution, fluorometric imaging plate reader, inositol monophosphate and bioluminescence resonance energy transfer assays. Moreover, UDCA showed FFA4 selectivity over eleven other G protein-coupled receptors. Real-Time PCR and immunocytochemistry analyses showed that FFA4 was abundantly expressed in human hepatocytes HuH-7 cells. In an in vitro model of NAFLD induced by oleic acid (OA), UDCA downregulated lipid accumulation in HuH-7 cells and suppressed sterol-regulatory element binding protein-1c (SREBP-1c) mRNA expression. This suppression of SREBP-1c was restored when FFA4 expression was knocked down in siRNA assay. In a mouse model of hepatic steatosis, db/db mice were exposed to a high-fat diet (HFD), and treatment of UDCA or docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, an endogenous FFA4 agonist) effectively prevented body weight gain and hepatic fat deposition and reduced triglyceride (TG) levels in serum and liver. This study not only identified a new skeleton of FFA4 agonists, but also demonstrated that FFA4 signal was accounting for the protective effects of UDCA in the NAFLD treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangfang Xu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, 116023, China; Ganjiang Chinese Medicine Innovation Center, Nanchang, 330000, China
| | - Jun Wang
- Ganjiang Chinese Medicine Innovation Center, Nanchang, 330000, China
| | - Pan Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, 116023, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Tao Hou
- CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, 116023, China
| | - Han Zhou
- CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, 116023, China
| | - Yaopeng Zhao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, 116023, China
| | - Jixia Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, 116023, China; Ganjiang Chinese Medicine Innovation Center, Nanchang, 330000, China.
| | - Yanfang Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, 116023, China; Ganjiang Chinese Medicine Innovation Center, Nanchang, 330000, China.
| | - Xinmiao Liang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, 116023, China; Ganjiang Chinese Medicine Innovation Center, Nanchang, 330000, China.
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Ma S, Li Z, Yang Y, Zhang L, Li M, Du L. Fluorescent Ligand-Based Discovery of Small-Molecule Sulfonamide Agonists for GPR120. Front Chem 2022; 10:816014. [PMID: 35174139 PMCID: PMC8841740 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2022.816014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
As a critical member of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), G protein-coupled receptor 120 (GPR120) is a potential target for many physiological diseases, such as type 2 diabetes mellitus, inflammation, and obesity. Considering that small-molecule fluorescent ligands can combine the advantages of visualization, high sensitivity and selectivity, we initially undertook an effort to develop a series of fluorescent ligands to track GPR120 and establish a method to screen GPR120 agonists. The representative fluorescent ligand N1 possesses suitable optical property, equitable biological activity, and high fluorescence imaging feasibility, therefore, based on compound N1, we subsequently founded a bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET) competition binding assay to screen three series of sulfonamide GPR120 agonists we developed herein. The activity evaluation results revealed that compound D5 was a potent GPR120 agonist with high activity and selectivity. Moreover, compound D5 exhibited a significant glucose-lowering effect in db/db mice, which indicates its potential application in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus in vivo. It is anticipated that our fluorescent ligand-based method is a useful toolbox and will find broad applications in the discovery of small-molecule agonists for GPR120.
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GPR120 agonist ameliorated insulin resistance and improved ovarian function. ZYGOTE 2021; 30:380-385. [PMID: 34879886 DOI: 10.1017/s0967199421000873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
GPR120 is implicated in the regulation of glucose and lipid metabolism, and insulin resistance. In the current study, we aimed to investigate the role of GPR120 in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). With the adoption of dehydroepiandrosterone, a rat model was established to simulate PCOS in vitro. mRNA and protein expression levels of GPR120 were measured using RT-qPCR and western blot, respectively. In addition, expression levels of testosterone, estradiol, luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone, serum total cholesterol and triglyceride were assessed using the corresponding kits. Moreover, haematoxylin and eosin staining was used to detect pathological changes in ovary or liver and oil red staining was utilized to evaluate lipid accumulation. In the present study, GPR120 was downregulated in plasma, liver and ovary in the PCOS rat model. In addition, the GPR120 agonist regulated lipid metabolism in the liver and weight in the PCOS rat model. Furthermore, the GPR120 agonist decreased insulin resistance in the PCOS rat model but improved the ovarian function. It is suggested that GPR120 plays a vital role in suppressing insulin resistance, regulating ovary function and decreasing lipid accumulation in the liver, demonstrating that targeting GPR120 could be an effective method for the improvement of PCOS.
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8
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Carullo G, Mazzotta S, Vega-Holm M, Iglesias-Guerra F, Vega-Pérez JM, Aiello F, Brizzi A. GPR120/FFAR4 Pharmacology: Focus on Agonists in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Drug Discovery. J Med Chem 2021; 64:4312-4332. [PMID: 33843223 PMCID: PMC8154576 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c01002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
![]()
The G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs)
activated by free fatty
acids (FFAs) have emerged as new and exciting drug targets, due to
their plausible translation from pharmacology to medicines. This perspective
aims to report recent research about GPR120/FFAR4 and its involvement
in several diseases, including cancer, inflammatory conditions, and
central nervous system disorders. The focus is to highlight the importance
of GPR120 in Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). GPR120 agonists, useful
in T2DM drug discovery, have been widely explored from a structure–activity
relationship point of view. Since the identification of the first
reported synthetic agonist TUG-891, the research has paved the way
for the development of TUG-based molecules as well as new and different
chemical entities. These molecules might represent the starting point
for the future discovery of GPR120 agonists as antidiabetic drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriele Carullo
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry, and Pharmacy, DoE 2018-2022, University of Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Sarah Mazzotta
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Milan, Via Luigi Mangiagalli 25, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Margarita Vega-Holm
- Department of Organic and Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Seville, Profesor García González 2, 41012 Seville, Spain
| | - Fernando Iglesias-Guerra
- Department of Organic and Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Seville, Profesor García González 2, 41012 Seville, Spain
| | - José Manuel Vega-Pérez
- Department of Organic and Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Seville, Profesor García González 2, 41012 Seville, Spain
| | - Francesca Aiello
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, DoE 2018-2022, University of Calabria, Edificio Polifunzionale, 87036 Rende, Cosenza, Italy
| | - Antonella Brizzi
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry, and Pharmacy, DoE 2018-2022, University of Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy
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Schwarz A, Hecko S, Rudroff F, Kohrt JT, Howard RM, Winkler M. Cell-free in vitro reduction of carboxylates to aldehydes: With crude enzyme preparations to a key pharmaceutical building block. Biotechnol J 2021; 16:e2000315. [PMID: 33245607 DOI: 10.1002/biot.202000315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Revised: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
The scarcity of practical methods for aldehyde synthesis in chemistry necessitates the development of mild, selective procedures. Carboxylic acid reductases catalyze aldehyde formation from stable carboxylic acid precursors in an aqueous solution. Carboxylic acid reductases were employed to catalyze aldehyde formation in a cell-free system with activation energy and reducing equivalents provided through auxiliary proteins for ATP and NADPH recycling. In situ product removal was used to suppress over-reduction due to background enzyme activities, and an N-protected 4-formyl-piperidine pharma synthon was prepared in 61% isolated yield. This is the first report of preparative aldehyde synthesis with carboxylic acid reductases employing crude, commercially available enzyme preparations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Schwarz
- Austrian Center of Industrial Biotechnology, Area Biotransformation, Graz, Austria
| | - Sebastian Hecko
- Institute of Applied Synthetic Chemistry, TU Wien, Vienna, Austria
| | - Florian Rudroff
- Institute of Applied Synthetic Chemistry, TU Wien, Vienna, Austria
| | - Jeffrey T Kohrt
- Pfizer Worldwide Research and Development, Applied Synthesis Technologies - Biocatalysis, Groton, USA
| | - Roger M Howard
- Pfizer Worldwide Research and Development, Applied Synthesis Technologies - Biocatalysis, Groton, USA
| | - Margit Winkler
- Austrian Center of Industrial Biotechnology, Area Biotransformation, Graz, Austria.,Institute of Molecular Biotechnology, Graz University of Technology, Graz, Austria
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A novel GPR120-selective agonist promotes insulin secretion and improves chronic inflammation. Life Sci 2021; 269:119029. [PMID: 33450256 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2021.119029] [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: 10/05/2020] [Revised: 12/29/2020] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
AIMS The present study aimed to disclose a potent and selective GPR120 agonist LXT34 and its anti-diabetic effects. MAIN METHODS Calcium mobilization assay was used to measure the agonistic potency and selectivity of LXT34 in GPR120 or GPR40-overexpression Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells. Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) release and glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) were evaluated in human colonic epithelial cell line NCI-H716 and mouse insulinoma cell line MIN6 by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), respectively. The anti-inflammatory effect was determined in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced murine macrophage cell line RAW264.7. Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and insulin tolerance test (ITT) were performed to assess the anti-diabetic effects of LXT34 in db/db mice, and chronic inflammation in liver and adipose tissues were investigated using histomorphology, immunoblot and gene expression analysis. KEY FINDINGS LXT34 was a potent GPR120 agonist with negligible activity toward human and mouse GPR40. LXT34 could potentiate GSIS and suppress LPS-induced inflammation in macrophages. LXT34 not only markedly improved glucose tolerance and insulin resistance, but also distinctly reduced macrophages infiltration, pro-inflammatory cytokines expression and JNK phosphorylation of both liver and adipose tissues in db/db mice. SIGNIFICANCE LXT34, a novel and potent GPR120-selective agonist, showed beneficial effects on improving glucose homeostasis in obesity-related type 2 diabetes.
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11
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Son SE, Park SJ, Koh JM, Im DS. Free fatty acid receptor 4 (FFA4) activation ameliorates 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene-induced atopic dermatitis by increasing regulatory T cells in mice. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2020; 41:1337-1347. [PMID: 32555509 PMCID: PMC7609340 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-020-0435-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2020] [Accepted: 05/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
High dose intake of docosahexaenoic acid showed beneficial effects on atopic dermatitis in patients and was found to increase regulatory T cells in mice, but its molecular target has not been identified. Free fatty acid receptor 4 (FFA4, also known as GPR120) is a receptor sensing polyunsaturated long-chain fatty acids including docosahexaenoic acid. In the present study, we examined whether FFA4 acted as a therapeutic target of docosahexaenoic acid for treating atopic dermatitis. Experimental atopic dermatitis was induced in mice by 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) sensitization on day 0, followed by repeated DNCB challenges from D7 to D48. The mice were treated with a selective agonist compound A (30 mg· kg−1· d−1, ip) from D19 to D48, and sacrificed on D49. We found that DNCB-induced atopic dermatitis-like skin lesions, i.e. hypertrophy and mast cell infiltration in skin tissues, as well as markedly elevated serum IgE levels. Administration of compound A significantly suppressed the atopic responses in ears and lymph nodes, such as hypertrophy and mast cell infiltration in the ears, enlarged sizes of lymph nodes, and elevated serum IgE and levels of cytokines IL-4, IL-13, IL-17, and IFN-γ in ear tissue. The therapeutic effects of compound A were abolished by FFA4 knockout. Similarly, increased CD4+Foxp3+ regulatory T-cell population in lymph nodes was observed in wide-type mice treated with compound A, but not seen in FFA4-deficient mice. In conclusion, we demonstrate that activation of FFA4 ameliorates atopic dermatitis by increasing CD4+Foxp3+ regulatory T cells, suggesting FFA4 as a therapeutic target for atopic dermatitis.
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12
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Zhang X, Macielag MJ. GPR120 agonists for the treatment of diabetes: a patent review (2014 present). Expert Opin Ther Pat 2020; 30:729-742. [PMID: 32799609 DOI: 10.1080/13543776.2020.1811852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION G protein-coupled receptor 120 (GPR120) is a Gαq coupled GPCR specifically activated by long-chain fatty acids (LCFAs). Functionally, it has been identified as a member of a family of lipid-binding free fatty acid receptors including GPR40, GPR41, and GPR43. Upon stimulation by LCFAs, GPR120 can directly or indirectly modulate hormone secretion from the gastrointestinal tract and pancreas, and regulate lipid and/or glucose metabolism in adipose, liver, and muscle tissues. Additionally, GPR120 is postulated to mediate anti-inflammatory and insulin-sensitizing effects in adipose and macrophages. These benefits suggest that GPR120 agonists have the potential to be an effective treatment for obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and other metabolic syndromes. AREA COVERED This article highlights and reviews research advances in this field that have been published in patent literature and peer-reviewed journals since 2014. EXPERT OPINION Current development has been hindered by species differences in GPR120 distribution, differences in GPR120-mediated signaling in distinct tissue types, and lack of available ligands with suitable selectivity for GPR120 over GPR40 in both human and rodents. The discovery of β-arrestin biased GPR120 agonists will help elucidate the potential of selective therapeutics that may discriminate between desirable and undesirable pharmacological effects. ABBREVIATIONS ALA: α-linolenic acid; AUC: area under the curve; BRET: bioluminescence resonance energy transfer; CCK: cholecystokinin; CHO-K1 cell: Chinese hamster ovary-K1 cell; db/db mouse: diabetic mouse; DHA: docosahexaenoic acid; DIO: diet-induced obesity; DMSO: dimethyl sulfoxide; DPP-4: dipeptidyl peptidase 4; EPA: eicosapentaenoic acid; FA(s): fatty acid(s); FFA(s): free fatty acid(s); FFAR: free fatty acid receptor; FLIPR: fluorescent imaging plate reader; GIR: glucose infusion rate; GLP-1: glucagon-like peptide 1; GP(C)R: G protein-coupled receptor; GSIS: glucose-stimulated insulin secretion; HEK293 cell: human embryonic kidney 293 cell; HOMA-IR: homeostatic measurement assessment of insulin resistance; IP1: inositol phosphate turnover; IPGTT: intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test; LCFA(s): long-chain fatty acid(s); MEDmax: maximal efficacy; MIN6 cell: mouse insulin-secreting cell; NPY: neuropeptide Y; OGTT: oral glucose tolerance test; pERK: phosphorylated ERK; PPAR: peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor; QD: once daily; SAR: structure-activity relationship; siRNA: small interfering ribonucleic acid; STC-1: intestinal secretin tumor cell; T2DM: type 2 diabetes mellitus; U2OS cell: human bone osteosarcoma epithelial cell; uHTS: ultrahigh-throughput screening; ZDF: zucker diabetic fatty.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuqing Zhang
- Discovery Chemistry, Janssen Research and Development , Spring House, PA, USA
| | - Mark J Macielag
- Discovery Chemistry, Janssen Research and Development , Spring House, PA, USA
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13
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Gimeno RE, Briere DA, Seeley RJ. Leveraging the Gut to Treat Metabolic Disease. Cell Metab 2020; 31:679-698. [PMID: 32187525 PMCID: PMC7184629 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmet.2020.02.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2019] [Revised: 11/23/2019] [Accepted: 02/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
25 years ago, the future of treating obesity and diabetes focused on end organs known to be involved in energy balance and glucose regulation, including the brain, muscle, adipose tissue, and pancreas. Today, the most effective therapies are focused around the gut. This includes surgical options, such as vertical sleeve gastrectomy and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, that can produce sustained weight loss and diabetes remission but also extends to pharmacological treatments that simulate or amplify various signals that come from the gut. The purpose of this Review is to discuss the wealth of approaches currently under development that seek to further leverage the gut as a source of novel therapeutic opportunities with the hope that we can achieve the effects of surgical interventions with less invasive and more scalable solutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth E Gimeno
- Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, IN 46225, USA
| | - Daniel A Briere
- Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, IN 46225, USA
| | - Randy J Seeley
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
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14
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Kimura I, Ichimura A, Ohue-Kitano R, Igarashi M. Free Fatty Acid Receptors in Health and Disease. Physiol Rev 2019; 100:171-210. [PMID: 31487233 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00041.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 463] [Impact Index Per Article: 92.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Fatty acids are metabolized and synthesized as energy substrates during biological responses. Long- and medium-chain fatty acids derived mainly from dietary triglycerides, and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) produced by gut microbial fermentation of the otherwise indigestible dietary fiber, constitute the major sources of free fatty acids (FFAs) in the metabolic network. Recently, increasing evidence indicates that FFAs serve not only as energy sources but also as natural ligands for a group of orphan G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) termed free fatty acid receptors (FFARs), essentially intertwining metabolism and immunity in multiple ways, such as via inflammation regulation and secretion of peptide hormones. To date, several FFARs that are activated by the FFAs of various chain lengths have been identified and characterized. In particular, FFAR1 (GPR40) and FFAR4 (GPR120) are activated by long-chain saturated and unsaturated fatty acids, while FFAR3 (GPR41) and FFAR2 (GPR43) are activated by SCFAs, mainly acetate, butyrate, and propionate. In this review, we discuss the recent reports on the key physiological functions of the FFAR-mediated signaling transduction pathways in the regulation of metabolism and immune responses. We also attempt to reveal future research opportunities for developing therapeutics for metabolic and immune disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ikuo Kimura
- Department of Applied Biological Science, Graduate School of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Fuchu-shi, Tokyo, Japan; AMED-CREST, Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Japan; and Department of Biochemistry, Kyoto University Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Science, Sakyo, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Atsuhiko Ichimura
- Department of Applied Biological Science, Graduate School of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Fuchu-shi, Tokyo, Japan; AMED-CREST, Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Japan; and Department of Biochemistry, Kyoto University Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Science, Sakyo, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Ryuji Ohue-Kitano
- Department of Applied Biological Science, Graduate School of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Fuchu-shi, Tokyo, Japan; AMED-CREST, Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Japan; and Department of Biochemistry, Kyoto University Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Science, Sakyo, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Miki Igarashi
- Department of Applied Biological Science, Graduate School of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Fuchu-shi, Tokyo, Japan; AMED-CREST, Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Japan; and Department of Biochemistry, Kyoto University Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Science, Sakyo, Kyoto, Japan
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15
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Gancheva S, Jelenik T, Álvarez-Hernández E, Roden M. Interorgan Metabolic Crosstalk in Human Insulin Resistance. Physiol Rev 2018; 98:1371-1415. [PMID: 29767564 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00015.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 122] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Excessive energy intake and reduced energy expenditure drive the development of insulin resistance and metabolic diseases such as obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Metabolic signals derived from dietary intake or secreted from adipose tissue, gut, and liver contribute to energy homeostasis. Recent metabolomic studies identified novel metabolites and enlarged our knowledge on classic metabolites. This review summarizes the evidence of their roles as mediators of interorgan crosstalk and regulators of insulin sensitivity and energy metabolism. Circulating lipids such as free fatty acids, acetate, and palmitoleate from adipose tissue and short-chain fatty acids from the gut effectively act on liver and skeletal muscle. Intracellular lipids such as diacylglycerols and sphingolipids can serve as lipotoxins by directly inhibiting insulin action in muscle and liver. In contrast, fatty acid esters of hydroxy fatty acids have been recently shown to exert a series of beneficial effects. Also, ketoacids are gaining interest as potent modulators of insulin action and mitochondrial function. Finally, branched-chain amino acids not only predict metabolic diseases, but also inhibit insulin signaling. Here, we focus on the metabolic crosstalk in humans, which regulates insulin sensitivity and energy homeostasis in the main insulin-sensitive tissues, skeletal muscle, liver, and adipose tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofiya Gancheva
- Division of Endocrinology and Diabetology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University , Düsseldorf , Germany ; Institute for Clinical Diabetology, German Diabetes Center, Leibniz Center for Diabetes Research, Heinrich Heine University , Düsseldorf , Germany ; and German Center of Diabetes Research (DZD e.V.), Munich- Neuherberg , Germany
| | - Tomas Jelenik
- Division of Endocrinology and Diabetology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University , Düsseldorf , Germany ; Institute for Clinical Diabetology, German Diabetes Center, Leibniz Center for Diabetes Research, Heinrich Heine University , Düsseldorf , Germany ; and German Center of Diabetes Research (DZD e.V.), Munich- Neuherberg , Germany
| | - Elisa Álvarez-Hernández
- Division of Endocrinology and Diabetology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University , Düsseldorf , Germany ; Institute for Clinical Diabetology, German Diabetes Center, Leibniz Center for Diabetes Research, Heinrich Heine University , Düsseldorf , Germany ; and German Center of Diabetes Research (DZD e.V.), Munich- Neuherberg , Germany
| | - Michael Roden
- Division of Endocrinology and Diabetology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University , Düsseldorf , Germany ; Institute for Clinical Diabetology, German Diabetes Center, Leibniz Center for Diabetes Research, Heinrich Heine University , Düsseldorf , Germany ; and German Center of Diabetes Research (DZD e.V.), Munich- Neuherberg , Germany
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16
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Yan RJ, Xiao BX, Ouyang Q, Liang HP, Du W, Chen YC. Asymmetric Dearomative Formal [4 + 2] Cycloadditions of N,4-Dialkylpyridinium Salts and Enones To Construct Azaspiro[5.5]undecane Frameworks. Org Lett 2018; 20:8000-8003. [PMID: 30525703 DOI: 10.1021/acs.orglett.8b03576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The asymmetric dearomative formal [4 + 2] cycloaddition reaction of activated N,4-dialkylpyridinium salts and acyclic α,β-unsaturated ketones was developed by the cascade iminium ion-enamine catalysis of a cinchona-derived amine. A spectrum of valuable azaspiro[5.5]undecane architectures was efficiently constructed with high to excellent diastereoselectivity and enantioselectivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ru-Jie Yan
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Ministry of Education and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy , Sichuan University , Chengdu 610041 , China
| | - Ben-Xian Xiao
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Ministry of Education and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy , Sichuan University , Chengdu 610041 , China
| | - Qin Ouyang
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burn and Combined Injury, and College of Pharmacy , Third Military Medical University , Shapingba, Chongqing 400038 , China
| | - Hua-Ping Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burn and Combined Injury, and College of Pharmacy , Third Military Medical University , Shapingba, Chongqing 400038 , China
| | - Wei Du
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Ministry of Education and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy , Sichuan University , Chengdu 610041 , China
| | - Ying-Chun Chen
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Ministry of Education and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy , Sichuan University , Chengdu 610041 , China.,State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burn and Combined Injury, and College of Pharmacy , Third Military Medical University , Shapingba, Chongqing 400038 , China
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17
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Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of a series of novel 2-benzamide-4-(6-oxy-N-methyl-1-naphthamide)-pyridine derivatives as potent fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) inhibitors. Eur J Med Chem 2018; 154:9-28. [PMID: 29775937 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2018.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2018] [Revised: 04/08/2018] [Accepted: 05/04/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Starting from the phase II clinical FGFR inhibitor lucitanib (2), we conducted a medicinal chemistry approach by opening the central quinoline skeleton coupled with a scaffold hopping process thus leading to a series of novel 2-benzamide-4-(6-oxy-N-methyl-1-naphthamide)-pyridine derivatives. Compound 25a was identified to show selective and equally high potency against FGFR1/2 and VEGFR2 with IC50 values less than 5.0 nM. Significant antiproliferative effects on both FGFR1/2 and VEGFR2 aberrant cancer cells were observed. In the SNU-16 xenograft model, compound 25a showed tumor growth inhibition rates of 25.0% and 81.0% at doses of 10 mg/kg and 50 mg/kg, respectively, with 5% and 10%body weight loss. In view of the synergistic potential of FGFs and VEGFs in tumor angiogenesis observed in preclinical studies, the FGFR/VEGFR2 dual inhibitor 25a may achieve better clinical benefits.
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18
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Winters MP, Sui Z, Wall M, Wang Y, Gunnet J, Leonard J, Hua H, Yan W, Suckow A, Bell A, Clapper W, Jenkinson C, Haug P, Koudriakova T, Huebert N, Murray WV. Discovery of N-arylpyrroles as agonists of GPR120 for the treatment of type II diabetes. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2018; 28:841-846. [PMID: 29456108 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2018.02.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2018] [Revised: 02/05/2018] [Accepted: 02/07/2018] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
The discovery of a novel series of N-arylpyrroles as agonists of GPR120 (FFAR4) is discussed. One lead compound is a potent GPR120 agonist, has good selectivity for related receptor GPR40 (FFAR1), has acceptable PK properties, and is active in 2 models of Type 2 Diabetes in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael P Winters
- Cardiovascular and Metabolism Research, Janssen Research and Development LLC, 1400 McKean Rd., Spring House, PA 19477, USA.
| | - Zhihua Sui
- Cardiovascular and Metabolism Research, Janssen Research and Development LLC, 1400 McKean Rd., Spring House, PA 19477, USA
| | - Mark Wall
- Cardiovascular and Metabolism Research, Janssen Research and Development LLC, 1400 McKean Rd., Spring House, PA 19477, USA
| | - Yuanping Wang
- Cardiovascular and Metabolism Research, Janssen Research and Development LLC, 1400 McKean Rd., Spring House, PA 19477, USA
| | - Joseph Gunnet
- Cardiovascular and Metabolism Research, Janssen Research and Development LLC, 1400 McKean Rd., Spring House, PA 19477, USA
| | - James Leonard
- Cardiovascular and Metabolism Research, Janssen Research and Development LLC, 1400 McKean Rd., Spring House, PA 19477, USA
| | - Hong Hua
- Cardiovascular and Metabolism Research, Janssen Research and Development LLC, 1400 McKean Rd., Spring House, PA 19477, USA
| | - Wen Yan
- Cardiovascular and Metabolism Research, Janssen Research and Development LLC, 1400 McKean Rd., Spring House, PA 19477, USA
| | - Arthur Suckow
- Cardiovascular and Metabolism Research, Janssen Research and Development LLC, 1400 McKean Rd., Spring House, PA 19477, USA
| | - Austin Bell
- Cardiovascular and Metabolism Research, Janssen Research and Development LLC, 1400 McKean Rd., Spring House, PA 19477, USA
| | - Wilmelenne Clapper
- Cardiovascular and Metabolism Research, Janssen Research and Development LLC, 1400 McKean Rd., Spring House, PA 19477, USA
| | - Celia Jenkinson
- Cardiovascular and Metabolism Research, Janssen Research and Development LLC, 1400 McKean Rd., Spring House, PA 19477, USA
| | - Peter Haug
- Cardiovascular and Metabolism Research, Janssen Research and Development LLC, 1400 McKean Rd., Spring House, PA 19477, USA
| | - Tatiana Koudriakova
- Cardiovascular and Metabolism Research, Janssen Research and Development LLC, 1400 McKean Rd., Spring House, PA 19477, USA
| | - Norman Huebert
- Cardiovascular and Metabolism Research, Janssen Research and Development LLC, 1400 McKean Rd., Spring House, PA 19477, USA
| | - William V Murray
- Cardiovascular and Metabolism Research, Janssen Research and Development LLC, 1400 McKean Rd., Spring House, PA 19477, USA
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19
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The acute glucose lowering effect of specific GPR120 activation in mice is mainly driven by glucagon-like peptide 1. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0189060. [PMID: 29206860 PMCID: PMC5716539 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0189060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2017] [Accepted: 11/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The mechanism behind the glucose lowering effect occurring after specific activation of GPR120 is not completely understood. In this study, a potent and selective GPR120 agonist was developed and its pharmacological properties were compared with the previously described GPR120 agonist Metabolex-36. Effects of both compounds on signaling pathways and GLP-1 secretion were investigated in vitro. The acute glucose lowering effect was studied in lean wild-type and GPR120 null mice following oral or intravenous glucose tolerance tests. In vitro, in GPR120 overexpressing cells, both agonists signaled through Gαq, Gαs and the β-arrestin pathway. However, in mouse islets the signaling pathway was different since the agonists reduced cAMP production. The GPR120 agonists stimulated GLP-1 secretion both in vitro in STC-1 cells and in vivo following oral administration. In vivo GPR120 activation induced significant glucose lowering and increased insulin secretion after intravenous glucose administration in lean mice, while the agonists had no effect in GPR120 null mice. Exendin 9–39, a GLP-1 receptor antagonist, abolished the GPR120 induced effects on glucose and insulin following an intravenous glucose challenge. In conclusion, GLP-1 secretion is an important mechanism behind the acute glucose lowering effect following specific GPR120 activation.
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20
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Im DS. FFA4 (GPR120) as a fatty acid sensor involved in appetite control, insulin sensitivity and inflammation regulation. Mol Aspects Med 2017; 64:92-108. [PMID: 28887275 DOI: 10.1016/j.mam.2017.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2017] [Revised: 09/03/2017] [Accepted: 09/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Unsaturated long-chain fatty acids have been suggested to be beneficial in the context of cardiovascular disorders based in epidemiologic studies conducted in Greenland and Mediterranean. DHA and EPA are omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids that are plentiful in fish oil, and oleic acid is an omega-9 monounsaturated fatty acid, rich in olive oil. Dietary intake of these unsaturated long-chain fatty acids have been associated with insulin sensitivity and weight loss, which contrasts with the impairment of insulin sensitivity and weight gain associated with high intakes of saturated long-chain fatty acids. The recent discovery that free fatty acid receptor 4 (FFA4, also known as GPR120) acts as a sensor for unsaturated long-chain fatty acids started to unveil the molecular mechanisms underlying the beneficial functions played by these unsaturated long-chain fatty acids in various physiological processes, which include the secretions of gastrointestinal peptide hormones and glucose homeostasis. In this review, the physiological roles and therapeutic significance of FFA4 in appetite control, insulin sensitization, and inflammation reduction are discussed in relation to obesity and type 2 diabetes from pharmacological viewpoints.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong-Soon Im
- Molecular Inflammation Research Center for Aging Intervention (MRCA), College of Pharmacy, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Republic of Korea.
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21
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Zhang X, Cai C, Sui Z, Macielag M, Wang Y, Yan W, Suckow A, Hua H, Bell A, Haug P, Clapper W, Jenkinson C, Gunnet J, Leonard J, Murray WV. Discovery of an Isothiazole-Based Phenylpropanoic Acid GPR120 Agonist as a Development Candidate for Type 2 Diabetes. ACS Med Chem Lett 2017; 8:947-952. [PMID: 28947942 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.7b00233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2017] [Accepted: 07/27/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
We have discovered a novel series of isothiazole-based phenylpropanoic acids as GPR120 agonists. Extensive structure-activity relationship studies led to the discovery of a potent GPR120 agonist 4x, which displayed good EC50 values in both calcium and β-arrestin assays. It also presented good pharmaceutical properties and a favorable PK profile. Moreover, it demonstrated in vivo antidiabetic activity in C57BL/6 DIO mice. Studies in WT and knockout DIO mice showed that it improved glucose handling during an OGTT via GPR120. Overall, 4x possessed promising antidiabetic effect and good safety profile to be a development candidate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuqing Zhang
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Research, Janssen Research & Development, LLC, Welsh & McKean Roads, Box 776, Spring House, Pennsylvania 19477, United States
| | - Chaozhong Cai
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Research, Janssen Research & Development, LLC, Welsh & McKean Roads, Box 776, Spring House, Pennsylvania 19477, United States
| | - Zhihua Sui
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Research, Janssen Research & Development, LLC, Welsh & McKean Roads, Box 776, Spring House, Pennsylvania 19477, United States
| | - Mark Macielag
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Research, Janssen Research & Development, LLC, Welsh & McKean Roads, Box 776, Spring House, Pennsylvania 19477, United States
| | - Yuanping Wang
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Research, Janssen Research & Development, LLC, Welsh & McKean Roads, Box 776, Spring House, Pennsylvania 19477, United States
| | - Wen Yan
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Research, Janssen Research & Development, LLC, Welsh & McKean Roads, Box 776, Spring House, Pennsylvania 19477, United States
| | - Arthur Suckow
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Research, Janssen Research & Development, LLC, Welsh & McKean Roads, Box 776, Spring House, Pennsylvania 19477, United States
| | - Hong Hua
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Research, Janssen Research & Development, LLC, Welsh & McKean Roads, Box 776, Spring House, Pennsylvania 19477, United States
| | - Austin Bell
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Research, Janssen Research & Development, LLC, Welsh & McKean Roads, Box 776, Spring House, Pennsylvania 19477, United States
| | - Peter Haug
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Research, Janssen Research & Development, LLC, Welsh & McKean Roads, Box 776, Spring House, Pennsylvania 19477, United States
| | - Wilma Clapper
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Research, Janssen Research & Development, LLC, Welsh & McKean Roads, Box 776, Spring House, Pennsylvania 19477, United States
| | - Celia Jenkinson
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Research, Janssen Research & Development, LLC, Welsh & McKean Roads, Box 776, Spring House, Pennsylvania 19477, United States
| | - Joseph Gunnet
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Research, Janssen Research & Development, LLC, Welsh & McKean Roads, Box 776, Spring House, Pennsylvania 19477, United States
| | - James Leonard
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Research, Janssen Research & Development, LLC, Welsh & McKean Roads, Box 776, Spring House, Pennsylvania 19477, United States
| | - William V. Murray
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Research, Janssen Research & Development, LLC, Welsh & McKean Roads, Box 776, Spring House, Pennsylvania 19477, United States
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22
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Design, synthesis and SAR of a novel series of heterocyclic phenylpropanoic acids as GPR120 agonists. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2017. [PMID: 28642104 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2017.06.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
A novel series of 5-membered heterocycle-containing phenylpropanoic acid derivatives was discovered as potent GPR120 agonists with low clearance, high oral bioavailability and in vivo antidiabetic activity in rodents.
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23
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Satapati S, Qian Y, Wu MS, Petrov A, Dai G, Wang SP, Zhu Y, Shen X, Muise ES, Chen Y, Zycband E, Weinglass A, Di Salvo J, Debenham JS, Cox JM, Lan P, Shah V, Previs SF, Erion M, Kelley DE, Wang L, Howard AD, Shang J. GPR120 suppresses adipose tissue lipolysis and synergizes with GPR40 in antidiabetic efficacy. J Lipid Res 2017; 58:1561-1578. [PMID: 28583918 DOI: 10.1194/jlr.m075044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2017] [Revised: 05/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
GPR40 and GPR120 are fatty acid sensors that play important roles in glucose and energy homeostasis. GPR40 potentiates glucose-dependent insulin secretion and demonstrated in clinical studies robust glucose lowering in type 2 diabetes. GPR120 improves insulin sensitivity in rodents, albeit its mechanism of action is not fully understood. Here, we postulated that the antidiabetic efficacy of GPR40 could be enhanced by coactivating GPR120. A combination of GPR40 and GPR120 agonists in db/db mice, as well as a single molecule with dual agonist activities, achieved superior glycemic control compared with either monotherapy. Compared with a GPR40 selective agonist, the dual agonist improved insulin sensitivity in ob/ob mice measured by hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp, preserved islet morphology, and increased expression of several key lipolytic genes in adipose tissue of Zucker diabetic fatty rats. Novel insights into the mechanism of action for GPR120 were obtained. Selective GPR120 activation suppressed lipolysis in primary white adipocytes, although this effect was attenuated in adipocytes from obese rats and obese rhesus, and sensitized the antilipolytic effect of insulin in rat and rhesus primary adipocytes. In conclusion, GPR120 agonism enhances insulin action in adipose tissue and yields a synergistic efficacy when combined with GPR40 agonism.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ying Qian
- Cardiometabolic Disease, Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ 07033
| | - Margaret S Wu
- Cardiometabolic Disease, Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ 07033
| | - Aleksandr Petrov
- Cardiometabolic Disease, Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ 07033
| | - Ge Dai
- Cardiometabolic Disease, Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ 07033
| | - Sheng-Ping Wang
- Cardiometabolic Disease, Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ 07033
| | - Yonghua Zhu
- Cardiometabolic Disease, Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ 07033
| | - Xiaolan Shen
- Safety Assessment and Laboratory Animal Resources, Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ 07033
| | - Eric S Muise
- Genetics and Pharmacogenomics, Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ 07033
| | - Ying Chen
- Cardiometabolic Disease, Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ 07033
| | - Emanuel Zycband
- Cardiometabolic Disease, Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ 07033
| | - Adam Weinglass
- Genetics and Pharmacology, Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ 07033
| | - Jerry Di Salvo
- Genetics and Pharmacology, Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ 07033
| | - John S Debenham
- Genetics and Chemistry, Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ 07033
| | - Jason M Cox
- Genetics and Chemistry, Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ 07033
| | - Ping Lan
- Genetics and Chemistry, Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ 07033
| | - Vinit Shah
- Cardiometabolic Disease, Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ 07033
| | - Stephen F Previs
- Cardiometabolic Disease, Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ 07033
| | - Mark Erion
- Cardiometabolic Disease, Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ 07033
| | - David E Kelley
- Cardiometabolic Disease, Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ 07033
| | - Liangsu Wang
- Cardiometabolic Disease, Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ 07033
| | - Andrew D Howard
- Cardiometabolic Disease, Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ 07033
| | - Jin Shang
- Cardiometabolic Disease, Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ 07033.
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24
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McCoull W, Bailey A, Barton P, Birch AM, Brown AJH, Butler HS, Boyd S, Butlin RJ, Chappell B, Clarkson P, Collins S, Davies RMD, Ertan A, Hammond CD, Holmes JL, Lenaghan C, Midha A, Morentin-Gutierrez P, Moore JE, Raubo P, Robb G. Indazole-6-phenylcyclopropylcarboxylic Acids as Selective GPR120 Agonists with in Vivo Efficacy. J Med Chem 2017; 60:3187-3197. [PMID: 28374589 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.7b00210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
GPR120 agonists have therapeutic potential for the treatment of diabetes, but few selective agonists have been reported. We identified an indazole-6-phenylcyclopropylcarboxylic acid series of GPR120 agonists and conducted SAR studies to optimize GPR120 potency. Furthermore, we identified a (S,S)-cyclopropylcarboxylic acid structural motif which gave selectivity against GPR40. Good oral exposure was obtained with some compounds displaying unexpected high CNS penetration. Increased MDCK efflux was utilized to identify compounds such as 33 with lower CNS penetration, and activity in oral glucose tolerance studies was demonstrated. Differential activity was observed in GPR120 null and wild-type mice indicating that this effect operates through a mechanism involving GPR120 agonism.
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Affiliation(s)
- William McCoull
- IMED Oncology and Discovery Sciences, AstraZeneca , 310 Cambridge Science Park, Milton Road, Cambridge, CB4 0WG, U.K
| | - Andrew Bailey
- IMED CVMD, AstraZeneca , Mereside, Alderley Park, Macclesfield, SK10 4TG, U.K
| | - Peter Barton
- IMED Oncology and Discovery Sciences, AstraZeneca , 310 Cambridge Science Park, Milton Road, Cambridge, CB4 0WG, U.K
| | - Alan M Birch
- IMED CVMD, AstraZeneca , Mereside, Alderley Park, Macclesfield, SK10 4TG, U.K
| | - Alastair J H Brown
- IMED CVMD, AstraZeneca , Mereside, Alderley Park, Macclesfield, SK10 4TG, U.K
| | - Hayley S Butler
- IMED CVMD, AstraZeneca , Mereside, Alderley Park, Macclesfield, SK10 4TG, U.K
| | - Scott Boyd
- IMED Oncology and Discovery Sciences, AstraZeneca , 310 Cambridge Science Park, Milton Road, Cambridge, CB4 0WG, U.K
| | - Roger J Butlin
- IMED CVMD, AstraZeneca , Mereside, Alderley Park, Macclesfield, SK10 4TG, U.K
| | - Ben Chappell
- IMED CVMD, AstraZeneca , Mereside, Alderley Park, Macclesfield, SK10 4TG, U.K
| | - Paul Clarkson
- IMED Oncology and Discovery Sciences, AstraZeneca , 310 Cambridge Science Park, Milton Road, Cambridge, CB4 0WG, U.K
| | - Shelley Collins
- IMED CVMD, AstraZeneca , Mereside, Alderley Park, Macclesfield, SK10 4TG, U.K
| | - Robert M D Davies
- IMED CVMD, AstraZeneca , Mereside, Alderley Park, Macclesfield, SK10 4TG, U.K
| | - Anne Ertan
- IMED CVMD, AstraZeneca , Mereside, Alderley Park, Macclesfield, SK10 4TG, U.K
| | - Clare D Hammond
- IMED CVMD, AstraZeneca , Mereside, Alderley Park, Macclesfield, SK10 4TG, U.K
| | - Jane L Holmes
- IMED CVMD, AstraZeneca , Mereside, Alderley Park, Macclesfield, SK10 4TG, U.K
| | - Carol Lenaghan
- IMED CVMD, AstraZeneca , Mereside, Alderley Park, Macclesfield, SK10 4TG, U.K
| | - Anita Midha
- IMED CVMD, AstraZeneca , Mereside, Alderley Park, Macclesfield, SK10 4TG, U.K
| | - Pablo Morentin-Gutierrez
- IMED Oncology and Discovery Sciences, AstraZeneca , 310 Cambridge Science Park, Milton Road, Cambridge, CB4 0WG, U.K
| | - Jane E Moore
- IMED CVMD, AstraZeneca , Mereside, Alderley Park, Macclesfield, SK10 4TG, U.K
| | - Piotr Raubo
- IMED Oncology and Discovery Sciences, AstraZeneca , 310 Cambridge Science Park, Milton Road, Cambridge, CB4 0WG, U.K
| | - Graeme Robb
- IMED Oncology and Discovery Sciences, AstraZeneca , 310 Cambridge Science Park, Milton Road, Cambridge, CB4 0WG, U.K
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25
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Adams GL, Velazquez F, Jayne C, Shah U, Miao S, Ashley ER, Madeira M, Akiyama TE, Di Salvo J, Suzuki T, Wang N, Truong Q, Gilbert E, Zhou D, Verras A, Kirkland M, Pachanski M, Powles M, Yin W, Ujjainwalla F, Venkatraman S, Edmondson SD. Discovery of Chromane Propionic Acid Analogues as Selective Agonists of GPR120 with in Vivo Activity in Rodents. ACS Med Chem Lett 2017; 8:96-101. [PMID: 28105282 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.6b00394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2016] [Accepted: 11/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
GPR120 (FFAR4) is a fatty acid sensing G protein coupled receptor (GPCR) that has been identified as a target for possible treatment of type 2 diabetes. A selective activator of GPR120 containing a chromane scaffold has been designed, synthesized, and evaluated in vivo. Results of these efforts suggest that chromane propionic acid 18 is a suitable tool molecule for further animal studies. Compound 18 is selective over the closely related target GPR40 (FFAR1), has a clean off-target profile, demonstrates suitable pharmacokinetic properties, and has been evaluated in wild-type/knockout GPR120 mouse oGTT studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory L. Adams
- Merck & Co., Inc., West Point, Pennsylvania 19486, United States
| | | | - Charles Jayne
- Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, New Jersey 07033, United States
| | - Unmesh Shah
- Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, New Jersey 07033, United States
| | - Shouwu Miao
- Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, New Jersey 07033, United States
| | - Eric R. Ashley
- Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, New Jersey 07033, United States
| | - Maria Madeira
- Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, New Jersey 07033, United States
| | - Taro E. Akiyama
- Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, New Jersey 07033, United States
| | - Jerry Di Salvo
- Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, New Jersey 07033, United States
| | | | | | - Quang Truong
- Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, New Jersey 07033, United States
| | - Eric Gilbert
- Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, New Jersey 07033, United States
| | - Dan Zhou
- Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, New Jersey 07033, United States
| | - Andreas Verras
- Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, New Jersey 07033, United States
| | | | | | - Maryann Powles
- Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, New Jersey 07033, United States
| | - Wu Yin
- Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, New Jersey 07033, United States
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