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Fleishman JS, Kumar S. Bile acid metabolism and signaling in health and disease: molecular mechanisms and therapeutic targets. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:97. [PMID: 38664391 PMCID: PMC11045871 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-024-01811-6] [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: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Bile acids, once considered mere dietary surfactants, now emerge as critical modulators of macronutrient (lipid, carbohydrate, protein) metabolism and the systemic pro-inflammatory/anti-inflammatory balance. Bile acid metabolism and signaling pathways play a crucial role in protecting against, or if aberrant, inducing cardiometabolic, inflammatory, and neoplastic conditions, strongly influencing health and disease. No curative treatment exists for any bile acid influenced disease, while the most promising and well-developed bile acid therapeutic was recently rejected by the FDA. Here, we provide a bottom-up approach on bile acids, mechanistically explaining their biochemistry, physiology, and pharmacology at canonical and non-canonical receptors. Using this mechanistic model of bile acids, we explain how abnormal bile acid physiology drives disease pathogenesis, emphasizing how ceramide synthesis may serve as a unifying pathogenic feature for cardiometabolic diseases. We provide an in-depth summary on pre-existing bile acid receptor modulators, explain their shortcomings, and propose solutions for how they may be remedied. Lastly, we rationalize novel targets for further translational drug discovery and provide future perspectives. Rather than dismissing bile acid therapeutics due to recent setbacks, we believe that there is immense clinical potential and a high likelihood for the future success of bile acid therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua S Fleishman
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, St. John's University, Queens, NY, USA
| | - Sunil Kumar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, St. John's University, Queens, NY, USA.
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2
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Dou X, Huo T, Liu Y, Pang Z, Su L, Zhao X, Peng X, Liu Z, Zhang L, Jiao N. Discovery of novel and selective farnesoid X receptor antagonists through structure-based virtual screening, preliminary structure-activity relationship study, and biological evaluation. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 269:116323. [PMID: 38547735 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116323] [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: 12/26/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024]
Abstract
Farnesoid X receptor (FXR) is a bile acids receptor and plays a crucial role in regulating bile acids, lipids, and glucose metabolism. Previous research suggests that inhibiting FXR activation can be beneficial in reducing cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels, offering potential treatment options for metabolic syndrome with lipid disorders. Herein, we report p-acetylaminobenzene sulfonate derivatives as a novel scaffold of FXR antagonists by multistage screening. Among these derivatives, compound F44-A13 exhibited a half-maximal inhibitory concentration of 1.1 μM. Furthermore, compound F44-A13 demonstrated effective inhibition of FXR activation in cellular assays and exhibited high selectivity over eleven other nuclear receptors. Besides, compound F44-A13 significantly suppressed the regulation of FXR target genes Shp, Besp, and Cyp7a1, while reducing cholesterol levels in human hepatoma HepG2 cells. Pharmacological studies conducted on C57BL/6 mice further confirmed that compound F44-A13 had beneficial effects in reducing cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL-C levels. These findings highlight that F44-A13 is a highly selective FXR antagonist that might serve as a useful molecule for further FXR studies as well as the development of FXR antagonists for the potential treatment of metabolic diseases with lipid disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaodong Dou
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Tongyu Huo
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Yameng Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China; Changping Laboratory, Yard 28, Science Park Road, Changping District, Beijing, China
| | - Zichen Pang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Lingyu Su
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Xinyi Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Xing Peng
- Changping Laboratory, Yard 28, Science Park Road, Changping District, Beijing, China; Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Zhenming Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Liangren Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Ning Jiao
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China; Changping Laboratory, Yard 28, Science Park Road, Changping District, Beijing, China.
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3
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Kadasah SF, Radwan MO. Overview of Ursolic Acid Potential for the Treatment of Metabolic Disorders, Autoimmune Diseases, and Cancers via Nuclear Receptor Pathways. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2845. [PMID: 37893218 PMCID: PMC10604592 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11102845] [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: 10/06/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Nuclear receptors (NRs) form a family of druggable transcription factors that are regulated by ligand binding to orchestrate multifaceted physiological functions, including reproduction, immunity, metabolism, and growth. NRs represent attractive and valid targets for the management and treatment of a vast array of ailments. Pentacyclic triterpenes (PTs) are ubiquitously distributed natural products in medicinal and aromatic plants, of which ursolic acid (UA) is an extensively studied member, due to its diverse bio-pertinent activities against different cancers, inflammation, aging, obesity, diabetes, dyslipidemia, and liver injury. In fact, PTs share a common lipophilic structure that resembles NRs' endogenous ligands. Herein, we present a review of the literature on UA's effect on NRs, showcasing the resulting health benefits and potential therapeutic outcomes. De facto, UA exhibited numerous pharmacodynamic effects on PPAR, LXR, FXR, and PXR, resulting in remarkable anti-inflammatory, anti-hyperlipidemic, and hepatoprotective properties, by lowering lipid accumulation in hepatocytes and mitigating non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and its subsequent liver fibrosis. Furthermore, UA reversed valproate and rifampicin-induced hepatic lipid accumulation. Additionally, UA showed great promise for the treatment of autoimmune inflammatory diseases such as multiple sclerosis and autoimmune arthritis by antagonizing RORγ. UA exhibited antiproliferative effects against skin, prostate, and breast cancers, partially via PPARα and RORγ pathways. Herein, for the first time, we explore and provide insights into UA bioactivity with respect to NR modulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sultan F. Kadasah
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Bisha, P.O. Box 551, Bisha 61922, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohamed O. Radwan
- Medicinal and Biological Chemistry Science Farm Joint Research Laboratory, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto 862-0973, Japan
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4
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Radwan MO, Kadasah SF, Aljubiri SM, Alrefaei AF, El-Maghrabey MH, El Hamd MA, Tateishi H, Otsuka M, Fujita M. Harnessing Oleanolic Acid and Its Derivatives as Modulators of Metabolic Nuclear Receptors. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1465. [PMID: 37892147 PMCID: PMC10604226 DOI: 10.3390/biom13101465] [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: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Nuclear receptors (NRs) constitute a superfamily of ligand-activated transcription factors with a paramount role in ubiquitous physiological functions such as metabolism, growth, and reproduction. Owing to their physiological role and druggability, NRs are deemed attractive and valid targets for medicinal chemists. Pentacyclic triterpenes (PTs) represent one of the most important phytochemical classes present in higher plants, where oleanolic acid (OA) is the most studied PTs representative owing to its multitude of biological activities against cancer, inflammation, diabetes, and liver injury. PTs possess a lipophilic skeleton that imitates the NRs endogenous ligands. Herein, we report a literature overview on the modulation of metabolic NRs by OA and its semi-synthetic derivatives, highlighting their health benefits and potential therapeutic applications. Indeed, OA exhibited varying pharmacological effects on FXR, PPAR, LXR, RXR, PXR, and ROR in a tissue-specific manner. Owing to these NRs modulation, OA showed prominent hepatoprotective properties comparable to ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) in a bile duct ligation mice model and antiatherosclerosis effect as simvastatin in a model of New Zealand white (NZW) rabbits. It also demonstrated a great promise in alleviating non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and liver fibrosis, attenuated alpha-naphthol isothiocyanate (ANIT)-induced cholestatic liver injury, and controlled blood glucose levels, making it a key player in the therapy of metabolic diseases. We also compiled OA semi-synthetic derivatives and explored their synthetic pathways and pharmacological effects on NRs, showcasing their structure-activity relationship (SAR). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first review article to highlight OA activity in terms of NRs modulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed O. Radwan
- Medicinal and Biological Chemistry Science Farm Joint Research Laboratory, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto 862-0973, Japan; (H.T.); (M.O.); (M.F.)
| | - Sultan F. Kadasah
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Bisha, Bisha 61922, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Salha M. Aljubiri
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, University of Bisha, Bisha 61922, Saudi Arabia;
| | | | - Mahmoud H. El-Maghrabey
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt;
| | - Mohamed A. El Hamd
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Shaqra University, Shaqra 11961, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, South Valley University, Qena 83523, Egypt
| | - Hiroshi Tateishi
- Medicinal and Biological Chemistry Science Farm Joint Research Laboratory, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto 862-0973, Japan; (H.T.); (M.O.); (M.F.)
| | - Masami Otsuka
- Medicinal and Biological Chemistry Science Farm Joint Research Laboratory, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto 862-0973, Japan; (H.T.); (M.O.); (M.F.)
- Department of Drug Discovery, Science Farm Ltd., Kumamoto 862-0976, Japan
| | - Mikako Fujita
- Medicinal and Biological Chemistry Science Farm Joint Research Laboratory, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto 862-0973, Japan; (H.T.); (M.O.); (M.F.)
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Morretta E, Ruggiero D, Belvedere R, Petrella A, Bruno I, Terracciano S, Monti MC. A multidisciplinary functional proteomics-aided strategy as a tool for the profiling of a novel cytotoxic thiadiazolopyrimidone. Bioorg Chem 2023; 138:106620. [PMID: 37229937 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2023.106620] [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: 02/08/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, thiadiazolopyrimidine derivatives have been acknowledged for their striking poly-pharmacological framework, thus representing an interesting scaffold for the development of new therapeutic candidates. This paper examines the synthesis and the interactome characterization of a novel bioactive thiadiazolopyrimidone (compound 1), endowed with cytotoxic activity on HeLa cancer cells. In detail, starting from a small set of synthesized thiadiazolopyrimidones, a multi-disciplinary strategy has been carried out on the most bioactive one to disclose its potential biological targets by functional proteomics, using a label-free mass spectrometry based platform coupling Drug Affinity Responsive Target Stability and targeted Limited Proteolysis-Multiple Reaction Monitoring. The identification of Annexin A6 (ANXA6) as compound 1 most reliable cellular partner paved the way to deepen the protein-ligand interaction through bio-orthogonal approaches and to prove compound 1 action on migration and invasion processes governed by ANXA6 modulation. The identification of compund 1 as the first ANXA6 protein modulator represents a relevant tool to further explore the biological role of ANXA6 in cancer, as well as to develop novel anticancer candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elva Morretta
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II 132, 84084 Fisciano, Salerno, Italy.
| | - Dafne Ruggiero
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II 132, 84084 Fisciano, Salerno, Italy.
| | - Raffaella Belvedere
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II 132, 84084 Fisciano, Salerno, Italy.
| | - Antonello Petrella
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II 132, 84084 Fisciano, Salerno, Italy.
| | - Ines Bruno
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II 132, 84084 Fisciano, Salerno, Italy.
| | - Stefania Terracciano
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II 132, 84084 Fisciano, Salerno, Italy.
| | - Maria Chiara Monti
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II 132, 84084 Fisciano, Salerno, Italy.
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Ma H, Bao Y, Niu S, Wang S, Li Y, He H, Zhang N, Fang W. Structure Optimization of 12β- O-γ-Glutamyl Oleanolic Acid Derivatives Resulting in Potent FXR Antagonist/Modulator for NASH Therapy. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:ph16050758. [PMID: 37242541 DOI: 10.3390/ph16050758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2023] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The farnesoid X receptor (FXR) plays a crucial role in regulating the metabolism of bile acids, lipids, and sugars. Consequently, it is implicated in the treatment of various diseases, including cholestasis, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and cancer. The advancement of novel FXR modulators holds immense importance, especially in managing metabolic disorders. In this study, a series of oleanolic acid (OA) derivatives bearing 12β-O-(γ-glutamyl) groups were designed and synthesized. Using a yeast one-hybrid assay, we established a preliminary structure-activity relationship (SAR) and identified the most potent compound, 10b, which selectively antagonizes FXR over other nuclear receptors. Compound 10b can differentially modulate the downstream genes of FXR, including with the upregulation of the CYP7A1 gene. In vivo testing revealed that 10b (100 mg·Kg-1) not only effectively inhibits lipid accumulation in the liver but also prevents liver fibrosis in both BDL rats and HFD mice. Molecular modeling indicated that the branched substitution of 10b extends into the H11-H12 region of FXR-LBD, possibly accounting for its CYP7A1 upregulation, which is different from a known OA 12β-alkonate. These findings suggest that 12-glutamyl OA derivative 10b represents a promising candidate for the treatment of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH).
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines & Ministry of Health Key Laboratory of Biosynthesis of Natural Products, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, 2A Nan Wei Road, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Yunyang Bao
- Key Laboratory of Biotechnology of Antibiotics, The National Health and Family Planning Commission (NHFPC), Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Shuaishuai Niu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines & Ministry of Health Key Laboratory of Biosynthesis of Natural Products, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, 2A Nan Wei Road, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Shaorong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines & Ministry of Health Key Laboratory of Biosynthesis of Natural Products, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, 2A Nan Wei Road, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Yiming Li
- Key Laboratory of Biotechnology of Antibiotics, The National Health and Family Planning Commission (NHFPC), Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Hongwei He
- Key Laboratory of Biotechnology of Antibiotics, The National Health and Family Planning Commission (NHFPC), Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Na Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Biotechnology of Antibiotics, The National Health and Family Planning Commission (NHFPC), Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Weishuo Fang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines & Ministry of Health Key Laboratory of Biosynthesis of Natural Products, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, 2A Nan Wei Road, Beijing 100050, China
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7
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Finamore C, Festa C, Fiorillo B, Leva FSD, Roselli R, Marchianò S, Biagioli M, Spinelli L, Fiorucci S, Limongelli V, Zampella A, De Marino S. Expanding the Library of 1,2,4-Oxadiazole Derivatives: Discovery of New Farnesoid X Receptor (FXR) Antagonists/Pregnane X Receptor (PXR) Agonists. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28062840. [PMID: 36985811 PMCID: PMC10057480 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28062840] [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: 03/02/2023] [Revised: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Compounds featuring a 1,2,4-oxadiazole core have been recently identified as a new chemotype of farnesoid X receptor (FXR) antagonists. With the aim to expand this class of compounds and to understand the building blocks necessary to maintain the antagonistic activity, we describe herein the synthesis, the pharmacological evaluation, and the in vitro pharmacokinetic properties of a novel series of 1,2,4-oxadiazole derivatives decorated on the nitrogen of the piperidine ring with different N-alkyl and N-aryl side chains. In vitro pharmacological evaluation showed compounds 5 and 11 as the first examples of nonsteroidal dual FXR/Pregnane X receptor (PXR) modulators. In HepG2 cells, these compounds modulated PXR- and FXR-regulated genes, resulting in interesting leads in the treatment of inflammatory disorders. Moreover, molecular docking studies supported the experimental results, disclosing the ligand binding mode and allowing rationalization of the activities of compounds 5 and 11.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Finamore
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples "Federico II", Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Carmen Festa
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples "Federico II", Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Bianca Fiorillo
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples "Federico II", Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1468 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Francesco Saverio Di Leva
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples "Federico II", Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Rosalinda Roselli
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Piazza L. Severi, 1-06132 Perugia, Italy
| | - Silvia Marchianò
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Piazza L. Severi, 1-06132 Perugia, Italy
| | - Michele Biagioli
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Piazza L. Severi, 1-06132 Perugia, Italy
| | - Lucio Spinelli
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples "Federico II", Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Stefano Fiorucci
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Piazza L. Severi, 1-06132 Perugia, Italy
| | - Vittorio Limongelli
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples "Federico II", Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
- Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Euler Institute, Università della Svizzera italiana (USI), Via G. Buffi 13, CH-6900 Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Angela Zampella
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples "Federico II", Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Simona De Marino
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples "Federico II", Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
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Colarusso E, Ceccacci S, Monti MC, Gazzillo E, Giordano A, Chini MG, Ferraro MG, Piccolo M, Ruggiero D, Irace C, Terracciano S, Bruno I, Bifulco G, Lauro G. Identification of 2,4,5-trisubstituted-2,4-dihydro-3H-1,2,4-triazol-3-one-based small molecules as selective BRD9 binders. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 247:115018. [PMID: 36577218 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2022.115018] [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: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Targeting bromodomain-containing protein 9 (BRD9) represents a promising strategy for the development of new agents endowed with anticancer properties. With this aim, a set of 2,4,5-trisubstituted-2,4-dihydro-3H-1,2,4-triazol-3-one-based compounds was investigated following a combined approach that relied on in silico studies, chemical synthesis, biophysical and biological evaluation of the most promising items. The protocol was initially based on molecular docking experiments, accounting a library of 1896 potentially synthesizable items tested in silico against the bromodomain of BRD9. A first set of 21 compounds (1-21) was selected and the binding on BDR9 was assessed through AlphaScreen assays. The obtained results disclosed compounds 17 and 20 able to bind BRD9 in the submicromolar range (IC50 = 0.35 ± 0.18 μM and IC50 = 0.14 ± 0.03 μM, respectively) showing a promising selectivity profile when tested against further nine bromodomains. Taking advantage of 3D structure-based pharmacophore models, additional 10 derivatives were selected in silico for the synthetic step and binding assessment, highlighting seven compounds (22, 23, 25, 26, 28, 29, 31) able to selectively bind BRD9 among different bromodomains. The ability of the identified BRD9 binders to cross artificial membranes in vitro was also assessed, revealing a very good passive permeability profile. Preliminary studies were carried out on a panel of healthy and cancer human cell lines to explore the biological behavior of the selected compounds, disclosing a moderate activity and significant selectivity profile towards leukaemia cells. These results highlighted the applicability of the reported multidisciplinary approach for accelerating the selection of promising items and for driving the chemical synthesis of novel selective BRD9 binders. Moreover, the low molecular weight of the reported 2,4,5-trisubstituted-2,4-dihydro-3H-1,2,4-triazol-3-one-based BRD9 binders suggests the possibility for further exploring the chemical space in order to obtain new analogues with improved potency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ester Colarusso
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II 132, Fisciano, 84084, Italy
| | - Sara Ceccacci
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II 132, Fisciano, 84084, Italy; PhD Program in Drug Discovery and Development, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II 132, Fisciano, 84084, Italy
| | - Maria Chiara Monti
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II 132, Fisciano, 84084, Italy
| | - Erica Gazzillo
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II 132, Fisciano, 84084, Italy; PhD Program in Drug Discovery and Development, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II 132, Fisciano, 84084, Italy
| | - Assunta Giordano
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II 132, Fisciano, 84084, Italy; Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry (ICB), Consiglio Nazionale Delle Ricerche (CNR), Via Campi Flegrei 34, I-80078, Pozzuoli, Napoli, Italy
| | - Maria Giovanna Chini
- Department of Biosciences and Territory, University of Molise, C.da Fonte Lappone, Pesche, 86090, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Ferraro
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples "Federico II", Via Domenico Montesano 49, Naples, 80131, Italy
| | - Marialuisa Piccolo
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples "Federico II", Via Domenico Montesano 49, Naples, 80131, Italy
| | - Dafne Ruggiero
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II 132, Fisciano, 84084, Italy
| | - Carlo Irace
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples "Federico II", Via Domenico Montesano 49, Naples, 80131, Italy
| | - Stefania Terracciano
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II 132, Fisciano, 84084, Italy
| | - Ines Bruno
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II 132, Fisciano, 84084, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Bifulco
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II 132, Fisciano, 84084, Italy
| | - Gianluigi Lauro
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II 132, Fisciano, 84084, Italy.
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9
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Zhang C, Liu Y, Wang Y, Ge X, Jiao T, Yin J, Wang K, Li C, Guo S, Xie X, Xie C, Nan F. Discovery of Betulinic Acid Derivatives as Potent Intestinal Farnesoid X Receptor Antagonists to Ameliorate Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis. J Med Chem 2022; 65:13452-13472. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c01394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Chenlu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Yameng Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Ying Wang
- Drug Discovery Shandong Laboratory, Bohai Rim Advanced Research Institute for Drug Discovery, Yantai, Shandong 264117, China
| | - Xiu Ge
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, P.R. China
| | - Tingying Jiao
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Jianpeng Yin
- Drug Discovery Shandong Laboratory, Bohai Rim Advanced Research Institute for Drug Discovery, Yantai, Shandong 264117, China
| | - Kanglong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Cuina Li
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Shimeng Guo
- CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, the National Center for Drug Screening, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210046, China
| | - Xin Xie
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, P.R. China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, the National Center for Drug Screening, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210046, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
| | - Cen Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, P.R. China
| | - Fajun Nan
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, P.R. China
- Drug Discovery Shandong Laboratory, Bohai Rim Advanced Research Institute for Drug Discovery, Yantai, Shandong 264117, China
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10
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A Proteomic Platform Unveils the Brain Glycogen Phosphorylase as a Potential Therapeutic Target for Glioblastoma Multiforme. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23158200. [PMID: 35897773 PMCID: PMC9331883 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23158200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
In the last few years, several efforts have been made to identify original strategies against glioblastoma multiforme (GBM): this requires a more detailed investigation of the molecular mechanism of GBM so that novel targets can be identified for new possible therapeutic agents. Here, using a combined biochemical and proteomic approach, we evaluated the ability of a blood–brain barrier-permeable 2,3-benzodiazepin-4-one, called 1g, to interfere with the activity and the expression of brain glycogen phosphorylase (PYGB) on U87MG cell line in parallel with the capability of this compound to inhibit the cell growth and cycle. Thus, our results highlighted PYGB as a potential therapeutic target in GBM prompting 1g as a capable anticancer drug thanks to its ability to negatively modulate the uptake and metabolism of glucose, the so-called “Warburg effect”, whose increase is considered a common feature of cancer cells in respect of their normal counterparts.
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11
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Zhou JX, Li CN, Liu YM, Lin SQ, Wang Y, Xie C, Nan FJ. Discovery of 9,11-Seco-Cholesterol Derivatives as Novel FXR Antagonists. ACS OMEGA 2022; 7:17401-17405. [PMID: 35647433 PMCID: PMC9134407 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.2c01567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The farnesoid X receptor (FXR) plays an important role in the regulation of bile acid, lipid, and glucose homeostasis. Recent findings have shown that the inhibition of FXR is beneficial to improvement of related metabolic diseases and cholestasis. In the present work, 9,11-seco-cholesterol derivatives were designed and synthesized by cleaving the C ring of cholesterol and were identified as novel structures of FXR antagonists. Compound 9a displayed the best FXR antagonistic activity at the cellular level (IC50 = 4.6 μM) and decreased the expression of the target genes of FXR in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Xu Zhou
- University
of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, People’s Republic of China
- State
Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai
Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, People’s Republic of China
| | - Cui-Na Li
- State
Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai
Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ya-Meng Liu
- State
Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai
Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, People’s Republic of China
| | - Su-Qin Lin
- School
of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University
of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210046, People’s Republic
of China
| | - Ying Wang
- State
Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai
Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, People’s Republic of China
| | - Cen Xie
- State
Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai
Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, People’s Republic of China
| | - Fa-Jun Nan
- University
of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, People’s Republic of China
- State
Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai
Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, People’s Republic of China
- Drug
Discovery Shandong Laboratory, Bohai Rim
Advanced Research Institute for Drug Discovery, Yantai, Shandong 264117, People’s Republic of China
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12
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Das BC, Nandwana NK, Ojha DP, Das S, Evans T. Synthesis of a boron-containing amidoxime reagent and its application to synthesize functionalized oxadiazole and quinazolinone derivatives. Tetrahedron Lett 2022; 92:153657. [PMID: 35935920 PMCID: PMC9348647 DOI: 10.1016/j.tetlet.2022.153657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Herein, we report the design, synthesis and application of a borylated amidoxime reagent for the direct synthesis of functionalized oxadiazole and quinazolinone derivatives. This reagent exhibits broad synthetic utility to obtain a variety of biologically relevant drug-like molecules. It can be easily prepared at large scale from relatively inexpensive reagents, and can undergo facile transformations to obtain target compounds. The developed amidoxime reagent was synthesized from 4-(4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-1,3,2-dioxaborolan-2-yl)benzonitrile and hydroxyl amine hydrochloride using N,N-diisopropylethylamine as a base in ethanol under reflux conditions. Overall advantages include a metal-free route to boronated oxadiazoles, quinazolinone derivatives, and restriction of the multistep sequences. Importantly, the boron-rich pharmacophore derived compounds were obtained through an efficient and inexpensive strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bhaskar C Das
- Arnold and Marie Schwartz College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Long Island University, Brooklyn, NY-11201, USA
- Departments of Medicine and Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
- Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medical College of Cornell University, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Nitesh K Nandwana
- Arnold and Marie Schwartz College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Long Island University, Brooklyn, NY-11201, USA
- Departments of Medicine and Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Devi P Ojha
- Departments of Medicine and Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Sasmita Das
- Departments of Medicine and Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Todd Evans
- Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medical College of Cornell University, New York, NY 10065, USA
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13
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Jung WO, Yoo M, Migliozzi MM, Zbieg JR, Stivala CE, Krische MJ. Regio- and Enantioselective Iridium-Catalyzed Amination of Alkyl-Substituted Allylic Acetates with Secondary Amines. Org Lett 2022; 24:441-445. [PMID: 34905364 PMCID: PMC8764998 DOI: 10.1021/acs.orglett.1c04135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Robust air-stable cyclometalated π-allyliridium C,O-benzoates modified by (S)-tol-BINAP catalyze the reaction of secondary aliphatic amines with racemic alkyl-substituted allylic acetates to furnish products of allylic amination with high levels of enantioselectivity. Complete branched regioselectivities were observed despite the formation of more highly substituted C-N bonds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Woo-Ok Jung
- Department of Chemistry, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
| | - Minjin Yoo
- Department of Chemistry, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
| | - Madyson M Migliozzi
- Genentech, Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Jason R Zbieg
- Genentech, Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Craig E Stivala
- Genentech, Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Michael J Krische
- Department of Chemistry, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
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14
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Fang Y, Hegazy L, Finck BN, Elgendy B. Recent Advances in the Medicinal Chemistry of Farnesoid X Receptor. J Med Chem 2021; 64:17545-17571. [PMID: 34889100 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c01017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Farnesoid X receptor (FXR) is an important regulator of bile acid, lipid, amino acid, and glucose homeostasis, hepatic inflammation, regeneration, and fibrosis. FXR has been recognized as a promising drug target for various metabolic diseases such as lipid disorders, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), and chronic kidney disease. A large number of FXR ligands have been developed by pharmaceutical companies and academic institutions, and several candidates have progressed into clinical trials in the past decade. However, it is continually a challenge to discover drugs targeting FXR due to side effects associated with long-term administration. In this perspective, we summarize the research progress on medicinal chemistry of FXR modulators from 2018 to the present by discussing the diverse structures of synthetic FXR modulators including steroidal and non-steroidal ligands, their structure-activity relationships (SARs), and their therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanying Fang
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Administrative Sciences, University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, United States.,Center for Clinical Pharmacology, Washington University School of Medicine and St. Louis College of Pharmacy, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, United States
| | - Lamees Hegazy
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Administrative Sciences, University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, United States.,Center for Clinical Pharmacology, Washington University School of Medicine and St. Louis College of Pharmacy, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, United States
| | - Brian N Finck
- Department of Medicine, Division of Geriatrics and Nutritional Science, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, United States
| | - Bahaa Elgendy
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Administrative Sciences, University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, United States.,Center for Clinical Pharmacology, Washington University School of Medicine and St. Louis College of Pharmacy, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, United States.,Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Benha University, Benha 13518, Egypt
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15
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Buommino E, De Marino S, Sciarretta M, Piccolo M, Festa C, D’Auria MV. Synergism of a Novel 1,2,4-oxadiazole-containing Derivative with Oxacillin against Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Antibiotics (Basel) 2021; 10:antibiotics10101258. [PMID: 34680838 PMCID: PMC8532612 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics10101258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Revised: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Staphylococcusaureus is an important opportunistic pathogen that causes many infections in humans and animals. The inappropriate use of antibiotics has favored the diffusion of methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), nullifying the efforts undertaken in the discovery of antimicrobial agents. Oxadiazole heterocycles represent privileged scaffolds for the development of new drugs because of their unique bioisosteric properties, easy synthesis, and therapeutic potential. A vast number of oxadiazole-containing derivatives have been discovered as potent antibacterial agents against multidrug-resistant MRSA strains. Here, we investigate the ability of a new library of oxadiazoles to contrast the growth of Gram-positive and Gram-negative strains. The strongest antimicrobial activity was obtained with compounds 3 (4 µM) and 12 (2 µM). Compound 12, selected for further evaluation, was found to be noncytotoxic on the HaCaT cell line up to 25 µM, bactericidal, and was able to improve the activity of oxacillin against the MRSA. The highest synergistic interaction was obtained with the combination values of 0.78 μM for compound 12, and 0.06 μg/mL for oxacillin. The FIC index value of 0.396 confirms the synergistic effect of compound 12 and oxacillin. MRSA treatment with compound 12 reduced the expression of genes included in the mec operon. In conclusion, 12 inhibited the growth of the MRSA and restored the activity of oxacillin, thus resulting in a promising compound in the treatment of MRSA infection.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Carmen Festa
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-081678987; Fax: +39-081678552
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16
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Structure-based screening for the discovery of 1,2,4-oxadiazoles as promising hits for the development of new anti-inflammatory agents interfering with eicosanoid biosynthesis pathways. Eur J Med Chem 2021; 224:113693. [PMID: 34315041 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2021.113693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2021] [Revised: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
The multiple inhibition of biological targets involved in pro-inflammatory eicosanoid biosynthesis represents an innovative strategy for treating inflammatory disorders in light of higher efficacy and safety. Herein, following a multidisciplinary protocol involving virtual combinatorial screening, chemical synthesis, and in vitro and in vivo validation of the biological activities, we report the identification of 1,2,4-oxadiazole-based eicosanoid biosynthesis multi-target inhibitors. The multidisciplinary scientific approach led to the identification of three 1,2,4-oxadiazole hits (compounds 1, 2 and 5), all endowed with IC50 values in the low micromolar range, acting as 5-lipoxygenase-activating protein (FLAP) antagonists (compounds 1 and 2), and as a multi-target inhibitor (compound 5) of arachidonic acid cascade enzymes, namely cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1), 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) and microsomal prostaglandin E2 synthase-1 (mPGES-1). Moreover, our in vivo results demonstrate that compound 5 is able to attenuate leukocyte migration in a model of zymosan-induced peritonitis and to modulate the production of IL-1β and TNF-α. These results are of interest for further expanding the chemical diversity around the 1,2,4-oxadiazole central core, enabling the identification of novel anti-inflammatory agents characterized by a favorable pharmacological profile and considering that moderate interference with multiple targets might have advantages in re-adjusting homeostasis.
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17
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Jiang L, Zhang H, Xiao D, Wei H, Chen Y. Farnesoid X receptor (FXR): Structures and ligands. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2021; 19:2148-2159. [PMID: 33995909 PMCID: PMC8091178 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2021.04.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Revised: 04/10/2021] [Accepted: 04/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Farnesoid X receptor (FXR) is a bile acid activated nuclear receptor (BAR) and is mainly expressed in the liver and intestine. Upon ligand binding, FXR regulates key genes involved in the metabolic process of bile acid synthesis, transport and reabsorption and is also involved in the metabolism of carbohydrates and lipids. Because of its important functions, FXR is considered as a promising drug target for the therapy of bile acid-related liver diseases. With the approval of obeticholic acid (OCA) as the first small molecule to target FXR, many other small molecules are being evaluated in clinical trials. This review summarizes the structures of FXR, especially its ligand binding domain, and the development of small molecules (including agonists and antagonists) targeting FXR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Longying Jiang
- Department of Pathology, NHC Key Laboratory of Cancer Proteomics, Laboratory of Structural Biology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
- Department of Oncology, NHC Key Laboratory of Cancer Proteomics, Laboratory of Structural Biology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| | - Huajun Zhang
- Department of Oncology, NHC Key Laboratory of Cancer Proteomics, Laboratory of Structural Biology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| | - Desheng Xiao
- Department of Pathology, NHC Key Laboratory of Cancer Proteomics, Laboratory of Structural Biology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| | - Hudie Wei
- Department of Pathology, NHC Key Laboratory of Cancer Proteomics, Laboratory of Structural Biology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
- Department of Oncology, NHC Key Laboratory of Cancer Proteomics, Laboratory of Structural Biology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| | - Yongheng Chen
- Department of Pathology, NHC Key Laboratory of Cancer Proteomics, Laboratory of Structural Biology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
- Department of Oncology, NHC Key Laboratory of Cancer Proteomics, Laboratory of Structural Biology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
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18
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Potenza M, Cavalluzzi MM, Milani G, Lauro G, Carino A, Roselli R, Fiorucci S, Zampella A, Pierri CL, Lentini G, Bifulco G. Inverse Virtual Screening for the rapid re-evaluation of the presumed biological safe profile of natural products. The case of steviol from Stevia rebaudiana glycosides on farnesoid X receptor (FXR). Bioorg Chem 2021; 111:104897. [PMID: 33901797 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2021.104897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2020] [Revised: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/05/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Nonnutritive sweeteners (NNSs) are widely employed as dietary substitutes for classical sugars thanks to their safety profile and low toxicity. In this study, a re-evaluation of the biological effects of steviol (1), the main metabolite from Stevia rebaudiana glycosides, was performed using the Inverse Virtual Screening (IVS) target fishing computational approach. Starting from well-known pharmacological properties of Stevia rebaudiana glycosides, this computational tool was employed for predicting the putative interacting targets of 1 and, afterwards, of its five synthetic ester derivatives 2-6, accounting a large panel of proteins involved in cancer and inflammation events. Applying this methodology, the farnesoid X receptor (FXR) was identified as the putative target partner of 1-6. The predicted ligand-protein interactions were corroborated by transactivation assays, specifically disclosing the agonistic activity of 1 and the antagonistic activities of 2-6 on FXR. The reported results highlight the feasibility of IVS as a fast and potent tool for predicting the interacting targets of query compounds, addressing the re-evaluation of their bioactivity. In light of the obtained results, the presumably safe profile of known compounds, such as the case of steviol (1), is critically discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianna Potenza
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II 132, Fisciano 84084, Italy
| | - Maria Maddalena Cavalluzzi
- Department of Pharmacy - Drug Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Via Edoardo Orabona, 4, Bari 70126, Italy
| | - Gualtiero Milani
- Department of Pharmacy - Drug Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Via Edoardo Orabona, 4, Bari 70126, Italy
| | - Gianluigi Lauro
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II 132, Fisciano 84084, Italy
| | - Adriana Carino
- Department of Surgery and Biomedical Sciences, Nuova facoltà di Medicina, Perugia, Italy
| | - Rosalinda Roselli
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples, Via Domenico Montesano, 49, Naples 80131, Italy
| | - Stefano Fiorucci
- Department of Surgery and Biomedical Sciences, Nuova facoltà di Medicina, Perugia, Italy
| | - Angela Zampella
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples, Via Domenico Montesano, 49, Naples 80131, Italy
| | - Ciro Leonardo Pierri
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies, and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Via Edoardo Orabona, 4, Bari 70126, Italy
| | - Giovanni Lentini
- Department of Pharmacy - Drug Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Via Edoardo Orabona, 4, Bari 70126, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Bifulco
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II 132, Fisciano 84084, Italy.
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19
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Teno N, Iguchi Y, Oda K, Yamashita Y, Masuda A, Fujimori K, Une M, Gohda K. Discovery of Orally Active and Nonsteroidal Farnesoid X Receptor (FXR) Antagonist with Propensity for Accumulation and Responsiveness in Ileum. ACS Med Chem Lett 2021; 12:420-425. [PMID: 33738070 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.0c00640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2020] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
We describe the discovery of analog 15 (FLG249), which is an orally active and nonsteroidal farnesoid X receptor (FXR) antagonist in mice with unique profiles, such as a propensity for ileum distribution and the significant control in the expression level of three FXR target genes in mouse ileum. Key design features incorporated in 15 were the introduction of metabolically stable groups in potent and metabolically labile antagonist 9. Our pursuit ultimately identified FXR antagonist 15, which has enabled its assessment in a drug discovery program.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Ko Fujimori
- Department of Pathobiochemistry, Osaka University of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 4-20-1 Nasahara, Takatsuki, Osaka 569-1094, Japan
| | | | - Keigo Gohda
- Computer-Aided Molecular Modeling Research Center, Kansai (CAMM-Kansai), 3-32-302, Tsuto-Otsuka, Nishinomiya 663-8241, Japan
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20
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Carino A, Marchianò S, Biagioli M, Scarpelli P, Bordoni M, Di Giorgio C, Roselli R, Fiorucci C, Monti MC, Distrutti E, Zampella A, Fiorucci S. The bile acid activated receptors GPBAR1 and FXR exert antagonistic effects on autophagy. FASEB J 2020; 35:e21271. [DOI: 10.1096/fj.202001386r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Revised: 11/11/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Carino
- Department of Surgical and Biomedical Sciences University of Perugia Perugia Italy
| | - Silvia Marchianò
- Department of Surgical and Biomedical Sciences University of Perugia Perugia Italy
| | - Michele Biagioli
- Department of Surgical and Biomedical Sciences University of Perugia Perugia Italy
| | | | - Martina Bordoni
- Department of Surgical and Biomedical Sciences University of Perugia Perugia Italy
| | - Cristina Di Giorgio
- Department of Surgical and Biomedical Sciences University of Perugia Perugia Italy
| | - Rosalinda Roselli
- Department of Pharmacy University of Naples Federico II Naples Italy
| | - Chiara Fiorucci
- Department of Surgical and Biomedical Sciences University of Perugia Perugia Italy
| | | | - Eleonora Distrutti
- SC di Gastroenterologia ed Epatologia Azienda Ospedaliera di Perugia Perugia Italy
| | - Angela Zampella
- Department of Pharmacy University of Naples Federico II Naples Italy
| | - Stefano Fiorucci
- Department of Surgical and Biomedical Sciences University of Perugia Perugia Italy
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21
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Li C, Yang J, Wang Y, Qi Y, Yang W, Li Y. Farnesoid X Receptor Agonists as Therapeutic Target for Cardiometabolic Diseases. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:1247. [PMID: 32982723 PMCID: PMC7479173 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.01247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2020] [Accepted: 07/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiometabolic diseases are characterized as a combination of multiple risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and metabolic diseases including diabetes mellitus and dyslipidemia. Cardiometabolic diseases are closely associated with cell glucose and lipid metabolism, inflammatory response and mitochondrial function. Farnesoid X Receptor (FXR), a metabolic nuclear receptor, are found to be activated by primary BAs such as chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA), cholic acid (CA) and synthetic agonists such as obeticholic acid (OCA). FXR plays crucial roles in regulating cholesterol homeostasis, lipid metabolism, glucose metabolism, and intestinal microorganism. Recently, emerging evidence suggests that FXR agonists are functional for metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular diseases and are considered as a potential therapeutic agent. This review will discuss the pathological mechanism of cardiometabolic disease and reviews the potential mechanisms of FXR agonists in the treatment of cardiometabolic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Li
- Experimental Center, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Jie Yang
- Cardiovascular Department, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Yu Wang
- Cardiovascular Department, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Yingzi Qi
- School of Health, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Wenqing Yang
- Experimental Center, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Yunlun Li
- Experimental Center, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China.,Cardiovascular Department, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
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22
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Protein-ligand binding with the coarse-grained Martini model. Nat Commun 2020; 11:3714. [PMID: 32709852 PMCID: PMC7382508 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-17437-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2019] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The detailed understanding of the binding of small molecules to proteins is the key for the development of novel drugs or to increase the acceptance of substrates by enzymes. Nowadays, computer-aided design of protein–ligand binding is an important tool to accomplish this task. Current approaches typically rely on high-throughput docking essays or computationally expensive atomistic molecular dynamics simulations. Here, we present an approach to use the recently re-parametrized coarse-grained Martini model to perform unbiased millisecond sampling of protein–ligand interactions of small drug-like molecules. Remarkably, we achieve high accuracy without the need of any a priori knowledge of binding pockets or pathways. Our approach is applied to a range of systems from the well-characterized T4 lysozyme over members of the GPCR family and nuclear receptors to a variety of enzymes. The presented results open the way to high-throughput screening of ligand libraries or protein mutations using the coarse-grained Martini model. Computer-aided design of protein-ligand binding is important for the development of novel drugs. Here authors present an approach to use the recently re-parametrized coarse-grained Martini model to perform unbiased millisecond sampling of protein-ligand binding interactions of small drug-like molecules.
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23
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Carino A, Biagioli M, Marchianò S, Fiorucci C, Bordoni M, Roselli R, Di Giorgio C, Baldoni M, Ricci P, Monti MC, Morretta E, Zampella A, Distrutti E, Fiorucci S. Opposite effects of the FXR agonist obeticholic acid on Mafg and Nrf2 mediate the development of acute liver injury in rodent models of cholestasis. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Cell Biol Lipids 2020; 1865:158733. [PMID: 32371093 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbalip.2020.158733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2020] [Revised: 04/22/2020] [Accepted: 04/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The farnesoid-X-receptor (FXR) is validated target in the cholestatic disorders treatment. Obeticholic acid (OCA), the first in class of FXR agonist approved for clinical use, causes side effects including acute liver decompensation when administered to cirrhotic patients with primary biliary cholangitis at higher than recommended doses. The V-Maf avian-musculoaponeurotic-fibrosarcoma-oncogene-homolog-G (Mafg) and nuclear factor-erythroid-2-related-factor-2 (Nrf2) mediates some of the downstream effects of FXR. In the present study we have investigated the role of FXR/MafG/NRF2 pathway in the development of liver toxicity caused by OCA in rodent models of cholestasis. Cholestasis was induced by bile duct ligation (BDL) or administration of α-naphtyl-isothiocyanate (ANIT) to male Wistar rats and FXR-/- and FXR+/+ mice. Treating BDL and ANIT rats with OCA exacerbated the severity of cholestasis, hepatocytes injury and severely downregulated the expression of basolateral transporters. In mice, genetic ablation FXR or its pharmacological inhibition by 3-(naphthalen-2-yl)-5-(piperidin-4-yl)-1,2,4-oxadiazole rescued from negative regulation of MRP4 and protected against liver injury caused by ANIT. By RNAseq analysis we found that FXR antagonism effectively reversed the transcription of over 2100 genes modulated by OCA/ANIT treatment, including Mafg and Nrf2 and their target genes Cyp7a1, Cyp8b1, Mat1a, Mat2a, Gss. Genetic and pharmacological Mafg inhibition by liver delivery of siRNA antisense or S-adenosylmethionine effectively rescued from damage caused by ANIT/OCA. In contrast, Nrf2 induction by sulforaphane was protective. CONCLUSIONS: Liver injury caused by FXR agonism in cholestasis is FXR-dependent and is reversed by FXR and Mafg antagonism or Nrf2 induction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Carino
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Chirurgiche, Università di Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Michele Biagioli
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Chirurgiche, Università di Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Silvia Marchianò
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Chirurgiche, Università di Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Chiara Fiorucci
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Chirurgiche, Università di Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Martina Bordoni
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Chirurgiche, Università di Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Rosalinda Roselli
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università di Napoli ' Federico II', Napoli, Italy
| | - Cristina Di Giorgio
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Chirurgiche, Università di Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Monia Baldoni
- Dipartimento di Medicina, Università di Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Patrizia Ricci
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Chirurgiche, Università di Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | | | - Elva Morretta
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università di Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | - Angela Zampella
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università di Napoli ' Federico II', Napoli, Italy
| | - Eleonora Distrutti
- SC di Gastroenterologia ed Epatologia, Azienda Ospedaliera di Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Stefano Fiorucci
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Chirurgiche, Università di Perugia, Perugia, Italy.
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24
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Limongelli V. Ligand binding free energy and kinetics calculation in 2020. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-COMPUTATIONAL MOLECULAR SCIENCE 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/wcms.1455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Vittorio Limongelli
- Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Computational Science – Center for Computational Medicine in Cardiology Università della Svizzera italiana (USI) Lugano Switzerland
- Department of Pharmacy University of Naples “Federico II” Naples Italy
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25
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Identification of potent farnesoid X receptor (FXR) antagonist showing favorable PK profile and distribution toward target tissues: Comprehensive understanding of structure-activity relationship of FXR antagonists. Bioorg Med Chem 2019; 27:2220-2227. [PMID: 31029550 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2019.04.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2019] [Revised: 04/14/2019] [Accepted: 04/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Antagonizing transcriptional activity of farnesoid X receptor (FXR) in the intestine has been reported as an effective means for the treatment of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, type 2 diabetes and obesity. We describe herein that the building blocks necessary to maintain the antagonism of our chemotype were investigated in order to modulate in vivo pharmacokinetic behavior and the tissue distribution without blunting the activity against FXR. A comprehensive understanding of the structure-activity relationship led to analog 30, which is superior to 12 in terms of its pharmacokinetic profiles by oral administration and its tissue distribution toward target tissues (liver and ileum) in rats while preserving the in vitro activity of 12 against FXR. Thus, 30 should be a candidate compound to investigate the effects of inhibiting FXR activity while simultaneously improving the outcome of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, type 2 diabetes and obesity.
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26
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De Marino S, Festa C, Sepe V, Zampella A. Chemistry and Pharmacology of GPBAR1 and FXR Selective Agonists, Dual Agonists, and Antagonists. Handb Exp Pharmacol 2019; 256:137-165. [PMID: 31201554 DOI: 10.1007/164_2019_237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
In the recent years, bile acid receptors FXR and GPBAR1 have attracted the interest of scientific community and companies, as they proved promising targets for the treatment of several diseases, ranging from liver cholestatic disorders to metabolic syndrome, inflammatory states, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), and diabetes.Consequently, the development of dual FXR/GPBAR1 agonists, as well as selective targeting of one of these receptors, is considered a hopeful possibility in the treatment of these disorders. Because endogenous bile acids and steroidal ligands, which cover the same chemical space of bile acids, often target both receptor families, speculation on nonsteroidal ligands represents a promising and innovative strategy to selectively target GPBAR1 or FXR.In this review, we summarize the most recent acquisition on natural, semisynthetic, and synthetic steroidal and nonsteroidal ligands, able to interact with FXR and GPBAR1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona De Marino
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Carmen Festa
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Valentina Sepe
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Angela Zampella
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy.
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27
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Di Leva FS, Di Marino D, Limongelli V. Structural Insight into the Binding Mode of FXR and GPBAR1 Modulators. Handb Exp Pharmacol 2019; 256:111-136. [PMID: 31161298 DOI: 10.1007/164_2019_234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
In this chapter we provide an exhaustive overview of the binding modes of bile acid (BA) and non-BA ligands to the nuclear farnesoid X receptor (FXR) and the G-protein bile acid receptor 1 (GPBAR1). These two receptors play a key role in many diseases related to lipid and glucose disorders, thus representing promising pharmacological targets. We pay particular attention to the chemical and structural features of the ligand-receptor interaction, providing guidelines to achieve ligands endowed with selective or dual activity towards the receptor and paving the way to future drug design studies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Daniele Di Marino
- Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Computational Science, Center for Computational Medicine in Cardiology, Università della Svizzera italiana (USI), Lugano, Switzerland.,Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Vittorio Limongelli
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy. .,Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Computational Science, Center for Computational Medicine in Cardiology, Università della Svizzera italiana (USI), Lugano, Switzerland.
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