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Peripheral administration of Neuropeptide-W protects against stress-induced gastric injury in rats. Life Sci 2022; 310:121087. [DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2022.121087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Revised: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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Rawas-Qalaji M, Thu HE, Hussain Z. Oromucosal delivery of macromolecules: Challenges and recent developments to improve bioavailability. J Control Release 2022; 352:726-746. [PMID: 36334858 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2022.10.059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2022] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Owing to their biological diversity, high potency, good tolerability, low immunogenicity, site-specific activity, and great efficacy, macromolecular drugs (i.e., proteins and peptides, antibodies, hormones, nucleic acids, vaccines, etc.) are extensively used as diagnostics, prophylactics, and therapeutics in various diseases. To overcome drawbacks associated with parenteral (invasive) delivery of macromolecules as well as to preserve their therapeutic integrity, oromucosal route (sublingual and buccal) has been proven efficient alternate port of delivery. This review aims to summarize challenges associated with oromucosal route and overtime developments in conventional delivery systems with special emphasis on most recent delivery strategies. Over the past few decades, significant efforts have been made for improving the oromucosal absorption of macromolecules by employing chemical penetration enhancers (CPE), enzyme inhibitors, chemical modification of drug structure (i.e., lipidation, PEGylation, etc.), and mucoadhesive materials in the form of buccal tablets, films (or patches), sprays, fast disintegrating tablets, and microneedles. Adaptation of adjunct strategies (e.g., iontophoresis in conjunction with CPE) has shown significant improvement in oromucosal absorption of macromolecules; however, these approaches were also associated with many drawbacks. To overcome these shortcomings and to further improve therapeutic outcomes, specialized delivery devices called "hybrid nanosystems" have been designed in recent times. This newer intervention showed promising potential for promoting oromucosal absorption and absolute bioavailability of macromolecules along with improved thermostability (cold chain free storage), enabling self-administration, site-specific activity, improving therapeutic efficacy and patient compliance. We anticipate that tailoring of hybrid nanosystems to clinical trials as well as establishing their short- and long-term safety profile would substantiate their therapeutic value as pharmaceutical devices for oromucosal delivery of macromolecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mutasem Rawas-Qalaji
- College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates; Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates; Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Allopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33326, USA.
| | - Hnin Ei Thu
- Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Zahid Hussain
- College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates; Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
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Collard R, Aziz MC, Rapp K, Cutshall C, Duyvesteyn E, Metcalf CS. Galanin analogs prevent mortality from seizure-induced respiratory arrest in mice. Front Neural Circuits 2022; 16:901334. [PMID: 36051473 PMCID: PMC9425456 DOI: 10.3389/fncir.2022.901334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
ObjectiveSudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP) accounts for 20% of mortality in those with recurrent seizures. While risk factors, monitoring systems, and standard practices are in place, the pathophysiology of SUDEP is still not well understood. Better knowledge of SUDEP and its potential mechanisms of action is crucial to reducing risk in this patient population and developing potential treatment options. Clinical studies and animal models of SUDEP suggest that diminished post-ictal respiratory control may be the dominant mechanism contributing to mortality. Recently, it was demonstrated that the depletion of the neuropeptide galanin in the amygdala occurs in human SUDEP. The amygdala plays a key role in the central integration of respiratory signaling; the depletion of galanin may represent a critical change that predisposes individuals to SUDEP.Materials and methodsTo evaluate the impact of enhancing galaninergic signaling to potentially protect against SUDEP, we studied seizure-induced respiratory arrest (S-IRA) following central (intracerebroventricular, intra-amygdala) and systemic (intraperitoneal, subcutaneous) administration of galanin analogs. Seizure naïve and seizure experienced (fully kindled) mice were tested.ResultsCentral and systemically administered galanin analogs protect against S-IRA in naïve C57Bl/6J mice. Differential efficacy between receptor subtype-selective analogs varied based on the route of administration. Sub-chronic systemic administration at doses that reduced 6 Hz seizures also protected against S-IRA. Acute treatment benefits also extended to fully kindled mice experiencing tonic extension.SignificanceThese data demonstrate that galanin analogs may be protective against post-ictal respiratory collapse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryley Collard
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Miriam C. Aziz
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Kevin Rapp
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Connor Cutshall
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Evalien Duyvesteyn
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Cameron S. Metcalf
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
- Epilepsy Therapy Screening Program Contract Site, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
- *Correspondence: Cameron S. Metcalf,
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Liu M, Bu G, Wan Y, Zhang J, Mo C, Li J, Wang Y. Evidence for Neuropeptide W Acting as a Physiological Corticotropin-releasing Inhibitory Factor in Male Chickens. Endocrinology 2022; 163:6588001. [PMID: 35583189 PMCID: PMC9170129 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqac073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
In vertebrates, adrenocorticotropin (ACTH), released by the pituitary gland, is a critical part of the stress axis and stress response. Generally, the biosynthesis and secretion of ACTH are controlled by both hypothalamic stimulatory factors and inhibitory factors [eg, ACTH-releasing inhibitory factor (CRIF)], but the identity of this CRIF remains unrevealed. We characterized the neuropeptide B (NPB)/neuropeptide W (NPW) system in chickens and found that NPW could directly target the pituitary to inhibit growth hormone (GH) and prolactin (PRL) secretion via neuropeptide B/W receptor 2 (NPBWR2), which is completely different from the mechanism in mammals. The present study first carried out a series of assays to investigate the possibility that NPW acts as a physiological CRIF in chickens. The results showed that (1) NPW could inhibit ACTH synthesis and secretion by inhibiting the 3',5'-cyclic adenosine 5'-monophosphate/protein kinase A signaling cascade in vitro and in vivo; (2) NPBWR2 was expressed abundantly in corticotrophs (ACTH-producing cells), which are located mainly in cephalic lobe of chicken pituitary, as demonstrated by single-cell RNA-sequencing, immunofluorescent staining, and fluorescence in situ hybridization; (3) dexamethasone could stimulate pituitary NPBWR2 and hypothalamic NPW expression in chicks, which was accompanied by the decease of POMC messenger RNA levels, as revealed by in vitro and subcutaneous injection assays; and (4) the temporal expression profiles of NPW-NPBWR2 pair in hypothalamus-pituitary axis and POMC in pituitary were almost unanimous in chicken. Collectively, these findings provide comprehensive evidence for the first time that NPW is a potent physiological CRIF in chickens that plays a core role in suppressing the activity of the stress axis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Yiping Wan
- Key Laboratory of Bio-resources and Eco-environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jiannan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Bio-resources and Eco-environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Chunheng Mo
- Key Laboratory of Bio-resources and Eco-environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children of Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Juan Li
- Key Laboratory of Bio-resources and Eco-environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yajun Wang
- Correspondence: Yajun Wang, PhD, School of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, PR China.
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Nguyen T, Decker AM, Snyder RW, Tonetti EC, Gamage TF, Zhang Y. Neuropeptide B/W receptor 1 peptidomimetic agonists: Structure-activity relationships and plasma stability. Eur J Med Chem 2022; 231:114149. [PMID: 35101647 PMCID: PMC8891040 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2022.114149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Revised: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Neuropeptides B and W (NPB and NPW) are endogenous ligands of the Neuropeptide B/W Receptor 1 (NPBWR1) which has been implicated in a wide range of functions including regulation of pain and energy homeostasis. There is currently little information on the structure-activity relationships (SAR) of these two neuropeptides. In a quest to develop stable and potent NPBWR1 peptidomimetic agonists, we performed systematic SAR by truncation, Alanine/Glycine and d-amino acid scans, and replacement with unnatural amino acids. Evaluation in the NPBWR1 calcium assay revealed that the C-terminal GRAAGLL and N-terminal WYK regions constitute the two-epitope pharmacophore for NPBWR1 agonism. Replacement of the N-terminal Trp with its desaminoTrp residue resulted in compound 30 which exhibited nanomolar potency comparable to the endogenous NPB at NPBWR1 (Calcium assay: EC50 = 8 nM vs. 13 nM, cAMP assay: 2.7 nM vs 3.5 nM) and enhanced metabolic stability against rat plasma (39.1 min vs. 11.9 min).
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Affiliation(s)
- Thuy Nguyen
- Center for Drug Discovery, RTI International, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27709, USA.
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Kowalczyk R, Harris PWR, Williams GM, Yang SH, Brimble MA. Peptide Lipidation - A Synthetic Strategy to Afford Peptide Based Therapeutics. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2018; 1030:185-227. [PMID: 29081055 PMCID: PMC7121180 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-66095-0_9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Peptide and protein aberrant lipidation patterns are often involved in many diseases including cancer and neurological disorders. Peptide lipidation is also a promising strategy to improve pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profiles of peptide-based drugs. Self-adjuvanting peptide-based vaccines commonly utilise the powerful TLR2 agonist PamnCys lipid to stimulate adjuvant activity. The chemical synthesis of lipidated peptides can be challenging hence efficient, flexible and straightforward synthetic routes to access homogeneous lipid-tagged peptides are in high demand. A new technique coined Cysteine Lipidation on a Peptide or Amino acid (CLipPA) uses a 'thiol-ene' reaction between a cysteine and a vinyl ester and offers great promise due to its simplicity, functional group compatibility and selectivity. Herein a brief review of various synthetic strategies to access lipidated peptides, focusing on synthetic methods to incorporate a PamnCys motif into peptides, is provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renata Kowalczyk
- School of Chemical Sciences, The University of Auckland, 23 Symonds St, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Paul W R Harris
- School of Chemical Sciences, The University of Auckland, 23 Symonds St, Auckland, New Zealand.,School of Biological Sciences, The University of Auckland, 3A Symonds St, Auckland, New Zealand.,Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland, 1010, New Zealand
| | - Geoffrey M Williams
- School of Chemical Sciences, The University of Auckland, 23 Symonds St, Auckland, New Zealand.,School of Biological Sciences, The University of Auckland, 3A Symonds St, Auckland, New Zealand.,Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland, 1010, New Zealand
| | - Sung-Hyun Yang
- School of Chemical Sciences, The University of Auckland, 23 Symonds St, Auckland, New Zealand.,School of Biological Sciences, The University of Auckland, 3A Symonds St, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Margaret A Brimble
- School of Chemical Sciences, The University of Auckland, 23 Symonds St, Auckland, New Zealand. .,School of Biological Sciences, The University of Auckland, 3A Symonds St, Auckland, New Zealand. .,Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland, 1010, New Zealand.
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Preclinical Analgesic and Safety Evaluation of the GalR2-preferring Analog, NAX 810-2. Neurochem Res 2017; 42:1983-1994. [PMID: 28382595 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-017-2229-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2017] [Revised: 03/06/2017] [Accepted: 03/09/2017] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
The potential clinical utility of galanin peptidic analogs has been hindered by poor metabolic stability, lack of brain penetration, and hyperglycemia. In addition to possessing potent anticonvulsant efficacy, galanin analogs are analgesic in various assays. The purpose of these studies was to evaluate the lead galanin receptor type 2 (GalR2)-preferring analog, NAX 810-2, in various pain assays, as well as determine any potential for insulin inhibition, growth hormone stimulation, and cognitive impairment. NAX 810-2 was evaluated in mouse (carrageenan, formalin, tail flick, plantar incision) and rat pain models (partial sciatic nerve ligation). NAX 810-2 dose-dependently increased paw withdrawal latency following plantar administration of carrageenan (ED50 4.7 mg/kg). At a dose of 8 mg/kg, NAX 810-2 significantly attenuated nociceptive behaviors following plantar administration of formalin, and this was observed for both phase I (acute) and phase II (inflammatory) components of the formalin behavioral response. NAX-810-2 was active at higher doses in the mouse tail flick model (ED50 20.2 mg/kg) and similarly, reduced mechanical allodynia following plantar incision in mice at a dose of 24 mg/kg. NAX 810-2 also reduced mechanical allodynia in the partial sciatic nerve ligation model at a dose of 4 mg/kg. In addition, NAX 810-2 did not impair insulin secretion at doses of 2.5 and 8 mg/kg (acutely) or at a dose of 8 mg/kg given daily for 5 days. Similarly, 8 mg/kg (twice daily, 5 days) of NAX 810-2 did not increase growth hormone levels. These results demonstrate that NAX 810-2 possesses a favorable pre-clinical profile as a novel and first-in-class analgesic.
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Sprissler RS, Wagnon JL, Bunton-Stasyshyn RK, Meisler MH, Hammer MF. Altered gene expression profile in a mouse model of SCN8A encephalopathy. Exp Neurol 2016; 288:134-141. [PMID: 27836728 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2016.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2016] [Revised: 10/06/2016] [Accepted: 11/03/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
SCN8A encephalopathy is a severe, early-onset epilepsy disorder resulting from de novo gain-of-function mutations in the voltage-gated sodium channel Nav1.6. To identify the effects of this disorder on mRNA expression, RNA-seq was performed on brain tissue from a knock-in mouse expressing the patient mutation p.Asn1768Asp (N1768D). RNA was isolated from forebrain, cerebellum, and brainstem both before and after seizure onset, and from age-matched wildtype littermates. Altered transcript profiles were observed only in forebrain and only after seizures. The abundance of 50 transcripts increased more than 3-fold and 15 transcripts decreased more than 3-fold after seizures. The elevated transcripts included two anti-convulsant neuropeptides and more than a dozen genes involved in reactive astrocytosis and response to neuronal damage. There was no change in the level of transcripts encoding other voltage-gated sodium, potassium or calcium channels. Reactive astrocytosis was observed in the hippocampus of mutant mice after seizures. There is considerable overlap between the genes affected in this genetic model of epilepsy and those altered by chemically induced seizures, traumatic brain injury, ischemia, and inflammation. The data support the view that gain-of-function mutations of SCN8A lead to pathogenic alterations in brain function contributing to encephalopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan S Sprissler
- ARL Division of Biotechnology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
| | - Jacy L Wagnon
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | | | - Miriam H Meisler
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
| | - Michael F Hammer
- ARL Division of Biotechnology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA; Department of Neurology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA.
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Patra MC, Maharana J, Dehury B, De S. Computational insights into the binding mechanism of antagonists with neuropeptide B/W receptor 1. MOLECULAR BIOSYSTEMS 2014; 10:2236-46. [DOI: 10.1039/c4mb00214h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Zhang L, Klein BD, Metcalf CS, Smith MD, McDougle DR, Lee HK, White HS, Bulaj G. Incorporation of monodisperse oligoethyleneglycol amino acids into anticonvulsant analogues of galanin and neuropeptide y provides peripherally acting analgesics. Mol Pharm 2013; 10:574-85. [PMID: 23259957 DOI: 10.1021/mp300236v] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Delivery of neuropeptides into the central and/or peripheral nervous systems supports development of novel neurotherapeutics for the treatment of pain, epilepsy and other neurological diseases. Our previous work showed that the combination of lipidization and cationization applied to anticonvulsant neuropeptides galanin (GAL) and neuropeptide Y (NPY) improved their penetration across the blood-brain barrier yielding potent antiepileptic lead compounds, such as Gal-B2 (NAX 5055) or NPY-B2. To dissect peripheral and central actions of anticonvulsant neuropeptides, we rationally designed, synthesized and characterized GAL and NPY analogues containing monodisperse (discrete) oligoethyleneglycol-lysine (dPEG-Lys). The dPEGylated analogues Gal-B2-dPEG(24), Gal-R2-dPEG(24) and NPY-dPEG(24) displayed analgesic activities following systemic administration, while avoiding penetration into the brain. Gal-B2-dPEG(24) was synthesized by a stepwise deprotection of orthogonal 4-methoxytrityl and allyloxycarbonyl groups, and subsequent on-resin conjugations of dPEG(24) and palmitic acids, respectively. All the dPEGylated analogues exhibited substantially decreased hydrophobicity (expressed as logD values), increased in vitro serum stabilities and pronounced analgesia in the formalin and carrageenan inflammatory pain assays following systemic administration, while lacking apparent antiseizure activities. These results suggest that discrete PEGylation of neuropeptides offers an attractive strategy for developing neurotherapeutics with restricted penetration into the central nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liuyin Zhang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Utah , Salt Lake City, Utah 84108, United States
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Guerrero M, Urbano M, Schaeffer MT, Brown S, Rosen H, Roberts E. SAR analysis of novel non-peptidic NPBWR1 (GPR7) antagonists. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2012; 23:614-9. [PMID: 23287738 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2012.12.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2012] [Accepted: 12/10/2012] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
In this Letter we report on the advances in our NPBWR1 antagonist program aimed at optimizing the 5-chloro-2-(3,5-dimethylphenyl)-4-(4-methoxyphenoxy)pyridazin-3(2H)-one lead molecule previously obtained from a high-throughput screening (HTS)-derived hit. Synthesis and structure-activity relationships (SAR) studies around the 3,5-dimethylphenyl and 4-methoxyphenyl regions resulted in the identification of a novel series of non-peptidic submicromolar NPBWR1 antagonists based on a 5-chloro-4-(4-alkoxyphenoxy)-2-(benzyl)pyridazin-3(2H)-one chemotype. Amongst them, 5-chloro-2-(9H-fluoren-9-yl)-4-(4-methoxyphenoxy)pyridazin-3(2H)-one 9h (CYM50769) inhibited NPW activation of NPBWR1 with a submicromolar IC(50), and displayed high selectivity against a broad array of off-targets with pharmaceutical relevance. Our medicinal chemistry study provides innovative non-peptidic selective NPBWR1 antagonists that may enable to clarify the biological role and therapeutic utility of the target receptor in the regulation of feeding behavior, pain, stress, and neuroendocrine function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Guerrero
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, 10550 N. Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
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Urbano M, Guerrero M, Zhao J, Velaparthi S, Saldanha SA, Chase P, Wang Z, Civelli O, Hodder P, Schaeffer MT, Brown S, Rosen H, Roberts E. Design, synthesis and SAR analysis of novel potent and selective small molecule antagonists of NPBWR1 (GPR7). Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2012; 22:7135-41. [PMID: 23079522 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2012.09.074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2012] [Revised: 09/17/2012] [Accepted: 09/19/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Novel small molecule antagonists of NPBWR1 (GPR7) are herein reported. A high-throughput screening (HTS) of the Molecular Libraries-Small Molecule Repository library identified 5-chloro-4-(4-methoxyphenoxy)-2-(p-tolyl)pyridazin-3(2H)-one as a NPBWR1 hit antagonist with micromolar activity. Design, synthesis and structure-activity relationships study of the HTS-derived hit led to the identification of 5-chloro-2-(3,5-dimethylphenyl)-4-(4-methoxyphenoxy)pyridazin-3(2H)-one lead molecule with submicromolar antagonist activity at the target receptor and high selectivity against a panel of therapeutically relevant off-target proteins. This lead molecule may provide a pharmacological tool to clarify the molecular basis of the in vivo physiological function and therapeutic utility of NPBWR1 in diverse disease areas including inflammatory pain and eating disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariangela Urbano
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, 10550 N. Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
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Robertson CR, Pruess TH, Grussendorf E, White HS, Bulaj G. Generating orally active galanin analogues with analgesic activities. ChemMedChem 2012; 7:903-9. [PMID: 22374865 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.201100574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2011] [Revised: 01/25/2012] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The endogenous neuropeptide galanin has anticonvulsant and analgesic properties mediated by galanin receptors expressed in the central and peripheral nervous systems. Our previous work showed that by combining truncation of the galanin peptide with N- and C-terminal modifications afforded analogues that suppress seizures or pain upon intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration. To generate orally active galanin analogues, the previously reported lead compound Gal-B2 (NAX 5055) was redesigned by 1) central truncation, (2) introduction of D-amino acids, and 3) addition of backbone spacers. Analogue D-Gal(7-Ahp)-B2, containing 7-aminoheptanoic acid as a backbone spacer and an oligo-D-lysine motif at the C terminus, exhibits anticonvulsant and analgesic activity post-i.p. administration. Oral administration of D-Gal(7-Ahp)-B2 demonstrates analgesic activity with decreases in both acute and inflammatory pain in the mouse formalin model of pain at doses as low as 8 mg kg(-1) .
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles R Robertson
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84108, USA.
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Robertson CR, Flynn SP, White HS, Bulaj G. Anticonvulsant neuropeptides as drug leads for neurological diseases. Nat Prod Rep 2011; 28:741-62. [PMID: 21340067 DOI: 10.1039/c0np00048e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Anticonvulsant neuropeptides are best known for their ability to suppress seizures and modulate pain pathways. Galanin, neuropeptide Y, somatostatin, neurotensin, dynorphin, among others, have been validated as potential first-in-class anti-epileptic or/and analgesic compounds in animal models of epilepsy and pain, but their therapeutic potential extends to other neurological indications, including neurodegenerative and psychatric disorders. Disease-modifying properties of neuropeptides make them even more attractive templates for developing new-generation neurotherapeutics. Arguably, efforts to transform this class of neuropeptides into drugs have been limited compared to those for other bioactive peptides. Key challenges in developing neuropeptide-based anticonvulsants are: to engineer optimal receptor-subtype selectivity, to improve metabolic stability and to enhance their bioavailability, including penetration across the blood–brain barrier (BBB). Here, we summarize advances toward developing systemically active and CNS-penetrant neuropeptide analogs. Two main objectives of this review are: (1) to provide an overview of structural and pharmacological properties for selected anticonvulsant neuropeptides and their analogs and (2) to encourage broader efforts to convert these endogenous natural products into drug leads for pain, epilepsy and other neurological diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles R Robertson
- College of Pharmacy, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, 421 Wakara Way, STE. 360 Salt Lake City, UT 84108, USA
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