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Antenucci N, D'Errico G, Fazio F, Nicoletti F, Bruno V, Battaglia G. Changes in kynurenine metabolites in the gray and white matter of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex of individuals affected by schizophrenia. SCHIZOPHRENIA (HEIDELBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 10:27. [PMID: 38413629 PMCID: PMC10899223 DOI: 10.1038/s41537-024-00447-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
Alterations in the kynurenine pathway of tryptophan metabolism have been implicated in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. Here, we performed an in-depth analysis of all metabolites of the kynurenine pathway, i.e., tryptophan (TRY), kynurenic acid (KYNA), L-kynurenine (KYN), 3-hydroxykynurenine (3-HK), anthranylic acid (ANA), 3-hydroxyanthranylic acid (3-HANA), xanthurenic acid (XA) and quinolinic acid (QUINA), in postmortem samples of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC, Brodmann area 46, 9) of individuals affected by schizophrenia and non-schizophrenic controls. The analysis was carried out in the gray and white matter. Levels of KYN, 3-HK, ANA, and 3-HANA were significantly increased in both the gray and white matter of the DLPFC of individuals affected by schizophrenia, whereas levels of TRY, KYNA, and QUINA were increased exclusively in the white matter and remained unchanged in the gray matter. These increases in kynurenine metabolites did not correlate with age, sex, duration of the disease, and duration and type of antipsychotic medication. These findings suggest that the two major branches of the kynurenine pathway, i.e., the transamination of KYN into KYNA, and hydroxylation of KYN into 3-HK are activated in the white matter of individuals affected by schizophrenia, perhaps as a result of neuroinflammation, and support the evidence that abnormalities of the white matter are consistenly associated with schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nico Antenucci
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA
| | | | - Francesco Fazio
- IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Ferdinando Nicoletti
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
- IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy
| | - Valeria Bruno
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy.
- IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy.
| | - Giuseppe Battaglia
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
- IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy
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2
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Williams A, Zhan CG. Fast Prediction of Binding Affinities of SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein and Its Mutants with Antibodies through Intermolecular Interaction Modeling-Based Machine Learning. J Phys Chem B 2022; 126:5194-5206. [PMID: 35817617 PMCID: PMC9301770 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.2c02123] [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: 03/28/2022] [Revised: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Since the introduction of the novel SARS-CoV-2 virus (COVID-19) in late 2019, various new variants have appeared with mutations that confer resistance to the vaccines and monoclonal antibodies that were developed in response to the wild-type virus. As we continue through the pandemic, an accurate and efficient methodology is needed to help predict the effects certain mutations will have on both our currently produced therapeutics and those that are in development. Using published cryo-electron microscopy and X-ray crystallography structures of the spike receptor binding domain region with currently known antibodies, in the present study, we created and cross-validated an intermolecular interaction modeling-based multi-layer perceptron machine learning approach that can accurately predict the mutation-caused shifts in the binding affinity between the spike protein (wild-type or mutant) and various antibodies. This validated artificial intelligence (AI) model was used to predict the binding affinity (Kd) of reported SARS-CoV-2 antibodies with various variants of concern, including the most recently identified "Deltamicron" (or "Deltacron") variant. This AI model may be employed in the future to predict the Kd of developed novel antibody therapeutics to overcome the challenging antibody resistance issue and develop structural bases for the effects of both current and new mutants of the spike protein. In addition, the similar AI strategy and approach based on modeling of the intermolecular interactions may be useful in development of machine learning models predicting binding affinities for other protein-protein binding systems, including other antibodies binding with their antigens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander
H. Williams
- Molecular
Modeling and Biopharmaceutical Center, University
of Kentucky, 789 South Limestone Street, Lexington, Kentucky 40536, United States
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, 789 South Limestone Street, Lexington, Kentucky 40536, United States
| | - Chang-Guo Zhan
- Molecular
Modeling and Biopharmaceutical Center, University
of Kentucky, 789 South Limestone Street, Lexington, Kentucky 40536, United States
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, 789 South Limestone Street, Lexington, Kentucky 40536, United States
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3
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Yang JF, Williams AH, Penthala NR, Prather PL, Crooks PA, Zhan CG. Binding Modes and Selectivity of Cannabinoid 1 (CB1) and Cannabinoid 2 (CB2) Receptor Ligands. ACS Chem Neurosci 2020; 11:3455-3463. [PMID: 32997485 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.0c00551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The cannabinoid (CB) receptors (CB1R and CB2R) represent a promising therapeutic target for several indications such as nociception and obesity. The ligands with nonselectivity can be traced to the high similarity in the binding sites of both cannabinoid receptors. Therefore, the need for selectivity, potency, and G-protein coupling bias has further complicated the design of desired compounds. The bias of currently studied cannabinoid agonists is seldom investigated, and agonists that do exhibit bias are typically nonselective. However, certain long-chain endocannabinoids represent a class of selective and potent CB1R agonists. The binding mode for this class of compounds has remained elusive, limiting the implementation of its binding features to currently studied agonists. Hence, in the present study, the binding poses for these long-chain cannabinoids, along with other interesting ligands, with the receptors have been determined, by using a combination of molecular docking and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations along with molecular mechanics-Poisson-Boltzmann surface area (MM-PBSA) binding free energy calculations. The binding poses for the long-chain cannabinoids implicate that a site surrounded by the transmembrane (TM)2, TM7, and extracellular loop (ECL)2 is vital for providing the long-chain ligands with the selectivity for CB1R, especially I267 of CB1R (corresponding to L182 of CB2R). Based on the obtained binding modes, the calculated relative binding free energies and selectivity are all in good agreement with the corresponding experimental data, suggesting that the determined binding poses are reasonable. The computational strategy used in this study may also prove fruitful in applications with other GPCRs or membrane-bound proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Narsimha R. Penthala
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas 72205, United States
| | - Paul L. Prather
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas 72205, United States
| | - Peter A. Crooks
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas 72205, United States
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4
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Gulsevin A. Nicotinic receptor pharmacology in silico: Insights and challenges. Neuropharmacology 2020; 177:108257. [PMID: 32738311 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2020.108257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2020] [Revised: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 07/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChR) are homo- or hetero-pentameric ligand-gated ion channels of the Cys-loop superfamily and play important roles in the nervous system and muscles. Studies on nAChR benefit from in silico modeling due to the lack of high-resolution structures for most receptor subtypes and challenges in experiments addressing the complex mechanism of activation involving allosteric sites. Although there is myriad of computational modeling studies on nAChR, the multitude of the methods and parameters used in these studies makes modeling nAChR a daunting task, particularly for the non-experts in the field. To address this problem, the modeling literature on Torpedo nAChR and α7 nAChR were focused on as examples of heteromeric and homomeric nAChR, and the key in silico modeling studies between the years 1995-2019 were concisely reviewed. This was followed by a critical analysis of these studies by comparing the findings with each other and with the emerging experimental and computational data on nAChR. Based on these critical analyses, suggestions were made to guide the future researchers in the field of in silico modeling of nAChR. This article is part of the special issue on 'Contemporary Advances in Nicotine Neuropharmacology'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alican Gulsevin
- Department of Chemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA, 37221.
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5
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Gulsevin A, Papke RL, Horenstein N. In Silico Modeling of the α7 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor: New Pharmacological Challenges Associated with Multiple Modes of Signaling. Mini Rev Med Chem 2020; 20:841-864. [PMID: 32000651 PMCID: PMC8719523 DOI: 10.2174/1389557520666200130105256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2019] [Revised: 11/06/2019] [Accepted: 11/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor is a homopentameric ion-channel of the Cys-loop superfamily characterized by its low probability of opening, high calcium permeability, and rapid desensitization. The α7 receptor has been targeted for the treatment of the cognitive symptoms of schizophrenia, depression, and Alzheimer's disease, but it is also involved in inflammatory modulation as a part of the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway. Despite its functional importance, in silico studies of the α7 receptor cannot produce a general model explaining the structural features of receptor activation, nor predict the mode of action for various ligand classes. Two particular problems in modeling the α7 nAChR are the absence of a high-resolution structure and the presence of five potentially nonequivalent orthosteric ligand binding sites. There is wide variability regarding the templates used for homology modeling, types of ligands investigated, simulation methods, and simulation times. However, a systematic survey focusing on the methodological similarities and differences in modeling α7 has not been done. In this work, we make a critical analysis of the modeling literature of α7 nAChR by comparing the findings of computational studies with each other and with experimental studies under the main topics of structural studies, ligand binding studies, and comparisons with other nAChR. In light of our findings, we also summarize current problems in the field and make suggestions for future studies concerning modeling of the α7 receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alican Gulsevin
- Department of Chemistry, University of Florida, P.O. Box 117200, Gainesville, FL, 32611-7200, United States
| | - Roger L Papke
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Florida, P.O. Box 100267, Gainesville, FL 32610, United States
| | - Nicole Horenstein
- Department of Chemistry, University of Florida, P.O. Box 117200, Gainesville, FL, 32611-7200, United States
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6
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López JJ, García-Colunga J, Pérez EG, Fierro A. Methylpiperidinium Iodides as Novel Antagonists for α7 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors. Front Pharmacol 2018; 9:744. [PMID: 30042682 PMCID: PMC6048275 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2018.00744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2018] [Accepted: 06/19/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) is expressed in neuronal and non-neuronal cells and is involved in several physiopathological processes, and is thus an important drug target. We have designed and synthesized novel piperidine derivatives as α7 nAChR antagonists. Thus, we describe here a new series of 1-[2-(4-alkoxy-phenoxy-ethyl)]piperidines and 1-[2-(4-alkyloxy-phenoxy-ethyl)]-1-methylpiperidinium iodides (compounds 11a-11c and 12a-12c), and their actions on α7 nAChRs. The pharmacological activity of these compounds was studied in rat CA1 hippocampal interneurons by using the whole-cell voltage-clamp technique. Inhibition of the choline-induced current was less for 11a-11c than for the methylpiperidinium iodides 12a-12c and depended on the length of the aliphatic chain. Those compounds showing strong effects were studied further using molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations. The strongest and non-voltage dependent antagonism was shown by 12a, which could establish cation–π interactions with the principal (+)-side and van der Waals interactions with the complementary (-)-side in the α7 nAChRs. Furthermore, compound 11a forms hydrogen bonds with residue Q115 of the complementary (-)-side through water molecules without forming cation–π interactions. Our findings have led to the establishment of a new family of antagonists that interact with the agonist binding cavity of the α7 nAChR, which represent a promising new class of compounds for the treatment of pathologies where these receptors need to be negatively modulated, including neuropsychiatric disorders as well as different types of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jhon J López
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Jesús García-Colunga
- Departamento de Neurobiología Celular y Molecular, Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Edwin G Pérez
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Angélica Fierro
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
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7
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Jin Y, Huang X, Papke RL, Jutkiewicz EM, Showalter HD, Zhan CG. Design, synthesis, and biological activity of 5'-phenyl-1,2,5,6-tetrahydro-3,3'-bipyridine analogues as potential antagonists of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2017; 27:4350-4353. [PMID: 28838693 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2017.08.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2017] [Accepted: 08/12/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Starting from a known non-specific agonist (1) of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs), rationally guided structural-based design resulted in the discovery of a small series of 5'-phenyl-1,2,5,6-tetrahydro-3,3'-bipyridines (3a-3e) incorporating a phenyl ring off the pyridine core of 1. The compounds were synthesized via successive Suzuki couplings on a suitably functionalized pyridine starting monomer 4 to append phenyl and pyridyl substituents off the 3- and 5-positions, respectively, and then subsequent modifications were made on the flanking pyridyl ring to provide target compounds. Compound 3a is a novel antagonist, which is highly selective for α3β4 nAChR (Ki=123nM) over the α4β2 and α7 receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yafei Jin
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Vahlteich Medicinal Chemistry Core, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States
| | - Xiaoqin Huang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Molecular Modeling and Biopharmaceutical Center, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, 789 South Limestone Street, Lexington, KY 40536, United States
| | - Roger L Papke
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, United States
| | - Emily M Jutkiewicz
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States
| | - Hollis D Showalter
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Vahlteich Medicinal Chemistry Core, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States.
| | - Chang-Guo Zhan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Molecular Modeling and Biopharmaceutical Center, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, 789 South Limestone Street, Lexington, KY 40536, United States.
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8
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Absalom NL, Quek G, Lewis TM, Qudah T, von Arenstorff I, Ambrus JI, Harpsøe K, Karim N, Balle T, McLeod MD, Chebib M. Covalent trapping of methyllycaconitine at the α4-α4 interface of the α4β2 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor: antagonist binding site and mode of receptor inhibition revealed. J Biol Chem 2013; 288:26521-32. [PMID: 23893416 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m113.475053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The α4β2 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) are widely expressed in the brain and are implicated in a variety of physiological processes. There are two stoichiometries of the α4β2 nAChR, (α4)2(β2)3 and (α4)3(β2)2, with different sensitivities to acetylcholine (ACh), but their pharmacological profiles are not fully understood. Methyllycaconitine (MLA) is known to be an antagonist of nAChRs. Using the two-electrode voltage clamp technique and α4β2 nAChRs in the Xenopus oocyte expression system, we demonstrate that inhibition by MLA occurs via two different mechanisms; that is, a direct competitive antagonism and an apparently insurmountable mechanism that only occurs after preincubation with MLA. We hypothesized an additional MLA binding site in the α4-α4 interface that is unique to this stoichiometry. To prove this, we covalently trapped a cysteine-reactive MLA analog at an α4β2 receptor containing an α4(D204C) mutation predicted by homology modeling to be within reach of the reactive probe. We demonstrate that covalent trapping results in irreversible reduction of ACh-elicited currents in the (α4)3(β2)2 stoichiometry, indicating that MLA binds to the α4-α4 interface of the (α4)3(β2)2 and providing direct evidence of ligand binding to the α4-α4 interface. Consistent with other studies, we propose that the α4-α4 interface is a structural target for potential therapeutics that modulate (α4)3(β2)2 nAChRs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan L Absalom
- From the Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
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9
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Virtual screening for alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor for treatment of Alzheimer's disease. J Mol Graph Model 2013; 39:98-107. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jmgm.2012.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2012] [Revised: 11/19/2012] [Accepted: 11/20/2012] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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10
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Pérez EG, Ocampo C, Feuerbach D, López JJ, Morelo GL, Tapia RA, Arias HR. Novel 1-(1-benzyl-1H-indol-3-yl)-N,N,N-trimethylmethanaminium iodides are competitive antagonists for the human α4β2 and α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. MEDCHEMCOMM 2013. [DOI: 10.1039/c3md00042g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
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11
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Mahadevi AS, Sastry GN. Cation-π interaction: its role and relevance in chemistry, biology, and material science. Chem Rev 2012; 113:2100-38. [PMID: 23145968 DOI: 10.1021/cr300222d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 731] [Impact Index Per Article: 60.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- A Subha Mahadevi
- Molecular Modeling Group, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology Tarnaka, Hyderabad 500 607, Andhra Pradesh, India
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12
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Mazurov AA, Kombo DC, Hauser TA, Miao L, Dull G, Genus JF, Fedorov NB, Benson L, Sidach S, Xiao Y, Hammond PS, James JW, Miller CH, Yohannes D. Discovery of (2S,3R)-N-[2-(Pyridin-3-ylmethyl)-1-azabicyclo[2.2.2]oct-3-yl]benzo[b]furan-2-carboxamide (TC-5619), a Selective α7 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor Agonist, for the Treatment of Cognitive Disorders. J Med Chem 2012; 55:9793-809. [DOI: 10.1021/jm301048a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Anatoly A. Mazurov
- Targacept, Inc., Winston-Salem, North
Carolina 27101-4165,
United States
| | - David C. Kombo
- Targacept, Inc., Winston-Salem, North
Carolina 27101-4165,
United States
| | - Terry A. Hauser
- Targacept, Inc., Winston-Salem, North
Carolina 27101-4165,
United States
| | - Lan Miao
- Targacept, Inc., Winston-Salem, North
Carolina 27101-4165,
United States
| | - Gary Dull
- Targacept, Inc., Winston-Salem, North
Carolina 27101-4165,
United States
| | - John F. Genus
- Targacept, Inc., Winston-Salem, North
Carolina 27101-4165,
United States
| | - Nikolai B. Fedorov
- Targacept, Inc., Winston-Salem, North
Carolina 27101-4165,
United States
| | - Lisa Benson
- Targacept, Inc., Winston-Salem, North
Carolina 27101-4165,
United States
| | - Serguei Sidach
- Targacept, Inc., Winston-Salem, North
Carolina 27101-4165,
United States
| | - Yunde Xiao
- Targacept, Inc., Winston-Salem, North
Carolina 27101-4165,
United States
| | - Philip S. Hammond
- Targacept, Inc., Winston-Salem, North
Carolina 27101-4165,
United States
| | - John W. James
- Targacept, Inc., Winston-Salem, North
Carolina 27101-4165,
United States
| | - Craig H. Miller
- Targacept, Inc., Winston-Salem, North
Carolina 27101-4165,
United States
| | - Daniel Yohannes
- Targacept, Inc., Winston-Salem, North
Carolina 27101-4165,
United States
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13
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Xiao Y, Hammond PS, Mazurov AA, Yohannes D. Multiple Interaction Regions in the Orthosteric Ligand Binding Domain of the α7 Neuronal Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor. J Chem Inf Model 2012; 52:3064-73. [DOI: 10.1021/ci3001953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yunde Xiao
- Targacept, Inc., 200 East
First Street, Suite 300, Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27101, United
States
| | - Philip S. Hammond
- Targacept, Inc., 200 East
First Street, Suite 300, Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27101, United
States
| | - Anatoly A. Mazurov
- Targacept, Inc., 200 East
First Street, Suite 300, Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27101, United
States
| | - Daniel Yohannes
- Targacept, Inc., 200 East
First Street, Suite 300, Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27101, United
States
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14
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Rucktooa P, Haseler CA, van Elk R, Smit AB, Gallagher T, Sixma TK. Structural characterization of binding mode of smoking cessation drugs to nicotinic acetylcholine receptors through study of ligand complexes with acetylcholine-binding protein. J Biol Chem 2012; 287:23283-93. [PMID: 22553201 PMCID: PMC3390607 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m112.360347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Smoking cessation is an important aim in public health worldwide as tobacco smoking causes many preventable deaths. Addiction to tobacco smoking results from the binding of nicotine to nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) in the brain, in particular the α4β2 receptor. One way to aid smoking cessation is by the use of nicotine replacement therapies or partial nAChR agonists like cytisine or varenicline. Here we present the co-crystal structures of cytisine and varenicline in complex with Aplysia californica acetylcholine-binding protein and use these as models to investigate binding of these ligands binding to nAChRs. This analysis of the binding properties of these two partial agonists provides insight into differences with nicotine binding to nAChRs. A mutational analysis reveals that the residues conveying subtype selectivity in nAChRs reside on the binding site complementary face and include features extending beyond the first shell of contacting residues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prakash Rucktooa
- Division of Biochemistry and Center for Biomedical Genetics, Netherlands Cancer Institute, 1066 CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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15
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Huang X, Zhao X, Zheng F, Zhan CG. Cocaine esterase-cocaine binding process and the free energy profiles by molecular dynamics and potential of mean force simulations. J Phys Chem B 2012; 116:3361-8. [PMID: 22385120 DOI: 10.1021/jp2111605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The combined molecular dynamics (MD) and potential of mean force (PMF) simulations have been performed to determine the free energy profiles for the binding process of (-)-cocaine interacting with wild-type cocaine esterase (CocE) and its mutants (T172R/G173Q and L119A/L169K/G173Q). According to the MD simulations, the general protein-(-)-cocaine binding mode is not affected by the mutations; e.g.. the benzoyl group of (-)-cocaine is always bound in a subsite composed of aromatic residues W151, W166, F261, and F408 and hydrophobic residue L407, while the carbonyl oxygen on the benzoyl group of (-)-cocaine is hydrogen-bonded with the oxyanion-hole residues Y44 and Y118. According to the PMF-calculated free energy profiles for the binding process, the binding free energies for (-)-cocaine with the wild-type, T172R/G173Q, and L119A/L169K/G173Q CocEs are predicted to be -6.4, -6.2, and -5.0 kcal/mol, respectively. The computational predictions are supported by experimental kinetic data, as the calculated binding free energies are in good agreement with the experimentally derived binding free energies, i.e., -7.2, -6.7, and -4.8 kcal/mol for the wild-type, T172R/G173Q, and L119A/L169K/G173Q, respectively. The reasonable agreement between the computational and experimental data suggests that the PMF simulations may be used as a valuable tool in new CocE mutant design that aims to decrease the Michaelis-Menten constant of the enzyme for (-)-cocaine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoqin Huang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, 789 South Limestone Street, Lexington, Kentucky 40536, USA
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16
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Bolchi C, Gotti C, Binda M, Fumagalli L, Pucci L, Pistillo F, Vistoli G, Valoti E, Pallavicini M. Unichiral 2-(2'-pyrrolidinyl)-1,4-benzodioxanes: the 2R,2'S diastereomer of the N-methyl-7-hydroxy analogue is a potent α4β2- and α6β2-nicotinic acetylcholine receptor partial agonist. J Med Chem 2011; 54:7588-601. [PMID: 21942635 DOI: 10.1021/jm200937t] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
A series of unichiral 7-substituted 2-(1'-methyl-2'-pyrrolidinyl)-1,4-benzodioxanes were synthesized and tested for the affinity for the α4β2 and α7 central nicotinic receptors; the 2R,2'S diastereomer of the 7-OH analogue [(R,S)-7], unique in the series, has a high α4β2 affinity (12nM K(i)). N-Demethylation and configuration inversion of the stereocenters greatly weaken its α4β2 affinity, confirming that such a rigid molecule can be considered a new template for α4β2 ligands. Docking analysis showed how (R,S)-7 is capable of strongly and specifically interacting with the amino acidic counterpart of the α4β2 receptor binding site. Further pharmacological characterization demonstrated that (R,S)-7 also has a high affinity for the α6β2 receptor, and in vitro functional tests indicated that it is a potent α4β2 and α6β2 partial agonist, with modest affinity and potency for the α3β4 receptor. Comparison with varenicline, a well-known nicotinic partial agonist used as a smoking cessation aid, interestingly reveals similar nicotinoid profiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristiano Bolchi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche Pietro Pratesi, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italia
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17
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Akdemir A, Rucktooa P, Jongejan A, Elk RV, Bertrand S, Sixma TK, Bertrand D, Smit AB, Leurs R, de Graaf C, de Esch IJ. Acetylcholine binding protein (AChBP) as template for hierarchical in silico screening procedures to identify structurally novel ligands for the nicotinic receptors. Bioorg Med Chem 2011; 19:6107-19. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2011.08.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2011] [Revised: 08/10/2011] [Accepted: 08/12/2011] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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18
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Pavlovicz RE, Henderson BJ, Bonnell AB, Boyd RT, McKay DB, Li C. Identification of a negative allosteric site on human α4β2 and α3β4 neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. PLoS One 2011; 6:e24949. [PMID: 21949802 PMCID: PMC3174232 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0024949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2011] [Accepted: 08/24/2011] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Acetylcholine-based neurotransmission is regulated by cationic, ligand-gated ion channels called nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs). These receptors have been linked to numerous neurological diseases and disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and nicotine addiction. Recently, a class of compounds has been discovered that antagonize nAChR function in an allosteric fashion. Models of human α4β2 and α3β4 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) extracellular domains have been developed to computationally explore the binding of these compounds, including the dynamics and free energy changes associated with ligand binding. Through a blind docking study to multiple receptor conformations, the models were used to determine a putative binding mode for the negative allosteric modulators. This mode, in close proximity to the agonist binding site, is presented in addition to a hypothetical mode of antagonism that involves obstruction of C loop closure. Molecular dynamics simulations and MM-PBSA free energy of binding calculations were used as computational validation of the predicted binding mode, while functional assays on wild-type and mutated receptors provided experimental support. Based on the proposed binding mode, two residues on the β2 subunit were independently mutated to the corresponding residues found on the β4 subunit. The T58K mutation resulted in an eight-fold decrease in the potency of KAB-18, a compound that exhibits preferential antagonism for human α4β2 over α3β4 nAChRs, while the F118L mutation resulted in a loss of inhibitory activity for KAB-18 at concentrations up to 100 µM. These results demonstrate the selectivity of KAB-18 for human α4β2 nAChRs and validate the methods used for identifying the nAChR modulator binding site. Exploitation of this site may lead to the development of more potent and subtype-selective nAChR antagonists which may be used in the treatment of a number of neurological diseases and disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan E. Pavlovicz
- Biophysics Program, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Brandon J. Henderson
- Division of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Andrew B. Bonnell
- Department of Neuroscience, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
| | - R. Thomas Boyd
- Department of Neuroscience, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Dennis B. McKay
- Division of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Chenglong Li
- Biophysics Program, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Atkinson AP, Planchat A, Graton J, Renault E, Grégoire G, Le Questel JY. Structural features and protonation site of epibatidine in the gas phase: an investigation through infrared multiphoton dissociation spectroscopy and computational chemistry. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2011; 13:2272-7. [PMID: 21135942 DOI: 10.1039/c0cp01605e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
The gas phase structures of epibatidine, one of the most potent agonists of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs), are determined by means of infrared multiphoton dissociation (IRMPD) spectroscopy and quantum chemistry calculations. Comparison of the experimental and theoretical spectra provides evidence that about 15% of epibatidine is protonated on the Nsp(2) nitrogen in the gas phase. In contrast, the computational study of deschloroepibatidine shows that in the gas phase, the molecule is present only protonated on the Nsp(2) nitrogen. The main minima of the Nsp(2) protonated forms of the two molecules are strongly stabilized by intramolecular CH···Nsp(3) hydrogen bonds. The fundamental insights obtained in the present study on these two important nAChRs agonists show how subtle chemical modifications can have a deep impact on important physicochemical properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre P Atkinson
- Laboratoire CEISAM, UMR CNRS 6230, Faculté des Sciences et des Techniques, Université de Nantes, 2, rue de la Houssinière, BP 92208, Nantes F-44322 Cedex 3, France
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20
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Arias HR, Gu RX, Feuerbach D, Wei DQ. Different interaction between the agonist JN403 and the competitive antagonist methyllycaconitine with the human alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor. Biochemistry 2010; 49:4169-80. [PMID: 20377277 DOI: 10.1021/bi901999v] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The interaction of the agonist JN403 with the human (h) alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (AChR) was compared to that for the competitive antagonist methyllycaconitine (MLA). The receptor selectivity of JN403 was studied on the halpha7, halpha3beta4, and halpha4beta2 AChRs. The results established that the cationic center and the hydrophobic group found in JN430 and MLA are important for the interaction with the AChRs. MLA preincubation inhibits JN403-induced Ca(2+) influx in GH3-halpha7 cells with a potency 160-fold higher than that when MLA is co-injected with JN403. The most probable explanation, based on our dynamics results, is that MLA (more specifically the 3-methyl-2,5-dioxopyrrole ring and the B-D rings) stabilizes the resting conformational state. The order of receptor specificity for JN403 is as follows: halpha7 > halpha3beta4 ( approximately 40-fold) > halpha4beta2 ( approximately 500-fold). This specificity is based on a larger number of hydrogen bonds between the carbamate group (another pharmacophore) of JN403 and the halpha7 sites, the electrostatic repulsion between the positively charged residues around the halpha3beta4 sites and the cationic center of JN403, fewer hydrogen bonds for the interaction of JN403 with the halpha3beta4 AChR, and an unfavorable van der Waals interaction between JN403 and the alpha4-beta2 interface. The higher receptor specificity for JN403 could be important for the treatment of alpha7-related disorders, including dementias, pain-related ailments, depression, anxiety, and wound healing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hugo R Arias
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Midwestern University, Glendale, Arizona 85308, USA.
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21
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A computational study of the binding of 3-(arylidene) anabaseines to two major brain nicotinic acetylcholine receptors and to the acetylcholine binding protein. Eur J Med Chem 2010; 45:2433-46. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2010.02.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2009] [Revised: 02/08/2010] [Accepted: 02/09/2010] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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22
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Sgrignani J, Bonaccini C, Grazioso G, Chioccioli M, Cavalli A, Gratteri P. Insights into docking and scoring neuronal alpha4beta2 nicotinic receptor agonists using molecular dynamics simulations and QM/MM calculations. J Comput Chem 2009; 30:2443-54. [PMID: 19360794 DOI: 10.1002/jcc.21251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
A combined quantum mechanical (QM)-polarized docking and molecular dynamics approach to study the binding mode and to predict the binding affinity of ligands acting at the alpha4beta2-nAChR is presented. The results obtained in this study indicate that the quantum mechanical/molecular mechanics docking protocol well describes the charge-driven interactions occurring in the binding of nicotinic agonists, and it is able to represent the polarization effects on the ligand exerted by the surrounding atoms of the receptor at the binding site. This makes it possible to properly score agonists of alpha4beta2-nAChR and to reproduce the experimental binding affinity data with good accuracy, within a mean error of 2.2 kcal/mol. Moreover, applying the QM-polarized docking to an ensemble of nAChR conformations obtained from MD simulations enabled us to accurately capture nAChR-ligand induced-fit effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacopo Sgrignani
- Laboratorio di Molecular Modeling, Cheminformatics and QSAR, Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Laboratorio di Progettazione, Sintesi e Studio di Eterocicli Biologicamente Attivi, Polo Scientifico, Università degli Studi di Firenze, Via Ugo Schiff, 6, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino (FI), Italy
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23
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Design of novel α7-subtype-preferring nicotinic acetylcholine receptor agonists: Application of docking and MM-PBSA computational approaches, synthetic and pharmacological studies. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2009; 19:6353-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2009.09.073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2009] [Revised: 09/11/2009] [Accepted: 09/18/2009] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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24
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Nicotinic receptors: allosteric transitions and therapeutic targets in the nervous system. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2009; 8:733-50. [PMID: 19721446 DOI: 10.1038/nrd2927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 527] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Nicotinic receptors - a family of ligand-gated ion channels that mediate the effects of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine - are among the most well understood allosteric membrane proteins from a structural and functional perspective. There is also considerable interest in modulating nicotinic receptors to treat nervous-system disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, schizophrenia, depression, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and tobacco addiction. This article describes both recent advances in our understanding of the assembly, activity and conformational transitions of nicotinic receptors, as well as developments in the therapeutic application of nicotinic receptor ligands, with the aim of aiding novel drug discovery by bridging the gap between these two rapidly developing fields.
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25
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Huang X, Zheng F, Zhan CG. Modeling differential binding of alpha4beta2 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor with agonists and antagonists. J Am Chem Soc 2009; 130:16691-6. [PMID: 19554732 DOI: 10.1021/ja8055326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Three-dimensional structures of both the open- and closed-channel states of alpha4beta2 receptor have been modeled and used to study their binding with representative agonists and antagonists. The obtained binding structures and free energies consistently reveal that antagonists bind more favorably with the closed-channel state and agonists bind more favorably with the open-channel state. The computational insights have led us to propose a computational strategy and protocol predicting whether a receptor ligand is an agonist or antagonist. Using the computational protocol, one only needs to calculate the relative binding free energies for a ligand binding with the open- and closed-channel structures. The ligand is predicted to be an agonist if the binding free energy calculated for the ligand binding with the open-channel state is significantly lower than that for its binding with the closed-channel state. If the binding free energy of a ligand with the open-channel state is higher than that with the closed-channel, the ligand is predicted to be an antagonist. The binding free energies calculated for all of the ligands binding with their most favorable channel states of the receptor are all close to the corresponding experimentally derived binding free energies. The new computational insights obtained and novel computational strategy and protocol proposed in this study are expected to be valuable in structure-based rational design of novel agonists/antagonists of nAChRs as therapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoqin Huang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, 725 Rose Street, Lexington, Kentucky 40536, USA
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26
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First-Principles Determination of Molecular Conformations of Indolizidine (-)-235B' in Solution. Theor Chem Acc 2009; 124:269-278. [PMID: 20161506 DOI: 10.1007/s00214-009-0607-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Indolizidine (-)-235B' is a particularly interesting natural product, as it is the currently known, most potent and subtype-selective open-channel blocker of the alpha4beta2 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR). In the current study, extensive first-principles electronic structure calculations have been carried out in order to determine the stable molecular conformations and their relative free energies of the protonated and deprotonated states of (-)-235B' in the gas phase, in chloroform, and in aqueous solution. The (1)H and (13)C NMR chemical shifts calculated using the computationally determined dominant molecular conformation of the deprotonated state are all consistent with available experimental NMR spectra of (-)-235B' in chloroform, which suggests that the computationally determined molecular conformations are reasonable. Our computational results reveal for the first time that two geminal H atoms on carbon-3 (C3) of (-)-235B' have remarkably different chemical shifts (i.e. 3.24 and 2.03 ppm). The computational results help one to better understand and analyze the experimental (1)H NMR spectra of (-)-235B'. The finding of remarkably different chemical shifts of two C3 geminal H atoms in a certain molecular conformation of (-)-235B' may also be valuable in analysis of NMR spectra of other related ring-containing compounds. In addition, the pK(a) of (-)-235B' in aqueous solution is predicted to be ~9.7. All of the computational results provide a solid basis for future studies of the microscopic and phenomenological binding of various receptor proteins with the protonated and deprotonated structures of this unique open-channel blocker of alpha4beta2 nAChRs. This computational study also demonstrates how one can appropriately use computational modeling and spectroscopic analysis to address the structural and spectroscopic problems that cannot be addressed by experiments alone.
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27
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Bunnelle WH, Tietje KR, Frost JM, Peters D, Ji J, Li T, Scanio MJC, Shi L, Anderson DJ, Dyhring T, Grønlien JH, Ween H, Thorin-Hagene K, Meyer MD. Octahydropyrrolo[3,4-c]pyrrole: A Diamine Scaffold for Construction of Either α4β2 or α7-Selective Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor (nAChR) Ligands. Substitutions that Switch Subtype Selectivity. J Med Chem 2009; 52:4126-41. [DOI: 10.1021/jm900249k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- William H. Bunnelle
- Neuroscience Research, Abbott Laboratories, Department R47W, Building AP9A, Abbott Park, Illinois 60064-6117
- NeuroSearch A/S, 93 Pederstrupvej, DK-2750 Ballerup, Denmark
| | - Karin R. Tietje
- Neuroscience Research, Abbott Laboratories, Department R47W, Building AP9A, Abbott Park, Illinois 60064-6117
- NeuroSearch A/S, 93 Pederstrupvej, DK-2750 Ballerup, Denmark
| | - Jennifer M. Frost
- Neuroscience Research, Abbott Laboratories, Department R47W, Building AP9A, Abbott Park, Illinois 60064-6117
- NeuroSearch A/S, 93 Pederstrupvej, DK-2750 Ballerup, Denmark
| | - Dan Peters
- Neuroscience Research, Abbott Laboratories, Department R47W, Building AP9A, Abbott Park, Illinois 60064-6117
- NeuroSearch A/S, 93 Pederstrupvej, DK-2750 Ballerup, Denmark
| | - Jianguo Ji
- Neuroscience Research, Abbott Laboratories, Department R47W, Building AP9A, Abbott Park, Illinois 60064-6117
- NeuroSearch A/S, 93 Pederstrupvej, DK-2750 Ballerup, Denmark
| | - Tao Li
- Neuroscience Research, Abbott Laboratories, Department R47W, Building AP9A, Abbott Park, Illinois 60064-6117
- NeuroSearch A/S, 93 Pederstrupvej, DK-2750 Ballerup, Denmark
| | - Marc J. C. Scanio
- Neuroscience Research, Abbott Laboratories, Department R47W, Building AP9A, Abbott Park, Illinois 60064-6117
- NeuroSearch A/S, 93 Pederstrupvej, DK-2750 Ballerup, Denmark
| | - Lei Shi
- Neuroscience Research, Abbott Laboratories, Department R47W, Building AP9A, Abbott Park, Illinois 60064-6117
- NeuroSearch A/S, 93 Pederstrupvej, DK-2750 Ballerup, Denmark
| | - David J. Anderson
- Neuroscience Research, Abbott Laboratories, Department R47W, Building AP9A, Abbott Park, Illinois 60064-6117
- NeuroSearch A/S, 93 Pederstrupvej, DK-2750 Ballerup, Denmark
| | - Tino Dyhring
- Neuroscience Research, Abbott Laboratories, Department R47W, Building AP9A, Abbott Park, Illinois 60064-6117
- NeuroSearch A/S, 93 Pederstrupvej, DK-2750 Ballerup, Denmark
| | - Jens H. Grønlien
- Neuroscience Research, Abbott Laboratories, Department R47W, Building AP9A, Abbott Park, Illinois 60064-6117
- NeuroSearch A/S, 93 Pederstrupvej, DK-2750 Ballerup, Denmark
| | - Hilde Ween
- Neuroscience Research, Abbott Laboratories, Department R47W, Building AP9A, Abbott Park, Illinois 60064-6117
- NeuroSearch A/S, 93 Pederstrupvej, DK-2750 Ballerup, Denmark
| | - Kirsten Thorin-Hagene
- Neuroscience Research, Abbott Laboratories, Department R47W, Building AP9A, Abbott Park, Illinois 60064-6117
- NeuroSearch A/S, 93 Pederstrupvej, DK-2750 Ballerup, Denmark
| | - Michael D. Meyer
- Neuroscience Research, Abbott Laboratories, Department R47W, Building AP9A, Abbott Park, Illinois 60064-6117
- NeuroSearch A/S, 93 Pederstrupvej, DK-2750 Ballerup, Denmark
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28
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Zheng F, McConnell MJ, Zhan CG, Dwoskin LP, Crooks PA. QSAR study on maximal inhibition (Imax) of quaternary ammonium antagonists for S-(-)-nicotine-evoked dopamine release from dopaminergic nerve terminals in rat striatum. Bioorg Med Chem 2009; 17:4477-85. [PMID: 19477134 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2009.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2009] [Revised: 05/04/2009] [Accepted: 05/05/2009] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Maximal inhibition (I(max)) of the agonist effect is an important pharmacological property of inhibitors that interact with multiple receptor subtypes that are activated by the same agonist and which elicit the same functional response. This report represents the first QSAR study on a set of 66 mono- and bis-quaternary ammonium salts that act as antagonists at neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors mediating nicotine-evoked dopamine release, conducted using multi-linear regression (MLR) and neural network (NN) analysis with the maximal inhibition (I(max)) values of the antagonists as target values. The statistical results for the generated MLR model were: r(2)=0.89, rmsd=9.01, q(2)=0.83 and loormsd=11.1; the statistical results for the generated NN model were: r(2)=0.89, rmsd=8.98, q(2)=0.83 and loormsd=11.2. The maximal inhibition values of the compounds exhibited a good correlation with the predictions made by the QSAR models developed, which provide a basis for rationalizing selection of compounds for synthesis in the discovery of effective and selective second generation inhibitors of nAChRs mediating nicotine-evoked dopamine release.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Zheng
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, United States
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29
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Chen X, Zhan CG. First-principles determination of molecular conformations of cyclic adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate in gas phase and aqueous solution. J Phys Chem B 2009; 112:16851-9. [PMID: 19367986 DOI: 10.1021/jp806702d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Extensive first-principles electronic structure calculations were performed in this study to explore the possible molecular structures and their concentration distribution of an intracellular second messenger, that is, cyclic adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate (cAMP), and its protonated form (cAMPH) in the gas phase and aqueous solution. The calculations resulted in prediction of four different stable conformers of cAMP and eight different stable conformers of cAMPH and their relative Gibbs free energies in the gas phase and aqueous solution. All of the computational results consistently demonstrate that the predominant conformers of cAMP and cAMPH are always the cAMP-chair-anti and cAMPH-chair2-syn conformers, respectively, in both the gas phase and aqueous solution. It has been demonstrated that the free energy barriers calculated for the intertransformation reactions between different conformers are very low (below approximately 6 kcal/mol) such that the intertransformation reactions between different conformers are very fast so that the concentration distribution of the system can quickly reach the thermodynamic equilibration during the process of binding with a protein. The calculated phenomenological pKa of 3.66 is in good agreement with the experimental pKa of 3.9 reported in literature, suggesting that the computational predictions resulted from this study are reasonable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Chen
- Key Laboratory of Pesticide and Chemical Biology of the Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry, Central China Normal University, Wuhan 430079, People's Republic of China
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30
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Dallanoce C, Magrone P, Bazza P, Grazioso G, Rizzi L, Riganti L, Gotti C, Clementi F, Frydenvang K, De Amici M. New Analogues of Epiboxidine Incorporating the 4,5-Dihydroisoxazole Nucleus: Synthesis, Binding Affinity at Neuronal Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors, and Molecular Modeling Investigations. Chem Biodivers 2009; 6:244-59. [DOI: 10.1002/cbdv.200800077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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31
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Zheng F, Zheng G, Deaciuc AG, Zhan CG, Dwoskin LP, Crooks PA. Computational neural network analysis of the affinity of N-n-alkylnicotinium salts for the alpha4beta2* nicotinic acetylcholine receptor. J Enzyme Inhib Med Chem 2009; 24:157-68. [PMID: 18629679 PMCID: PMC3652805 DOI: 10.1080/14756360801945648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Based on an 85 molecule database, linear regression with different size datasets and an artificial neural network approach have been used to build mathematical relationships to fit experimentally obtained affinity values (K(i)) of a series of mono- and bis-quaternary ammonium salts from [(3)H]nicotine binding assays using rat striatal membrane preparations. The fitted results were then used to analyze the pattern among the experimental K(i) values of a set of N-n-alkylnicotinium analogs with increasing n-alkyl chain length from 1 to 20 carbons. The affinity of these N-n-alkylnicotinium compounds was shown to parabolically vary with increasing numbers of carbon atoms in the n-alkyl chain, with a local minimum for the C(4) (n-butyl) analogue. A decrease in K(i) value between C(12) and C(13) was also observed. The statistical results for the best neural network fit of the 85 experimental K(i) values are r(2) = 0.84, rmsd = 0.39; r(cv)(2) = 0.68, and loormsd = 0.56. The generated neural network model with the 85 molecule training set may also be of value for future predictions of K(i) values for new virtual compounds, which can then be identified, subsequently synthesized, and tested experimentally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Zheng
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
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32
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Sharma G, Vijayaraghavan S. Nicotinic receptors containing the alpha7 subunit: a model for rational drug design. Curr Med Chem 2009; 15:2921-32. [PMID: 19075644 DOI: 10.2174/092986708786848703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The neuronal nicotinic receptor has gained considerable recognition as a target, not just for combating drug addiction but also for treating a number of illnesses ranging from neurodegenerative diseases to psychotic disorders like schizophrenia. This recognition has led to a burgeoning field examining the receptor at all levels. A class of nicotinic receptors that contains the alpha7 gene product, apparently as a homomer, illustrates this multidisciplinary approach. Here, we review recent progress in our understanding of this class of receptors based on data from molecular, structural, physiological and patho-physiological studies. These studies have set the stage for rational drug design to combat disorders of the central nervous system. The studies also exemplify the cautious approach needed in developing CNS therapies and the importance of physiology in tempering drug design.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Sharma
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics and Neuroscience Program, University of Colorado, Denver, School of Medicine, Aurora Colorado, USA
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33
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Molecular modeling of the α9α10 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subtype. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2009; 19:251-4. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2008.10.094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2008] [Accepted: 10/20/2008] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Grazioso G, Cavalli A, De Amici M, Recanatini M, De Micheli C. Alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor agonists: prediction of their binding affinity through a molecular mechanics Poisson-Boltzmann surface area approach. J Comput Chem 2008; 29:2593-602. [PMID: 18478580 DOI: 10.1002/jcc.21019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
A group of agonists for the alpha7 neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) was investigated, and their free energies of binding DeltaG(bind) were calculated by applying the molecular mechanics Poisson-Boltzmann surface area (MM-PBSA) approach. This method, based on molecular dynamics simulations of fully solvated protein-ligand complexes, allowed us to estimate the contribution of both polar and nonpolar terms as well as the entropy to the overall free energy of binding. The calculated results were in a good agreement with the experimentally determined DeltaG(bind) values, thereby pointing to the MM-PBSA protocol as a valuable computational tool for the rational design of specific agents targeting the neuronal alpha7 nAChR subtypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Grazioso
- Istituto di Chimica Farmaceutica e Tossicologica "Pietro Pratesi", Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Mangiagalli 25, 20133 Milano, Italy
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Huang X, Zheng F, Stokes C, Papke RL, Zhan CG. Modeling binding modes of alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor with ligands: the roles of Gln117 and other residues of the receptor in agonist binding. J Med Chem 2008; 51:6293-302. [PMID: 18826295 DOI: 10.1021/jm800607u] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Extensive molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulations, and binding free energy calculations have been performed to understand how alpha7-specific agonists of nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR), including AR-R17779 (1), GTS-21 (4), and 4-OH-GTS-21 (5), interact with the alpha7 receptor, leading to important new insights into the receptor-agonist binding. In particular, the cationic head of 4 and 5 has favorable hydrogen bonding and cation-pi interactions with residue Trp149. The computational results have also led us to better understand the roles of Gln117 and other residues in the receptor binding with agonists. The computational predictions are supported by data obtained from wet experimental tests. The new insights into the binding and structure-activity relationship obtained from this study should be valuable for future rational design of more potent and selective agonists of the alpha7 receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoqin Huang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, 725 Rose Street, Lexington, Kentucky 40536, USA
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Brust P, Patt JT, Deuther-Conrad W, Becker G, Patt M, Schildan A, Sorger D, Kendziorra K, Meyer P, Steinbach J, Sabri O. In vivo measurement of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors with [18F]norchloro-fluoro-homoepibatidine. Synapse 2008; 62:205-18. [PMID: 18088060 DOI: 10.1002/syn.20480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Functional changes of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChR) are important during age-related neuronal degeneration. Recent studies demonstrate the applicability of the nAChR ligand 2-[(18)F]F-A-85380 for neuroimaging of patients with dementias. However, its binding kinetics demands a 7-h acquisition time limiting its practicality for clinical PET studies. Thus, the authors developed [(18)F]norchloro-fluoro-homoepibatidine ([(18)F]NCFHEB) for nAChR imaging. The kinetics of the two enantiomers of [(18)F]NCFHEB were compared with 2-[(18)F]F-A85380 in porcine brain to evaluate their potential for human neuroimaging. Twenty-four juvenile female pigs were studied with PET using [(18)F]NCFHEB. Nine animals received an additional i.v. injection (1 mg/kg) of the nAChR agonist A81418 before radiotracer administration followed by infusion (2 mg/kg/7h) thereafter. Several compartment models were applied for quantification. (-)- and (+)-[(18)F]NCFHEB showed a twofold to threefold higher brain uptake than 2-[(18)F]F-A-85380. All three radiotracers displayed spatially heterogeneous binding kinetics in regions with high, moderate, or low specific binding. The equilibrium of specific binding of (-)-[(18)F]NCFHEB was reached earlier than that of (+)-[(18)F]NCFHEB or 2-[(18)F]F-A85380. Continuous administration of the nAChR agonist A81418 inhibited the specific binding of (-)- and (+)-[(18)F]NCFHEB but not of 2-[(18)F]F-A85380. The peripheral metabolism of (+)-[(18)F]NCFHEB proceeded somewhat slower than that of the other radiotracers. Both enantiomers of [(18)F]NCFHEB are appropriate radiotracers for neuroimaging of nAChR in pigs. Their binding profile in vivo appears to be more selective than that of 2-[(18)F]F-A85380. (-)-[(18)F]NCFHEB offers a faster equilibrium of specific binding than 2-[(18)F]F-A85380.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Brust
- Department of Radiopharmacy, Institute of Interdisciplinary Isotope Research, Permoserstrasse 15, Leipzig, Germany.
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Liu X, Xu Y, Li H, Wang X, Jiang H, Barrantes FJ. Mechanics of channel gating of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor. PLoS Comput Biol 2008; 4:e19. [PMID: 18225945 PMCID: PMC2211534 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.0040019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2007] [Accepted: 12/05/2007] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) is a key molecule involved in the propagation of signals in the central nervous system and peripheral synapses. Although numerous computational and experimental studies have been performed on this receptor, the structural dynamics of the receptor underlying the gating mechanism is still unclear. To address the mechanical fundamentals of nAChR gating, both conventional molecular dynamics (CMD) and steered rotation molecular dynamics (SRMD) simulations have been conducted on the cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) structure of nAChR embedded in a dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) bilayer and water molecules. A 30-ns CMD simulation revealed a collective motion amongst C-loops, M1, and M2 helices. The inward movement of C-loops accompanying the shrinking of acetylcholine (ACh) binding pockets induced an inward and upward motion of the outer beta-sheet composed of beta9 and beta10 strands, which in turn causes M1 and M2 to undergo anticlockwise motions around the pore axis. Rotational motion of the entire receptor around the pore axis and twisting motions among extracellular (EC), transmembrane (TM), and intracellular MA domains were also detected by the CMD simulation. Moreover, M2 helices undergo a local twisting motion synthesized by their bending vibration and rotation. The hinge of either twisting motion or bending vibration is located at the middle of M2, possibly the gate of the receptor. A complementary twisting-to-open motion throughout the receptor was detected by a normal mode analysis (NMA). To mimic the pulsive action of ACh binding, nonequilibrium MD simulations were performed by using the SRMD method developed in one of our laboratories. The result confirmed all the motions derived from the CMD simulation and NMA. In addition, the SRMD simulation indicated that the channel may undergo an open-close (O <--> C) motion. The present MD simulations explore the structural dynamics of the receptor under its gating process and provide a new insight into the gating mechanism of nAChR at the atomic level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinli Liu
- Department of Engineering Mechanics, State Key Laboratory of Structural Analysis for Industrial Equipment, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Yechun Xu
- Drug Discovery and Design Center, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Honglin Li
- Drug Discovery and Design Center, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Xicheng Wang
- Department of Engineering Mechanics, State Key Laboratory of Structural Analysis for Industrial Equipment, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, Liaoning, China
- * To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail: (XW); (HJ)
| | - Hualiang Jiang
- Drug Discovery and Design Center, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
- * To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail: (XW); (HJ)
| | - Francisco J Barrantes
- UNESCO Chair of Biophysics & Molecular Neurobiology and Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Bahía Blanca, Bahía Blanca, Argentina
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Wagner S, Arce R, Murillo R, Terfloth L, Gasteiger J, Merfort I. Neural Networks as Valuable Tools To Differentiate between Sesquiterpene Lactones’ Inhibitory Activity on Serotonin Release and on NF-κB. J Med Chem 2008; 51:1324-32. [DOI: 10.1021/jm701318x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Steffen Wagner
- Institut für Pharmazeutische Wissenschaften, Lehrstuhl für Pharmazeutische Biologie and Biotechnologie, Universität Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany, Escuela de Quimica y Centro de Investigación en Productos Naturales (CIPRONA), Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica, and Molecular Networks GmbH−Computerchemie, 91052 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Raul Arce
- Institut für Pharmazeutische Wissenschaften, Lehrstuhl für Pharmazeutische Biologie and Biotechnologie, Universität Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany, Escuela de Quimica y Centro de Investigación en Productos Naturales (CIPRONA), Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica, and Molecular Networks GmbH−Computerchemie, 91052 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Renato Murillo
- Institut für Pharmazeutische Wissenschaften, Lehrstuhl für Pharmazeutische Biologie and Biotechnologie, Universität Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany, Escuela de Quimica y Centro de Investigación en Productos Naturales (CIPRONA), Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica, and Molecular Networks GmbH−Computerchemie, 91052 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Lothar Terfloth
- Institut für Pharmazeutische Wissenschaften, Lehrstuhl für Pharmazeutische Biologie and Biotechnologie, Universität Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany, Escuela de Quimica y Centro de Investigación en Productos Naturales (CIPRONA), Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica, and Molecular Networks GmbH−Computerchemie, 91052 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Johann Gasteiger
- Institut für Pharmazeutische Wissenschaften, Lehrstuhl für Pharmazeutische Biologie and Biotechnologie, Universität Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany, Escuela de Quimica y Centro de Investigación en Productos Naturales (CIPRONA), Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica, and Molecular Networks GmbH−Computerchemie, 91052 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Irmgard Merfort
- Institut für Pharmazeutische Wissenschaften, Lehrstuhl für Pharmazeutische Biologie and Biotechnologie, Universität Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany, Escuela de Quimica y Centro de Investigación en Productos Naturales (CIPRONA), Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica, and Molecular Networks GmbH−Computerchemie, 91052 Erlangen, Germany
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Lu H, Chen X, Zhan CG. First-principles calculation of pKa for cocaine, nicotine, neurotransmitters, and anilines in aqueous solution. J Phys Chem B 2007; 111:10599-605. [PMID: 17691837 PMCID: PMC2882246 DOI: 10.1021/jp072917r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The absolute pKa values of 24 representative amine compounds, including cocaine, nicotine, 10 neurotransmitters, and 12 anilines, in aqueous solution were calculated by performing first-principles electronic structure calculations that account for the solvent effects using four different solvation models, i.e., the surface and volume polarization for electrostatic interaction (SVPE) model, the standard polarizable continuum model (PCM), the integral equation formalism for the polarizable continuum model (IEFPCM), and the conductor-like screening solvation model (COSMO). Within the examined computational methods, the calculations using the SVPE model lead to the absolute pKa values with the smallest root-mean-square-deviation (rmsd) value (1.18). When the SVPE model was replaced by the PCM, IEFPCM, and COSMO, the rmsd value of the calculated absolute pKa values became 3.21, 2.72, and 3.08, respectively. All types of calculated pKa values linearly correlate with the experimental pKa values very well. With the empirical corrections using the linear correlation relationships, the theoretical pKa values are much closer to the corresponding experimental data and the rmsd values become 0.51-0.83. The smallest rmsd value (0.51) is also associated with the SVPE model. All of the results suggest that the first-principles electronic structure calculations using the SVPE model are a reliable approach to the pKa prediction for the amine compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiting Lu
- Key Laboratory of Pesticide & Chemical Biology of the Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, 430079, P. R. China
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, 725 Rose Street, Lexington, KY 40536
| | - Xi Chen
- Key Laboratory of Pesticide & Chemical Biology of the Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, 430079, P. R. China
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, 725 Rose Street, Lexington, KY 40536
| | - Chang-Guo Zhan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, 725 Rose Street, Lexington, KY 40536
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Zheng F, Zheng G, Deaciuc AG, Zhan CG, Dwoskin LP, Crooks PA. Computational neural network analysis of the affinity of lobeline and tetrabenazine analogs for the vesicular monoamine transporter-2. Bioorg Med Chem 2007; 15:2975-92. [PMID: 17331733 PMCID: PMC2001191 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2007.02.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2006] [Revised: 01/30/2007] [Accepted: 02/08/2007] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Back-propagation artificial neural networks (ANNs) were trained on a dataset of 104 VMAT2 ligands with experimentally measured log(1/K(i)) values. A set of related descriptors, including topological, geometrical, GETAWAY, aromaticity, and WHIM descriptors, was selected to build nonlinear quantitative structure-activity relationships. A partial least squares (PLS) regression model was also developed for comparison. The nonlinearity of the relationship between molecular descriptors and VMAT2 ligand activity was demonstrated. The obtained neural network model outperformed the PLS model in both the fitting and predictive ability. ANN analysis indicated that the computed activities were in excellent agreement with the experimentally observed values (r(2)=0.91, rmsd=0.225; predictive q(2)=0.82, loormsd=0.316). The generated models were further tested by use of an external prediction set of 15 molecules. The nonlinear ANN model has r(2)=0.93 and root-mean-square errors of 0.282 compared with the experimentally measured activity of the test set. The stability test of the model with regard to data division was found to be positive, indicating that the generated model is predictive. The modeling study also reflected the important role of atomic distribution in the molecules, size, and steric structure of the molecules when they interact with the target, VMAT2. The developed models are expected to be useful in the rational design of new chemical entities as ligands of VMAT2 and for directing synthesis of new molecules in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Zheng
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
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