A pyridoxine cyclic phosphate and its 6-azoaryl derivative selectively potentiate and antagonize activation of P2X1 receptors

The P2X1 receptor as a therapeutic target

Within the family of purinergic receptors, the P2X1 receptor is a ligand-gated ion channel that plays a role in urogenital, immune and cardiovascular function. Specifically, the P2X1 receptor has been implicated in controlling smooth muscle contractions of the vas deferens and therefore has emerged as an exciting drug target for male contraception. In addition, the P2X1 receptor contributes to smooth muscle contractions of the bladder and is a target to treat bladder dysfunction. Finally, platelets and neutrophils have populations of P2X1 receptors that could be targeted for thrombosis and inflammatory conditions. Drugs that specifically target the P2X1 receptor have been challenging to develop, and only recently have small molecule antagonists of the P2X1 receptor been available. However, these ligands need further biological validation for appropriate selectivity and drug-like properties before they will be suitable for use in preclinical models of disease. Although the atomic structure of the P2X1 receptor has yet to be determined, the recent discovery of several other P2X receptor structures and improvements in the field of structural biology suggests that this is now a distinct possibility. Such efforts may significantly improve drug discovery efforts at the P2X1 receptor.

Dihydropyridines Potentiate ATP-Induced Currents Mediated by the Full-Length Human P2X5 Receptor

The P2X5 receptor, an ATP-gated cation channel, is believed to be involved in tumor development, inflammatory bone loss and inflammasome activation after bacterial infection. Therefore, it is a worthwhile pharmacological target to treat the corresponding diseases, especially in minority populations that have a gene variant coding for functional homotrimeric P2X5 channels. Here, we investigated the effects of dihydropyridines on the human full-length P2X5 receptor (hP2X5^FL) heterologously expressed in Xenopus oocytes using the two-microelectrode voltage clamp method. Agonist dependency, kinetics and permeation behavior, including Cl⁻ permeability, were similar to hP2X5^FL expressed in HEK293 or 1321N1 cells. Additionally, 1,4-dihydropyridines have been shown to interact with various other purinergic receptors, and we have examined them as potential hP2X5 modulators. Of seven commercially available and four newly synthesized dihydropyridines tested at hP2X5^FL, only amlodipine exerted an inhibitory effect, but only at a high concentration of 300 µM. Isradipine and—even more—nimodipine stimulated ATP-induced currents in the low micromolar range. We conclude that common dihydropyridines or four new derivatives of amlodipine are not suitable as hP2X5 antagonists, but amlodipine might serve as a lead for future synthesis to increase its affinity. Furthermore, a side effect of nimodipine therapy could be a stimulatory effect on inflammatory processes.

Medicinal chemistry of P2 and adenosine receptors: Common scaffolds adapted for multiple targets

Prof. Geoffrey Burnstock originated the concept of purinergic signaling. He demonstrated the interactions and biological roles of ionotropic P2X and metabotropic P2Y receptors. This review paper traces the historical origins of many currently used antagonists and agonists for P2 receptors, as well as adenosine receptors, in early attempts to identify ligands for these receptors - prior to the use of chemical libraries for screening. Rather than presenting a general review of current purinergic ligands, we focus on common chemical scaffolds (privileged scaffolds) that can be adapted for multiple receptor targets. By carefully analyzing the structure activity relationships, one can direct the selectivity of these scaffolds toward different receptor subtypes. For example, the weak and non-selective P2 antagonist reactive blue 2 (RB-2) was derivatized using combinatorial synthetic approaches, leading to the identification of selective P2Y2, P2Y4, P2Y12 or P2X2 receptor antagonists. A P2X4 antagonist NC-2600 is in a clinical trial, and A3 adenosine agonists show promise, for chronic pain. P2X7 antagonists have been in clinical trials for depression (JNJ-54175446), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), Crohn's disease, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory pain and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). P2X3 antagonists are in clinical trials for chronic cough, and an antagonist named after Burnstock, gefapixant, is expected to be the first P2X3 antagonist filed for approval. We are seeing that the vision of Prof. Burnstock to use purinergic signaling modulators, most recently at P2XRs, for treating disease is coming to fruition.

Update of P2X receptor properties and their pharmacology: IUPHAR Review 30

The known seven mammalian receptor subunits (P2X1–7) form cationic channels gated by ATP. Three subunits compose a receptor channel. Each subunit is a polypeptide consisting of two transmembrane regions (TM1 and TM2), intracellular N- and C-termini, and a bulky extracellular loop. Crystallization allowed the identification of the 3D structure and gating cycle of P2X receptors. The agonist-binding pocket is located at the intersection of two neighbouring subunits. In addition to the mammalian P2X receptors, their primitive ligand-gated counterparts with little structural similarity have also been cloned. Selective agonists for P2X receptor subtypes are not available, but medicinal chemistry supplied a range of subtype-selective antagonists, as well as positive and negative allosteric modulators. Knockout mice and selective antagonists helped to identify pathological functions due to defective P2X receptors, such as male infertility (P2X1), hearing loss (P2X2), pain/cough (P2X3), neuropathic pain (P2X4), inflammatory bone loss (P2X5), and faulty immune reactions (P2X7).

To Inhibit or Enhance? Is There a Benefit to Positive Allosteric Modulation of P2X Receptors?

The family of ligand-gated ion channels known as P2X receptors were discovered several decades ago. Since the cloning of the seven P2X receptors (P2X1-P2X7), a huge research effort has elucidated their roles in regulating a range of physiological and pathophysiological processes. Transgenic animals have been influential in understanding which P2X receptors could be new therapeutic targets for disease. Furthermore, understanding how inherited mutations can increase susceptibility to disorders and diseases has advanced this knowledge base. There has been an emphasis on the discovery and development of pharmacological tools to help dissect the individual roles of P2X receptors and the pharmaceutical industry has been involved in pushing forward clinical development of several lead compounds. During the discovery phase, a number of positive allosteric modulators have been described for P2X receptors and these have been useful in assigning physiological roles to receptors. This review will consider the major physiological roles of P2X1-P2X7 and discuss whether enhancement of P2X receptor activity would offer any therapeutic benefit. We will review what is known about identified compounds acting as positive allosteric modulators and the recent identification of drug binding pockets for such modulators.

Medicinal chemistry of adenosine, P2Y and P2X receptors

Pharmacological tool compounds are now available to define action at the adenosine (ARs), P2Y and P2X receptors. We present a selection of the most commonly used agents to study purines in the nervous system. Some of these compounds, including A1 and A3 AR agonists, P2Y1R and P2Y12R antagonists, and P2X3, P2X4 and P2X7 antagonists, are potentially of clinical use in treatment of disorders of the nervous system, such as chronic pain, neurodegeneration and brain injury. Agonists of the A2AAR and P2Y2R are already used clinically, P2Y12R antagonists are widely used antithrombotics and an antagonist of the A2AAR is approved in Japan for treating Parkinson's disease. The selectivity defined for some of the previously introduced compounds has been revised with updated pharmacological characterization, for example, various AR agonists and antagonists were deemed A1AR or A3AR selective based on human data, but species differences indicated a reduction in selectivity ratios in other species. Also, many of the P2R ligands still lack bioavailability due to charged groups or hydrolytic (either enzymatic or chemical) instability. X-ray crystallographic structures of AR and P2YRs have shifted the mode of ligand discovery to structure-based approaches rather than previous empirical approaches. The X-ray structures can be utilized either for in silico screening of chemically diverse libraries for the discovery of novel ligands or for enhancement of the properties of known ligands by chemical modification. Although X-ray structures of the zebrafish P2X4R have been reported, there is scant structural information about ligand recognition in these trimeric ion channels. In summary, there are definitive, selective agonists and antagonists for all of the ARs and some of the P2YRs; while the pharmacochemistry of P2XRs is still in nascent stages. The therapeutic potential of selectively modulating these receptors is continuing to gain interest in such fields as cancer, inflammation, pain, diabetes, ischemic protection and many other conditions. This article is part of the Special Issue entitled 'Purines in Neurodegeneration and Neuroregeneration'.

The Concise Guide to PHARMACOLOGY 2013/14: ligand-gated ion channels

The Concise Guide to PHARMACOLOGY 2013/14 provides concise overviews of the key properties of over 2000 human drug targets with their pharmacology, plus links to an open access knowledgebase of drug targets and their ligands (www.guidetopharmacology.org), which provides more detailed views of target and ligand properties. The full contents can be found at http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.12444/full.

Ligand-gated ion channels are one of the seven major pharmacological targets into which the Guide is divided, with the others being G protein-coupled receptors, ion channels, catalytic receptors, nuclear hormone receptors, transporters and enzymes. These are presented with nomenclature guidance and summary information on the best available pharmacological tools, alongside key references and suggestions for further reading. A new landscape format has easy to use tables comparing related targets.

It is a condensed version of material contemporary to late 2013, which is presented in greater detail and constantly updated on the website www.guidetopharmacology.org, superseding data presented in previous Guides to Receptors and Channels. It is produced in conjunction with NC-IUPHAR and provides the official IUPHAR classification and nomenclature for human drug targets, where appropriate. It consolidates information previously curated and displayed separately in IUPHAR-DB and the Guide to Receptors and Channels, providing a permanent, citable, point-in-time record that will survive database updates.

Regulation of ATP-gated P2X channels: from redox signaling to interactions with other proteins

SIGNIFICANCE

The family of purinergic P2X receptors (P2XRs) is a part of ligand-gated superfamily of channels activated by extracellular adenosine-5'-triphosphate. P2XRs are present in virtually all mammalian tissues as well as in tissues of other vertebrate and nonvertebrate species and mediate a large variety of functions, including fast transmission at central synapses, contraction of smooth muscle cells, platelet aggregation, and macrophage activation to proliferation and cell death.

RECENT ADVANCES

The recent solving of crystal structure of the zebrafish P2X4.1R is a major advance in the understanding of structural correlates of channel activation and regulation. Combined with growing information obtained in the post-structure era and the reinterpretation of previous work within the context of the tridimensional structure, these data provide a better understanding of how the channel operates at the molecular levels.

CRITICAL ISSUES

This review focuses on the relationship between redox signaling and P2XR function. We also discuss other allosteric modulation of P2XR gating in the physiological/pathophysiological context. This includes the summary of extracellular actions of trace metals, which can be released to the synaptic cleft, pH decrease that happens during ischemia and inflammation, and calcium, an extracellular and intracellular messenger.

FUTURE DIRECTIONS

Our evolving understanding of activation and regulation of P2XRs is helpful in clarifying the mechanism by which these channels trigger and modulate cellular functions. Further research is required to identify the signaling pathways contributing to the regulation of the receptor activity and to develop novel and receptor-specific allosteric modulators, which could be used in vivo with therapeutic potential.

Experimental and computational study on molecular structure and vibrational analysis of 4,5-Bis(hydroxymethyl)-2-methylpyridin-3-ol by normal coordinate treatment

The experimental and theoretical vibrational spectra of 4,5-Bis(hydroxymethyl)-2-methylpyridin-3-ol were investigated. The experimental FT-IR (450-4000cm(-1)) and FT-Raman spectra (100-3600cm(-1)) of the molecule in the solid phase were recorded. Theoretical vibrational frequencies and geometric parameters (bond lengths and bond angles) were calculated using ab initio Hartree Fock (HF) and density functional B3LYP method with 6-31G(d), 6-311++G(d,p) basis sets by Gaussian program, for the first time. The complete assignments were performed on the basis of the potential energy distribution (PED) of the vibrational modes, calculated with scaled quantum mechanical (SQM) method. The formation of the hydrogen bond was investigated using NBO calculations. The calculated HOMO and LUMO energies show that charge transfer occur within the molecule.

P2X and P2Y nucleotide receptors as targets in cardiovascular disease

Endogenous nucleotides have widespread actions in the cardiovascular system, but it is only recently that the P2X and P2Y receptor subtypes, at which they act, have been identified and subtype-selective agonists and antagonists developed. These advances have greatly increased our understanding of the physiological and pathophysiological functions of P2X and P2Y receptors, but investigation of the clinical usefulness of selective ligands is at an early stage. Nonetheless, the evidence considered in this review demonstrates clearly that various cardiovascular disorders, including vasospasm, hypertension, congestive heart failure and cardiac damage during ischemic episodes, may be viable targets. With further development of novel, selective agonists and antagonists, our understanding will continue to improve and further therapeutic applications are likely to be discovered.

Activation and regulation of purinergic P2X receptor channels

Mammalian ATP-gated nonselective cation channels (P2XRs) can be composed of seven possible subunits, denoted P2X1 to P2X7. Each subunit contains a large ectodomain, two transmembrane domains, and intracellular N and C termini. Functional P2XRs are organized as homomeric and heteromeric trimers. This review focuses on the binding sites involved in the activation (orthosteric) and regulation (allosteric) of P2XRs. The ectodomains contain three ATP binding sites, presumably located between neighboring subunits and formed by highly conserved residues. The detection and coordination of three ATP phosphate residues by positively charged amino acids are likely to play a dominant role in determining agonist potency, whereas an AsnPheArg motif may contribute to binding by coordinating the adenine ring. Nonconserved ectodomain histidines provide the binding sites for trace metals, divalent cations, and protons. The transmembrane domains account not only for the formation of the channel pore but also for the binding of ivermectin (a specific P2X4R allosteric regulator) and alcohols. The N- and C- domains provide the structures that determine the kinetics of receptor desensitization and/or pore dilation and are critical for the regulation of receptor functions by intracellular messengers, kinases, reactive oxygen species and mercury. The recent publication of the crystal structure of the zebrafish P2X4.1R in a closed state provides a major advance in the understanding of this family of receptor channels. We will discuss data obtained from numerous site-directed mutagenesis experiments accumulated during the last 15 years with reference to the crystal structure, allowing a structural interpretation of the molecular basis of orthosteric and allosteric ligand actions.

The P2 receptor antagonist PPADS supports recovery from experimental stroke in vivo

BACKGROUND

After ischemia of the CNS, extracellular adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) can reach high concentrations due to cell damage and subsequent increase of membrane permeability. ATP may cause cellular degeneration and death, mediated by P2X and P2Y receptors.

METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS

The effects of inhibition of P2 receptors by pyridoxalphosphate-6-azophenyl-2',4'-disulphonic acid (PPADS) on electrophysiological, functional and morphological alterations in an ischemia model with permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) were investigated up to day 28. Spontaneously hypertensive rats received PPADS or vehicle intracerebroventricularly 15 minutes prior MCAO for up to 7 days. The functional recovery monitored by qEEG was improved by PPADS indicated by an accelerated recovery of ischemia-induced qEEG changes in the delta and alpha frequency bands along with a faster and sustained recovery of motor impairments. Whereas the functional improvements by PPADS were persistent at day 28, the infarct volume measured by magnetic resonance imaging and the amount of TUNEL-positive cells were significantly reduced by PPADS only until day 7. Further, by immunohistochemistry and confocal laser scanning microscopy, we identified both neurons and astrocytes as TUNEL-positive after MCAO.

CONCLUSION

The persistent beneficial effect of PPADS on the functional parameters without differences in the late (day 28) infarct size and apoptosis suggests that the early inhibition of P2 receptors might be favourable for the maintenance or early reconstruction of neuronal connectivity in the periinfarct area after ischemic incidents.

Pharmacochemistry of the platelet purinergic receptors

Platelets contain at least five purinergic G protein-coupled receptors, e.g., the pro-aggregatory P2Y(1) and P2Y(12) receptors, a P2Y(14) receptor (GPR105) of unknown function, and anti-aggregatory A(2A) and A(2B) adenosine receptor (ARs), in addition to the ligand-gated P2X1 ion channel. Probing the structure-activity relationships (SARs) of the P2X and P2Y receptors for extracellular nucleotides has resulted in numerous new agonist and antagonist ligands. Selective agents derived from known ligands and novel chemotypes can be used to help define the subtypes pharmacologically. Some of these agents have entered into clinical trials in spite of the challenges of drug development for these classes of receptors. The functional architecture of P2 receptors was extensively explored using mutagenesis and molecular modeling, which are useful tools in drug discovery. In general, novel drug delivery methods, prodrug approaches, allosteric modulation, and biased agonism would be desirable to overcome side effects that tend to occur even with receptor subtype-selective ligands. Detailed SAR analyses have been constructed for nucleotide and non-nucleotide ligands at the P2Y(1), P2Y(12), and P2Y(14) receptors. The thienopyridine antithrombotic drugs Clopidogrel and Prasugrel require enzymatic pre-activation in vivo and react irreversibly with the P2Y(12) receptor. There is much pharmaceutical development activity aimed at identifying reversible P2Y(12) receptor antagonists. The screening of chemically diverse compound libraries has identified novel chemotypes that act as competitive, non-nucleotide antagonists of the P2Y(1) receptor or the P2Y(12) receptor, and antithrombotic properties of the structurally optimized analogues were demonstrated. In silico screening at the A(2A) AR has identified antagonist molecules having novel chemotypes. Fluorescent and other reporter groups incorporated into ligands can enable new technology for receptor assays and imaging. The A(2A) agonist CGS21680 and the P2Y(1) receptor antagonist MRS2500 were derivatized for covalent attachment to polyamidoamine dendrimeric carriers of MW 20,000, and the resulting multivalent conjugates inhibited ADP-promoted platelet aggregation. In conclusion, a wide range of new pharmacological tools is available to control platelet function by interacting with cell surface purine receptors.

Pharmacology of P2X channels

Significant progress in understanding the pharmacological characteristics and physiological importance of homomeric and heteromeric P2X channels has been achieved in recent years. P2X channels, gated by ATP and most likely trimerically assembled from seven known P2X subunits, are present in a broad distribution of tissues and are thought to play an important role in a variety of physiological functions, including peripheral and central neuronal transmission, smooth muscle contraction, and inflammation. The known homomeric and heteromeric P2X channels can be distinguished from each other on the basis of pharmacological differences when expressed recombinantly in cell lines, but whether this pharmacological classification holds true in native cells and in vivo is less well-established. Nevertheless, several potent and selective P2X antagonists have been discovered in recent years and shown to be efficacious in various animal models including those for visceral organ function, chronic inflammatory and neuropathic pain, and inflammation. The recent advancement of drug candidates targeting P2X channels into human trials, confirms the medicinal exploitability of this novel target family and provides hope that safe and effective medicines for the treatment of disorders involving P2X channels may be identified in the near future.

Expression of functional purinergic receptors in pulmonary neuroepithelial bodies and their role in hypoxia chemotransmission

Adenine nucleotides act through specific cell surface receptors to invoke a variety of biological responses. Here we show that cells of neuroepithelial bodies (NEB), presumed O2 airway sensors in neonatal hamster lung, express functional P2X receptors (P2X-R). Positive immunostaining was detected in NEB cells using double-label immunohistochemistry with antibodies against P2X2 and P2X3 receptor subunits, which co-localized with serotonin (5-HT), a marker of NEB cells. For electrophysiological characterization of P2X2-R in NEB cells, fresh neonatal hamster lung slice preparation was used. Under whole-cell patch clamp, perfusion with ATP induced a concentration-dependent, non-desensitizing inward current (EC50=12 microM). Perfusion with alpha,beta-methylene ATP also induced a slow-desensitizing inward current (EC50=8.2 microM). Suramin (IC50 ca. 43 microM) and TNP-ATP (IC50 ca. 8 microM) blocked the currents evoked by both ATP and alpha,beta-methylene ATP. Using carbon fiber amperometry we observed that hypoxia and ATP induced 5-HT release from NEB cells and that this release was blocked by suramin. These data suggest that functional P2X2/3 heteromeric receptors are expressed in NEB cells. The possible function of these purinoreceptors in NEB cells could include modulation of hypoxia chemotransmission.

Molecular physiology of P2X receptors

P2X receptors are membrane ion channels that open in response to the binding of extracellular ATP. Seven genes in vertebrates encode P2X receptor subunits, which are 40-50% identical in amino acid sequence. Each subunit has two transmembrane domains, separated by an extracellular domain (approximately 280 amino acids). Channels form as multimers of several subunits. Homomeric P2X1, P2X2, P2X3, P2X4, P2X5, and P2X7 channels and heteromeric P2X2/3 and P2X1/5 channels have been most fully characterized following heterologous expression. Some agonists (e.g., alphabeta-methylene ATP) and antagonists [e.g., 2',3'-O-(2,4,6-trinitrophenyl)-ATP] are strongly selective for receptors containing P2X1 and P2X3 subunits. All P2X receptors are permeable to small monovalent cations; some have significant calcium or anion permeability. In many cells, activation of homomeric P2X7 receptors induces a permeability increase to larger organic cations including some fluorescent dyes and also signals to the cytoskeleton; these changes probably involve additional interacting proteins. P2X receptors are abundantly distributed, and functional responses are seen in neurons, glia, epithelia, endothelia, bone, muscle, and hemopoietic tissues. The molecular composition of native receptors is becoming understood, and some cells express more than one type of P2X receptor. On smooth muscles, P2X receptors respond to ATP released from sympathetic motor nerves (e.g., in ejaculation). On sensory nerves, they are involved in the initiation of afferent signals in several viscera (e.g., bladder, intestine) and play a key role in sensing tissue-damaging and inflammatory stimuli. Paracrine roles for ATP signaling through P2X receptors are likely in neurohypophysis, ducted glands, airway epithelia, kidney, bone, and hemopoietic tissues. In the last case, P2X7 receptor activation stimulates cytokine release by engaging intracellular signaling pathways.

Kinetics of antagonist actions at rat P2X2/3 heteromeric receptors

1. Currents through heteromeric P2X(2/3) receptors were evoked by applying alpha,beta-methylene-ATP to human embryonic kidney cells transfected with cDNAs encoding the P2X(2) and P2X(3) subunits. The concentration of alpha,beta-methylene-ATP were < or =30 microM because higher concentrations can activate homomeric P2X(2) receptors. The kinetics of action of three structurally unrelated antagonists were studied; these were 2', 3'-O-(2,4,6,trinitrophenyl)-ATP (TNP-ATP), pyridoxal-5-phosphate-6-azophenyl-2',4'-disulphonate (PPADS) and suramin. The association and dissociation rate constants were determined by pre-applying the antagonist for various periods prior to the co-application of agonist and antagonist, or by changing the solution from one containing only the agonist to one containing both agonist and antagonist. The high affinity of TNP-ATP for the P2X(2/3) receptor (K(D) approximately 2 nM) results from fast binding (k(+1) approximately 100 microM(-1) s(-1)) rather than slow unbinding (k(-1) approximately 0.3 s(-1)). For suramin (K(D) approximately 1 microM) the association rate constant ( approximately 1 microM(-1) s(-1)) was 100 times slower than that of TNP-ATP but the dissociation rate constant was similar (k(-1) approximately 1 s(-1)). PPADS (K(D) approximately 0.1 microM) associated and dissociated some 100 - 10,000 times more slowly than the other antagonists.

Actions of a Series of PPADS Analogs at P2X1 and P2X3 Receptors

[Table: see text] Seven PPADS (Pyridoxal-5'-Phosphate 6-Azophenyl 2',4'-DiSulfonate) analogs were investigated at Group 1 P2X receptors expressed in Xenopus oocytes. All seven analogs potently inhibited P2X1 (IC50 range, 5-32 nM) and P2X3 (IC50 range, 22-345 nM), the two Group I P2X receptor subtypes. Analogs showed greater inhibitory activity where the pyridoxal moiety of PPADS contained a 5'-phosphonate group, rather than a 5'-phosphate group. Analogs also showed greater potency where disulfonate groups were removed from, or substituted at, the azophenyl moiety. The most active analog was MRS 2257 (pyridoxal-5'-phosphonate 6-azophenyl 3',5'-bismethylenephosphonate) at P2X1 (IC50, 5 nM) and P2X3 (IC50, 22 nM) receptors, being 14-fold and 10-fold more potent than PPADS itself. MRS 2257 produced a nonsurmountable inhibition when tested against a range of ATP concentrations, although blockade was reversed by about 85% after 20 minutes of washout. TNP-ATP and Ip5I were equipotent with MRS 2257 at P2X1 receptors, whereas TNP-ATP was 64-fold more potent than MRS 2257 at P2X3 receptors. In conclusion, the PPADS template can be altered at the pyridoxal and phenyl moieties to produce P2X1 and P2X3 receptor antagonists showing higher potency and greater degree of reversibility than the parent compound at these Group I P2X receptors.

Structure-activity relationships of pyridoxal phosphate derivatives as potent and selective antagonists of P2X1 receptors

Novel analogues of the P2 receptor antagonist pyridoxal-5'-phosphate 6-azophenyl-2',5'-disulfonate (2) were synthesized and studied as antagonists in functional assays at recombinant rat P2X1, P2X2, and P2X3 receptors expressed in Xenopus oocytes (ion flux stimulation) and at turkey erythrocyte P2Y1 receptors (phospholipase C activation). Selected compounds were also evaluated as antagonists of ion flux and the opening of a large pore at the recombinant human P2X7 receptor. Modifications were made in the 4-aldehyde and 5'-phosphate groups of the pyridoxal moiety: i.e. a CH2OH group at the 4-position in pyridoxine was either condensed as a cyclic phosphate or phosphorylated separately to form a bisphosphate, which reduced potency at P2 receptors. 5-Methylphosphonate substitution, anticipated to increase stability to hydrolysis, preserved P2 receptor potency. At the 6-position, halo, carboxylate, sulfonate, and phosphonate variations made on the phenylazo ring modulated potency at P2 receptors. The p-carboxyphenylazo analogue, 4, of phosphate 2 displayed an IC50 value of 9 nM at recombinant P2X1 receptors and was 1300-, 16-, and > 10,000-fold selective for P2X1 versus P2X2, P2X3, and P2Y1 subtypes, respectively. The corresponding 5-methylphosphonate was equipotent at P2X1 receptors. The 5-methylphosphonate analogue containing a 6-[3,5-bis(methylphosphonate)]phenylazo moiety, 9, had IC50 values of 11 and 25 nM at recombinant P2X1 and P2X3 receptors, respectively. The analogue containing a phenylazo 4-phosphonate group, 11, was also very potent at both P2X1 and P2X3 receptors. However, the corresponding 2,5-disulfonate analogue, 10, was 28-fold selective for P2X1 versus P2X3 receptors. None of the analogues were more potent at P2X7 and P2Y1 receptors than 2, which acted in the micromolar range at these two subtypes.

Inhibition of Ecto-Apyrase and Ecto-ATPase by Pyridoxal Phosphate-Related Compounds

Studies of nucleotide receptors (P2-receptors) in cells and tissues are complicated by cleavage of phosphate groups from nucleotide agonist ligands by ecto-nucleotidases. Some P2 receptor antagonists may also inhibit ecto-nucleotidases, making these studies even more complex. In order to systematically approach this problem, we investigated structure-activity relationships of pyridoxal-5'-phosphate-6-azophenyl-2,4-disulfonate (PPADS) and 14 derivatives, many potent as antagonists at P2 receptors, as inhibitors of ecto-nucleotidases. The compounds were tested for their ability to inhibit enzymatic nucleotide breakdown by CHO cells stably transfected with plasmids containing the cDNA for rat ecto-apyrase (NTPDase1) and rat ecto-ATPase (NTPDase2). All inhibitors were tested at a concentration of 100 µM and ATP hydrolysis was quantified by HPLC. Maximal inhibition obtained for ecto-apyrase and ecto-ATPase was 60% and 35%, respectively. Most PPADS analogs were better inhibitors of ecto-apyrase than of ecto-ATPase. Compound 8, a phosphate derivative, inhibited ecto-apyrase with no inhibition evident at ecto-ATPase. Comparison of pharmacological data of PPADS analogs at P2 receptors as previously determined showed that four PPADS analogs exhibited selectivity for P2X nucleotide receptors. None of these compounds inhibited ecto-ATPase, while two inhibited the ecto-apyrase. Compound 14, a bisphosphate derivative, inhibited ecto-ATPase without inhibition of ecto-apyrase. This compound only weakly antagonized P2X₁ receptors and was inactive at P2X₂ and P2Y₁ receptors, thus bearing some selectivity for ecto-ATPase. Compound 7, a 5-methylphosphonate derivative, a potent antagonist of P2X₁ receptors, was inactive at ecto-apyrase and only weakly inhibitory at ecto-ATPase. Thus, PPADS modifications that enhance selectivity among ecto-nucleotidases and P2 receptors have been identified.

Lack of run-down of smooth muscle P2X receptor currents recorded with the amphotericin permeabilized patch technique, physiological and pharmacological characterization of the properties of mesenteric artery P2X receptor ion channels

Immunoreactivity for P2X(1), P2X(4) and P2X(5) receptor subtypes was detected in the smooth muscle cell layer of second and third order rat mesenteric arteries immunoreactivity, for P2X(2), P2X(3), P2X(6) and P2X(7) receptors was below the level of detection in the smooth muscle layer. P2X receptor-mediated currents were recorded in patch clamp studies on acutely dissociated mesenteric artery smooth muscle cells. Purinergic agonists evoked transient inward currents that decayed rapidly in the continued presence of agonist (tau approximately 200 ms). Standard whole cell responses to repeated applications of agonist at 5 min intervals ran down. Run-down was unaffected by changes in extracellular calcium concentration, intracellular calcium buffering or the inclusion of ATP and GTP in the pipette solution. Run-down was overcome and reproducible responses to purinergic agonists were recorded using the amphotericin permeabilized patch recording configuration. The rank order of potency at the P2X receptor was ATP=2 methylthio ATP>alpha, beta-methylene ATP>CTP=l-beta,gamma-methylene ATP. Only ATP and 2meSATP were full agonists. The P2 receptor antagonists suramin and PPADS inhibited P2X receptor-mediated currents with IC(50)s of 4 microM and 70 nM respectively. These results provide further characterization of artery P2X receptors and demonstrate that the properties are dominated by a P2X(1)-like receptor phenotype. No evidence could be found for a phenotype corresponding to homomeric P2X(4) or P2X(5) receptors or to heteromeric P2X(1/5) receptors and the functional role of these receptors in arteries remains unclear.

Purification and Recognition of Recombinant Mouse P2X(1) Receptors Expressed in a Baculovirus System

Strategy, Management and Health Policy Venture Capital Enabling TechnologyPreclinical ResearchPreclinical Development Toxicology, Formulation Drug Delivery, PharmacokineticsClinical Development Phases I-III Regulatory, Quality, ManufacturingPostmarketing Phase IVThe hexahistidine-tagged mouse P2X(1) receptor (H-mP2X(1)R), an ATP-gated ion channel receptor, was expressed in a baculovirus system using the pAcHLT-B transfer vector containing a hexahistidine tag. Both widely used denaturing (8M urea) and nondenaturing (such as 1% Triton X-100) solubilization conditions were compared, resulting in about 30% of the P2X(1) receptors being solubilized (S1). However, at pH 13 most of the H-mP2X(1)R from the initially insoluble pellet fraction was solubilized (S2) and remained in the soluble fraction (S3) after dialyzing against a nondenaturing buffer. H-mP2X(1)Rs were purified sequentially through cobalt and ATP affinity columns. Receptors purified from S3 had higher purity than those from S1 (i.e., ~90% vs. ~75%). Circular dichroism spectra indicated identical protein secondary structures of the receptors from both sources. Autoradiographic data showed that the purified receptors from S3 had higher affinity for 8-azido-ATP-γ-(32)P than the receptors from S1. The binding of 8-azido-ATP-γ-(32)P to H-mP2X(1)R was inhibited by ATP-γ-S, α,β-me-ATP, and PPADS, but not by a nucleoside analog (N(6)-methyl-2'-deoxy-adenosine). In the presence of 2 mM Ca(2+) or Mg(2+) the binding was increased, but not when using a partially purified receptor fraction, in which unidentified proteins bound 8-azido-ATP-γ-(32)P or were phosphorylated at 4°C in the presence of 2 mM Mg(2+). These data suggest that the decrease in potency of ATP in the presence of Ca(2+) and Mg(2+), as observed in functional studies, is not due to a direct effect of the cations on the binding of ATP to the receptor. Both cyanogen bromide and hydroxylamine cleavage further confirmed the peptide structure of the purified H-mP2X(1)R. Autoradiographic analysis of the cleavage products showed that 8-azido-ATP-γ-(32)P was crosslinked to the carboxyl side of the extracellular domain of the receptor.

The suramin analogue NF279 is a novel and potent antagonist selective for the P2X(1) receptor

The suramin analogue 8,8'-(carbonylbis(imino-4, 1-phenylenecarbonylimino-4,1-phenylenecarbonylimino)) bis(1,3,5-naphthalenetrisul fonic acid) (NF279) was analysed with respect to its potency and P2X receptor subtype selectivity. Two-electrode voltage-clamp measurements were performed with Xenopus laevis oocytes expressing homomultimeric rat P2X(1), P2X(2), P2X(3) and human P2X(4) receptors. For the fast desensitising P2X(1) and P2X(3) receptors, IC(50) values strongly depended on whether oocytes were pre-incubated with NF279 prior to ATP superfusion or exposed to NF279 simultaneously with ATP. With a 10 s pre-incubation period of NF279, IC(50) values of 19 nM and 1.62 microM were obtained for rat P2X(1) and P2X(3), respectively. Without pre-incubation, IC(50) values amounted to 2 microM and 85.5 microM for P2X(1) and P2X(3), respectively. For the non-desensitising rat P2X(2) receptor NF279 appeared to act as a competitive antagonist with an IC(50) value of 0.76 microM and a K(B) value of 0.36 microM, as derived from Schild analysis. P2X(4) receptors were the least sensitive subtypes for NF279 (IC(50)>300 microM). The antagonism was fully reversible at all P2X subtypes analysed. Our results indicate that NF279 is a potent P2X(1) receptor-selective and reversible antagonist.

Pharmacology of cloned P2X receptors

There are seven P2X receptor cDNAs currently known. Six homomeric (P2X1, P2X2, P2X3, P2X4, P2X5, P2X7) and three heteromeric (P2X2/P2X3, P2X4/P2X6, P2X1/P2X5) P2X receptor channels have been characterized in heterologous expression systems. Homomeric P2X1 and P2X3 receptors are readily distinguishable by their rapid desensitization, the agonist action of alpha beta methyleneATP, and the block by 2',3'-O-(2,4,6-trinitrophenyl)-ATP. P2X2 receptors are unique among homomeric forms in their potentiation by low pH. Homomeric P2X4 receptors are much less sensitive to antagonism by suramin and pyridoxal 5-phosphate-6-azo-2',4'-disulfonic acid. Homomeric P2X7 receptors are the only form in which 2',3'-O-(4-benzoylbenzoyl)-ATP is more potent than ATP. The heteromeric P2X2/P2X3 receptor resembles P2X2 in slow desensitization kinetics and potentiation by low pH and is similar to P2X3 with respect to agonism by alpha beta methyleneATP and block by 2',3'-O-(2,4,6-trinitrophenyl)-ATP. Other agonists, antagonists, and ions that can be used to differentiate among the receptors are discussed.

The novel heteromeric bivalent ligand SB9 potently antagonizes P2Y(1) receptor-mediated responses

Effects of 6-[(4,6,8-trisulfo-1-naphthyl)iminocarbonyl-1, 3-(4-methylphenylene)iminocarbonyl-1, 3-phenylene-azo]-pyridoxal-5'-phosphate (SB9), a heterodimeric bivalent ligand consisting of pyridoxal-5'-phosphate and the suramin monomer, were studied on contractions of the rat vas deferens elicited by alpha beta-methylene ATP (alpha beta meATP; mediated by P2X(1)-like receptors), contractions of the guinea-pig ileal longitudinal smooth muscle elicited by adenosine 5'-O-(2-thiodiphosphate) (ADP beta S mediated by P2Y(1)-like receptors), and the degradation of ATP by ecto-nucleotidases in folliculated Xenopus laevis oocytes. SB9 (0.1-10 microM) antagonized contractile responses produced by alpha beta meATP or ADP beta S in a concentration-dependent manner. Schild analysis yielded linear regression lines of unit slope, indicating competitive antagonism. From the rightward shifts of the agonist concentration-response curves pA(2) values of 6.05+/-0.13 (vas deferens) and 6.98+/-0.07 (ileum) were derived. In both preparations, SB9 behaved as a slow onset, slow offset antagonist. Incubation of three oocytes in the presence of ATP produced an increase in inorganic phosphate (P(i)) over a 30-min period, which amounted to 35.1+/-1.9 microM P(i) from 100 microM ATP. SB9 (10-1000 microM) reduced this degradation (pIC(50)=4.33+/-0.10). The results illustrate that SB9 is a high-affinity P2Y(1) receptor antagonist with a remarkable selectivity for P2Y(1) vs. P2X(1) receptors (about 10-fold) and ecto-nucleotidases (447-fold). These properties make it unique among the pyridoxal-5'-phosphate and suramin derivatives reported to date.

In search of selective P2 receptor ligands: interaction of dihydropyridine derivatives at recombinant rat P2X(2) receptors

1,4-Dihydropyridines are regarded as privileged structures for drug design, i.e. they tend to bind to a wide variety of receptor sites. We have shown that upon appropriate manipulation of the substituent groups on a 1,4-dihydropyridine template, high affinity and selectivity for the A(3) subtype of adenosine receptors ('P1 receptors') may be attained. In the present study we have begun to extend this approach to P2 receptors which are activated by ATP and other nucleotides. Nicardipine, a representative dihydropyridine, used otherwise as an L-type calcium channel blocker, was shown to be an antagonist at recombinant rat P2X(2) (IC(50)=25 microM) and P2X(4) (IC(50) approximately 220 microM) receptors expressed in Xenopus oocytes. Thus, this class of compounds represents a suitable lead for enhancement of affinity through chemical synthesis. In an attempt to modify the 1,4-dihydropyridine structure with a predicted P2 receptor recognition moiety, we have replaced one of the ester groups with a negatively charged phosphonate group. Several 4-phenyl-5-phosphonato-1,4-dihydropyridine derivatives, MRS 2154 (2, 6-dimethyl), MRS 2155 (6-methyl-2-phenyl), and MRS 2156 (2-methyl-6-phenyl), were synthesized through three component condensation reactions. These derivatives were not pure antagonists of the effects of ATP at P2X(2) receptors, rather were either inactive (MRS 2156) or potentiated the effects of ATP in a concentration-dependent manner (MRS 2154 in the 0.3-10 microM range and MRS 2155 at >1 microM). Antagonism of the effects of ATP at P2X(2) receptor superimposed on the potentiation was also observed at >10 microM (MRS 2154) or 0.3-1 microM (MRS 2155). Thus, while a conventional dihydropyridine, nicardipine, was found to antagonize rat P2X(2) receptors ninefold more potently than P2X(4) receptors, the effects of novel, anionic 5-phosphonate analogues at the receptor were more complex.

The novel pyridoxal-5'-phosphate derivative PPNDS potently antagonizes activation of P2X(1) receptors

Pyridoxal-5'-phosphate-6-(2'-naphthylazo-6'-nitro-4',8'-disulfonat e) (PPNDS) potently antagonized P2X(1) receptor-mediated responses in rat vas deferens (pK(B)=7.43) and Xenopus laevis oocytes (pIC(50)=7. 84). It showed lower (up to 20,000-fold) inhibitory potency on ecto-nucleotidase in Xenopus oocytes and on P2Y(1) receptors in guinea-pig ileum (pA(2)=6.13). PPNDS did not interact with alpha(1A)-adrenoceptors, adenosine A(1) and A(2B), histamine H(1) and muscarinic M(3) receptors. Thus, PPNDS is a novel, specific P2 receptor antagonist and represents the pyridoxal-5'-phosphate derivative with the highest potency at P2X(1) receptors.

Reduced vas deferens contraction and male infertility in mice lacking P2X1 receptors

P2X1 receptors for ATP are ligand-gated cation channels, present on many excitable cells including vas deferens smooth muscle cells. A substantial component of the contractile response of the vas deferens to sympathetic nerve stimulation, which propels sperm into the ejaculate, is mediated through P2X receptors. Here we show that male fertility is reduced by approximately 90% in mice with a targeted deletion of the P2X1 receptor gene. Male mice copulate normally--reduced fertility results from a reduction of sperm in the ejaculate and not from sperm dysfunction. Female mice and heterozygote mice are unaffected. In P2X1-receptor-deficient mice, contraction of the vas deferens to sympathetic nerve stimulation is reduced by up to 60% and responses to P2X receptor agonists are abolished. These results show that P2X1 receptors are essential for normal male reproductive function and suggest that the development of selective P2X1 receptor antagonists may provide an effective non-hormonal male contraceptive pill. Also, agents that potentiate the actions of ATP at P2X1 receptors may be useful in the treatment of male infertility.

Novel ligands for P2 receptor subtypes in innervated tissues

Among suramin analogues, the properties of P2 receptor subtype blockade and ecto-nucleotidase inhibition appear to be controlled by different structural parameters (Fig. 1 and 2, Table 1; Van Rhee et al., 1994; Beukers et al., 1995; Bültmann et al., 1996; Damer et al., 1998a, 1998b; and this study): the molecular size of the compounds, the position of the sulfonic acid residues in the naphthalene rings, the substitution pattern of the benzoyl moieties and the 3'- or 4'-aminobenzoyl-linkages of the phenyl rings "1" and "2". As a result, compounds with different receptor selectivity profiles were obtained. A maximum in potency at and selectivity for P2X1 receptors is reached in NF279, which is a specific P2 receptor antagonist and the compound with the highest P2X1 vs. P2Y receptor and ecto-nucleotidase selectivity presently available.

Diinosine pentaphosphate (IP5I) is a potent antagonist at recombinant rat P2X1 receptors

1. The antagonist activity of a series of diinosine polyphosphates (IpnI, where n=3, 4, 5) was assessed against ATP-activated inward currents at rat P2X(1-4) receptors expressed in Xenopus oocytes and studied under voltage-clamp conditions. 2. Diinosine polyphosphates were prepared by the enzymatic degradation of their corresponding diadenosine polyphosphates (e.g., Ap5A into Ip5I) using 5'-adenylic deaminase, and purified using reverse-phase chromatography. 3. Against ATP-responses at rP2X1 receptors, the potency order for antagonism was (pIC50): Ip5I (8.5)>Ip4I (6.3)>Ip3I (>4.5). Ip5I (10-100 nM) caused a concentration-dependent rightwards displacement of the ATP concentration-response curve without reducing the maximum ATP effect. However, the Schild plot was non-linear which indicated Ip5I is not a competitive antagonist. Blockade by micromolar concentrations of Ip5I was not surmountable. Ip4I also behaved as a non-surmountable antagonist. 4. Against ATP-responses at rP2X3 receptors, the potency order for antagonism was (pIC50): Ip4I (6. 0)>Ip5I (5.6)>Ip3I (>4.5). Blockade by Ip4I (pA2, 6.75) and Ip5I (pA2, 6.27) was surmountable at micromolar concentrations. 5. Diinosine polyphosphates failed to inhibit ATP-responses at rP2X2 receptors, whereas agonist responses at rP2X4 were reversibly potentiated by Ip4I and Ip5I. None of the parent diadenosine polyphosphates behave as antagonists at rP2X1 - 4 receptors. 6. Thus, Ip5I acted as a potent and relatively-selective antagonist at the rP2X1 receptor. This dinucleotide pentaphosphate represents a high-affinity antagonist for the P2X1 receptor, at which it acts in a competitive manner at low (</=100 nM) concentrations but has more complex actions at higher (>100 nM) concentrations.

Structure-activity relationships of bisphosphate nucleotide derivatives as P2Y1 receptor antagonists and partial agonists

The P2Y1 receptor is present in the heart, in skeletal and various smooth muscles, and in platelets, where its activation is linked to aggregation. Adenosine 3',5'- and 2',5'-bisphosphates have been identified as selective antagonists at the P2Y1 receptor (Boyer et al. Mol. Pharmacol. 1996, 50, 1323-1329) and have been modified structurally to increase receptor affinity (Camaioni et al. J. Med. Chem. 1998, 41, 183-190). We have extended the structure-activity relationships to a new series of deoxyadenosine bisphosphates with substitutions in the adenine base, ribose moiety, and phosphate groups. The activity of each analogue at P2Y1 receptors was determined by measuring its capacity to stimulate phospholipase C in turkey erythrocyte membranes (agonist effect) and to inhibit phospholipase C stimulation elicited by 10 nM 2-(methylthio)adenosine 5'-diphosphate (antagonist effect). 2'-Deoxyadenosine bisphosphate analogues containing halo, amino, and thioether groups at the 2-position of the adenine ring were more potent P2Y1 receptor antagonists than analogues containing various heteroatom substitutions at the 8-position. An N6-methyl-2-chloro analogue, 6, was a full antagonist and displayed an IC50 of 206 nM. Similarly, N6-methyl-2-alkylthio derivatives 10, 14, and 15 were nearly full antagonists of IC50 < 0.5 microM. On the ribose moiety, 2'-hydroxy, 4'-thio, carbocyclic, and six-membered anhydrohexitol ring modifications have been prepared and resulted in enhanced agonist properties. The 1,5-anhydrohexitol analogue 36 was a pure agonist with an EC50 of 3 microM, i.e., similar in potency to ATP. 5'-Phosphate groups have been modified in the form of triphosphate, methyl phosphate, and cyclic 3',5'-diphosphate derivatives. The carbocyclic analogue had enhanced agonist efficacy, and the 5'-O-phosphonylmethyl modification was tolerated, suggesting that deviations from the nucleotide structure may result in improved utility as pharmacological probes. The N6-methoxy modification eliminated receptor affinity. Pyrimidine nucleoside 3', 5'-bisphosphate derivatives were inactive as agonists or antagonists at P2Y receptor subtypes.

Synthesis and Structure-Activity Relationships of Pyridoxal-6-arylazo-5'-phosphate and Phosphonate Derivatives as P2 Receptor Antagonists

Novel analogs of the P2 receptor antagonist pyridoxal-5'-phosphate-6-phenylazo-2',4'-disulfonate (PPADS) were synthesized. Modifications were made through functional group substitution on the sulfophenyl ring and at the phosphate moiety through the inclusion of phosphonates, demonstrating that a phosphate linkage is not required for P2 receptor antagonism. Substituted 6-phenylazo and 6-naphthylazo derivatives were also evaluated. Among the 6-phenylazo derivatives, 5'-methyl, ethyl, propyl, vinyl, and allyl phosphonates were included. The compounds were tested as antagonists at turkey erythrocyte and guinea-pig taenia coli P2Y(1) receptors, in guinea-pig vas deferens and bladder P2X(1) receptors, and in ion flux experiments by using recombinant rat P2X(2) receptors expressed in Xenopus oocytes. Competitive binding assay at human P2X(1) receptors in differentiated HL-60 cell membranes was carried out by using [(35)S]ATP-γ-S. A 2'-chloro-5'-sulfo analog of PPADS (C(14)H(12)O(9)N(3)ClPSNa), a vinyl phosphonate derivative (C(15)H(12)O(11)N(3)PS(2)Na(3)), and a naphthylazo derivative (C(18)H(14)O(12)N(3)PS(2)Na(2)), were particularly potent in binding to human P2X(1) receptors. The potencies of phosphate derivatives at P2Y(1) receptors were generally similar to PPADS itself, except for the p-carboxyphenylazo phosphate derivative C(15)H(13)O(8)N(3)PNa and its m-chloro analog C(15)H(12)O(8)N(3)ClPNa, which were selective for P2X vs. P2Y(1) receptors. C(15)H(12)O(8)N(3)ClPNa was very potent at rat P2X(2) receptors with an IC(50) value of 0.82 μM. Among the phosphonate derivatives, [4-formyl-3-hydroxy-2-methyl-6-(2-chloro-5-sulfonylphenylazo)-pyrid-5-yl]methylphosphonic acid (C(14)H(12)-O(8)N(3)ClPSNa) showed high potency at P2Y(1) receptors with an IC(50) of 7.23 μM. The corresponding 2,5-disulfonylphenyl derivative was nearly inactive at turkey erythrocyte P2Y(1) receptors, whereas at recombinant P2X(2) receptors had an IC(50) value of 1.1 μM. An ethyl phosphonate derivative (C(15)H(15)O(11)N(3)PS(2)Na(3)), whereas inactive at turkey erythrocyte P2Y(1) receptors, was particularly potent at recombinant P2X(2) receptors.