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Qin J, Cao M, Hu X, Tan W, Ma B, Cao Y, Chen Z, Li Q, Hu G. Dual inhibitors of ASK1 and PDK1 kinases: Design, synthesis, molecular docking and mechanism studies of N-benzyl pyridine-2-one containing derivatives as anti-fibrotic agents. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 247:115057. [PMID: 36603508 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2022.115057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Utilizing fragment-based hybrid designing strategies, 24 N-benzyl pyridine-2-one containing derivatives were synthesized by successfully incorporating 6-(4H-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl) pyridin-2-amine of scaffold of ASK1 inhibitor (GS-444217). These newly synthesized compounds were screened in cell-free ASK1 and PDK1 kinase and cellular vitality assays. Among all compounds tested, both 21c and 21d displayed single digit potency of 9.13, 1.73 nM in inhibiting ASK1, and exhibited excellent enzyme inhibitory activity against PDK1 (the inhibition rates at 10 μM were 13.63% and 23.80%, respectively). Specifically, both compounds inhibited the TGF-β1 induced fibrotic response and blocked the up-regulated protein expression levels of ASK1-p38/JNK signaling pathways and possessed the potency in reducing PDK1/Akt phosphorylation. The results herein showed the potential lead characteristics of 21c or 21d as dual inhibitors ASK1/PDK1 kinases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Qin
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Small Molecules for Diagnosis and Treatment of Chronic Disease, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Organ Fibrosis, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
| | - Meng Cao
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Small Molecules for Diagnosis and Treatment of Chronic Disease, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Organ Fibrosis, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
| | - Xinlan Hu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Small Molecules for Diagnosis and Treatment of Chronic Disease, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Organ Fibrosis, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
| | - Wenhua Tan
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Small Molecules for Diagnosis and Treatment of Chronic Disease, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Organ Fibrosis, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
| | - Binghao Ma
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Small Molecules for Diagnosis and Treatment of Chronic Disease, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Organ Fibrosis, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
| | - Yuanyuan Cao
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Small Molecules for Diagnosis and Treatment of Chronic Disease, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Organ Fibrosis, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
| | - Zhuo Chen
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Small Molecules for Diagnosis and Treatment of Chronic Disease, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Organ Fibrosis, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
| | - Qianbin Li
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Small Molecules for Diagnosis and Treatment of Chronic Disease, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Organ Fibrosis, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China.
| | - Gaoyun Hu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Small Molecules for Diagnosis and Treatment of Chronic Disease, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Organ Fibrosis, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China.
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Wang C, Liu J, Zhang X, Chen Q, Bai X, Hong X, Zhou L, Liu Y. Role of miRNA-671-5p in Mediating Wnt/β-Catenin-Triggered Podocyte Injury. Front Pharmacol 2022; 12:784489. [PMID: 35111054 PMCID: PMC8801877 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.784489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Podocyte injury and proteinuria are the most common features of glomerular disease, which is the leading cause of end-stage renal failure. Hyperactivated Wnt/β-catenin signaling is closely associated with podocyte injury, but the underlying mechanisms are incompletely understood. Here we show that miRNA-671-5p (miR-671-5p) plays a crucial role in mediating β-catenin-triggered podocyte injury by targeting Wilms tumor 1 (WT1). Microarray-based expression profiling revealed that miR-671-5p was the most upregulated miRNA in podocytes after β-catenin activation. MiR-671-5p was colocalized with β-catenin in the glomeruli of proteinuric CKD in vivo. Bioinformatics analyses and luciferase reporter assays confirmed that miR-671-5p targeted WT1 mRNA. Overexpression of miR-671-5p mimics inhibited WT1 and impaired podocyte integrity, whereas miR-671-5p antagomir preserved the expression of WT1 and other podocyte-specific proteins under basal conditions or after β-catenin activation. In mouse remnant kidney model, overexpression of miR-671-5p aggravated podocyte injury, worsened kidney dysfunction and exacerbated renal fibrosis after 5/6 nephrectomy. In contrast, miR-671-5p antagomir alleviated podocyte injury and attenuated proteinuria and renal fibrotic lesions after glomerular injury in vivo. These studies underscore a pivotal role of miR-671-5p in mediating WT1 depletion and podocyte injury induced by β-catenin. Targeting miR-671-5p may serve as a new approach to prevent podocyte injury and proteinuria in proteinuric CKD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunhong Wang
- Division of Nephrology, National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiafeng Liu
- Division of Nephrology, National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoyao Zhang
- Division of Nephrology, National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qiyan Chen
- Division of Nephrology, National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoyan Bai
- Division of Nephrology, National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xue Hong
- Division of Nephrology, National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lili Zhou
- Division of Nephrology, National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Youhua Liu
- Division of Nephrology, National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
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Pryimak N, Zaiachuk M, Kovalchuk O, Kovalchuk I. The Potential Use of Cannabis in Tissue Fibrosis. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:715380. [PMID: 34708034 PMCID: PMC8542845 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.715380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis is a condition characterized by thickening or/and scarring of various tissues. Fibrosis may develop in almost all tissues and organs, and it may be one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality. It provokes excessive scarring that excels the usual wound healing response to trauma in numerous organs. Currently, very little can be done to prevent tissue fibrosis, and it is almost impossible to reverse it. Anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive drugs are among the few treatments that may be efficient in preventing fibrosis. Numerous publications suggest that cannabinoids and extracts of Cannabis sativa have potent anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrogenic properties. In this review, we describe the types and mechanisms of fibrosis in various tissues and discuss various strategies for prevention and dealing with tissue fibrosis. We further introduce cannabinoids and their potential for the prevention and treatment of fibrosis, and therefore for extending healthy lifespan.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Olga Kovalchuk
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB, Canada
| | - Igor Kovalchuk
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB, Canada
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Protective Effects and Metabolic Regulatory Mechanisms of Shenyan Fangshuai Recipe on Chronic Kidney Disease in Rats. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2020; 2020:5603243. [PMID: 32908562 PMCID: PMC7468650 DOI: 10.1155/2020/5603243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2020] [Revised: 06/22/2020] [Accepted: 07/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Background Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is one of the major causes of renal damage. Shenyan Fangshuai Recipe (SFR), a modified prescription of traditional medicine in China, showed potent effects in alleviating edema, proteinuria, and hematuria of CKD in clinical practices. In this study, we aimed to investigate scientific evidence-based efficacy as well as metabolic regulations of SFR in CKD treatment. Materials and Methods The effect of SFR on CKD was observed in a rat model which is established with oral administration of adenine-ethambutol mixture for 21 days. Further, metabolites in serum were detected and identified with ultra-performance liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry (UPLC-HRMS). Metabolomics study was performed using Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) software. Results With H&E staining and Masson's trichrome, the results showed that chronic kidney damage is significantly rescued with SFR treatment and recovered to an approximately normal condition. Along with 44 differential metabolites discovered, the regulation of SFR on CKD was enriched in glycine biosynthesis I, mitochondrial L-carnitine shuttle pathway, phosphatidylethanolamine biosynthesis III, sphingosine-1-phosphate signaling, L-serine degradation, folate transformations I, noradrenaline and adrenaline degradation, salvage pathways of pyrimidine ribonucleotides, cysteine biosynthesis III (Mammalia), glycine betaine degradation, and cysteine biosynthesis/homocysteine degradation. Further, TGFβ-1 and MMP-9 were observed playing roles in this regulatory process by performing immunohistochemical staining. Conclusion SFR exerts potent effects of alleviating glomerular sclerosis and interstitial fibrosis in the kidney, mainly via integrated regulations on metabolism and production of homocysteine, L-carnitine, and epinephrine, as well as the expression of TGFβ-1. This study provides evidence for SFR's protective effects on CKD and reveals the metabolic mechanism behind these benefits for the first time.
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Liao W, Liang P, Liu B, Xu Z, Zhang L, Feng M, Tang Y, Xu A. MicroRNA-140-5p Mediates Renal Fibrosis Through TGF-β1/Smad Signaling Pathway by Directly Targeting TGFBR1. Front Physiol 2020; 11:1093. [PMID: 33013464 PMCID: PMC7499471 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.01093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2020] [Accepted: 08/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis is usually the final outcome of various end-stage renal diseases. Recent studies have reported that microRNAs (miRNAs) play an important role in renal fibrosis. However, the biological function of microRNAs in renal fibrosis is complicated and remains unclear. In this study, our results show that miR-140-5p expression is significantly down-regulated in mice with unilateral ureteral obstruction and human proximal tubule epithelial cells (HK2) treated with TGF-β1. The knockdown of miR-140-5p upregulates the expression levels of collagen I, collagen IV, and α-SMA, decreases E-cadherin expression, and increases Smad-2/3 phosphorylation. In contrast, the overexpression of miR-140-5p decreases the expression levels of collagen I, collagen IV, and α-SMA, enhances E-cadherin expression, and inhibits the phosphorylation of Smad-2/3 in HK2 cells treated with TGF-β1. The dual-luciferase reporter assay revealed that TGFBR1 is a direct target gene of miR-140-5p. The enforced expression of miR-140-5p significantly inhibited the expression of TGFBR1 in HK2 cells. Furthermore, the knockdown of TGFBR1 has a similar effect of miR-140-5p overexpression on blocking the TGF-β1/smad signal pathway activation. In contrast, the overexpression of TGFBR1 reverses the effect of miR-140-5p inhibition on the activation of the TGF-β1/smad signal pathway. This study demonstrates that miR-140-5p regulates the TGF-β1/smad signaling pathway by suppressing the expression of TGFBR1. Therefore, miR-140-5p may have a therapeutic potential for preventing fibrotic kidney diseases through inhibiting the TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway by directly targeting TGFBR1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weitang Liao
- Department of Nephrology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Peifen Liang
- Department of Nephrology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Bo Liu
- Department of Nephrology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhenjian Xu
- Department of Nephrology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lili Zhang
- Department of Nephrology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Min Feng
- Department of Nephrology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ying Tang
- Department of Nephrology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Anping Xu
- Department of Nephrology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
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