Monoacylglycerol lipase - a target for drug development?

Structure-Activity Relationship Studies of Aryl Sulfoxides as Reversible Monoacylglycerol Lipase Inhibitors

Monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) is the key enzyme for the hydrolysis of endocannabinoid 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG). The central role of MAGL in the metabolism of 2-AG makes it an attractive therapeutic target for a variety of disorders, including inflammation-induced tissue injury, pain, multiple sclerosis, and cancer. Previously, we reported LEI-515, an aryl sulfoxide, as a peripherally restricted, covalent reversible MAGL inhibitor that reduced neuropathic pain and inflammation in preclinical models. Here, we describe the structure-activity relationship (SAR) of aryl sulfoxides as MAGL inhibitors that led to the identification of LEI-515. Optimization of the potency of high-throughput screening (HTS) hit 1 yielded compound ±43. However, ±43 was not metabolically stable due to its ester moiety. Replacing the ester group with α-CF2 ketone led to the identification of compound ±73 (LEI-515) as a metabolically stable MAGL inhibitor with subnanomolar potency. LEI-515 is a promising compound to harness the therapeutic potential of MAGL inhibition.

Binding of the monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) radiotracer [3H]T-401 in the rat brain after status epilepticus

OBJECTIVES

Monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) is a cytosolic serine hydrolase considered a potential novel drug target for the treatment of CNS disorders including epilepsy. Here we examined MAGL levels in a rat model of epilepsy.

METHODS

Autoradiography has been used to validate the binding properties of the MAGL radiotracer, [3H]T-401, in the rat brain, and to explore spatial and temporal changes in binding levels in a model of temporal lobe epilepsy model using unilateral intra-hippocampal injections of kainic acid (KA) in rats.

RESULTS

Specific and saturable binding of [3H]T-401 was detected in both cortical grey and subcortical white matter. Saturation experiments revealed a KD in the range between 15 nM and 17 nM, and full saturation was achieved at concentrations around 30 nM. The binding could be completely blocked with the cold ligand (Ki 44.2 nM) and at higher affinity (Ki 1.27 nM) with another structurally different MAGL inhibitor, ABD 1970. Bilateral reduction in [3H]T-401 binding was observed in the cerebral cortex and the hippocampus few days after status epilepticus that further declined to a level of around 30% compared to the control. No change in binding was observed in either the hypothalamus nor the white matter at any time point. Direct comparison to [3H]UCB-J binding to synaptic vesicle glycoprotein 2 A (SV2A), another protein localized in the pre-synapse, revealed that while binding to MAGL remained low in the chronic phase, SV2A was increased significantly in some cortical areas.

SIGNIFICANCE

These data show that MAGL is reduced in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus in a chronic epilepsy model and indicate that MAGL inhibitors may further reduce MAGL activity in the treatment resistant epilepsy patient.

A Novel Non-Psychoactive Fatty Acid from a Marine Snail, Conus inscriptus, Signals Cannabinoid Receptor 1 (CB1) to Accumulate Apoptotic C16:0 and C18:0 Ceramides in Teratocarcinoma Cell Line PA1

The cannabinoid-type I (CB1) receptor functions as a double-edged sword to decide cell fate: apoptosis/survival. Elevated CB1 receptor expression is shown to cause acute ceramide accumulation to meet the energy requirements of fast-growing cancers. However, the flip side of continual CB1 activation is the initiation of a second ceramide peak that leads to cell death. In this study, we used ovarian cancer cells, PA1, which expressed CB1, which increased threefold when treated with a natural compound, bis(palmitoleic acid) ester of a glycerol (C2). This novel compound is isolated from a marine snail, Conus inscriptus, using hexane and the structural details are available in the public domain PubChem database (ID: 14275348). The compound induced two acute ceramide pools to cause G0/G1 arrest and killed cells by apoptosis. The compound increased intracellular ceramides (C:16 to 7 times and C:18 to 10 times), both of which are apoptotic inducers in response to CB1 signaling and thus the compound is a potent CB1 agonist. The compound is not genotoxic because it did not induce micronuclei formation in non-cancerous Chinese hamster ovarian (CHO) cells. Since the compound induced the cannabinoid pathway, we tested if there was a psychotropic effect in zebrafish models, however, it was evident that there were no observable neurobehavioral changes in the treatment groups. With the available data, we propose that this marine compound is safe to be used in non-cancerous cells as well as zebrafish. Thus, this anticancer compound is non-toxic and triggers the CB1 pathway without causing psychotropic effects.

Identification of (R)-[18F]YH134 for Monoacylglycerol Lipase Neuroimaging and Exploration of Its Use for Central Nervous System and Peripheral Drug Development

This study aimed to evaluate (R)-[18F]YH134 as a novel PET tracer for imaging monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL). Considering the ubiquitous expression of MAGL throughout the whole body, the impact of various MAGL inhibitors on (R)-[18F]YH134 brain uptake and its application in brain-periphery crosstalk were explored. Methods: MAGL knockout and wild-type mice were used to evaluate (R)-[18F]YH134 in in vitro autoradiography and PET experiments. To explore the impact of peripheral MAGL occupancy on (R)-[18F]YH134 brain uptake, PET kinetics with an arterial input function were studied in male Wistar rats under baseline and blocking conditions. Results: In in vitro autoradiography, (R)-[18F]YH134 revealed a heterogeneous distribution pattern with high binding to MAGL-rich brain regions in wild-type mouse brain slices, whereas the radioactive signal was negligible in MAGL knockout mouse brain slices. The in vivo brain PET images of (R)-[18F]YH134 in wild-type and MAGL knockout mice demonstrated its high specificity and selectivity in mouse brain. A Logan plot with plasma input function was applied to estimate the distribution volume (V T) of (R)-[18F]YH134. V T was significantly reduced by a brain-penetrant MAGL inhibitor but was unchanged by a peripherally restricted MAGL inhibitor. The MAGL target occupancy in the periphery was estimated using (R)-[18F]YH134 PET imaging data from the brain. Conclusion: (R)-[18F]YH134 is a highly specific and selective PET tracer with favorable kinetic properties for imaging MAGL in rodent brain. Our results showed that blocking of the peripheral target influences brain uptake but not the V T of (R)-[18F]YH134. (R)-[18F]YH134 can be used for estimating the dose of MAGL inhibitor at half-maximal peripheral target occupancy.

Endocannabinoids and related compounds as modulators of angiogenesis: Concepts and clinical significance

Vasculogenesis (the process of differentiation of angioblasts toward endothelial cells and de novo formation of crude vascular networks) and angiogenesis (the process of harmonized sprouting and dispersal of new capillaries from previously existing ones) are two fundamentally complementary processes, obligatory for maintaining physiological functioning of vascular system. In clinical practice, however, the later one is of more importance as it guarantees correct embryonic nourishment, accelerates wound healing processes, prevents uncontrolled cell growth and tumorigenesis, contributes in supplying nutritional demand following occlusion of coronary vessels and is in direct relation with development of diabetic retinopathy. Hence, discovery of novel molecules capable of modulating angiogenic events are of great clinical importance. Recent studies have demonstrated multiple angio-regulatory activities for endocannabinoid system modulators and endocannabinoid-like molecules, as well as their metabolizing enzymes. Hence, in present article, we reviewed the regulatory roles of these molecules on angiogenesis and described molecular mechanisms underlying them.

Role of the Endocannabinoid System in the Regulation of Intestinal Homeostasis

The maintenance of intestinal homeostasis is fundamentally important to health. Intestinal barrier function and immune regulation are key determinants of intestinal homeostasis and are therefore tightly regulated by a variety of signaling mechanisms. The endocannabinoid system is a lipid mediator signaling system widely expressed in the gastrointestinal tract. Accumulating evidence suggests the endocannabinoid system is a critical nexus involved in the physiological processes that underlie the control of intestinal homeostasis. In this review we will illustrate how the endocannabinoid system is involved in regulation of intestinal permeability, fluid secretion, and immune regulation. We will also demonstrate a reciprocal regulation between the endocannabinoid system and the gut microbiome. The role of the endocannabinoid system is complex and multifaceted, responding to both internal and external factors while also serving as an effector system for the maintenance of intestinal homeostasis.

Quantification of monoacylglycerol lipase and its occupancy by an exogenous ligand in rhesus monkey brains using [18F]T-401 and PET

Monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) is a cytosolic serine hydrolase that cleaves monoacylglycerols into fatty acids and is a potential target for the novel treatment of CNS disorders related to the endocannabinoid system and neuroinflammation. We have developed [¹⁸F]T-401 as a selective Positron emission tomography (PET) imaging agent for MAGL. In this study, we determined an analytical method to quantify MAGL availability and its occupancy by an exogenous inhibitor in rhesus monkey brains using [¹⁸F]T-401-PET. In rhesus monkeys, regional time-activity curves were described well when using an extended 2-tissue compartment model that accommodated the formation of a radiometabolite in the brain. This model yielded reliable estimates of the total distribution volume (V_T), and the rank order of V_T was consistent with known regional activity of MAGL enzyme in primates. The pretreatment of monkeys with JW642 resulted in a dose-dependent reduction of [¹⁸F]T-401 retentions in the brain, and V_T. Lassen's graphical analysis indicated a V_ND of 0.69 mL/cm³ and a plasma JW642 concentration of 126 ng/mL for inhibiting the specific binding by 50%. [¹⁸F]T-401 and the method established can be used for quantification of MAGL in healthy brain and in disease conditions, and is suitable for evaluations of target engagement at cerebral MAGL.

Enhancing endocannabinoid signalling in astrocytes promotes recovery from traumatic brain injury

Traumatic brain injury is an important risk factor for development of Alzheimer's disease and dementia. Unfortunately, no effective therapies are currently available for prevention and treatment of the traumatic brain injury-induced Alzheimer's disease-like neurodegenerative disease. This is largely due to our limited understanding of the mechanisms underlying traumatic brain injury-induced neuropathology. Previous studies showed that pharmacological inhibition of monoacylglycerol lipase, a key enzyme degrading the endocannabinoid 2-arachidonoylglycerol, attenuates traumatic brain injury-induced neuropathology. However, the mechanism responsible for the neuroprotective effects produced by inhibition of monoacylglycerol lipase in traumatic brain injury remains unclear. Here we first show that genetic deletion of monoacylglycerol lipase reduces neuropathology and averts synaptic and cognitive declines in mice exposed to repeated mild closed head injury. Surprisingly, these neuroprotective effects result primarily from inhibition of 2-arachidonoylglycerol metabolism in astrocytes, rather than in neurons. Single-cell RNA-sequencing data reveal that astrocytic monoacylglycerol lipase knockout mice display greater resilience to traumatic brain injury-induced changes in expression of genes associated with inflammation or maintenance of brain homeostasis in astrocytes and microglia. The monoacylglycerol lipase inactivation-produced neuroprotection is abrogated by deletion of the cannabinoid receptor-1 or by adeno-associated virus vector-mediated silencing of astrocytic peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ. This is further supported by the fact that overexpression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ in astrocytes prevents traumatic brain injury-induced neuropathology and impairments in spatial learning and memory. Our results reveal a previously undefined cell type-specific role of 2-arachidonoylglycerol metabolism and signalling pathways in traumatic brain injury-induced neuropathology, suggesting that enhanced 2-arachidonoylglycerol signalling in astrocytes is responsible for the monoacylglycerol lipase inactivation-produced alleviation of neuropathology and deficits in synaptic and cognitive functions in traumatic brain injury.

Novel Reversible-Binding PET Ligands for Imaging Monoacylglycerol Lipase Based on the Piperazinyl Azetidine Scaffold

Monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) is a 33 kDa serine protease primarily responsible for hydrolyzing 2-arachidonoylglycerol into the proinflammatory eicosanoid precursor arachidonic acid in the central nervous system. Inhibition of MAGL constitutes an attractive therapeutic concept for treating psychiatric disorders and neurodegenerative diseases. Herein, we present the design and synthesis of multiple reversible MAGL inhibitor candidates based on a piperazinyl azetidine scaffold. Compounds 10 and 15 were identified as the best-performing reversible MAGL inhibitors by pharmacological evaluations, thus channeling their radiolabeling with fluorine-18 in high radiochemical yields and favorable molar activity. Furthermore, evaluation of [¹⁸F]10 and [¹⁸F]15 ([¹⁸F]MAGL-2102) by autoradiography and positron emission tomography (PET) imaging in rodents and nonhuman primates demonstrated favorable brain uptakes, heterogeneous radioactivity distribution, good specific binding, and adequate brain kinetics, and [¹⁸F]15 demonstrated a better performance. In conclusion, [¹⁸F]15 was found to be a suitable PET radioligand for the visualization of MAGL, harboring potential for the successful translation into humans.

Discovery of 8-prenylnaringenin from hop (Humulus lupulus L.) as a potent monoacylglycerol lipase inhibitor for treatments of neuroinflammation and Alzheimer's disease

Monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL), a serine hydrolase, converts endocannabinoid 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) to arachidonic acid (AA) and glycerol in the brain and plays a bidirectional role in controlling nueroinflammation. MAGL, involved in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, is a promising target for treatment of neurodegenerative disorders. However, the irreversible inhibitors of MAGL lead to the desensitization of CB1 receptors further impairing the benefits associated with the indirect CB1 stimulation. Therefore, development of potent reversible inhibitors from natural products (NPs) and traditional chinese medicines (TCMs) are safer and free from adverse side effects and feasible to avoid drawbacks which irreversible inhibitors cause. Here, we employed pharmacophore-based screening of drug candidates coupled with molecular docking, biochemical assay and Ligplot analyses to identify and characterize inhibitors targeting human MAGL (hMAGL). The built pharmacophore model, Phar-MAGL successfully identified inhibitors NP-2 (IC₅₀ = 9.5 ± 1.2 μM), NP-5 (IC₅₀ = 14.5 ± 1.3 μM), and NP-3 (IC₅₀ = 15.2 ± 1.4 μM), which apparently attenuated the activities of hMAGL in vitro. The evident activities of the identified inhibitors against hMAGL showed that the pharmacophore model, Phar-MAGL is reliable and efficient in screening inhibitors against hMAGL. Our study successfully identified a natrual product inhibitor, NP-2 (8-PN), from the plant Humulus lupulus L. (hops) and its positive effects in neurogenesis and neurodifferentiation along with the evident inhibitory potency against hMAGL revealed the potential for further optimizing and developing into drugs to treat neuroinflammation, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases.

Discovery of natural product inhibitors against human monoacylglycerol lipase by pharmacophore-based drug screening, LibDock molecular docking and in vitro biochemical examinations.

Discovery of novel reversible monoacylglycerol lipase inhibitors via docking-based virtual screening

Monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) is the major enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of monoacylglycerols (MAGs). MAGL is responsible for degrading 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) to arachidonic acid (AA) and glycerol in the brain and specific tissues. The inhibition of MAGL could attenuate the inflammatory response. Here, we report a series of reversible non-covalent MAGL inhibitors via virtual screening combined with biochemical analysis. The hit, DC630-8 showed low-micromolar activity against MAGL in vitro, and exhibited significant anti-inflammatory effects.

Inhibition of 2-Arachidonoylglycerol Metabolism Alleviates Neuropathology and Improves Cognitive Function in a Tau Mouse Model of Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia, which affects more than 5 million individuals in the USA. Unfortunately, no effective therapies are currently available to prevent development of AD or to halt progression of the disease. It has been proposed that monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL), the key enzyme degrading the endocannabinoid 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) in the brain, is a therapeutic target for AD based on the studies using the APP transgenic models of AD. While inhibition of 2-AG metabolism mitigates β-amyloid (Aβ) neuropathology, it is still not clear whether inactivation of MAGL alleviates tauopathies as accumulation and deposition of intracellular hyperphosphorylated tau protein are the neuropathological hallmark of AD. Here we show that JZL184, a potent MAGL inhibitor, significantly reduced proinflammatory cytokines, astrogliosis, phosphorylated GSK3β and tau, cleaved caspase-3, and phosphorylated NF-kB while it elevated PPARγ in P301S/PS19 mice, a tau mouse model of AD. Importantly, tau transgenic mice treated with JZL184 displayed improvements in spatial learning and memory retention. In addition, inactivation of MAGL ameliorates deteriorations in expression of synaptic proteins in P301S/PS19 mice. Our results provide further evidence that MAGL is a promising therapeutic target for AD.

Behavioral Battery for Testing Candidate Analgesics in Mice. II. Effects of Endocannabinoid Catabolic Enzyme Inhibitors and ∆9-Tetrahydrocannabinol

Enhanced signaling of the endocannabinoid (eCB) system through inhibition of the catabolic enzymes monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) and fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) has received increasing interest for development of candidate analgesics. This study compared effects of MAGL and FAAH inhibitors with effects of ∆9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) using a battery of pain-stimulated, pain-depressed, and pain-independent behaviors in male and female mice. Intraperitoneal injection of dilute lactic acid (IP acid) served as an acute visceral noxious stimulus to stimulate two behaviors (stretching, facial grimace) and depress two behaviors (rearing, nesting). Nesting and locomotion were also assessed in the absence of IP acid as pain-independent behaviors. THC and a spectrum of six eCB catabolic enzyme inhibitors ranging from MAGL- to FAAH-selective were assessed for effectiveness to alleviate pain-related behaviors at doses that did not alter pain-independent behaviors. The MAGL-selective inhibitor MJN110 produced the most effective antinociceptive profile, with 1.0 mg/kg alleviating IP acid effects on stretching, grimace, and nesting without altering pain-independent behaviors. MJN110 effects on IP acid-depressed nesting had a slow onset and long duration (40 minutes to 6 hours), were blocked by rimonabant, and tended to be greater in females. As inhibitors increased in FAAH selectivity, antinociceptive effectiveness decreased. PF3845, the most FAAH-selective inhibitor, produced no antinociception up to doses that disrupted locomotion. THC decreased IP acid-stimulated stretching and grimace at doses that did not alter pain-independent behaviors; however, it did not alleviate IP acid-induced depression of rearing or nesting. These results support further consideration of MAGL-selective inhibitors as candidate analgesics for acute inflammatory pain. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: This study characterized a spectrum of endocannabinoid catabolic enzyme inhibitors ranging in selectivity from monoacylglycerol lipase-selective to fatty acid amide hydrolase-selective in a battery of pain-stimulated, pain-depressed, and pain-independent behaviors previously pharmacologically characterized in a companion paper. This battery provides a method for prioritizing candidate analgesics by effectiveness to alleviate pain-related behaviors at doses that do not alter pain-independent behaviors, with inclusion of pain-depressed behaviors increasing translational validity and decreasing susceptibility to motor-depressant false positives.

Analgesic and Anticancer Activity of Benzoxazole Clubbed 2-Pyrrolidinones as Novel Inhibitors of Monoacylglycerol Lipase

Ten benzoxazole clubbed 2-pyrrolidinones (11–20) as human monoacylglycerol lipase inhibitors were designed on the criteria fulfilling the structural requirements and on the basis of previously reported inhibitors. The designed, synthesized, and characterized compounds (11–20) were screened against monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) in order to find potential inhibitors. Compounds 19 (4-NO₂ derivative) and 20 (4-SO₂NH₂ derivative), with an IC₅₀ value of 8.4 and 7.6 nM, were found most active, respectively. Both of them showed micromolar potency (IC₅₀ value above 50 µM) against a close analogue, fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), therefore considered as selective inhibitors of MAGL. Molecular docking studies of compounds 19 and 20 revealed that carbonyl of 2-pyrrolidinone moiety sited at the oxyanion hole of catalytic site of the enzyme stabilized with three hydrogen bonds (~2 Å) with Ala51, Met123, and Ser122, the amino acid residues responsible for the catalytic function of the enzyme. Remarkably, the physiochemical and pharmacokinetic properties of compounds 19 and 20, computed by QikProp, were found to be in the qualifying range as per the proposed guideline for good orally bioactive CNS drugs. In formalin-induced nociception test, compound 20 reduced the pain response in acute and late stages in a dose-dependent manner. They significantly demonstrated the reduction in pain response, having better potency than the positive control gabapentin (GBP), at 30 mg/kg dose. Compounds 19 and 20 were submitted to NCI, USA, for anticancer activity screening. Compounds 19 (NSC: 778839) and 20 (NSC: 778842) were found to have good anticancer activity on SNB-75 cell line of CNS cancer, exhibiting 35.49 and 31.88% growth inhibition (% GI), respectively.

Study on the differential proteomics of rat hippocampal mitochondria during deep hypothermic circulatory arrest

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to investigate the effect of deep hypothermic circulatory arrest (DHCA) on rat hippocampal mitochondrial protein expression and its differential proteomics, and explore the potential mechanisms behind the effect.

METHODS

We used internal jugular vein reflux and tail artery perfusion methods to establish the rat cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) model. Rats were dissected to obtain the hippocampus, and the hippocampal mitochondria were purified. The mitochondrial morphology and the mitochondrial marker cytochrome C oxidase (COX) qualitatively examined via transmission electron microscopy and western-blot analysis, respectively. The qualified samples were subjected to isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantification (iTRAQ); we then established the CPB model again to obtain the rat hippocampus for cryoultramicrotomy, and used immunofluorescent double staining technique to qualitatively and semi-quantitatively verify two representative differentially expressed proteins.

RESULTS

By searching the Mascot 2.2 database, 29 differentially expressed proteins were obtained with statistical significance, including 21 known proteins and 8 unknowns. The expression level of COX and monoacylglycerol lipase did not change significantly (P>0.05) during the hyperacute phase; however, their intracellular localizations were altered.

CONCLUSIONS

DHCA induced the differential expression of 29 rat hippocampal mitochondrial proteins, some of which had altered intracellular localization. We speculated that the localized alteration of these proteins is one of the neuroprotection mechanisms that occurs during DHCA.

Considerations for Cannabis Use to Treat Pain in Sickle Cell Disease

Pain in Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is a major comorbidity and unique with acute pain due to recurrent and episodic vaso-occlusive crises as well as chronic pain, which can span an individual's entire life. Opioids are the mainstay treatment for pain in SCD. Due to recent health crises raised by adverse effects including deaths from opioid use, pain management in SCD is adversely affected. Cannabis and its products are most widely used for pain in multiple conditions and also by patients with SCD on their own. With the availability of "Medical Cannabis" and approval to use cannabis as medicine across majority of States in the United States as well as over-the-counter preparations, cannabis products are being used increasingly for SCD. The reliability of many of these products remains questionable, which poses a major health risk to the vulnerable individuals seeking pain relief. Therefore, this review provides up to date insights into available categories of cannabis-based treatment strategies, their mechanism of action and pre-clinical and clinical outcomes in SCD. It provides evidence for the benefits and risks of cannabis use in SCD and cautions about the unreliable and unvalidated products that may be adulterated with life-threatening non-cannabis compounds.

Quantitative Lipidomic Analysis of Osteosarcoma Cell-Derived Products by UHPLC-MS/MS

Changes in lipid metabolism are involved in several pathological conditions, such as cancer. Among lipids, eicosanoids are potent inflammatory mediators, synthesized from polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), which coexist with other lipid-derived ones, including endocannabinoids (ECs) and N-acylethanolamides (NAEs). In this work, a bioanalytical assay for 12 PUFAs/eicosanoids and 20 ECs/NAEs in cell culture medium and human biofluids was validated over a linear range of 0.1-2.5 ng/mL. A fast pretreatment method consisting of protein precipitation with acetonitrile followed by a double step liquid-liquid extraction was developed. The final extracts were injected onto a Kinetex ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) XB-C18 column with a gradient elution of 0.1% formic acid in water and methanol/acetonitrile (5:1; v/v) mobile phase. Chromatographic separation was followed by detection with a triple-quadrupole mass spectrometer operating both in positive and negative ion-mode. A full validation was carried out in a small amount of cell culture medium and then applied to osteosarcoma cell-derived products. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first lipid profiling of bone tumor cell lines (SaOS-2 and MG-63) and their secretome. Our method was also partially validated in other biological matrices, such as serum and urine, ensuring its broad applicability as a powerful tool for lipidomic translational research.

Pyrrolidin-2-one linked benzofused heterocycles as novel small molecule monoacylglycerol lipase inhibitors and antinociceptive agents

Eighteen pyrrolidin-2-one linked benzothiazole, and benzimidazole derivatives (10-27) were designed and synthesized. The structure of the compounds was confirmed by elemental and spectral (IR, ¹ H-NMR and MS) data analysis. All the compounds were screened by human monoacylglycerol lipase (hMAGL) inhibition assay. Three benzimidazole compounds, 22 (4-Cl phenyl), 23 (3-Cl,4-F phenyl) and 25 (4-methoxy phenyl) were found to be the most potent, having an IC₅₀ value of 8.6, 8.0 and 9.4 nm, respectively. Among them, the halogen-substituted phenyl derivatives, compound 22 (4-Cl phenyl) and compound 23 (3-Cl,4-F phenyl), showed micromolar potency against fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), having an IC₅₀ value of 35 and 24 µm, respectively. Benzimidazole derivative having 4-methoxyphenyl substitution (compound 25) was found to be a selective MAGL inhibitor (IC₅₀  = 9.4 nm), with an IC₅₀ value above 50 µm against FAAH. In the formalin-induced nociception test, compound 25 showed a dose-dependent reduction of pain response in both acute and late phases. At 30 mg/kg dose, it significantly reduced the pain response and showed greater potency than the reference drug gabapentin (GBP).

Monoacylglycerol lipase reprograms lipid precursors signaling in liver disease

Dietary oversupply of triglycerides represent the hallmark of obesity and connected complications in the liver such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, which eventually progress to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Monoacylglycerol lipase is the last enzymatic step in the hydrolysis of triglycerides, generating glycerol and fatty acids (FAs), which are signaling precursors in physiology and disease. Notably, monoacylglycerol lipase (MGL) also hydrolyzes 2-arachidonoylglycerol, which is a potent ligand within the endocannabinoid system, into arachidonic acid - a precursor for prostaglandin synthesis; thus representing a pivotal substrates provider in multiple organs for several intersecting biological pathways ranging from FA metabolism to inflammation, pain and appetite. MGL inhibition has been shown protective in limiting several liver diseases as FAs may drive hepatocyte injury, fibrogenesis and de- activate immune cells, however the complexity of MGL network system still needs further and deeper understanding. The present review will focus on MGL function and FA partitioning in the horizons of liver disease.

JZL184, A Monoacylglycerol Lipase Inhibitor, Induces Bone Loss in a Multiple Myeloma Model of Immunocompetent Mice

Multiple myeloma (MM) patients develop osteolysis characterised by excessive osteoclastic bone destruction and lack of osteoblast bone formation. Pharmacological manipulation of monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL), an enzyme responsible for the degradation of the endocannabinoid 2-arachidonoyl glycerol (2-AG), reduced skeletal tumour burden and osteolysis associated with osteosarcoma and advanced breast and prostate cancers. MM and hematopoietic, immune and bone marrow cells express high levels of type 2 cannabinoid receptor and osteoblasts secrete 2-AG. However, the effects of MAGL manipulation on MM have not been investigated. Here, we report that treatment of pre-osteoclasts with non-cytotoxic concentrations of JZL184, a verified MAGL inhibitor, enhanced MM- and RANKL-induced osteoclast formation and size in vitro. Exposure of osteoblasts to JZL184 in the presence of MM cell-derived factors reduced osteoblast growth but had no effect on the ability of these cells to mature or form bone nodules. In vivo, administration of JZL184 induced a modest, yet significant, bone loss at both trabecular and cortical compartments of long bones of immunocompetent mice inoculated with the syngeneic 5TGM1-GFP MM cells. Notably, JZL184 failed to inhibit the in vitro growth of a panel of mouse and human MM cell lines, or reduce tumour burden in mice. Thus, MAGL inhibitors such as JZL184 can exacerbate MM-induced bone loss.

Dysregulated expression of monoacylglycerol lipase is a marker for anti-diabetic drug metformin-targeted therapy to correct impaired neurogenesis and spatial memory in Alzheimer's disease

Rationale: Monoacylglycerol lipase (Mgll), a hydrolase that breaks down the endocannabinoid 2-arachidonoyl glycerol (2-AG) to produce arachidonic acid (ARA), is a potential target for neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). Increasing evidence shows that impairment of adult neurogenesis by perturbed lipid metabolism predisposes patients to AD. However, it remains unknown what causes aberrant expression of Mgll in AD and how Mgll-regulated lipid metabolism impacts adult neurogenesis, thus predisposing to AD during aging. Here, we identify Mgll as an aging-induced factor that impairs adult neurogenesis and spatial memory in AD, and show that metformin, an FDA-approved anti-diabetic drug, can reduce the expression of Mgll to reverse impaired adult neurogenesis, prevent spatial memory decline and reduce β-amyloid accumulation.

Methods: Mgll expression was assessed in both human AD patient post-mortem hippocampal tissues and 3xTg-AD mouse model. In addition, we used both the 3xTg-AD animal model and the CbpS436A genetic knock-in mouse model to identify that elevated Mgll expression is caused by the attenuation of the aPKC-CBP pathway, involving atypical protein kinase C (aPKC)-stimulated Ser436 phosphorylation of histone acetyltransferase CBP through biochemical methods. Furthermore, we performed in vivo adult neurogenesis assay with BrdU/EdU labelling and Morris water maze task in both animal models following pharmacological treatments to show the key role of Mgll in metformin-corrected neurogenesis and spatial memory deficits of AD through reactivating the aPKC-CBP pathway. Finally, we performed in vitro adult neurosphere assays using both animal models to study the role of the aPKC-CBP mediated Mgll repression in determining adult neural stem/progenitor cell (NPC) fate.

Results: Here, we demonstrate that aging-dependent induction of Mgll is observed in the 3xTg-AD model and human AD patient post-mortem hippocampal tissues. Importantly, we discover that elevated Mgll expression is caused by the attenuation of the aPKC-CBP pathway. The accumulation of Mgll in the 3xTg-AD mice reduces the genesis of newborn neurons and perturbs spatial memory. However, we find that metformin-stimulated aPKC-CBP pathway decreases Mgll expression to recover these deficits in 3xTg-AD. In addition, we reveal that elevated Mgll levels in cultured adult NPCs from both 3xTg-AD and CbpS436A animal models are responsible for their NPC neuronal differentiation deficits.

Conclusion: Our findings set the stage for development of a clinical protocol where Mgll would serve as a biomarker in early stages of AD to identify potential metformin-responsive AD patients to restore their neurogenesis and spatial memory.

Identification and Development of an Irreversible Monoacylglycerol Lipase (MAGL) Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Radioligand with High Specificity

Monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL), a serine hydrolase extensively expressed throughout the brain, serves as a key gatekeeper regulating the tone of endocannabinoid signaling. Preclinically, inhibition of MAGL is known to provide therapeutic benefits for a number of neurological disorders. The availability of a MAGL-specific positron emission tomography (PET) ligand would considerably facilitate the development and clinical characterization of MAGL inhibitors via noninvasive and quantitative PET imaging. Herein, we report the identification of the potent and selective irreversible MAGL inhibitor 7 (PF-06809247) as a suitable radioligand lead, which upon radiolabeling was found to exhibit a high level of MAGL specificity; this enabled cross-species measurement of MAGL brain expression (B_max), assessment of in vivo binding in the rat, and nonhuman primate PET imaging.

Unidirectional opioid-cannabinoid cross-tolerance in the modulation of social play behavior in rats

RATIONALE

The endocannabinoid and the endogenous opioid systems interact in the modulation of social play behavior, a highly rewarding social activity abundantly expressed in young mammals. Prolonged exposure to opioid or cannabinoid receptor agonists induces cross-tolerance or cross-sensitization to their acute behavioral effects.

OBJECTIVES AND METHODS

Behavioral and biochemical experiments were performed to investigate whether cross-tolerance or cross-sensitization occurs to the play-enhancing effects of cannabinoid and opioid drugs on social play behavior, and the possible brain substrate involved.

RESULTS

The play-enhancing effects induced by systemic administration of JZL184, which inhibits the hydrolysis of the endocannabinoid 2-AG, were suppressed in animals repeatedly pretreated with the opioid receptor agonist morphine. Conversely, acute morphine administration increased social play in rats pretreated with vehicle or with either JZL184 or the cannabinoid agonist WIN55,212-2. Acute administration of JZL184 increased the activation of both CB1 receptors and their effector Akt in the nucleus accumbens and prefrontal cortex, brain regions important for the expression of social play. These effects were absent in animals pretreated with morphine. Furthermore, only animals repeatedly treated with morphine and acutely administered with JZL184 showed reduced activation of CB1 receptors and Akt in the amygdala.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study demonstrates a dynamic opioid-cannabinoid interaction in the modulation of social play behavior, occurring in limbic brain areas strongly implicated in social play behavior. A better understanding of opioid-cannabinoid interactions in social play contributes to clarify neurobiological aspects of social behavior at young age, which may provide new therapeutic targets for social dysfunctions.

Lipid Hydrolase Enzymes: Pragmatic Prolongevity Targets for Improved Human Healthspan?

Compelling evidence suggests that lipid metabolism, which plays critical roles in fat storage, cell membrane maintenance, and cell signaling, is intricately linked to aging. Lipid hydrolases are important enzymes that catalyze the hydrolysis of more complex lipids into simpler lipids. Diverse interventions targeting lipid hydrolases can prolong or shorten life in model organisms. For example, the genetic removal of or RNAi knockdown against a phospholipase can reduce lifespan in Caenorhabditis elegans, Drosophila melanogaster, and Mus musculus. The removal of lysosomal acid lipase results in premature death in mice, while its overexpression in nematodes generates lean, long-lived individuals. The overexpression or inhibition of diacylglycerol lipase leads to enhanced or reduced longevity, respectively, in both worms and flies. Lifespan can also be extended by knocking down triacylglycerol lipases in yeast, overexpressing fatty acid amide hydrolase in worms, or removing hepatic lipase in a mouse model of coronary disease. Conversely, flies lacking the triacylglycerol lipase Brummer are obese and short lived. Linking sphingolipids and aging, removing the sphingomyelinase inositol phosphosphingolipid phospholipase shortens chronological lifespan in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, while inhibiting an acid sphingomyelinase in worms or inactivating alkaline ceramidase in flies extends lifespan. The clinical potential of manipulating these enzymes is highlighted by the FDA-approved obesity drug orlistat, which is an inhibitor of pancreatic and hepatic lipases that induces weight loss and improves insulin/glucose homeostasis. Additional research is warranted to better understand how these lipid hydrolases impact aging and to determine if clinical interventions targeting them are capable of improving human healthspan.

Multi-target-directed-ligands acting as enzyme inhibitors and receptor ligands

In this review, we present the latest advances in the field of multi-target-directed ligand (MTDL) design for the treatment of various complex pathologies of multifactorial origin. In particular, latest findings in the field of MTDL design targeting both an enzyme and a receptor are presented for different diseases such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), depression, addiction, glaucoma, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis and pain and inflammation. The ethology of the diseases is briefly described, with special emphasis on how the MTDL can evolve into novel therapies that replace the classic pharmacological dogma "one target one disease". Considering the current needs for therapy adherence improvement, it is exposed as from the medicinal chemistry, different molecular scaffolds are studied. With the use of structure activity relationship studies and molecular optimization, new hybrid molecules are generated with improved biological properties acting at two biologically very distinct targets.

Paradoxical effects of JZL184, an inhibitor of monoacylglycerol lipase, on bone remodelling in healthy and cancer-bearing mice

Background

Cancer-associated bone disease is a serious complication in bone sarcomas and metastatic carcinomas of breast and prostate origin. Monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) is an enzyme of the endocannabinoid system, and is responsible for the degradation of the most abundant endocannabinoid in bone, 2-arachidonoyl glycerol (2AG).

Methods

The effects of the verified MAGL inhibitor on bone remodelling were assessed in healthy mice and in mouse models of bone disease caused by prostate and breast cancers and osteosarcoma.

Findings

JZL184 reduced osteolytic bone metastasis in mouse models of breast and prostate cancers, and inhibited skeletal tumour growth, metastasis and the formation of ectopic bone in models of osteosarcoma. Additionally, JZL184 suppressed cachexia and prolonged survival in mice injected with metastatic osteosarcoma and osteotropic cancer cells. Functional and histological analysis revealed that the osteoprotective action of JZL184 in cancer models is predominately due to inhibition of tumour growth and metastasis. In the absence of cancer, however, exposure to JZL184 exerts a paradoxical reduction of bone volume via an effect that is mediated by both Cnr1 and Cnr2 cannabinoid receptors.

Interpretation

MAGL inhibitors such as JZL184, or its novel analogues, may be of value in the treatment of bone disease caused by primary bone cancer and bone metastasis, however, activation of the skeletal endocannabinoid system may limit their usefulness as osteoprotective agents.

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The cannabinoid system plays a role in cancer and bone remodelling.

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Inhibition of MAGL reduced skeletal tumour growth, osteolysis, metastasis and prolonged survival in mouse models.

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In the absence of cancer, MAGL inhibition exerted a paradoxical reduction of bone volume via an effect mediated by Cnr1/2.

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Targeting MAGL is of potential therapeutic efficacy in primary bone cancer and bone metastasis.

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However, activation of cannabinoid receptors may limit the usefulness of MAGL inhibitors.

Aberrant lipid metabolism as a therapeutic target in liver cancer

INTRODUCTION

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common and lethal cancers. Progress has been made in treatment of HCC; however, improved outcomes are much needed. The increased metabolic needs of cancer cells underscore the importance of metabolic pathways in cancer cell survival. Lipid metabolism has a role in HCC development; aberrant overexpression of several key enzymes is seen in many solid human tumors. Areas covered: We discuss aberrant lipid metabolism and the promise of multiple targets, in particular related to HCC treatment. We searched PubMed and clinicaltrials.gov for published and unpublished studies from 2000 to 2019. These terms were used: lipids, fatty acid metabolism, lipid metabolism, liver cancer, HCC, de novo fatty acid synthesis, ATP citrate lyase, stearoyl CoA denaturase, fatty acid synthase, acetyl coenzyme A carboxylase, CD147, KLF4, monoglyceride lipase, AMP activated protein kinase. Expert opinion: The importance of dysregulation of fatty acid synthesis in cancer is a growing area of research. HCC demonstrates significant alteration in lipid metabolism, representing great potential as a target for novel therapeutics. Various agents have demonstrated promising anti-neoplastic activity. This strategy deserves further development for improved outcomes.

Cannabinoid Actions on Neural Stem Cells: Implications for Pathophysiology

With the increase of life expectancy, neurodegenerative disorders are becoming not only a health but also a social burden worldwide. However, due to the multitude of pathophysiological disease states, current treatments fail to meet the desired outcomes. Therefore, there is a need for new therapeutic strategies focusing on more integrated, personalized and effective approaches. The prospect of using neural stem cells (NSC) as regenerative therapies is very promising, however several issues still need to be addressed. In particular, the potential actions of pharmacological agents used to modulate NSC activity are highly relevant. With the ongoing discussion of cannabinoid usage for medical purposes and reports drawing attention to the effects of cannabinoids on NSC regulation, there is an enormous, and yet, uncovered potential for cannabinoids as treatment options for several neurological disorders, specifically when combined with stem cell therapy. In this manuscript, we review in detail how cannabinoids act as potent regulators of NSC biology and their potential to modulate several neurogenic features in the context of pathophysiology.

Development of Thiazole-5-carboxylate Derivatives as Selective Inhibitors of Monoacylglycerol Lipase as Target in Cancer

INTRODUCTION

The signalling function of 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) in endocannabinoid system is delineated by Monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL). MAGL readdresses the lipid stores in the direction of pro-tumorigenic signalling lipids in cancer cells. Selective as well as potent MAGL inhibitors are limited in number hence their continuous development may lead to a breakthrough invention in the field of MAGL inhibitors. In succession of the above, we have synthesised 2-amino-4- methylthiazole-5-carboxylate derivatives and characterised them by collective use of IR, 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, Mass spectral data and elemental analysis.

METHODOLOGY

Thirteen compounds (3c-g, 4c, 4e, 4f and 6b-f) inhibited MAGL with IC50 value 0.037- 9.60 µM. Two compounds (3g and 4c) were found to be most potent with IC50 values 0.037 and 0.063µM, respectively. Thirty synthesised compounds were sent to NCI for anticancer screening, out of which nine compounds were selected for one dose anticancer assay. Compounds 3g (NSC:788170) and 4c (NSC:788176)were found to be the most potent during one dose anticancer screening and fulfilled the specified threshold for growth inhibition criteria of NCI and were further selected for full panel five dose assay at 10-fold dilutions of five different concentrations.

CONCLUSION

Compound 3g displayed GI50 value 0.865 μM against EKVX (Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer cell line), and 1.20 µM against MDA-MB-468 (Breast Cancer cell Line), while (4c) showed GI50 value 0.34 and 0.96 µM against HOP-92 and EKVX (Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer cell line) and 1.08 µM against MDA-MB-231/ATCC(Breast Cancer cell Line). In addition, molecular docking studies of the said MAGL inhibitors have also been presented in this article.

N-Acyl pyrazoles: Effective and tunable inhibitors of serine hydrolases

A series of N-acyl pyrazoles was examined as candidate serine hydrolase inhibitors in which the active site acylating reactivity and the leaving group ability of the pyrazole could be tuned not only through the nature of the acyl group (reactivity: amide > carbamate > urea), but also through pyrazole C4 substitution with electron-withdrawing or electron-donating substituents. Their impact on enzyme inhibitory activity displayed pronounced effects with the activity improving substantially as one alters both the nature of the reacting carbonyl group (urea > carbamate > amide) and the pyrazole C4 substituent (CN > H > Me). It was further demonstrated that the acyl chain of the N-acyl pyrazole ureas can be used to tailor the potency and selectivity of the inhibitor class to a targeted serine hydrolase. Thus, elaboration of the acyl chain of pyrazole-based ureas provided remarkably potent, irreversible inhibitors of fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH, apparent K_i = 100-200 pM), dual inhibitors of FAAH and monoacylglycerol hydrolase (MGLL), or selective inhibitors of MGLL (IC₅₀ = 10-20 nM) while simultaneously minimizing off-target activity (e.g., ABHD6 and KIAA1363).

The herbicide quinclorac as potent lipase inhibitor: Discovery via virtual screening and in vitro/in vivo validation

Lipolysis is primarily controlled by the stepwise action of hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL) and monoglyceride lipase (MGL) to release free fatty acids and glycerol. A high level of circulating free fatty acids is well-known to mediate insulin resistance. Thus, the need to discover lipase inhibitors against both enzyme systems remains urgent. Agrochemicals are tightly regulated chemicals and therefore are potential source of new medicinal agents. Accordingly, we implemented a computational workflow to search for new lipase inhibitory leads by virtually screening commercial agrochemicals against HSL and MGL employing binding pharmacophores and docking experiments. Ten agrochemicals were identified as potential lipase inhibitors, out of which quinclorac, a safe herbicide, achieved high-ranking score. Subsequent in vitro evaluation against rat epididymal lipase activity showed quinclorac to exhibit nanomolar anti-lipase IC₅₀ . Subsequent in vivo testing showed quinclorac to significantly decrease blood glycerol levels after acute exposure (150 mg/kg) and multiple dosing (50 or 25 mg/kg) (p < 0.05).

Gamma-tocotrienol attenuates the aberrant lipid mediator production in NLRP3 inflammasome-stimulated macrophages

The activation of NLRP3 inflammasome in innate immune cells is associated with enhanced production of pro-inflammatory lipid mediator eicosanoids that play a crucial role in propagating inflammation. Gamma-tocotrienol (γT3) is an unsaturated vitamin E that has been demonstrated to attenuate NLRP3-inflammasome. However, the role of γT3 in regulating eicosanoid formation is unknown. We hypothesized that γT3 abolishes the eicosanoid production by modulating the macrophage lipidome. LPS-primed bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDM) were stimulated with saturated fatty acids (SFA) along with γT3, and the effects of γT3 in modulating macrophage lipidome were quantified by using mass spectrometry based-shotgun lipidomic approaches. The SFA-mediated inflammasome activation induced robust changes in lipid species of glycerolipids (GL), glycerophospholipids (GPL), and sphingolipids in BMDM, which were distinctly different in the γT3-treated BMDM. The γT3 treatment caused substantial decreases of lysophospholipids (LysoPL), diacylglycerol (DAG), and free arachidonic acid (AA, C20:4), indicating that γT3 limits the availability of AA, the precursor for eicosanoids. This was confirmed by the pulse-chase experiment using [³H]-AA, and by diminished prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) secretion by ELISA. Concurrently, γT3 inhibited LPS-induced cyclooxygenases 2 (COX2) induction, further suppressing prostaglandin synthesis. In addition, γT3 attenuated ceramide synthesis by transcriptional downregulation of key enzymes for de novo synthesis. The altered lipid metabolism during inflammation is linked to reduced ATP production, which was partly rescued by γT3. Taken together, our work revealed that γT3 induces distinct modification of the macrophage lipidome to reduce AA release and corresponding lipid mediator synthesis, leading to attenuated cellular lipotoxicity.

Emerging therapeutic targets in cancer induced bone disease: A focus on the peripheral type 2 cannabinoid receptor

Skeletal complications are a common cause of morbidity in patients with primary bone cancer and bone metastases. The type 2 cannabinoid (Cnr2) receptor is implicated in cancer, bone metabolism and pain perception. Emerging data have uncovered the role of Cnr2 in the regulation of tumour-bone cell interactions and suggest that agents that target Cnr2 in the skeleton have potential efficacy in the reduction of skeletal complications associated with cancer. This review aims to provide an overview of findings relating to the role of Cnr2 receptor in the regulation of skeletal tumour growth, osteolysis and bone pain, and highlights the many unanswered questions and unmet needs. This review argues that development and testing of peripherally-acting, tumour-, Cnr2-selective ligands in preclinical models of metastatic cancer will pave the way for future research that will advance our knowledge about the basic mechanism(s) by which the endocannabinoid system regulate cancer metastasis, stimulate the development of a safer cannabis-based therapy for the treatment of cancer and provide policy makers with powerful tools to assess the science and therapeutic potential of cannabinoid-based therapy. Thus, offering the prospect of identifying selective Cnr2 ligands, as novel, alternative to cannabis herbal extracts for the treatment of advanced cancer patients.

Pharmacological inhibition of MAGL attenuates experimental colon carcinogenesis

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a major health problem in Western countries. The endocannabinoid 2-arachidonoyl-glycerol (2-AG) exerts antiproliferative actions in a number of tumoral cell lines, including CRC cells. Monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL), a serine hydrolase that inactivates 2-AG, is highly expressed in aggressive human cancer cells. Here, we investigated the role of MAGL in experimental colon carcinogenesis. The role of MAGL was assessed in vivo by using the xenograft and the azoxymethane models of colon carcinogenesis; MAGL expression was evaluated by RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry; 2-AG levels were measured by liquid chromatography mass spectrometry; angiogenesis was evaluated in tumor tissues [by microvessel counting and by investigating the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) proteins] as well as in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC); cyclin D1 was evaluated by RT-PCR. MAGL and 2-AG were strongly expressed in tumor tissues. The MAGL inhibitor URB602 reduced xenograft tumor volume, this effect being associated to down-regulation of VEGF and FGF-2, reduction in the number of vessels and down-regulation of cyclin D1. In HUVEC, URB602 exerted a direct antiangiogenic effect by inhibiting FGF-2 induced proliferation and migration, and by modulating pro/anti-angiogenic agents. In experiments aiming at investigating the role of MAGL in chemoprevention, URB602 attenuated azoxymethane-induced preneoplastic lesions, polyps and tumors. MAGL, possibly through modulation of angiogenesis, plays a pivotal role in experimental colon carcinogenesis. Pharmacological inhibition of MAGL could represent an innovative therapeutic approach to reduce colorectal tumor progression.

Lid domain plasticity and lipid flexibility modulate enzyme specificity in human monoacylglycerol lipase

Human monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) is a membrane-interacting enzyme that generates pro-inflammatory signaling molecules. For this reason, MAGL inhibition is a promising strategy to treat pain, cancer, and neuroinflammatory diseases. MAGL can hydrolyze monoacylglycerols bearing an acyl chain of different lengths and degrees of unsaturation, cleaving primarily the endocannabinoid 2-arachidonoylglycerol. Importantly, the enzymatic binding site of MAGL is confined by a 75-amino-acid-long, flexible cap domain, named 'lid domain', which is structurally similar to that found in several other lipases. However, it is unclear how lid domain plasticity affects catalysis in MAGL. By integrating extensive molecular dynamics simulations and free-energy calculations with mutagenesis and kinetic experiments, we here define a lid-domain-mediated mechanism for substrate selection and binding in MAGL catalysis. In particular, we clarify the key role of Phe159 and Ile179, two conserved residues within the lid domain, in regulating substrate specificity in MAGL. We conclude by proposing that other structurally related lipases may share this lid-domain-mediated mechanism for substrate specificity.

Hit to lead optimization of a series of N-[4-(1,3-benzothiazol-2-yl)phenyl]acetamides as monoacylglycerol lipase inhibitors with potential anticancer activity

A total of thirty five new N-[4-(1,3-benzothiazol-2-yl)phenyl]acetamide derivatives were synthesized and structures of all the compounds were confirmed on the basis of elemental analysis and collective use of IR, (1)H NMR, (13)C NMR and mass spectral data. Compounds were tested for their ability to inhibit human monoacylglycerol lipase (hMAGL) enzyme. Eight compounds 4, 19-21, 24-26, and 34 reduced the hMAGL activity less than 50% at 100 nM concentrations. The halogen substituted aniline derivatives 20, 21 and 24-26 were found to be most active among all the synthesized compounds having IC50 value in the range of 6.5-9 nM. Twenty five compounds were selected by NCI, USA for one dose anticancer screening. Compound 21 (NSC: 780167) and 24 (NSC: 780168) fulfilled prearranged doorstep growth inhibition criteria and further selected for NCI full panel five dose assay at 10-fold dilutions of five different concentrations (0.01, 0.1, 1, 10 and 100 μM). Both the compounds 21 and 24 were found to be most active against MCF7 and MDA-MB-468 breast cancer cell lines. The GI50 value of 32.5 nM (MCF7) and 23.8 nM (MDA-MB-468) was observed for compound 21. Compound 24 showed GI50 values of 37.1 nM against MCF7 breast cancer cell line and 25.1 nM against MDA-MB-468 breast cancer cell line.

Synthesis and Preclinical Evaluation of Sulfonamido-based [(11)C-Carbonyl]-Carbamates and Ureas for Imaging Monoacylglycerol Lipase

Monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) is a 33 kDa member of the serine hydrolase superfamily that preferentially degrades 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) to arachidonic acid in the endocannabinoid system. Inhibition of MAGL is not only of interest for probing the cannabinoid pathway but also as a therapeutic and diagnostic target for neuroinflammation. Limited attempts have been made to image MAGL in vivo and a suitable PET ligand for this target has yet to be identified and is urgently sought to guide small molecule drug development in this pathway. Herein we synthesized and evaluated the physiochemical properties of an array of eleven sulfonamido-based carbamates and ureas with a series of terminal aryl moieties, linkers and leaving groups. The most potent compounds were a novel MAGL inhibitor, N-((1-(1H-1,2,4-triazole-1-carbonyl)piperidin-4-yl) methyl)-4-chlorobenzenesulfonamide (TZPU; IC₅₀ = 35.9 nM), and the known inhibitor 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoropropan-2-yl 4-(((4-chlorophenyl)sulfonamido) methyl)piperidine-1-carboxylate (SAR127303; IC₅₀ = 39.3 nM), which were also shown to be selective for MAGL over fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), and cannabinoid receptors (CB1 & CB2). Both of these compounds were radiolabeled with carbon-11 via [¹¹C]COCl₂, followed by comprehensive ex vivo biodistribution and in vivo PET imaging studies in normal rats to determine their brain permeability, specificity, clearance and metabolism. Whereas TZPU did not show adequate specificity to warrant further evaluation, [¹¹C]SAR127303 was advanced for preliminary PET neuroimaging studies in nonhuman primate. The tracer showed good brain permeability (ca. 1 SUV) and heterogeneous regional brain distribution which is consistent with the distribution of MAGL.

Recent discoveries on absorption of dietary fat: Presence, synthesis, and metabolism of cytoplasmic lipid droplets within enterocytes

Dietary fat provides essential nutrients, contributes to energy balance, and regulates blood lipid concentrations. These functions are important to health, but can also become dysregulated and contribute to diseases such as obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. Within enterocytes, the digestive products of dietary fat are re-synthesized into triacylglycerol, which is either secreted on chylomicrons or stored within cytoplasmic lipid droplets (CLDs). CLDs were originally thought to be inert stores of neutral lipids, but are now recognized as dynamic organelles that function in multiple cellular processes in addition to lipid metabolism. This review will highlight recent discoveries related to dietary fat absorption with an emphasis on the presence, synthesis, and metabolism of CLDs within this process.

A Novel Radiotracer for Imaging Monoacylglycerol Lipase in the Brain Using Positron Emission Tomography

Monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) is a serine hydrolase that hydrolyzes monoacylglycerols to glycerol and fatty acid and plays an important role in neuroinflammation. MAGL inhibitors are a class of molecules with therapeutic potential for human diseases of the central nervous system (CNS), in areas such as pain and inflammation, immunological disorders, and neurological and psychiatric conditions. Development of a noninvasive imaging probe would elucidate the distribution and functional roles of MAGL in the brain and accelerate medical research and drug discovery in this domain. Herein, we describe the synthesis and pilot rodent imaging of a novel MAGL imaging agent, [(11)C]SAR127303. Our imaging results demonstrate the high specificity, good selectivity, and appropriate kinetics and distribution of [(11)C]SAR127303, validating its utility for imaging MAGL in the brain. Our findings support the translational potential for human CNS MAGL imaging.

Association between plasma concentrations of linoleic acid-derived oxylipins and the perceived pain scores in an exploratory study in women with chronic neck pain

Background

Chronic musculoskeletal pain may be associated with changes in the balance of algogenic and anti-nociceptive compounds, and such changes may be visible in plasma samples. We have undertaken an exploratory study to measure the levels of endocannabinoids, related N-acylethanolamines and oxylipins (primarily those derived from linoleic acid) in plasma samples from women with chronic neck pain (NP) and chronic widespread pain (CWP), and to investigate whether the observed levels are associated with the pain experienced by these women.

Methods

Blood samples from 35 women with NP, 15 with CWP and 27 age-matched controls were analysed for the lipids using ultra performance liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry. Current pain (“NRS_day”) and the average pain during the last week (“NRS_week”) were rated by the participants using a numerical rating scale.

Results

There were no significant differences in the plasma concentrations of the fifteen lipids investigated between the women with pain and the controls. However, significant correlations were seen for the NP group between the NRS_day scores and the plasma concentrations of the linoleic acid derivatives 9- and 13-hydroxy-octadecadienoic acid (Spearman’s rho values 0.51 [P = 0.0016]) and 0.53 [P = 0.0011], respectively).

Conclusions

The data obtained in this exploratory study indicate that although no group differences are seen in plasma lipid concentrations, there is an association between the NRS_day scores and the 9- and 13-hydroxy-octadecadienoic acid levels. Whether or not the association reflects a causality (i.e. that the circulating lipids contribute to the perceived pain of the pain participants), requires further investigation.

Crystal structure of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae monoglyceride lipase Yju3p

Monoglyceride lipases (MGLs) are a group of α/β-hydrolases that catalyze the hydrolysis of monoglycerides (MGs) into free fatty acids and glycerol. This reaction serves different physiological functions, namely in the last step of phospholipid and triglyceride degradation, in mammalian endocannabinoid and arachidonic acid metabolism, and in detoxification processes in microbes. Previous crystal structures of MGLs from humans and bacteria revealed conformational plasticity in the cap region of this protein and gave insight into substrate binding. In this study, we present the structure of a MGL from Saccharomyces cerevisiae called Yju3p in its free form and in complex with a covalently bound substrate analog mimicking the tetrahedral intermediate of MG hydrolysis. These structures reveal a high conservation of the overall shape of the MGL cap region and also provide evidence for conformational changes in the cap of Yju3p. The complex structure reveals that, despite the high structural similarity, Yju3p seems to have an additional opening to the substrate binding pocket at a different position compared to human and bacterial MGL. Substrate specificities towards MGs with saturated and unsaturated alkyl chains of different lengths were tested and revealed highest activity towards MG containing a C18:1 fatty acid.

Therapeutic potential of cannabis-related drugs

In this review, I will consider the dual nature of Cannabis and cannabinoids. The duality arises from the potential and actuality of cannabinoids in the laboratory and clinic and the 'abuse' of Cannabis outside the clinic. The therapeutic areas currently best associated with exploitation of Cannabis-related medicines include pain, epilepsy, feeding disorders, multiple sclerosis and glaucoma. As with every other medicinal drug of course, the 'trick' will be to maximise the benefit and minimise the cost. After millennia of proximity and exploitation of the Cannabis plant, we are still playing catch up with an understanding of its potential influence for medicinal benefit.

Genetic inactivation and prolonged pharmacologic inhibition of monoacylglycerol lipase have opposite effects on anesthetic sensitivity to propofol

Monoacylglycerol lipase (MGL) is a major enzyme involved in degradation of the endocannabinoid 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG). Selective inhibitors of MGL are regarded as promising analgesics and anticancer agents. To gain insight into the possible consequences of their prolonged administration for anesthetic action, the effects of several inhalational and intravenous anesthetics were tested in knockout mice lacking the MGL gene in the loss of righting reflex (LORR) assay. Sensitivity to inhalational and most intravenous anesthetics was not altered in knockout mice. However, compared with wild-type littermates, they showed increased sensitivity to the intravenous anesthetic propofol. Permanently elevated levels of 2-AG after MGL knockout are known to cause desensitization of cannabinoid (CB1) receptors, which have been advocated as possible mediators of propofol anesthesia. Therefore, increased sensitivity to propofol in knockout mice at first suggested that 2-AG may potentiate CB1 receptors despite their hypofunction in these animals. Pharmacologic inhibition of MGL also causes desensitization of CB1 receptors, so sensitivity to propofol was tested further in C57BL/6N mice pretreated chronically with the selective MGL inhibitor JZL 184. Contrary to the results in knockout mice, these animals showed drastically reduced sensitivity to propofol. The reason for increased sensitivity to propofol after MGL knockout remains unclear, but may result from changes occurring in these animals during development. However, our results in C57BL/6N mice pretreated with JZL 184 confirmed the role of CB1 receptors in propofol anesthesia advocated previously, and also suggest that prolonged use of MGL inhibitors may be associated with the development of resistance to propofol.

Task-specific enhancement of hippocampus-dependent learning in mice deficient in monoacylglycerol lipase, the major hydrolyzing enzyme of the endocannabinoid 2-arachidonoylglycerol

Growing evidence indicates that the endocannabinoid system is important for the acquisition and/or extinction of learning and memory. However, it is unclear which endocannabinoid(s) play(s) a crucial role in these cognitive functions, especially memory extinction. To elucidate the physiological role of 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), a major endocannabinoid, in behavioral and cognitive functions, we conducted a comprehensive behavioral test battery in knockout (KO) mice deficient in monoacylglycerol lipase (MGL), the major hydrolyzing enzyme of 2-AG. We found age-dependent increases in spontaneous physical activity (SPA) in MGL KO mice. Next, we tested the MGL KO mice using 5 hippocampus-dependent learning paradigms (i.e., Morris water maze (MWM), contextual fear conditioning, novel object recognition test, trace eyeblink conditioning, and water-finding test). In the MWM, MGL KO mice showed normal acquisition of reference memory, but exhibited significantly faster extinction of the learned behavior. Moreover, they showed faster memory acquisition on the reversal-learning task of the MWM. In contrast, in the contextual fear conditioning, MGL KO mice tended to show slower memory extinction. In the novel object recognition and water-finding tests, MGL KO mice exhibited enhanced memory acquisition. Trace eyeblink conditioning was not altered in MGL KO mice throughout the acquisition and extinction phases. These results indicate that 2-AG signaling is important for hippocampus-dependent learning and memory, but its contribution is highly task-dependent.

The evolving role of the endocannabinoid system in gynaecological cancer

BACKGROUND

The 'endocannabinoid system' (ECS), comprising endogenous ligands (endocannabinoids) and their regulating enzymes, together with the cannabinoid receptors, has attracted a great deal of attention because it affects not only all facets of human reproduction, from gametogenesis through to parturition and beyond, but also targets key mechanisms affecting some hallmarks of cancer. Recent evidence showing that cannabinoid receptors play a very important role in the development of malignancies outside of the reproductive organs suggests a similar role for the ECS in the establishment or continued development of gynaecological malignancy.

METHODS

Primary papers and review articles, and primary sources within these papers, up to December 2014, on the evolving role of the ECS in cancer, with a special focus on gynaecological cancers, were obtained by Medline and PubMed searches using the search terms: 'cancer', 'cannabinoid', 'endocannabinoid', 'gynaecology' and 'malignancy'. Non-English manuscripts were excluded.

RESULTS

More than 2100 sources were obtained from which only 112 were specifically important to the topic. Analysis of those articles supports a role of the ECS in gynaecological cancers but leaves many gaps in our knowledge that need to be filled. How some of the relevant receptors are activated and cause changes in cell phenotypes that progress to malignancy remains undiscovered and an area for future research. Increasing evidence suggests that malignant transformation within the female genital tract could be accompanied by deregulation of components of the ECS, acting through rather complex cannabinoid receptor-dependent and receptor-independent mechanisms.

CONCLUSIONS

The paucity of studies in this area suggests that research using animal models is needed to evaluate endocannabinoid signalling in cancer networks. Future randomized clinical studies should reveal whether endocannabinoids or their derivatives prove to be useful therapeutic targets for gynaecological and other cancers.