1
|
Papa A, Pasquini S, Contri C, Gemma S, Campiani G, Butini S, Varani K, Vincenzi F. Polypharmacological Approaches for CNS Diseases: Focus on Endocannabinoid Degradation Inhibition. Cells 2022; 11:cells11030471. [PMID: 35159280 PMCID: PMC8834510 DOI: 10.3390/cells11030471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Revised: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Polypharmacology breaks up the classical paradigm of “one-drug, one target, one disease” electing multitarget compounds as potential therapeutic tools suitable for the treatment of complex diseases, such as metabolic syndrome, psychiatric or degenerative central nervous system (CNS) disorders, and cancer. These diseases often require a combination therapy which may result in positive but also negative synergistic effects. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is emerging as a particularly attractive therapeutic target in CNS disorders and neurodegenerative diseases including Parkinson’s disease (PD), Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Huntington’s disease (HD), multiple sclerosis (MS), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), stroke, traumatic brain injury (TBI), pain, and epilepsy. ECS is an organized neuromodulatory network, composed by endogenous cannabinoids, cannabinoid receptors type 1 and type 2 (CB1 and CB2), and the main catabolic enzymes involved in the endocannabinoid inactivation such as fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) and monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL). The multiple connections of the ECS with other signaling pathways in the CNS allows the consideration of the ECS as an optimal source of inspiration in the development of innovative polypharmacological compounds. In this review, we focused our attention on the reported polypharmacological examples in which FAAH and MAGL inhibitors are involved.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Papa
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, DoE Department of Excellence 2018-2022, University of Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy; (A.P.); (S.G.); (G.C.)
| | - Silvia Pasquini
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara 17-19, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (S.P.); (C.C.); (K.V.); (F.V.)
| | - Chiara Contri
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara 17-19, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (S.P.); (C.C.); (K.V.); (F.V.)
| | - Sandra Gemma
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, DoE Department of Excellence 2018-2022, University of Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy; (A.P.); (S.G.); (G.C.)
| | - Giuseppe Campiani
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, DoE Department of Excellence 2018-2022, University of Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy; (A.P.); (S.G.); (G.C.)
| | - Stefania Butini
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, DoE Department of Excellence 2018-2022, University of Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy; (A.P.); (S.G.); (G.C.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0577-234161
| | - Katia Varani
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara 17-19, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (S.P.); (C.C.); (K.V.); (F.V.)
| | - Fabrizio Vincenzi
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara 17-19, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (S.P.); (C.C.); (K.V.); (F.V.)
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Lamers C, Merk D. Discovery, Structural Refinement and Therapeutic Potential of Farnesoid X Receptor Activators. ANTI-FIBROTIC DRUG DISCOVERY 2020. [DOI: 10.1039/9781788015783-00076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Farnesoid X receptor acts as bile acid sensing transcription factor and has been identified as valuable molecular drug target to treat severe liver disorders, such as non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Preclinical and clinical data indicate anti-fibrotic effects obtained with FXR activation that also appear promising for other fibrotic diseases beyond NASH. Strong efforts in FXR ligand discovery have yielded potent steroidal and non-steroidal FXR activators, some of which have been studied in clinical trials. While the structure–activity relationship of some FXR agonist frameworks have been studied extensively, the structural diversity of potent FXR activator chemotypes is still limited to a handful of well-studied compound classes. Together with safety concerns related to full therapeutic activation of FXR, this indicates the need for novel innovative FXR ligands with selective modulatory properties. This chapter evaluates FXR's value as drug target with emphasis on fibrotic diseases, analyses FXR ligand recognition and requirements and focuses on the discovery and structural refinement of leading FXR activator chemotypes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christina Lamers
- University Basel, Molecular Pharmacy Klingelberstr. 50 CH-4056 Basel Switzerland
| | - Daniel Merk
- Goethe University Frankfurt, Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry Max-von-Laue-Str. 9 D-60438 Frankfurt Germany
- Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) Zurich, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 4 CH-8093 Zurich Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Schierle S, Helmstädter M, Schmidt J, Hartmann M, Horz M, Kaiser A, Weizel L, Heitel P, Proschak A, Hernandez‐Olmos V, Proschak E, Merk D. Dual Farnesoid X Receptor/Soluble Epoxide Hydrolase Modulators Derived from Zafirlukast. ChemMedChem 2020; 15:50-67. [PMID: 31670489 PMCID: PMC7004070 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.201900576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2019] [Revised: 10/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
The nuclear farnesoid X receptor (FXR) and the enzyme soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) are validated molecular targets to treat metabolic disorders such as non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Their simultaneous modulation in vivo has demonstrated a triad of anti-NASH effects and thus may generate synergistic efficacy. Here we report dual FXR activators/sEH inhibitors derived from the anti-asthma drug Zafirlukast. Systematic structural optimization of the scaffold has produced favorable dual potency on FXR and sEH while depleting the original cysteinyl leukotriene receptor antagonism of the lead drug. The resulting polypharmacological activity profile holds promise in the treatment of liver-related metabolic diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Simone Schierle
- Institute of Pharmaceutical ChemistryGoethe University FrankfurtMax-von-Laue-Str. 960438FrankfurtGermany
| | - Moritz Helmstädter
- Institute of Pharmaceutical ChemistryGoethe University FrankfurtMax-von-Laue-Str. 960438FrankfurtGermany
| | - Jurema Schmidt
- Institute of Pharmaceutical ChemistryGoethe University FrankfurtMax-von-Laue-Str. 960438FrankfurtGermany
| | - Markus Hartmann
- Institute of Pharmaceutical ChemistryGoethe University FrankfurtMax-von-Laue-Str. 960438FrankfurtGermany
| | - Maximiliane Horz
- Institute of Pharmaceutical ChemistryGoethe University FrankfurtMax-von-Laue-Str. 960438FrankfurtGermany
| | - Astrid Kaiser
- Institute of Pharmaceutical ChemistryGoethe University FrankfurtMax-von-Laue-Str. 960438FrankfurtGermany
| | - Lilia Weizel
- Institute of Pharmaceutical ChemistryGoethe University FrankfurtMax-von-Laue-Str. 960438FrankfurtGermany
| | - Pascal Heitel
- Institute of Pharmaceutical ChemistryGoethe University FrankfurtMax-von-Laue-Str. 960438FrankfurtGermany
| | - Anna Proschak
- Institute of Pharmaceutical ChemistryGoethe University FrankfurtMax-von-Laue-Str. 960438FrankfurtGermany
| | - Victor Hernandez‐Olmos
- Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IMEBranch for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology TMPTheodor-Stern-Kai 760596Frankfurt am MainGermany
| | - Ewgenij Proschak
- Institute of Pharmaceutical ChemistryGoethe University FrankfurtMax-von-Laue-Str. 960438FrankfurtGermany
| | - Daniel Merk
- Institute of Pharmaceutical ChemistryGoethe University FrankfurtMax-von-Laue-Str. 960438FrankfurtGermany
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
A dual farnesoid X receptor/soluble epoxide hydrolase modulator treats non-alcoholic steatohepatitis in mice. Biochem Pharmacol 2019; 166:212-221. [PMID: 31129048 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2019.05.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2019] [Accepted: 05/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) are the most prevalent metabolic liver disorders and a serious global health burden. NAFLD/NASH pathogenesis and progression are highly multi-factorial and likely demand a combination of multiple mechanisms to provide a more effective treatment. We have developed a dual farnesoid X receptor agonist (FXRA)/soluble epoxide hydrolase inhibitor (sEHi) to simultaneously address two validated and complementary modes of action in NASH treatment. Here we report the in vivo profiling for this FXRA/sEHi in toxin- and diet-induced rodent NASH models. In streptozotocin-induced NASH as a proof-of-concept study, the experimental FXRA/sEHi drug robustly prevented hepatic steatosis and fibrosis, and improved lipid homeostasis as well as biochemical markers of liver health. In methionine-choline-deficient high-fat diet-induced NASH, FXRA/sEHi treatment reduced hepatic steatosis and fibrosis to levels similar to healthy animals and demonstrated anti-inflammatory activity confirming that dual FXRA/sEHi modulation produces a triad of complementary anti-NASH effects. Our results validate dual FXRA/sEHi modulation as an effective therapeutic strategy to treat NASH and advocates for a combinational drug therapeutic approach for multifactorial liver diseases.
Collapse
|
5
|
Merk D, Grisoni F, Schaller K, Friedrich L, Schneider G. Discovery of Novel Molecular Frameworks of Farnesoid X Receptor Modulators by Ensemble Machine Learning. ChemistryOpen 2019; 8:7-14. [PMID: 30622878 PMCID: PMC6317935 DOI: 10.1002/open.201800156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The bile acid activated transcription factor farnesoid X receptor (FXR) has revealed therapeutic potential as a molecular drug target for the treatment of hepatic and metabolic disorders. Despite strong efforts in FXR ligand development, the structural diversity among the known FXR modulators is limited. Only four molecular frameworks account for more than 50 % of the FXR modulators annotated in ChEMBL. Here, we leverage machine learning methods to expand the chemical space of FXR-targeting small molecules by employing an ensemble of three complementary machine learning approaches. A counter-propagation artificial neural network, a k-nearest neighbor learner, and a three-dimensional pharmacophore descriptor were combined to retrieve novel FXR ligands from a collection of more than 3 million compounds. The ensemble machine learning model identified six new FXR modulators among ten top-ranked candidates. These active hits comprise both FXR activators and antagonists with micromolar potencies. With four novel FXR ligand scaffolds, these computationally identified bioactive compounds appreciably expand the chemical space of known FXR modulators and may serve as starting points for hit-to-lead expansion.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Merk
- Department of Chemistry and Applied BiosciencesSwiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) ZurichVladimir-Prelog-Weg 48093ZurichSwitzerland
| | - Francesca Grisoni
- Department of Chemistry and Applied BiosciencesSwiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) ZurichVladimir-Prelog-Weg 48093ZurichSwitzerland
- Department of Earth and Environmental SciencesUniversity of Milano-BicoccaPiazza della Scienza 120126MilanoItaly
| | - Kay Schaller
- Department of Chemistry and Applied BiosciencesSwiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) ZurichVladimir-Prelog-Weg 48093ZurichSwitzerland
| | - Lukas Friedrich
- Department of Chemistry and Applied BiosciencesSwiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) ZurichVladimir-Prelog-Weg 48093ZurichSwitzerland
| | - Gisbert Schneider
- Department of Chemistry and Applied BiosciencesSwiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) ZurichVladimir-Prelog-Weg 48093ZurichSwitzerland
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Heitel P, Gellrich L, Heering J, Goebel T, Kahnt A, Proschak E, Schubert-Zsilavecz M, Merk D. Urate transporter inhibitor lesinurad is a selective peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma modulator (sPPARγM) in vitro. Sci Rep 2018; 8:13554. [PMID: 30202096 PMCID: PMC6131501 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-31833-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2018] [Accepted: 08/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Gout is the most common arthritic disease in human but was long neglected and therapeutic options are not satisfying. However, with the recent approval of the urate transporter inhibitor lesinurad, gout treatment has experienced a major innovation. Here we show that lesinurad possesses considerable modulatory potency on peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ). Since gout has a strong association with metabolic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, this side-activity appears as very valuable contributing factor to the clinical efficacy profile of lesinurad. Importantly, despite robustly activating PPARγ in vitro, lesinurad lacked adipogenic activity, which seems due to differential coactivator recruitment and is characterized as selective PPARγ modulator (sPPARγM).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pascal Heitel
- Goethe University Frankfurt, Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, D-60438, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Leonie Gellrich
- Goethe University Frankfurt, Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, D-60438, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Jan Heering
- Project Group Translational Medicine and Pharmacology TMP, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, D-60596, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Tamara Goebel
- Goethe University Frankfurt, Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, D-60438, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Astrid Kahnt
- Goethe University Frankfurt, Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, D-60438, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Ewgenij Proschak
- Goethe University Frankfurt, Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, D-60438, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Manfred Schubert-Zsilavecz
- Goethe University Frankfurt, Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, D-60438, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Daniel Merk
- Goethe University Frankfurt, Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, D-60438, Frankfurt, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Proschak E, Stark H, Merk D. Polypharmacology by Design: A Medicinal Chemist's Perspective on Multitargeting Compounds. J Med Chem 2018; 62:420-444. [PMID: 30035545 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.8b00760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 276] [Impact Index Per Article: 46.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Multitargeting compounds comprising activity on more than a single biological target have gained remarkable relevance in drug discovery owing to the complexity of multifactorial diseases such as cancer, inflammation, or the metabolic syndrome. Polypharmacological drug profiles can produce additive or synergistic effects while reducing side effects and significantly contribute to the high therapeutic success of indispensable drugs such as aspirin. While their identification has long been the result of serendipity, medicinal chemistry now tends to design polypharmacology. Modern in vitro pharmacological methods and chemical probes allow a systematic search for rational target combinations and recent innovations in computational technologies, crystallography, or fragment-based design equip multitarget compound development with valuable tools. In this Perspective, we analyze the relevance of multiple ligands in drug discovery and the versatile toolbox to design polypharmacology. We conclude that despite some characteristic challenges remaining unresolved, designed polypharmacology holds enormous potential to secure future therapeutic innovation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ewgenij Proschak
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry , Goethe University Frankfurt , Max-von-Laue-Strasse 9 , D-60438 Frankfurt , Germany
| | - Holger Stark
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry , Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf , Universitaetsstrasse 1 , D-40225 , Duesseldorf , Germany
| | - Daniel Merk
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry , Goethe University Frankfurt , Max-von-Laue-Strasse 9 , D-60438 Frankfurt , Germany.,Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences , Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) Zürich , Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 4 , CH-8093 Zürich , Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Schmidt J, Schierle S, Gellrich L, Kaiser A, Merk D. Structural optimization and in vitro profiling of N-phenylbenzamide-based farnesoid X receptor antagonists. Bioorg Med Chem 2018; 26:4240-4253. [PMID: 30026040 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2018.07.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2018] [Revised: 07/08/2018] [Accepted: 07/10/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Activation of the nuclear farnesoid X receptor (FXR) which acts as cellular bile acid sensor has been validated as therapeutic strategy to counter liver disorders such as non-alcoholic steatohepatitis by the clinical efficacy of obeticholic acid. FXR antagonism, in contrast, is less well studied and potent small molecule FXR antagonists are rare. Here we report the systematic optimization of a novel class of FXR antagonists towards low nanomolar potency. The most optimized compound antagonizes baseline and agonist induced FXR activity in a full length FXR reporter gene assay and represses intrinsic expression of FXR regulated genes in hepatoma cells. With this activity and a favorable toxicity-, stability- and selectivity-profile it appears suitable to further study FXR antagonism in vitro and in vivo.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jurema Schmidt
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, D-60438 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Simone Schierle
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, D-60438 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Leonie Gellrich
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, D-60438 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Astrid Kaiser
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, D-60438 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Daniel Merk
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, D-60438 Frankfurt, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Schierle S, Flauaus C, Heitel P, Willems S, Schmidt J, Kaiser A, Weizel L, Goebel T, Kahnt AS, Geisslinger G, Steinhilber D, Wurglics M, Rovati GE, Schmidtko A, Proschak E, Merk D. Boosting Anti-Inflammatory Potency of Zafirlukast by Designed Polypharmacology. J Med Chem 2018; 61:5758-5764. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.8b00458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Simone Schierle
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Straße 9, D-60438 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Cathrin Flauaus
- Institute of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Straße 9, D-60438 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Pascal Heitel
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Straße 9, D-60438 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Sabine Willems
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Straße 9, D-60438 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Jurema Schmidt
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Straße 9, D-60438 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Astrid Kaiser
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Straße 9, D-60438 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Lilia Weizel
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Straße 9, D-60438 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Tamara Goebel
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Straße 9, D-60438 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Astrid S. Kahnt
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Straße 9, D-60438 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Gerd Geisslinger
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Goethe University Frankfurt, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, D-60590 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Dieter Steinhilber
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Straße 9, D-60438 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Mario Wurglics
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Straße 9, D-60438 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - G. Enrico Rovati
- Institute of Pharmacological Sciences, University of Milan, Via Balzaretti 9, I-20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Achim Schmidtko
- Institute of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Straße 9, D-60438 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Ewgenij Proschak
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Straße 9, D-60438 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Daniel Merk
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Straße 9, D-60438 Frankfurt, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Allosteric modulation of the farnesoid X receptor by a small molecule. Sci Rep 2018; 8:6846. [PMID: 29717168 PMCID: PMC5931576 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-25158-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2018] [Accepted: 04/17/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The bile acid activated transcription factor farnesoid X receptor (FXR) regulates numerous metabolic processes and is a rising target for the treatment of hepatic and metabolic disorders. FXR agonists have revealed efficacy in treating non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), diabetes and dyslipidemia. Here we characterize imatinib as first-in-class allosteric FXR modulator and report the development of an optimized descendant that markedly promotes agonist induced FXR activation in a reporter gene assay and FXR target gene expression in HepG2 cells. Differential effects of imatinib on agonist-induced bile salt export protein and small heterodimer partner expression suggest that allosteric FXR modulation could open a new avenue to gene-selective FXR modulators.
Collapse
|