Studies of the Biogenic Amine Transporters. XI. Identification of a 1-[2-[Bis(4-fluorophenyl)methoxy]ethyl]-4-(3-phenylpropyl)piperazine (GBR12909) Analog That Allosterically Modulates the Serotonin Transporter

Molecular Mechanism for the Allosteric Inhibition of the Human Serotonin Transporter by Antidepressant Escitalopram

Human serotine transporter (hSERT) is one of the most influential drug targets, and its allosteric modulators (e.g., escitalopram) have emerged to be the next-generation medication for psychiatric disorders. However, the molecular mechanism underlying the allosteric modulation of hSERT is still elusive. Here, the simulation strategies of conventional (cMD) and steered (SMD) molecular dynamics were applied to investigate this molecular mechanism from distinct perspectives. First, cMD simulations revealed that escitalopram's binding to hSERT's allosteric site simultaneously enhanced its binding to the orthosteric site. Then, SMD simulation identified that the occupation of hSERT's allosteric site by escitalopram could also block its dissociation from the orthosteric site. Finally, by comparing the simulated structures of two hSERT-escitalopram complexes with and without allosteric modulation, a new conformational coupling between an extracellular (Arg104-Glu494) and an intracellular (Lys490-Glu494) salt bridge was identified. In summary, this study explored the mechanism underlying the allosteric modulation of hSERT by collectively applying two MD simulation strategies, which could facilitate our understanding of the allosteric modulations of not only hSERT but also other clinically important therapeutic targets.

Identification of the benztropine analog [125I]GA II 34 binding site on the human dopamine transporter

The dopamine transporter (DAT) is a neuronal membrane protein that is responsible for reuptake of dopamine (DA) from the synapse and functions as a major determinant in control of DA neurotransmission. Cocaine and many psychostimulant drugs bind to DAT and block reuptake, inducing DA overflow that forms the neurochemical basis for euphoria and addiction. Paradoxically, however, some ligands such as benztropine (BZT) bind to DAT and inhibit reuptake but do not produce these effects, and it has been hypothesized that differential mechanisms of binding may stabilize specific transporter conformations that affect downstream neurochemical or behavioral outcomes. To investigate the binding mechanisms of BZT on DAT we used the photoaffinity BZT analog [¹²⁵I]N-[n-butyl-4-(4‴-azido-3‴-iodophenyl)]-4',4″-difluoro-3α-(diphenylmethoxy)tropane ([¹²⁵I]GA II 34) to identify the site of cross-linking and predict the binding pose relative to that of previously-examined cocaine photoaffinity analogs. Biochemical findings show that adduction of [¹²⁵I]GA II 34 occurs at residues Asp79 or Leu80 in TM1, with molecular modeling supporting adduction to Leu80 and a pharmacophore pose in the central S1 site similar to that of cocaine and cocaine analogs. Substituted cysteine accessibility method protection analyses verified these findings, but identified some differences in structural stabilization relative to cocaine that may relate to BZT neurochemical outcomes.

Structure-activity relationship studies of citalopram derivatives: examining substituents conferring selectivity for the allosteric site in the 5-HT transporter

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The 5-HT transporter (SERT) is a target for antidepressant drugs. SERT possesses two binding sites: the orthosteric (S1) binding site, which is the presumed target for current SERT inhibitors, and an allosteric (S2) site for which potential therapeutic effects are unknown. The antidepressant drug citalopram displays high-affinity S1 binding and low-affinity S2 binding. To elucidate a possible therapeutic role of allosteric inhibition of SERT, a drug that specifically targets the allosteric site is required. The purpose of this study was to find a compound having higher selectivity towards the S2 site.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

We performed a systematic structure-activity relationship study based on the scaffold of citalopram and the structurally closely related congener, talopram, which shows low-affinity S1 binding in SERT. The role of the four chemical substituents, which distinguish citalopram from talopram in conferring selectivity towards the S1 and S2 site, respectively, was assessed by determining the binding of 14 citalopram/talopram analogous to the S1 and S2 binding sites in SERT using membranes of COS7 cells transiently expressing SERT.

KEY RESULTS

The structure-activity relationship study revealed that dimethyl citalopram possesses the highest affinity for the allosteric site relative to the S1 site in SERT and has approximately twofold selectivity for the allosteric site relative to the S1 site in SERT.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

The compound could be a useful lead for future synthesis of drugs with high affinity and high selectivity towards the allosteric binding site.

Studies of the biogenic amine transporters 15. Identification of novel allosteric dopamine transporter ligands with nanomolar potency

Novel allosteric modulators of the dopamine transporter (DAT) have been identified. We have shown previously that SRI-9804 [N-(diphenylmethyl)-2-phenyl-4-quinazolinamine], SRI-20040 [N-(2,2-diphenylethyl)-2-phenyl-4-quinazolinamine], and SRI-20041 [N-(3,3-diphenylpropyl)-2-phenyl-4-quinazolinamine] partially inhibit [(125)I]RTI-55 ([(125)I]3β-(4'-iodophenyl)tropan-2β-carboxylic acid methyl ester) binding and [(3)H]dopamine ([(3)H]DA) uptake, slow the dissociation rate of [(125)I]RTI-55 from the DAT, and allosterically modulate d-amphetamine-induced, DAT-mediated DA release. We synthesized and evaluated the activity of >500 analogs of these ligands and report here on 36 selected compounds. Using synaptosomes prepared from rat caudate, we conducted [(3)H]DA uptake inhibition assays, DAT binding assays with [(3)H]WIN35428 ([(3)H]2β-carbomethoxy-3β-(4-fluorophenyl)tropane), and DAT-mediated release assays with either [(3)H]MPP(+) ([(3)H]1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium) or [(3)H]DA. We observed three groups of [(3)H]DA uptake inhibitors: 1) full-efficacy agents with a one-site fit, 2) full-efficacy agents with a two-site fit, and 3) partial-efficacy agents with a one-site fit-the focus of further studies. These agents partially inhibited DA, serotonin, and norepinephrine uptake, yet were much less potent at inhibiting [(3)H]WIN35428 binding to the DAT. For example, SRI-29574 [N-(2,2-diphenylethyl)-2-(imidazo[1,2-a]pyridin-6-yl)quinazolin-4-amine] partially inhibited DAT uptake, with an IC50 = 2.3 ± 0.4 nM, without affecting binding to the DAT. These agents did not alter DAT-mediated release of [(3)H]MPP(+) in the absence or presence of 100 nM d-amphetamine. SRI-29574 had no significant effect on the d-amphetamine EC50 or Emax value for DAT-mediated release of [(3)H]MPP(+). These studies demonstrate the existence of potent DAT ligands that partially block [(3)H]DA uptake, without affecting DAT binding or d-amphetamine-induced [(3)H]MPP(+) release. These compounds may prove to be useful probes of biogenic amine transporter function as well as novel therapeutics.

A comparative review of escitalopram, paroxetine, and sertraline: Are they all alike?

It is known that newer antidepressants, such as the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), provide advantages in tolerability over antidepressants such as the tricyclics. However, even within the SSRI class, differences in efficacy or tolerability exist between the individual drugs. Among the three most widely prescribed SSRIs are paroxetine, sertraline, and escitalopram. Escitalopram is commonly referred to as an SSRI, but also has well-documented allosteric properties, and thus can be further classed as an allosteric serotonin reuptake inhibitor. All three antidepressants are efficacious compared with placebo, but there is evidence that escitalopram is more effective than a range of other antidepressants. There are no direct data to regard either paroxetine or sertraline as a superior antidepressant. Escitalopram is superior compared with paroxetine, which has a less favorable tolerability profile. Paroxetine is associated with cholinergic muscarinic antagonism and potent inhibition of CYP2D6, and sertraline has moderate drug interaction issues in comparison with escitalopram. Overall, as an allosteric serotonin reuptake inhibitor that is somewhat different from classical SSRIs, escitalopram is the first choice judged by combined efficacy and tolerability, and nonclinical data have offered possible mechanisms through which escitalopram could be more efficacious, based on its interaction with orthosteric and allosteric binding sites at the serotonin transporter.

Binding of the amphetamine-like 1-phenyl-piperazine to monoamine transporters

The human serotonin transporter (hSERT), the human dopamine transporter (hDAT), and the human norepinephrine transporter (hNET) facilitate the active uptake of the neurotransmitters serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine from the synaptic cleft. Drugs of abuse such as MDMA (streetname "ecstasy") and certain 1-phenyl-piperazine (PP) analogs such as 1-(3-chlorophenyl)-piperazine (mCPP) elicit their stimulatory effect by elevating the synaptic concentration of serotonin by blocking or reversing the normal transport activity of hSERT. Recent data suggest that certain analogs of PP may be able to counteract the addictive effect of cocaine. Little is still known about the precise mechanism by which MDMA and PP analogs function at hSERT, hDAT, and hNET and even less is known about the specific protein-ligand interactions. In this study, we provide a comprehensive biochemical examination of a repertoire of PP analogs in hSERT, hDAT, and hNET. Combined with induced fit docking models and molecular dynamics simulations of PP and 1-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-piperazine (3-OH-PP) bound to hSERT and hDAT, we present detailed molecular insight into the promiscuous binding of PP analogs in the monoamine transporters. We find that PP analogs inhibit uptake as well as induce release in all three monoamine transporters. We also find that the selectivity of the PP analogs can be adjusted by carefully selecting substituents on the PP skeleton.

Studies of the biogenic amine transporters. 14. Identification of low-efficacy "partial" substrates for the biogenic amine transporters

Several compounds have been identified that display low-efficacy, "partial substrate" activity. Here, we tested the hypothesis that the mechanism of this effect is a slower rate of induced neurotransmitter efflux than that produced by full substrates. Biogenic amine transporter release assays were carried out in rat brain synaptosomes and followed published procedures. [(3)H]1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP(+)) was used to assess release from dopamine (DA) and norepinephrine nerve terminals, whereas [(3)H]5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) was used to assess release from 5-HT nerve terminals. A detailed time-course evaluation of DA transporter (DAT)-mediated efflux was conducted by measuring the efflux of [(3)H]MPP(+) after the addition of various test compounds. In vivo microdialysis experiments compared the effects of the full substrates [(±)-1-(2-naphthyl)propan-2-amine (PAL-287) and (S)-N-methyl-1-(2-naphthyl)propan-2-amine (PAL-1046)], to that of a partial DAT/5-HT transporter substrate [(S)-N-ethyl-1-(2-naphthyl)propan-2-amine (PAL-1045)] on extracellular DA and 5-HT in the nucleus accumbens of the rat. The in vitro release assays demonstrated that partial substrate activity occurs at all three transporters. In the DAT efflux experiments, D-amphetamine (full substrate) promoted a fast efflux (K1 = 0.24 min(-1)) and a slow efflux (K2 = 0.008 min(-1)). For the partial DAT substrates, K1 = ∼0.04 min(-1), and K2 approximated zero. The in vivo microdialysis experiments showed that the partial substrate (PAL-1045) was much less effective in elevating extracellular DA and 5-HT than the comparator full substrates. We conclude that low-efficacy partial DAT substrates promote efflux at a slower rate than full substrates, and "partiality" reflects the ultra-slow K2 constant, which functionally limits the ability of these compounds to increase extracellular DA. We speculate that partial biogenic amine transporter substrates bind to the transporter but are less effective in inducing conformational changes required for reverse transport activity.

Escitalopram, an antidepressant with an allosteric effect at the serotonin transporter--a review of current understanding of its mechanism of action

RATIONALE

Escitalopram is a widely used antidepressant for the treatment of patients with major depression. It is the pure S-enantiomer of racemic citalopram. Several clinical trials and meta-analyses indicate that escitalopram is quantitatively more efficacious than many other antidepressants with a faster onset of action.

OBJECTIVE

This paper reviews current knowledge about the mechanism of action of escitalopram.

RESULTS

The primary target for escitalopram is the serotonin transporter (SERT), which is responsible for serotonin (or 5-hydroxytryptamine [5-HT]) reuptake at the terminals and cell bodies of serotonergic neurons. Escitalopram and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors bind with high affinity to the 5-HT binding site (orthosteric site) on the transporter. This leads to antidepressant effects by increasing extracellular 5-HT levels which enhance 5-HT neurotransmission. SERT also has one or more allosteric sites, binding to which modulates activity at the orthosteric binding site but does not directly affect 5-HT reuptake by the transporter. In vitro studies have shown that through allosteric binding, escitalopram decreases its own dissociation rate from the orthosteric site on the SERT. R-citalopram, the nontherapeutic enantiomer in citalopram, is also an allosteric modulator of SERT but can inhibit the actions of escitalopram by interfering negatively with its binding. Both nonclinical studies and some clinical investigations have demonstrated the cellular, neurochemical, neuroadaptive, and neuroplastic changes induced by escitalopram with acute and chronic administration.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings from binding, neurochemical, and neurophysiological studies may provide a mechanistic rationale for the clinical difference observed with escitalopram compared to other antidepressant therapies.

Consideration of allosterism and interacting proteins in the physiological functions of the serotonin transporter

The serotonin transporter (SERT) functions to transport serotonin (5-HT) from the extracellular space into neurons to maintain homeostatic control of 5-HT. It is the molecular target for selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants. Preclinical research has shown that some SERT inhibitors can bind to two distinct binding sites on the SERT, a primary high affinity binding site and a low affinity allosteric binding site. Mutational studies of the SERT and computational modeling methods with escitalopram resulted in the identification of key amino acid residues important for the function of the allosteric binding site. While this allosteric binding site appears to influence the clinical efficacy of escitalopram under physiological conditions, the molecular mechanism of this effect is still poorly understood and may involve a large network of protein-protein interactions with the SERT. Dynamic interfaces between the SERT and the SERT interacting proteins (SIPs) potentially influence not only the SERT on its uptake function, its regulation, and trafficking, but also on known as well as yet to be identified non-canonical signaling pathways through SIPs. In this commentary, we outline approaches in the areas of selective small-molecule allosteric compound discovery, biochemistry, in vivo genetic knock-in mouse models, as well as computational and structural biology. These studies of the intra-molecular allosteric modulation of the SERT in the context of the myriad of potential inter-molecular signaling interactions with SIPs may help uncover unknown physiological functions of the SERT.

Influence of ligand binding kinetics on functional inhibition of human recombinant serotonin and norepinephrine transporters

INTRODUCTION

Monoamine reuptake inhibitors treat a wide range of CNS disorders, including depression, obesity, and pain. The in vitro pharmacological properties of these inhibitors are determined routinely using radioligand binding and/or neurotransmitter uptake assays. Measurements from such studies can be influenced by assay design and ligand-specific characteristics, both of which may contribute to discrepancies in literature reports.

METHODS

We modified traditional methodologies to identify and account for factors that can confound in vitro potency determinations. Apparent equilibrium binding affinities (pK(i) values) were determined in either HEK293 cells stably-transfected with human recombinant serotonin (SERT) or norepinephrine (NET) transporters, or membranes prepared from these cell lines. Care was taken to ensure that apparent affinities were measured under conditions that minimized ligand depletion and established equilibrium for both the radioligand and the compound of interest. An unlabelled ligand kinetic method was used to approximate inhibitor binding kinetic constants and corresponding dissociation half lives. To measure inhibitory effects on substrate uptake, both radiolabeled neurotransmitter ([(3)H]-5-HT or [(3)H]-NE) and fluorescence-based assays were used. The time-dependent nature of functional inhibition was examined using a fluorescent substrate uptake assay which provided real-time measurements of NET and SERT function.

RESULTS

SERT and NET inhibitors displayed a range of affinities, potencies, and inhibition modes by binding and functional uptake assays. Binding kinetic profiles for this panel of inhibitors were diverse, and affected in vitro measures using the former techniques.

DISCUSSION

In the present study we describe key features of in vitro assay methodology that can influence the apparent pharmacological profiles of standard SERT and/or NET inhibitors. Such information can serve as a foundation for understanding the in vitro profiles of monoamine reuptake inhibitors in the context of their clinical efficacy and tolerability.

Studies of the biogenic amine transporters. 13. Identification of "agonist" and "antagonist" allosteric modulators of amphetamine-induced dopamine release

Recent studies identified novel allosteric modulators of the dopamine (DA) transporter (DAT). N-(Diphenylmethyl)-2-phenyl-4-quinazolinamine (SoRI-9804), N-(2,2-diphenylethyl)-2-phenyl-4-quinazolinamine (SoRI-20040), and N-(3,3-diphenylpropyl)-2-phenyl-4-quinazolinamine (SoRI-20041) partially inhibited [(125)I]3beta-(4'-iodophenyl)tropan-2beta-carboxylic acid methyl ester (RTI-55) binding, slowed the dissociation rate of [(125)I]RTI-55 from the DAT, and partially inhibited [(3)H]dopamine uptake. In the present study, we report that SoRI-9804 and SoRI-20040, at doses that do not alter release, partially inhibited d-amphetamine-induced DAT-mediated release of [(3)H]1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP(+))or[(3)H]dopamine from striatal synaptosomes ("DAT-mediated DA release") in a dose-dependent manner. SoRI-20041, which does not alter DAT-mediated DA release measured with [(3)H]DA, reversed the effect of SoRI-20040. SoRI-20040 and SoRI-9804 also partially inhibited DAT-mediated DA release induced by DA or (+/-)-3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine, demonstrating that the observed partial inhibition is not specific for a particular DAT substrate. SoRI-9804 and SoRI-20040 did not attenuate D-amphetamine-induced release of [(3)H]5-hydroxytryptamine from serotonergic, or [(3)H]MPP(+) from noradrenergic, nerve terminals. Kinetic experiments demonstrated that SoRI-9804, in contrast to cocaine, slowed D-amphetamine-induced release of [(3)H]MPP(+) from dopaminergic nerve terminals without altering the apparent rate constants. The two major findings of this study are 1) the identification of both "agonist" (SoRI-9804 and SoRI-20040) and "antagonist" (SoRI-20041) allosteric modulators of D-amphetamine-induced DAT-mediated DA release and 2) [(3)H]DA uptake and d-amphetamine-induced DAT-mediated efflux can be separately modulated. Such agents may have therapeutic potential for the treatment of stimulant addiction, Parkinson's disease, and other psychiatric disorders.

Studies of the biogenic amine transporters. 12. Identification of novel partial inhibitors of amphetamine-induced dopamine release

Previous studies identified partial inhibitors and allosteric modulators of 5-hydroxytryptamine ([5-amino-3-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-1,2-dihydropyrido[3,4-b]pyrazin-7-yl]carbamic acid ethyl ester [SoRI-6238], 4-(2-[bis(4-fluorophenyl)methoxy]ethyl)-1-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-piperidine [TB-1-099]) and dopamine transporters N-(diphenylmethyl)-2-phenyl-4-quinazolinamine, [SoRI-9804]). We report here the identification of three novel allosteric modulators of the dopamine transporter [N-(2,2-diphenylethyl)-2-phenyl-4-quinazolinamine [SoRI-20040], N-(3,3-diphenylpropyl)-2-phenyl-4-quinazolinamine [SoRI-20041], and [4-amino-6-[(diphenylmethyl)amino]-5-nitro-2-pyridinyl]carbamic acid ethyl ester [SoRI-2827]]. Membranes were prepared from human embryonic kidney cells expressing the cloned human dopamine transporter (hDAT). [(125)I]3beta-(4'-Iodophenyl)tropan-2beta-carboxylic acid methyl ester ([(125)I]RTI-55) binding and other assays followed published procedures. SoRI-20040, SoRI-20041, and SoRI-2827 partially inhibited [(125)I]RTI-55 binding, with EC(50) values ranging from approximately 1.4 to 3 microM and E(max) values decreasing as the [(125)I]RTI-55 concentrations increased. All three compounds decreased the [(125)I]RTI-55 B(max) value and increased the apparent K(d) value in a manner well described by a sigmoid dose-response curve. In dissociation rate experiments, SoRI-20040 (10 microM) and SoRI-20041 (10 microM), but not SoRI-2827 (10 microM), slowed the dissociation of [(125)I]RTI-55 from hDAT by approximately 30%. Using rat brain synaptosomes, all three agents partially inhibited [(3)H]dopamine uptake, with EC(50) values ranging from 1.8 to 3.1 microM and decreased the V(max) value in a dose-dependent manner. SoRI-9804 and SoRI-20040 partially inhibited amphetamine-induced dopamine transporter-mediated release of [(3)H]1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium ion from rat caudate synaptosomes in a dose-dependent manner. Viewed collectively, we report several compounds that allosterically modulate hDAT binding and function, and we identify novel partial inhibitors of amphetamine-induced dopamine release.

The promiscuity of the dopamine transporter: implications for the kinetic analysis of [3H]serotonin uptake in rat hippocampal and striatal synaptosomes

Evidence indicates that monoaminergic neurotransmitter transporters are promiscuous, transporting substrates other than their cognate neurotransmitters. For example, serotonin is transported by the dopamine transporter (DAT) under conditions in which serotonin transporter (SERT) activity is eliminated (e.g., pharmacological inhibition). We performed a kinetic analysis of [(3)H]serotonin uptake in rat striatal synaptosomes (expressing DAT and SERT) and hippocampal synaptosomes (expressing SERT, but not DAT). Nonspecific [(3)H]serotonin uptake was defined as the amount of uptake remaining in the presence of fluoxetine (10microM) or paroxetine (0.05microM). In hippocampal synaptosomes, K(m) and V(max) values for [(3)H]serotonin uptake did not differ whether fluoxetine or paroxetine was used to define nonspecific uptake. However, in striatal synaptosomes, both K(m) and V(max) values for [(3)H]serotonin uptake were greater when fluoxetine, rather than paroxetine, was used to define nonspecific uptake. These data suggest that, at the concentrations employed, fluoxetine inhibits serotonin uptake at both DAT and SERT, whereas paroxetine only inhibits serotonin uptake at SERT. Thus, when DAT is inhibited by GBR 12909, kinetic parameters for serotonin uptake via SERT in striatum are not different from those obtained in hippocampus. These findings have important implications regarding the analysis of monoaminergic reuptake in brain regions exhibiting heterogeneous transporter expression.

Salvinorin A: allosteric interactions at the mu-opioid receptor

Salvinorin A [(2S,4aR,6aR,7R,9S,10aS,10bR)-9-(acetyloxy)-2-(3-furanyl)-dodecahydro-6a,10b-dimethyl-4,10-dioxo-2h-naphtho[2,1-c]pyran-7-carboxylic acid methyl ester] is a hallucinogenic kappa-opioid receptor agonist that lacks the usual basic nitrogen atom present in other known opioid ligands. Our first published studies indicated that Salvinorin A weakly inhibited mu-receptor binding, and subsequent experiments revealed that Salvinorin A partially inhibited mu-receptor binding. Therefore, we hypothesized that Salvinorin A allosterically modulates mu-receptor binding. To test this hypothesis, we used Chinese hamster ovary cells expressing the cloned human opioid receptor. Salvinorin A partially inhibited [(3)H]Tyr-D-Ala-Gly-N-Me-Phe-Gly-ol (DAMGO) (0.5, 2.0, and 8.0 nM) binding with E(MAX) values of 78.6, 72.1, and 45.7%, respectively, and EC(50) values of 955, 1124, and 4527 nM, respectively. Salvinorin A also partially inhibited [(3)H]diprenorphine (0.02, 0.1, and 0.5 nM) binding with E(MAX) values of 86.2, 64, and 33.6%, respectively, and EC(50) values of 1231, 866, and 3078 nM, respectively. Saturation binding studies with [(3)H]DAMGO showed that Salvinorin A (10 and 30 microM) decreased the mu-receptor B(max) and increased the K(d) in a dose-dependent nonlinear manner. Saturation binding studies with [(3)H]diprenorphine showed that Salvinorin A (10 and 40 microM) decreased the mu-receptor B(max) and increased the K(d) in a dose-dependent nonlinear manner. Similar findings were observed in rat brain with [(3)H]DAMGO. Kinetic experiments demonstrated that Salvinorin A altered the dissociation kinetics of both [(3)H]DAMGO and [(3)H]diprenorphine binding to mu receptors. Furthermore, Salvinorin A acted as an uncompetitive inhibitor of DAMGO-stimulated guanosine 5'-O-(3-[(35)S]thio)-triphosphate binding. Viewed collectively, these data support the hypothesis that Salvinorin A allosterically modulates the mu-opioid receptor.

Structure-activity relationships of substituted N-benzyl piperidines in the GBR series: Synthesis of 4-(2-(bis(4-fluorophenyl)methoxy)ethyl)-1-(2-trifluoromethylbenzyl)piperidine, an allosteric modulator of the serotonin transporter

A series of 4-(2-(bis(4-fluorophenyl)methoxy)ethyl)-(substituted benzyl) piperidines with substituents at the ortho and meta positions in the aromatic ring of the N-benzyl side chain were synthesized and their affinities and selectivities for the dopamine transporter (DAT), serotonin transporter (SERT), and norepinephrine transporter (NET) were determined. One analogue, 4-(2-(bis(4-fluorophenyl)methoxy)ethyl)-1-(2-trifluoromethylbenzyl)piperidine (the C(2)-trifluoromethyl substituted compound), has been found to act as an allosteric modulator of hSERT binding and function. It had little affinity for any of the transporters. Several compounds showed affinity for the DAT in the low nanomolar range and displayed a broad range of SERT/DAT selectivity ratios and very little affinity for the NET. The pharmacological tools provided by the availability of compounds with varying transporter affinity and selectivity could be used to obtain additional information about the properties a compound should have to act as a useful pharmacotherapeutic agent for cocaine addiction and help unravel the pharmacological mechanisms relevant to stimulant abuse.