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Giladi M, Montgomery AP, Kassiou M, Danon JJ. Structure-based drug design for TSPO: Challenges and opportunities. Biochimie 2024:S0300-9084(24)00120-2. [PMID: 38782353 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2024.05.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2024] [Revised: 04/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
The translocator protein 18 kDa (TSPO) is an evolutionarily conserved mitochondrial transmembrane protein implicated in various neuropathologies and inflammatory conditions, making it a longstanding diagnostic and therapeutic target of interest. Despite the development of various classes of TSPO ligand chemotypes, and the elucidation of bacterial and non-human mammalian experimental structures, many unknowns exist surrounding its differential structural and functional features in health and disease. There are several limitations associated with currently used computational methodologies for modelling the native structure and ligand-binding behaviour of this enigmatic protein. In this perspective, we provide a critical analysis of the developments in the uses of these methods, outlining their uses, inherent limitations, and continuing challenges. We offer suggestions of unexplored opportunities that exist in the use of computational methodologies which offer promise for enhancing our understanding of the TSPO.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mia Giladi
- School of Chemistry, The University of Sydney, 2050, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Michael Kassiou
- School of Chemistry, The University of Sydney, 2050, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
| | - Jonathan J Danon
- School of Chemistry, The University of Sydney, 2050, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
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2
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Nguyen KD, Amerio A, Aguglia A, Magnani L, Parise A, Conio B, Serafini G, Amore M, Costanza A. Microglia and Other Cellular Mediators of Immunological Dysfunction in Schizophrenia: A Narrative Synthesis of Clinical Findings. Cells 2023; 12:2099. [PMID: 37626909 PMCID: PMC10453550 DOI: 10.3390/cells12162099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 08/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Schizophrenia is a complex psychiatric condition that may involve immune system dysregulation. Since most putative disease mechanisms in schizophrenia have been derived from genetic association studies and fluid-based molecular analyses, this review aims to summarize the emerging evidence on clinical correlates to immune system dysfunction in this psychiatric disorder. We conclude this review by attempting to develop a unifying hypothesis regarding the relative contributions of microglia and various immune cell populations to the development of schizophrenia. This may provide important translational insights that can become useful for addressing the multifaceted clinical presentation of schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khoa D. Nguyen
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA 94305, USA;
- Tranquis Therapeutics, Palo Alto, CA 94065, USA
| | - Andrea Amerio
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, 16126 Genoa, Italy; (A.A.); (A.A.); (B.C.); (G.S.); (M.A.)
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Andrea Aguglia
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, 16126 Genoa, Italy; (A.A.); (A.A.); (B.C.); (G.S.); (M.A.)
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Luca Magnani
- Department of Psychiatry, San Maurizio Hospital of Bolzano, 39100 Bolzano, Italy;
| | - Alberto Parise
- Geriatric-Rehabilitation Department, University Hospital of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy;
| | - Benedetta Conio
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, 16126 Genoa, Italy; (A.A.); (A.A.); (B.C.); (G.S.); (M.A.)
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Gianluca Serafini
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, 16126 Genoa, Italy; (A.A.); (A.A.); (B.C.); (G.S.); (M.A.)
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Mario Amore
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, 16126 Genoa, Italy; (A.A.); (A.A.); (B.C.); (G.S.); (M.A.)
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Alessandra Costanza
- Department of Psychiatry, Adult Psychiatry Service, University Hospitals of Geneva (HUG), 1207 Geneva, Switzerland
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, University of Italian Switzerland (USI), 6900 Lugano, Switzerland
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva (UNIGE), 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
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Meidert AS, Buschmann D, Brandes F, Kanev K, Billaud JN, Borrmann M, Witte M, Kirchner B, Reithmair M, Pfaffl MW, Schelling G. Molecular RNA Correlates of the SOFA Score in Patients with Sepsis. Diagnostics (Basel) 2021; 11:diagnostics11091649. [PMID: 34573990 PMCID: PMC8468706 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics11091649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Revised: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
The most common scoring system for critically ill patients is the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score. Little is known about specific molecular signaling networks underlying the SOFA criteria. We characterized these networks and identified specific key regulatory molecules. We prospectively studied seven patients with sepsis and six controls with high-throughput RNA sequencing (RNAseq). Quantitative reverse transcription PCR (RT-qPCR) confirmation was performed in a second independent cohort. Differentially and significantly expressed miRNAs and their target mRNA transcripts were filtered for admission SOFA criteria and marker RNAs for the respective criteria identified. We bioinformatically constructed molecular signaling networks specifically reflecting these criteria followed by RT-qPCR confirmation of RNAs with important regulatory functions in the networks in the second cohort. RNAseq identified 82 miRNAs (45% upregulated) and 3254 mRNAs (50% upregulated) differentially expressed between sepsis patients and controls. Bioinformatic analysis characterized 6 miRNAs and 76 mRNA target transcripts specific for the SOFA criteria. RT-qPCR validated miRNA and mRNAs included IGFBP2 (respiratory system); MMP9 and PDE4B (nervous system); PPARG (cardiovascular system); AKR1B1, ANXA1, and LNC2/NGAL (acute kidney injury); GFER/ALR (liver); and miR-30c-3p (coagulopathy). There are specific canonical networks underlying the SOFA score. Key regulatory miRNA and mRNA transcripts support its biologic validity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnes S. Meidert
- Department of Anesthesiology, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany; (D.B.); (F.B.); (M.B.); (M.W.); (G.S.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-89440081065
| | - Dominik Buschmann
- Department of Anesthesiology, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany; (D.B.); (F.B.); (M.B.); (M.W.); (G.S.)
- Division of Animal Physiology and Immunology, Technical University of Munich, 85354 Freising, Germany; (K.K.); (B.K.); (M.W.P.)
| | - Florian Brandes
- Department of Anesthesiology, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany; (D.B.); (F.B.); (M.B.); (M.W.); (G.S.)
| | - Kristiyan Kanev
- Division of Animal Physiology and Immunology, Technical University of Munich, 85354 Freising, Germany; (K.K.); (B.K.); (M.W.P.)
| | | | - Melanie Borrmann
- Department of Anesthesiology, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany; (D.B.); (F.B.); (M.B.); (M.W.); (G.S.)
| | - Matthias Witte
- Department of Anesthesiology, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany; (D.B.); (F.B.); (M.B.); (M.W.); (G.S.)
| | - Benedikt Kirchner
- Division of Animal Physiology and Immunology, Technical University of Munich, 85354 Freising, Germany; (K.K.); (B.K.); (M.W.P.)
| | - Marlene Reithmair
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, 80336 Munich, Germany;
| | - Michael W. Pfaffl
- Division of Animal Physiology and Immunology, Technical University of Munich, 85354 Freising, Germany; (K.K.); (B.K.); (M.W.P.)
| | - Gustav Schelling
- Department of Anesthesiology, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany; (D.B.); (F.B.); (M.B.); (M.W.); (G.S.)
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Mokrov G, Pantileev A, Yarkova M, Gudasheva T, Seredenin S. Design, synthesis, and pharmacological activity of new pyrrolo[1,2-a]pyrazine translocator protein (tspo) ligands. Med Chem 2021; 18:497-508. [PMID: 34365957 DOI: 10.2174/1573406417666210806095051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Revised: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Translocator protein 18 kDa (TSPO) is a promising target for the creation of effective and safe neuropsychotropic drugs. The ligands of TSPO exhibit anxiolytic, antidepressant, neuroprotective and other activities without the side effects of benzodiazepines. METHODS New TSPO ligands in the series of N,1-diphenylpyrrolo[1,2-a]pyrazine-3-carboxamides derivatives were designed using calculated pharmacophore model and molecular docking analysis. The synthesis of new compounds was carried out by two schemes using [3+3]-cycloaddition reaction of 2-azidoacrylic acid derivatives with pyrrolphenylketone as a key stage. The anxiolytic activity of new substances has been established using open field test with flash. RESULTS Several synthesized N,1-diphenylpyrrolo[1,2-a]pyrazine-3-carboxamides derivatives significantly increased the total motor activity of Balb/c mice compared to the control. The structure-activity relationship was investigated. The most effective compound was found to be GML-11 (N-benzyl-N,1-diphenylpyrrolo[1,2-a]pyrazine-3-carboxamide), which had anxiolytic action in the dose range from 0.001 to 0.100 mg/kg (Balb/c, i.p.). This compound is two orders of magnitude higher in dose activity than all other pyrrolo[1,2-a]pyrazine TSPO ligands. CONCLUSION Molecular modelling methods allowed us to create new TSPO ligands in the series of N,1-diphenylpyrrolo[1,2-a]pyrazine-3-carboxamides with high anxiolytic activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grigory Mokrov
- FSBI Zakusov Research Institute of Pharmacology, Baltiyskaya 8, Moscow, 125315. Russian Federation
| | - Andry Pantileev
- FSBI Zakusov Research Institute of Pharmacology, Baltiyskaya 8, Moscow, 125315. Russian Federation
| | - Milada Yarkova
- FSBI Zakusov Research Institute of Pharmacology, Baltiyskaya 8, Moscow, 125315. Russian Federation
| | - Tatiana Gudasheva
- FSBI Zakusov Research Institute of Pharmacology, Baltiyskaya 8, Moscow, 125315. Russian Federation
| | - Sergei Seredenin
- FSBI Zakusov Research Institute of Pharmacology, Baltiyskaya 8, Moscow, 125315. Russian Federation
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Giordani A, Menziani MC, Moresco RM, Matarrese M, Paolino M, Saletti M, Giuliani G, Anzini M, Cappelli A. Exploring Translocator Protein (TSPO) Medicinal Chemistry: An Approach for Targeting Radionuclides and Boron Atoms to Mitochondria. J Med Chem 2021; 64:9649-9676. [PMID: 34254805 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c00379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Translocator protein 18 kDa [TSPO or peripheral-type benzodiazepine receptor (PBR)] was identified in the search of binding sites for benzodiazepine anxiolytic drugs in peripheral regions. In these areas, binding sites for TSPO ligands were recognized in steroid-producing tissues. TSPO plays an important role in many cellular functions, and its coding sequence is highly conserved across species. TSPO is located predominantly on the membrane of mitochondria and is overexpressed in several solid cancers. TSPO basal expression in the CNS is low, but it becomes high in neurodegenerative conditions. Thus, TSPO constitutes not only as an outstanding drug target but also as a valuable marker for the diagnosis of a number of diseases. The aim of the present article is to show the lesson we have learned from our activity in TSPO medicinal chemistry and in approaching the targeted delivery to mitochondria by means of TSPO ligands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Giordani
- Rottapharm Biotech S.p.A., Via Valosa di Sopra 9, 20900 Monza, Italy
| | - Maria Cristina Menziani
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche e Geologiche, Università di Modena e Reggio Emilia, Via Campi 103, 41121 Modena, Italy
| | - Rosa Maria Moresco
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milan-Bicocca, Nuclear Medicine Department, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, IBFM-CNR, Via Olgettina 60, 20132 Milano, Italy
| | - Mario Matarrese
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milan-Bicocca, Nuclear Medicine Department, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, IBFM-CNR, Via Olgettina 60, 20132 Milano, Italy
| | - Marco Paolino
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie, Chimica e Farmacia (Dipartimento di Eccellenza 2018-2022), Università di Siena, Via A. Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Mario Saletti
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie, Chimica e Farmacia (Dipartimento di Eccellenza 2018-2022), Università di Siena, Via A. Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Germano Giuliani
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie, Chimica e Farmacia (Dipartimento di Eccellenza 2018-2022), Università di Siena, Via A. Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Maurizio Anzini
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie, Chimica e Farmacia (Dipartimento di Eccellenza 2018-2022), Università di Siena, Via A. Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Andrea Cappelli
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie, Chimica e Farmacia (Dipartimento di Eccellenza 2018-2022), Università di Siena, Via A. Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy
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