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Chan BWGL, Lynch NB, Tran W, Joyce JM, Savage GP, Meutermans W, Montgomery AP, Kassiou M. Fragment-based drug discovery for disorders of the central nervous system: designing better drugs piece by piece. Front Chem 2024; 12:1379518. [PMID: 38698940 PMCID: PMC11063241 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2024.1379518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Fragment-based drug discovery (FBDD) has emerged as a powerful strategy to confront the challenges faced by conventional drug development approaches, particularly in the context of central nervous system (CNS) disorders. FBDD involves the screening of libraries that comprise thousands of small molecular fragments, each no greater than 300 Da in size. Unlike the generally larger molecules from high-throughput screening that limit customisation, fragments offer a more strategic starting point. These fragments are inherently compact, providing a strong foundation with good binding affinity for the development of drug candidates. The minimal elaboration required to transition the hit into a drug-like molecule is not only accelerated, but also it allows for precise modifications to enhance both their activity and pharmacokinetic properties. This shift towards a fragment-centric approach has seen commercial success and holds considerable promise in the continued streamlining of the drug discovery and development process. In this review, we highlight how FBDD can be integrated into the CNS drug discovery process to enhance the exploration of a target. Furthermore, we provide recent examples where FBDD has been an integral component in CNS drug discovery programs, enabling the improvement of pharmacokinetic properties that have previously proven challenging. The FBDD optimisation process provides a systematic approach to explore this vast chemical space, facilitating the discovery and design of compounds piece by piece that are capable of modulating crucial CNS targets.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nicholas B. Lynch
- School of Chemistry, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Wendy Tran
- School of Chemistry, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Jack M. Joyce
- School of Chemistry, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | | | | | - Michael Kassiou
- School of Chemistry, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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2
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Shen H, Xu X, Bai Y, Wang X, Wu Y, Zhong J, Wu Q, Luo Y, Shang T, Shen R, Xi M, Sun H. Therapeutic potential of targeting kynurenine pathway in neurodegenerative diseases. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 251:115258. [PMID: 36917881 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115258] [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: 01/25/2023] [Revised: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023]
Abstract
Kynurenine pathway (KP), the primary pathway of L-tryptophan (Trp) metabolism in mammals, contains several neuroactive metabolites such as kynurenic acid (KA) and quinolinic acid (QA). Its imbalance involved in aging and neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) has attracted much interest in therapeutically targeting KP enzymes and KP metabolite-associated receptors, especially kynurenine monooxygenase (KMO). Currently, many agents have been discovered with significant improvement in animal models but only one aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) agonist 30 (laquinimod) has entered clinical trials for treating Huntington's disease (HD). In this review, we describe neuroactive KP metabolites, discuss the dysregulation of KP in aging and NDs and summarize the development of KP regulators in preclinical and clinical studies, offering an outlook of targeting KP for NDs treatment in future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hualiang Shen
- Zhejiang Engineering Research Center of Fat-soluble Vitamin, Shaoxing University, Shaoxing, 312000, China; College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shaoxing University, Shaoxing, 312000, China
| | - Xinde Xu
- Zhejiang Medicine Co. Ltd., Shaoxing, 312500, China
| | - Yalong Bai
- Zhejiang Medicine Co. Ltd., Shaoxing, 312500, China
| | | | - Yibin Wu
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shaoxing University, Shaoxing, 312000, China
| | - Jia Zhong
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shaoxing University, Shaoxing, 312000, China
| | - Qiyi Wu
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shaoxing University, Shaoxing, 312000, China
| | - Yanjuan Luo
- Zhejiang Engineering Research Center of Fat-soluble Vitamin, Shaoxing University, Shaoxing, 312000, China; College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shaoxing University, Shaoxing, 312000, China
| | - Tianbo Shang
- Zhejiang Engineering Research Center of Fat-soluble Vitamin, Shaoxing University, Shaoxing, 312000, China; College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shaoxing University, Shaoxing, 312000, China
| | - Runpu Shen
- Zhejiang Engineering Research Center of Fat-soluble Vitamin, Shaoxing University, Shaoxing, 312000, China; College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shaoxing University, Shaoxing, 312000, China
| | - Meiyang Xi
- Zhejiang Engineering Research Center of Fat-soluble Vitamin, Shaoxing University, Shaoxing, 312000, China; College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shaoxing University, Shaoxing, 312000, China.
| | - Haopeng Sun
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China.
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3
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Zhang NN, Jiang ZM, Li SZ, Yang X, Liu EH. Evolving interplay between natural products and gut microbiota. Eur J Pharmacol 2023; 949:175557. [PMID: 36716810 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2023.175557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2022] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Growing evidence suggests gut microbiota status affects human health, and microbiota imbalance will induce multiple disorders. Natural products are gaining increasing attention for their therapeutical effects and less side effects. The emerging studies support that the activities of many natural products are dependent on gut microbiota, meanwhile gut microbiota is modulated by natural products. In this review, we summarized the interplay between the gut microbiota and host disease, and the emerging molecular mechanisms of the interaction between natural products and gut microbiota. Focusing on gut microbiota metabolite of various natural products, and the effects of natural products on gut microbiota, we summarized the biotransformation pathways of natural products, and discussed the effect of natural products on the composition modulation of gut microbiota, protection of gut mucosal barrier and modulation of the gut microbiota metabolites. Dissecting the interplay between gut microbiota and natural products will help elucidate the therapeutic mechanisms of natural products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning-Ning Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zheng-Meng Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Shang-Zhen Li
- Nanjing Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Xing Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - E-Hu Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China.
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4
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Zhao AN, Yang Z, Wang DD, Shi B, Zhang H, Bai Y, Yan BW, Zhang Y, Wen JK, Wang XL, Qu CB. Disturbing NLRP3 acetylation and inflammasome assembly inhibits androgen receptor-promoted inflammatory responses and prostate cancer progression. FASEB J 2022; 36:e22602. [PMID: 36250925 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202200673rrr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2022] [Revised: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Chronic inflammation is one of the definite factors leading to the occurrence and development of tumors, including prostate cancer (PCa). The androgen receptor (AR) pathway is essential for PCa tumorigenesis and inflammatory response. However, little is known about the AR-regulated NACHT, LRR, and PYD domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome pathway in human PCa. In this study, we explored the expression of inflammatory cytokine and AR in high-grade PCa and observed that NLRP3 inflammasome-associated genes were upregulated in high-grade PCa compared with that in low-grade PCa and benign prostatic hyperplasia and were associated with AR expression. In addition, we identified circAR-3-a circRNA derived from the AR gene-which is involved in the AR-regulated inflammatory response and cell proliferation by activating the NLRP3 inflammatory pathway. While circAR-3 overexpression promoted cell proliferation and the inflammatory response, its depletion induced opposite effects. Mechanistically, we noted that circAR-3 mediated the acetylation modification of NLRP3 by KAT2B and then promoted NLRP3 inflammasome complex subcellular distribution and assembly. Disturbing NLRP3 acetylation or blocking inflammasome assembly with an inhibitor suppressed the progression of PCa xenograft tumors. Our findings provide the first evidence that targeting NLRP3 acetylation or inflammasome assembly may be effective in inhibiting PCa progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- An-Ning Zhao
- Department of Urology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Zhan Yang
- Department of Urology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China.,Molecular Biology Laboratory, Talent and Academic Exchange Center, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Dan-Dan Wang
- Department of Urology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Bei Shi
- Department of Urology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Hong Zhang
- Department of Urology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Yang Bai
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Ministry of Education of China, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Bo-Wen Yan
- Department of Urology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Yong Zhang
- Department of Urology, Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Jin-Kun Wen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Ministry of Education of China, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Xiao-Lu Wang
- Department of Urology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Chang-Bao Qu
- Department of Urology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
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5
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Huang Y, Zhao M, Chen X, Zhang R, Le A, Hong M, Zhang Y, Jia L, Zang W, Jiang C, Wang J, Fan X, Wang J. Tryptophan Metabolism in Central Nervous System Diseases: Pathophysiology and Potential Therapeutic Strategies. Aging Dis 2022; 14:858-878. [PMID: 37191427 DOI: 10.14336/ad.2022.0916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The metabolism of L-tryptophan (TRP) regulates homeostasis, immunity, and neuronal function. Altered TRP metabolism has been implicated in the pathophysiology of various diseases of the central nervous system. TRP is metabolized through two main pathways, the kynurenine pathway and the methoxyindole pathway. First, TRP is metabolized to kynurenine, then kynurenic acid, quinolinic acid, anthranilic acid, 3-hydroxykynurenine, and finally 3-hydroxyanthranilic acid along the kynurenine pathway. Second, TRP is metabolized to serotonin and melatonin along the methoxyindole pathway. In this review, we summarize the biological properties of key metabolites and their pathogenic functions in 12 disorders of the central nervous system: schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, ischemic stroke, intracerebral hemorrhage, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and Huntington's disease. Furthermore, we summarize preclinical and clinical studies, mainly since 2015, that investigated the metabolic pathway of TRP, focusing on changes in biomarkers of these neurologic disorders, their pathogenic implications, and potential therapeutic strategies targeting this metabolic pathway. This critical, comprehensive, and up-to-date review helps identify promising directions for future preclinical, clinical, and translational research on neuropsychiatric disorders.
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6
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Imbeault S, Gubert Olivé M, Jungholm O, Erhardt S, Wigström H, Engberg G, Jardemark K. Blockade of KAT II Facilitates LTP in Kynurenine 3-Monooxygenase Depleted Mice. Int J Tryptophan Res 2021; 14:11786469211041368. [PMID: 34483669 PMCID: PMC8411644 DOI: 10.1177/11786469211041368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 08/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Excess of brain kynurenic acid (KYNA), a neuroactive metabolite of the kynurenine
pathway, is known to elicit cognitive dysfunction. In the present study, we
investigated spatial working memory in mice with elevated levels of KYNA,
induced by targeted deletion of kynurenine 3-monooxygenase (KMO), as well as
long-term potentiation (LTP) of field excitatory postsynaptic potentials
(fEPSPs) in hippocampal brain slices from these mice. The KMO knock-out
(KMO−/−) mice performed more poorly in the spatial working memory
task as compared to their wild-type (WT) counterparts, as reflected by fewer
correct choices in a T-maze. Both fEPSPs, or LTP, did not significantly differ
between the 2 mouse strains. However, administration of PF-04859989, a
kynurenine aminotransferase (KAT) II inhibitor, limiting the production of KYNA,
facilitated fEPSP and enhanced LTP to a greater extent in hippocampal slices
from KMO−/− mice compared to WT mice. The results of the present
study point to an essential role for KYNA in modulating LTP in the hippocampus
of KMO−/− mice which may account for their dysfunctional spatial
working memory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Imbeault
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Max Gubert Olivé
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Oscar Jungholm
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sophie Erhardt
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Holger Wigström
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Medical Biophysics, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, University of Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Göran Engberg
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Kent Jardemark
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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7
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Noorbakhsh A, Hosseininezhadian Koushki E, Farshadfar C, Ardalan N. Designing a natural inhibitor against human kynurenine aminotransferase type II and a comparison with PF-04859989: a computational effort against schizophrenia. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2021; 40:7038-7051. [PMID: 33645449 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2021.1893817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The Kynurenine aminotransferase II (KATII) enzyme has an essential role in L-kynurenine transmission to kynurenic acid (KYNA). High concentration of kynurenic acid associates with schizophrenia and some neurocognitive disorders. Decreasing KYNA production via inhibiting KATII would be an effective method for treating and understanding the related central nervous system (CNS) diseases. This study aimed to discover a potent inhibitor against human KATII (hKATII) in comparison with PF-04859989. We utilized the computational methods of molecular dynamics, virtual screening, docking, and binding free-energy calculations. Initially, the 58722 compounds from three drug libraries, including IBS library, DrugBank library, and Analyticon library, were obtained. At the next stage, these sets of compounds were screened by AutoDock Vina software, and a potent inhibitor (ZINC35466084) was selected. Following the screening, molecular dynamics simulations for both ZINC35466084 and PF-04859989 were performed by GROMACS software. MM-PBSA analysis showed that the amount of binding free energy for ZINC35466084 (-61.26 KJ mol-1) is more potent than PF-04859989 (-43.14 KJ mol-1). Furthermore, the ADME analysis results revealed that the pharmacokinetic parameters of ZINC35466084 are acceptable for human use. Eventually, our data demonstrated that ZINC35466084 is suitable for hKATII inhibition, and it is an appropriate candidate for further studies in the laboratory. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akbar Noorbakhsh
- Department of Biochemistry, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Sanandaj, Iran
| | - Elnaz Hosseininezhadian Koushki
- Nano Drug Delivery Research Center, Health Technology Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Chiako Farshadfar
- Department of Biochemistry, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Sanandaj, Iran
| | - Noeman Ardalan
- Department of Microbiology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
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8
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Discovery of sulfonamides and 9-oxo-2,8-diazaspiro[5,5]undecane-2-carboxamides as human kynurenine aminotransferase 2 (KAT2) inhibitors. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2020; 30:127060. [PMID: 32113843 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2020.127060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2019] [Revised: 02/14/2020] [Accepted: 02/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Human kynurenine aminotransferase 2 (KAT2) inhibitors could be potentially used to treat the cognitive deficits associated with bipolar disease and schizophrenia. Although, there has been active drug research activity by several industrial and academic groups in developing KAT2 inhibitors over the years, no such compound has proceeded to the clinics. Here, we report two different chemical series of reversible KAT2 inhibitors with sub-micromolar activities. The first series was identified by a high-throughput screening of a diverse random library and the second one by structure-based virtual screening. Two novel crystal structures of KAT2 complexed with different reversible inhibitors were also deposited to the Protein databank which could be useful for future drug discovery efforts.
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9
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Walczak K, Wnorowski A, Turski WA, Plech T. Kynurenic acid and cancer: facts and controversies. Cell Mol Life Sci 2020; 77:1531-1550. [PMID: 31659416 PMCID: PMC7162828 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-019-03332-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2019] [Revised: 09/30/2019] [Accepted: 10/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Kynurenic acid (KYNA) is an endogenous tryptophan metabolite exerting neuroprotective and anticonvulsant properties in the brain. However, its importance on the periphery is still not fully elucidated. KYNA is produced endogenously in various types of peripheral cells, tissues and by gastrointestinal microbiota. Furthermore, it was found in several products of daily human diet and its absorption in the digestive tract was evidenced. More recent studies were focused on the potential role of KYNA in carcinogenesis and cancer therapy; however, the results were ambiguous and the biological activity of KYNA in these processes has not been unequivocally established. This review aims to summarize the current views on the relationship between KYNA and cancer. The differences in KYNA concentration between physiological conditions and cancer, as well as KYNA production by both normal and cancer cells, will be discussed. The review also describes the effect of KYNA on cancer cell proliferation and the known potential molecular mechanisms of this activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Walczak
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical University of Lublin, Chodźki 4a, 20-093, Lublin, Poland.
| | - Artur Wnorowski
- Department of Biopharmacy, Medical University of Lublin, Chodźki 4a, 20-093, Lublin, Poland
| | - Waldemar A Turski
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Lublin, Jaczewskiego 8, 20-090, Lublin, Poland
| | - Tomasz Plech
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical University of Lublin, Chodźki 4a, 20-093, Lublin, Poland
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10
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Quan C, Wang S, Duan K, Ma J, Yu H, Yang M, Hu N, Long G, Zeng G, Huang Z. The role of kynurenine pathway and kynurenic aminotransferase alleles in postpartum depression following cesarean section in Chinese women. Brain Behav 2020; 10:e01566. [PMID: 32101387 PMCID: PMC7177593 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.1566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2019] [Revised: 01/08/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2020] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES A growing body of data indicates that the kynurenine pathway may play a role in the pathogenesis of postpartum depressive symptoms (PDS). Kynurenic aminotransferase (KAT) is an important kynurenine pathway enzyme, catalyzing kynurenine (KYN) into kynurenic acid (KYNA). This study investigated as to whether genetic variations in KAT are associated with PDS. METHODS A cohort of 360 Chinese women scheduled to undergo cesarean delivery was enrolled into this study. PDS was determined by an Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) score ≥ 13. A total of eight KAT single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were genotyped and their association with PDS investigated. Serum concentrations of KYN, KYNA, and quinolinic acid (QUIN) in women with or without PDS were also measured. This allowed the determination of the KYNA/KYN ratio, which is reflective of KAT activity. RESULTS Postpartum depressive symptoms incidence was 7.2%. Advanced maternal age, lower education, antenatal depression, and postpartum blues were risk factors for PDS (p < .05). Women with PDS, versus non-PDS, had heightened KYN levels one day prior to surgery (ante-d1) (p < .05), as well as having significantly lower KYNA and higher QUIN levels at postnatal day three (post-d3) (p < .05). Women with, versus without, PDS also had a significantly higher QUIN/KYNA ratio at post-d3 (p < .05). KAT activity was significantly lower in women with, versus without, PDS at ante-d3 (p < .05). No significant association was evident between the KAT SNPs and PDS. CONCLUSION Our data support a role for alterations in the kynurenine pathway in the pathogenesis of PDS, although no significant association was found for the eight tested KAT SNPs with PDS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengxuan Quan
- Department of Anesthesia, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Saiying Wang
- Department of Anesthesia, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Kaiming Duan
- Department of Anesthesia, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jiahui Ma
- Department of Anesthesia, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Heya Yu
- Department of Anesthesia, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Mi Yang
- Department of Anesthesia, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Na Hu
- Department of Anesthesia, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Ge Long
- Department of Anesthesia, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Guang Zeng
- Department of Anesthesia, Changsha Taihe Hospital, Changsha, China
| | - Zhendong Huang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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11
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Huang YS, Ogbechi J, Clanchy FI, Williams RO, Stone TW. IDO and Kynurenine Metabolites in Peripheral and CNS Disorders. Front Immunol 2020; 11:388. [PMID: 32194572 PMCID: PMC7066259 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.00388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2019] [Accepted: 02/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The importance of the kynurenine pathway in normal immune system function has led to an appreciation of its possible contribution to autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis. Indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) activity exerts a protective function, limiting the severity of experimental arthritis, whereas deletion or inhibition exacerbates the symptoms. Other chronic disorder with an inflammatory component, such as atherosclerosis, are also suppressed by IDO activity. It is suggested that this overall anti-inflammatory activity is mediated by a change in the relative production or activity of Th17 and regulatory T cell populations. Kynurenines may play an anti-inflammatory role also in CNS disorders such as Huntington's disease, Alzheimer's disease and multiple sclerosis, in which signs of inflammation and neurodegeneration are involved. The possibility is discussed that in Huntington's disease kynurenines interact with other anti-inflammatory molecules such as Human Lymphocyte Antigen-G which may be relevant in other disorders. Kynurenine involvement may account for the protection afforded to animals with cerebral malaria and trypanosomiasis when they are treated with an inhibitor of kynurenine-3-monoxygenase (KMO). There is some evidence that changes in IL-10 may contribute to this protection and the relationship between kynurenines and IL-10 in arthritis and other inflammatory conditions should be explored. In addition, metabolites of kynurenine downstream of KMO, such as anthranilic acid and 3-hydroxy-anthranilic acid can influence inflammation, and the ratio of these compounds is a valuable biomarker of inflammatory status although the underlying molecular mechanisms of the changes require clarification. Hence it is essential that more effort be expended to identify their sites of action as potential targets for drug development. Finally, we discuss increasing awareness of the epigenetic regulation of IDO, for example by DNA methylation, a phenomenon which may explain differences between individuals in their susceptibility to arthritis and other inflammatory disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Shu Huang
- The Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, NDORMS, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Joy Ogbechi
- The Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, NDORMS, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Felix I Clanchy
- The Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, NDORMS, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Richard O Williams
- The Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, NDORMS, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Trevor W Stone
- The Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, NDORMS, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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12
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Yoshida Y, Fujigaki H, Kato K, Yamazaki K, Fujigaki S, Kunisawa K, Yamamoto Y, Mouri A, Oda A, Nabeshima T, Saito K. Selective and competitive inhibition of kynurenine aminotransferase 2 by glycyrrhizic acid and its analogues. Sci Rep 2019; 9:10243. [PMID: 31308447 PMCID: PMC6629613 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-46666-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2019] [Accepted: 07/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The enzyme kynurenine aminotransferase (KAT) catalyses the conversion of kynurenine (KYN) to kynurenic acid (KYNA). Although the isozymes KAT1–4 have been identified, KYNA is mainly produced by KAT2 in brain tissues. KNYA is an antagonist of N-methyl-D-aspartate and α-7-nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, and accumulation of KYNA in the brain has been associated with the pathology of schizophrenia. Therefore, KAT2 could be exploited as a therapeutic target for the management of schizophrenia. Although currently available KAT2 inhibitors irreversibly bind to pyridoxal 5′-phosphate (PLP), inhibition via this mechanism may cause adverse side effects because of the presence of other PLP-dependent enzymes. Therefore, we identified novel selective KAT2 inhibitors by screening approximately 13,000 molecules. Among these, glycyrrhizic acid (GL) and its analogues, glycyrrhetinic acid (GA) and carbenoxolone (CBX), were identified as KAT2 inhibitors. These compounds were highly selective for KAT2 and competed with its substrate KYN, but had no effects on the other 3 KAT isozymes. Furthermore, we demonstrated that in complex structures that were predicted in docking calculations, GL, GA and CBX were located on the same surface as the aromatic ring of KYN. These results indicate that GL and its analogues are highly selective and competitive inhibitors of KAT2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yukihiro Yoshida
- Department of Disease Control and Prevention, Fujita Health University Graduate School of Health Sciences, Aichi, 470-1192, Japan
| | - Hidetsugu Fujigaki
- Department of Disease Control and Prevention, Fujita Health University Graduate School of Health Sciences, Aichi, 470-1192, Japan.
| | - Koichi Kato
- College of Pharmacy, Kinjo Gakuin University, Aichi, 463-8521, Japan.,Faculty of Pharmacy, Meijo University, Aichi, 468-8503, Japan
| | - Kyoka Yamazaki
- Department of Disease Control and Prevention, Fujita Health University Graduate School of Health Sciences, Aichi, 470-1192, Japan
| | - Suwako Fujigaki
- Department of Disease Control and Prevention, Fujita Health University Graduate School of Health Sciences, Aichi, 470-1192, Japan
| | - Kazuo Kunisawa
- Advanced Diagnostic System Research Laboratory, Fujita Health University Graduate School of Health Sciences, Aichi, 470-1192, Japan
| | - Yasuko Yamamoto
- Department of Disease Control and Prevention, Fujita Health University Graduate School of Health Sciences, Aichi, 470-1192, Japan
| | - Akihiro Mouri
- Department of Regulatory Science, Fujita Health University Graduate School of Health Sciences, Aichi, 470-1192, Japan.,Japanese Drug Organization of Appropriate Use and Research, Aichi, 468-0069, Japan
| | - Akifumi Oda
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Meijo University, Aichi, 468-8503, Japan
| | - Toshitaka Nabeshima
- Advanced Diagnostic System Research Laboratory, Fujita Health University Graduate School of Health Sciences, Aichi, 470-1192, Japan.,Japanese Drug Organization of Appropriate Use and Research, Aichi, 468-0069, Japan
| | - Kuniaki Saito
- Department of Disease Control and Prevention, Fujita Health University Graduate School of Health Sciences, Aichi, 470-1192, Japan.,Advanced Diagnostic System Research Laboratory, Fujita Health University Graduate School of Health Sciences, Aichi, 470-1192, Japan.,Japanese Drug Organization of Appropriate Use and Research, Aichi, 468-0069, Japan.,Human Health Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine and Faculty of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, 606-8507, Japan
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13
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Jayawickrama GS, Nematollahi A, Sun G, Church WB. Improvement of kynurenine aminotransferase-II inhibitors guided by mimicking sulfate esters. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0196404. [PMID: 29689093 PMCID: PMC5915280 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0196404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2018] [Accepted: 04/12/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The mammalian kynurenine aminotransferase (KAT) enzymes are a family of related isoforms that are pyridoxal 5’-phosphate-dependent, responsible for the irreversible transamination of kynurenine to kynurenic acid. Kynurenic acid is implicated in human diseases such as schizophrenia where it is found in elevated levels and consequently KAT-II, as the isoform predominantly responsible for kynurenic acid production in the brain, has been targeted for the development of specific inhibitors. One class of compounds that have also shown inhibitory activity towards the KAT enzymes are estrogens and their sulfate esters. Estradiol disulfate in particular is very strongly inhibitory and it appears that the 17-sulfate makes a significant contribution to its potency. The work here demonstrates that the effect of this moiety can be mirrored in existing KAT-II inhibitors, from the development of two novel inhibitors, JN-01 and JN-02. Both inhibitors were based on NS-1502 (IC50: 315 μM), but the deliberate placement of a sulfonamide group significantly improved the potency of JN-01 (IC50: 73.8 μM) and JN-02 (IC50: 112.8 μM) in comparison to the parent compound. This 3–4 fold increase in potency shows the potential of these moieties to be accommodated in the KAT-II active site and the effect they can have on improving inhibitors, and the environments in the KAT-II have been suitably modelled using docking calculations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gayan S. Jayawickrama
- Group in Biomolecular Structure and Informatics, Faculty of Pharmacy, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Alireza Nematollahi
- Group in Biomolecular Structure and Informatics, Faculty of Pharmacy, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Guanchen Sun
- Group in Biomolecular Structure and Informatics, Faculty of Pharmacy, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - William Bret Church
- Group in Biomolecular Structure and Informatics, Faculty of Pharmacy, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- * E-mail:
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14
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Jayawickrama GS, Nematollahi A, Sun G, Church WB. Fragment Screening of Human Kynurenine Aminotransferase-II. SLAS DISCOVERY 2018. [PMID: 29537924 DOI: 10.1177/2472555218764620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Kynurenine aminotransferase-II (KAT-II) is a pyridoxal 5'-phosphate (PLP)-dependent enzyme that acts in the tryptophan metabolic pathway by catalyzing the transamination of kynurenine into kynurenic acid (KYNA). It is one of four isoforms in the KAT family, of which it is the primary homologue responsible for KYNA production in the mammalian brain. KAT-II is targeted for inhibition as KYNA is implicated in diseases such as schizophrenia, where it is found in elevated concentrations. Previously, many different approaches have been taken to develop KAT-II inhibitors, and herein fragment-based drug design (FBDD) approaches have been exploited to provide further lead compounds that can be designed into novel inhibitors. Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) was used to screen a fragment library containing 1000 compounds, of which 41 hits were identified. These hits were further evaluated with SPR, and 18 were selected for inhibition studies. From these hits, two fragments, F6037-0164 and F0037-7280, were pursued and determined to have an IC50 of 524.5 (± 25.6) μM and 115.2 (± 4.5) μM, respectively. This strategy shows the viability of using FBDD in gleaning knowledge about KAT-II inhibition and generating leads for the production of KAT-II inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gayan S Jayawickrama
- 1 Group in Biomolecular Structure and Informatics, Faculty of Pharmacy, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Alireza Nematollahi
- 1 Group in Biomolecular Structure and Informatics, Faculty of Pharmacy, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Guanchen Sun
- 1 Group in Biomolecular Structure and Informatics, Faculty of Pharmacy, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - W Bret Church
- 1 Group in Biomolecular Structure and Informatics, Faculty of Pharmacy, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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15
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Jayawickrama GS, Nematollahi A, Sun G, Gorrell MD, Church WB. Inhibition of human kynurenine aminotransferase isozymes by estrogen and its derivatives. Sci Rep 2017; 7:17559. [PMID: 29242525 PMCID: PMC5730616 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-17979-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2017] [Accepted: 11/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The kynurenine aminotransferase (KAT) enzymes are pyridoxal 5′-phosphate-dependent homodimers that catalyse the irreversible transamination of kynurenine into kynurenic acid (KYNA) in the tryptophan metabolic pathway. Kynurenic acid is implicated in cognitive diseases such as schizophrenia, and several inhibitors have been reported that selectively target KAT-II as it is primarily responsible for kynurenic acid production in the human brain. Not only is schizophrenia a sexually dimorphic condition, but women that have schizophrenia have reduced estrogen levels in their serum. Estrogens are also known to interact in the kynurenine pathway therefore exploring these interactions can yield a better understanding of the condition and improve approaches in ameliorating its effects. Enzyme inhibitory assays and binding studies showed that estradiol disulfate is a strong inhibitor of KAT-I and KAT-II (IC50: 291.5 μM and 26.3 μM, respectively), with estradiol, estradiol 3-sulfate and estrone sulfate being much weaker (IC50 > 2 mM). Therefore it is possible that estrogen levels can dictate the balance of kynurenic acid in the brain. Inhibition assay results and modelling suggests that the 17-sulfate moiety in estradiol disulfate is very important in improving its potency as an inhibitor, increasing the inhibition by approximately 10–100 fold compared to estradiol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gayan S Jayawickrama
- Group in Biomolecular Structure and Informatics, Faculty of Pharmacy, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Alireza Nematollahi
- Group in Biomolecular Structure and Informatics, Faculty of Pharmacy, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Guanchen Sun
- Group in Biomolecular Structure and Informatics, Faculty of Pharmacy, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Mark D Gorrell
- Molecular Hepatology Laboratory, Centenary Institute and Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - W Bret Church
- Group in Biomolecular Structure and Informatics, Faculty of Pharmacy, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia.
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16
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Crystal structure and mechanistic analysis of a novel human kynurenine aminotransferase-2 reversible inhibitor. Med Chem Res 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/s00044-017-1950-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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