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Beirow K, Schmidt C, Jürgen B, Schlüter R, Schweder T, Bednarski PJ. Investigation of TGF-α-overexpressing mouse hepatocytes (TAMH) cultured as spheroids for use in hepatotoxicity screening of drug candidates. J Appl Toxicol 2024; 44:272-286. [PMID: 37655636 DOI: 10.1002/jat.4538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
The immortalized mouse liver cell line TAMH has been described as a valuable tool for studying hepatotoxic mechanisms, but until now, it has only been reported to grow as a monolayer in culture. However, culturing hepatocytes as three-dimensional (3D) spheroids has been shown to result in improved liver-specific functions (e.g., metabolic capacity) by better mimicking the in vivo environment. This approach may lead to more reliable detection of drug-induced liver injury (DILI) in the early phase of drug discovery, preventing post-marketing drug withdrawals. Here, we investigated the cultivation of TAMH as 3D spheroids, characterizing them with optical and transmission electron microscopy as well as analyzing their gene expression at mRNA level (especially drug-metabolizing enzymes) compared to TAMH monolayer. In addition, comparisons were made with spheroids grown from the human hepatoblastoma cell line HepG2, another current spheroid model. The results indicate that TAMH spheroids express hepatic structures and show elevated levels of some of the key phase I and II drug-metabolizing enzymes, in contrast to TAMH monolayer. The in vitro hepatotoxic potencies of the drugs acetaminophen and flupirtine maleate were found to be very similar between TAMH spheroidal and the monolayer cultures. Both the advantages and disadvantages of TAMH spheroids as an in vitro hepatotoxicity model compared to monolayer model are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristin Beirow
- Department of Pharmaceutical/Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy, University of Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Christian Schmidt
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology Institute of Pharmacy, University of Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Britta Jürgen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology Institute of Pharmacy, University of Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Rabea Schlüter
- Imaging Center of the Department of Biology, University of Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Thomas Schweder
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology Institute of Pharmacy, University of Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Patrick J Bednarski
- Department of Pharmaceutical/Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy, University of Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
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2
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Sun YJ, Gong YL, Lu SC, Zhang SP, Xu S. Three-Step Synthesis of the Antiepileptic Drug Candidate Pynegabine. Molecules 2023; 28:4888. [PMID: 37446549 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28134888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Pynegabine, an antiepileptic drug candidate in phase I clinical trials, is a structural analog of the marketed drug retigabine with improved chemical stability, strong efficacy, and a better safety margin. The reported shortest synthetic route for pynegabine contains six steps and involves the manipulation of highly toxic methyl chloroformate and dangerous hydrogen gas. To improve the feasibility of drug production, we developed a concise, three-step process using unconventional methoxycarbonylation and highly efficient Buchwald-Hartwig cross coupling. The new synthetic route generated pynegabine at the decagram scale without column chromatographic purification and avoided the dangerous manipulation of hazardous reagents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Jing Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines and Beijing Key Laboratory of Active Substance Discovery and Druggability Evaluation, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 2A Nanwei Road, Xicheng District, Beijing 100050, China
- College of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Hebei University of Science and Technology, Shijiazhuang 050018, China
| | - Ya-Ling Gong
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines and Beijing Key Laboratory of Active Substance Discovery and Druggability Evaluation, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 2A Nanwei Road, Xicheng District, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Shi-Chao Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines and Beijing Key Laboratory of Active Substance Discovery and Druggability Evaluation, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 2A Nanwei Road, Xicheng District, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Shi-Peng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines and Beijing Key Laboratory of Active Substance Discovery and Druggability Evaluation, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 2A Nanwei Road, Xicheng District, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Shu Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines and Beijing Key Laboratory of Active Substance Discovery and Druggability Evaluation, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 2A Nanwei Road, Xicheng District, Beijing 100050, China
- College of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Hebei University of Science and Technology, Shijiazhuang 050018, China
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3
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Bartz FM, Beirow K, Wurm K, Baecker D, Link A, Bednarski PJ. A graphite furnace-atomic absorption spectrometry-based rubidium efflux assay for screening activators of the K v 7.2/3 channel. Arch Pharm (Weinheim) 2023; 356:e2200585. [PMID: 36748851 DOI: 10.1002/ardp.202200585] [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: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
For the characterization of Kv 7.2/3 channel activators, several analytical methods are available that vary in effort and cost. In addition to the technically elaborate patch-clamp method, which serves as a reference method, there exist several medium to high-throughput screening methods including a rubidium efflux flame-atomic absorption spectrometry (F-AAS) assay and a commercial thallium uptake fluorescence-based assay. In this study, the general suitability of a graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GF-AAS)-based rubidium efflux assay as a screening method for Kv 7.2/3 channel activators was demonstrated. With flupirtine serving as a reference compound, 16 newly synthesizedcompounds and the known Kv 7.2/3 activator retigabine were first classified as either active or inactive by using the GF-AAS-based rubidium (Rb) efflux assay. Then, the results were compared with a thallium (Tl) uptake fluorescence-based fluorometric imaging plate reader (FLIPR) potassium assay. Overall, 16 of 17 compounds were classified by the GF-AAS-based assay in agreement with their channel-activating properties determined by the more expensive Tl uptake, fluorescence-based assay. Thus, the performance of the GF-AAS-based Rb assay for primary drug screening of Kv 7.2/3-activating compounds was clearly demonstrated, as documented by the calculated Z'-factor of the GF-AAS-based method. Moreover, method development included optimization of the coating of the microtiter plates and the washing procedure, which extended the range of this assay to poorly adherent cells such as the HEK293 cells used in this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frieda-Marie Bartz
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy, University of Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Kristin Beirow
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy, University of Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Konrad Wurm
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy, University of Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Daniel Baecker
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy, University of Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Andreas Link
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy, University of Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Patrick J Bednarski
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy, University of Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
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4
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Wurm KW, Bartz FM, Schulig L, Bodtke A, Bednarski PJ, Link A. Replacing the oxidation-sensitive triaminoaryl chemotype of problematic K V 7 channel openers: Exploration of a nicotinamide scaffold. Arch Pharm (Weinheim) 2023; 356:e2200473. [PMID: 36395379 DOI: 10.1002/ardp.202200473] [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: 09/08/2022] [Revised: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
KV 7 channel openers have proven their therapeutic value in the treatment of pain as well as epilepsy and, moreover, they hold the potential to expand into additional indications with unmet medical needs. However, the clinically validated but meanwhile discontinued KV 7 channel openers flupirtine and retigabine bear an oxidation-sensitive triaminoraryl scaffold, which is suspected of causing adverse drug reactions via the formation of quinoid oxidation products. Here, we report the design and synthesis of nicotinamide analogs and related compounds that remediate the liability in the chemical structure of flupirtine and retigabine. Optimization of a nicotinamide lead structure yielded analogs with excellent KV 7.2/3 opening activity, as evidenced by EC50 values approaching the single-digit nanomolar range. On the other hand, weighted KV 7.2/3 opening activity data including inactive compounds allowed for the establishment of structure-activity relationships and a plausible binding mode hypothesis verified by docking and molecular dynamics simulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konrad W Wurm
- Department of Pharmaceutical/Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy, University of Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Frieda-Marie Bartz
- Department of Pharmaceutical/Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy, University of Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Lukas Schulig
- Department of Pharmaceutical/Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy, University of Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Anja Bodtke
- Department of Pharmaceutical/Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy, University of Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Patrick J Bednarski
- Department of Pharmaceutical/Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy, University of Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Andreas Link
- Department of Pharmaceutical/Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy, University of Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
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5
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Combinations of classical and non-classical voltage dependent potassium channel openers suppress nociceptor discharge and reverse chronic pain signs in a rat model of Gulf War illness. Neurotoxicology 2022; 93:186-199. [PMID: 36216193 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2022.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Revised: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
In a companion paper we examined whether combinations of Kv7 channel openers (Retigabine and Diclofenac; RET, DIC) could be effective modifiers of deep tissue nociceptor activity; and whether such combinations could then be optimized for use as safe analgesics for pain-like signs that developed in a rat model of GWI (Gulf War Illness) pain. In the present report, we examined the combinations of Retigabine/Meclofenamate (RET/MEC) and Meclofenamate/Diclofenac (MEC/DIC). Voltage clamp experiments were performed on deep tissue nociceptors isolated from rat DRG (dorsal root ganglion). In voltage clamp studies, a stepped voltage protocol was applied (-55 to -40 mV; Vh=-60 mV; 1500 msec) and Kv7 evoked currents were subsequently isolated by Linopirdine subtraction. MEC greatly enhanced voltage dependent conductance and produced exceptional maximum sustained currents of 6.01 ± 0.26 pA/pF (EC50: 62.2 ± 8.99 μM). Combinations of RET/MEC, and MEC/DIC substantially amplified resting currents at low concentrations. MEC/DIC also greatly improved voltage dependent conductance. In current clamp experiments, a cholinergic challenge test (Oxotremorine-M, 10 μM; OXO), associated with our GWI rat model, produced powerful action potential (AP) bursts (85 APs). Optimized combinations of RET/MEC (5 and 0.5 μM) and MEC/DIC (0.5 and 2.5 μM) significantly reduced AP discharges to 3 and 7 Aps, respectively. Treatment of pain-like ambulatory behavior in our rat model with a RET/MEC combination (5 and 0.5 mg/kg) successfully rescued ambulation deficits, but could not be fully separated from the effect of RET alone. Further development of this approach is recommended.
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6
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Development of KVO treatment strategies for chronic pain in a rat model of Gulf War Illness. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2022; 434:115821. [PMID: 34896435 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2021.115821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Revised: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
We examined whether combinations of Kv7 channel openers could be effective modifiers of deep tissue nociceptor activity; and whether such combinations could then be optimized for use as safe analgesics for pain-like signs that developed in a rat model of GWI (Gulf War Illness) pain. Voltage clamp experiments were performed on subclassified nociceptors isolated from rat DRG (dorsal root ganglion). A stepped voltage protocol was applied (-55 to -40 mV; Vh = -60 mV; 1500 ms) and Kv7 evoked currents were subsequently isolated by linopirdine subtraction. Directly activated and voltage activated K+ currents were characterized in the presence and absence of Retigabine (5-100 μM) and/or Diclofenac (50-140 μM). Retigabine produced substantial voltage dependent effects and a maximal sustained current of 1.14 pA/pF ± 0.15 (ED50: 62.7 ± 3.18 μM). Diclofenac produced weak voltage dependent effects but a similar maximum sustained current of 1.01 ± 0.26 pA/pF (ED50: 93.2 ± 8.99 μM). Combinations of Retigabine and Diclofenac substantially amplified resting currents but had little effect on voltage dependence. Using a cholinergic challenge test (Oxotremorine, 10 μM) associated with our GWI rat model, combinations of Retigabine (5 uM) and Diclofenac (2.5, 20 and 50 μM) substantially reduced or totally abrogated action potential discharge to the cholinergic challenge. When combinations of Retigabine and Diclofenac were used to relieve pain-signs in our rat model of GWI, only those combinations associated with serious subacute side effects could relieve pain-like behaviors.
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7
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Zhang YM, Xu HY, Hu HN, Tian FY, Chen F, Liu HN, Zhan L, Pi XP, Liu J, Gao ZB, Nan FJ. Discovery of HN37 as a Potent and Chemically Stable Antiepileptic Drug Candidate. J Med Chem 2021; 64:5816-5837. [PMID: 33929863 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c02252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
We previously reported that P-retigabine (P-RTG), a retigabine (RTG) analogue bearing a propargyl group at the nitrogen atom in the linker of RTG, displayed moderate anticonvulsant efficacy. Recently, our further efforts led to the discovery of HN37 (pynegabine), which demonstrated satisfactory chemical stability upon deleting the ortho liable -NH2 group and installing two adjacent methyl groups to the carbamate motif. HN37 exhibited enhanced activation potency toward neuronal Kv7 channels and high in vivo efficacy in a range of pre-clinical seizure models, including the maximal electroshock test and a 6 Hz model of pharmacoresistant limbic seizures. With its improved chemical stability, strong efficacy, and better safety margin, HN37 has progressed to clinical trial in China for epilepsy treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang-Ming Zhang
- Chinese National Center for Drug Screening, CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China.,Yantai Key Laboratory of Nanomedicine & Advanced Preparations, Yantai Institute of Materia Medica, No. 39, Science and Technology Avenue, High-Tech Industrial Development Zone, Yantai City, Shandong 264000, China
| | - Hai-Yan Xu
- Chinese National Center for Drug Screening, CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China.,School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 138 Xianlin Avenue, Qixia District, Nanjing City, Jiangsu 210023, China
| | - Hai-Ning Hu
- Chinese National Center for Drug Screening, CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Fu-Yun Tian
- Chinese National Center for Drug Screening, CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Fei Chen
- Chinese National Center for Drug Screening, CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Hua-Nan Liu
- Chinese National Center for Drug Screening, CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Li Zhan
- Chinese National Center for Drug Screening, CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Xiao-Ping Pi
- Chinese National Center for Drug Screening, CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Jie Liu
- Hainan Haiyao Company Ltd., No. 192, Nanhai Road, Xiuying District, Haikou City, Hainan 570311, China
| | - Zhao-Bing Gao
- Chinese National Center for Drug Screening, CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China.,School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 138 Xianlin Avenue, Qixia District, Nanjing City, Jiangsu 210023, China
| | - Fa-Jun Nan
- Chinese National Center for Drug Screening, CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China.,Yantai Key Laboratory of Nanomedicine & Advanced Preparations, Yantai Institute of Materia Medica, No. 39, Science and Technology Avenue, High-Tech Industrial Development Zone, Yantai City, Shandong 264000, China
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8
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Borgini M, Mondal P, Liu R, Wipf P. Chemical modulation of Kv7 potassium channels. RSC Med Chem 2021; 12:483-537. [PMID: 34046626 PMCID: PMC8128042 DOI: 10.1039/d0md00328j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The rising interest in Kv7 modulators originates from their ability to evoke fundamental electrophysiological perturbations in a tissue-specific manner. A large number of therapeutic applications are, in part, based on the clinical experience with two broad-spectrum Kv7 agonists, flupirtine and retigabine. Since precise molecular structures of human Kv7 channel subtypes in closed and open states have only very recently started to emerge, computational studies have traditionally been used to analyze binding modes and direct the development of more potent and selective Kv7 modulators with improved safety profiles. Herein, the synthetic and medicinal chemistry of small molecule modulators and the representative biological properties are summarized. Furthermore, new therapeutic applications supported by in vitro and in vivo assay data are suggested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Borgini
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh PA 15260 USA
| | - Pravat Mondal
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh PA 15260 USA
| | - Ruiting Liu
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh PA 15260 USA
| | - Peter Wipf
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh PA 15260 USA
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9
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Mondéjar-Parreño G, Cogolludo A, Perez-Vizcaino F. Potassium (K +) channels in the pulmonary vasculature: Implications in pulmonary hypertension Physiological, pathophysiological and pharmacological regulation. Pharmacol Ther 2021; 225:107835. [PMID: 33744261 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2021.107835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2021] [Revised: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The large K+ channel functional diversity in the pulmonary vasculature results from the multitude of genes expressed encoding K+ channels, alternative RNA splicing, the post-transcriptional modifications, the presence of homomeric or heteromeric assemblies of the pore-forming α-subunits and the existence of accessory β-subunits modulating the functional properties of the channel. K+ channels can also be regulated at multiple levels by different factors controlling channel activity, trafficking, recycling and degradation. The activity of these channels is the primary determinant of membrane potential (Em) in pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMC), providing an essential regulatory mechanism to dilate or contract pulmonary arteries (PA). K+ channels are also expressed in pulmonary artery endothelial cells (PAEC) where they control resting Em, Ca2+ entry and the production of different vasoactive factors. The activity of K+ channels is also important in regulating the population and phenotype of PASMC in the pulmonary vasculature, since they are involved in cell apoptosis, survival and proliferation. Notably, K+ channels play a major role in the development of pulmonary hypertension (PH). Impaired K+ channel activity in PH results from: 1) loss of function mutations, 2) downregulation of its expression, which involves transcription factors and microRNAs, or 3) decreased channel current as a result of increased vasoactive factors (e.g., hypoxia, 5-HT, endothelin-1 or thromboxane), exposure to drugs with channel-blocking properties, or by a reduction in factors that positively regulate K+ channel activity (e.g., NO and prostacyclin). Restoring K+ channel expression, its intracellular trafficking and the channel activity is an attractive therapeutic strategy in PH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gema Mondéjar-Parreño
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, University Complutense of Madrid, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón (IiSGM), Madrid, Spain; Ciber Enfermedades Respiratorias (CIBERES), Spain
| | - Angel Cogolludo
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, University Complutense of Madrid, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón (IiSGM), Madrid, Spain; Ciber Enfermedades Respiratorias (CIBERES), Spain
| | - Francisco Perez-Vizcaino
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, University Complutense of Madrid, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón (IiSGM), Madrid, Spain; Ciber Enfermedades Respiratorias (CIBERES), Spain.
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10
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Löscher W, Sills GJ, White HS. The ups and downs of alkyl-carbamates in epilepsy therapy: How does cenobamate differ? Epilepsia 2021; 62:596-614. [PMID: 33580520 DOI: 10.1111/epi.16832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Revised: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Since 1955, several alkyl-carbamates have been developed for the treatment of anxiety and epilepsy, including meprobamate, flupirtine, felbamate, retigabine, carisbamate, and cenobamate. They have each enjoyed varying levels of success as antiseizure drugs; however, they have all been plagued by the emergence of serious and sometimes life-threatening adverse events. In this review, we compare and contrast their predominant molecular mechanisms of action, their antiseizure profile, and where possible, their clinical efficacy. The preclinical, clinical, and mechanistic profile of the prototypical γ-aminobutyric acidergic (GABAergic) modulator phenobarbital is included for comparison. Like phenobarbital, all of the clinically approved alkyl-carbamates share an ability to enhance inhibitory neurotransmission through modulation of the GABAA receptor, although the specific mechanism of interaction differs among the different drugs discussed. In addition, several alkyl-carbamates have been shown to interact with voltage-gated ion channels. Flupirtine and retigabine share an ability to activate K+ currents mediated by KCNQ (Kv7) K+ channels, and felbamate, carisbamate, and cenobamate have been shown to block Na+ channels. In contrast to other alkyl-carbamates, cenobamate seems to be unique in its ability to preferentially attenuate the persistent rather than transient Na+ current. Results from recent randomized controlled clinical trials with cenobamate suggest that this newest antiseizure alkyl-carbamate possesses a degree of efficacy not witnessed since felbamate was approved in 1993. Given that ceno-bamate's mechanistic profile is unique among the alkyl-carbamates, it is not clear whether this impressive efficacy reflects an as yet undescribed mechanism of action or whether it possesses a unique synergy between its actions at the GABAA receptor and on persistent Na+ currents. The high efficacy of cenobamate is, however, tempered by the risk of serious rash and low tolerability at higher doses, meaning that further safety studies and clinical experience are needed to determine the true clinical value of cenobamate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wolfgang Löscher
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Pharmacy, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany.,Center for Systems Neuroscience Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Graeme J Sills
- School of Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - H Steve White
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
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11
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Wilenkin B, Burris KD, Eastwood BJ, Sher E, Williams AC, Priest BT. Development of an Electrophysiological Assay for Kv7 Modulators on IonWorks Barracuda. Assay Drug Dev Technol 2020; 17:310-321. [PMID: 31634018 DOI: 10.1089/adt.2019.942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Relief from chronic pain continues to represent a large unmet need. The voltage-gated potassium channel Kv7.2/7.3, also known as KCNQ2/3, is a key contributor to the control of resting membrane potential and excitability in nociceptive neurons and represents a promising target for potential therapeutics. In this study, we present a medium throughput electrophysiological assay for the identification and characterization of modulators of Kv7.2/7.3 channels, using the IonWorks Barracuda™ automated voltage clamp platform. The assay combines a family of voltage steps used to construct conductance curves with a unique analysis method. Kv7.2/7.3 modulators shift the activation voltage and/or change the maximal conductance of the current, and both parameters have been used to quantify compound mediated effects. Both effects are expected to modulate neuronal excitability in vivo. The analysis method described assigns a single potency value that combines changes in activation voltage and maximal conductance and is expected to predict compound mediated changes in excitability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Wilenkin
- Department of Quantitative Biology, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Kevin D Burris
- Department of Quantitative Biology, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Brian J Eastwood
- Department of Statistics, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Emanuele Sher
- Department of Discovery Pain Group, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Andrew C Williams
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Birgit T Priest
- Department of Quantitative Biology, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, Indiana
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12
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Ostacolo C, Miceli F, Di Sarno V, Nappi P, Iraci N, Soldovieri MV, Ciaglia T, Ambrosino P, Vestuto V, Lauritano A, Musella S, Pepe G, Basilicata MG, Manfra M, Perinelli DR, Novellino E, Bertamino A, Gomez-Monterrey IM, Campiglia P, Taglialatela M. Synthesis and Pharmacological Characterization of Conformationally Restricted Retigabine Analogues as Novel Neuronal Kv7 Channel Activators. J Med Chem 2019; 63:163-185. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.9b00796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Carmine Ostacolo
- Department of Pharmacy, University Federico II of Naples, Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Francesco Miceli
- Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Sciences and Dentistry, University Federico II of Naples, Via Pansini, 5, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Veronica Di Sarno
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via G. Paolo II 132, 84084 Fisciano, Salerno, Italy
| | - Piera Nappi
- Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Sciences and Dentistry, University Federico II of Naples, Via Pansini, 5, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Nunzio Iraci
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via G. Paolo II 132, 84084 Fisciano, Salerno, Italy
| | - Maria Virginia Soldovieri
- Department of Medicine and Health Science V. Tiberio, University of Molise, Via F. de Sanctis, 86100 Campobasso, Italy
| | - Tania Ciaglia
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via G. Paolo II 132, 84084 Fisciano, Salerno, Italy
| | - Paolo Ambrosino
- Department of Science and Technology (DST), University of Sannio, Via Port’Arsa 11, 82100 Benevento, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Vestuto
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via G. Paolo II 132, 84084 Fisciano, Salerno, Italy
| | - Anna Lauritano
- Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Sciences and Dentistry, University Federico II of Naples, Via Pansini, 5, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Simona Musella
- European Biomedical Research Center (EBRIS), Via Salvatore de Renzi, 3, 84125 Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | - Giacomo Pepe
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via G. Paolo II 132, 84084 Fisciano, Salerno, Italy
| | | | - Michele Manfra
- Department of Science, University of Basilicata, Via dell’Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100 Potenza, Italy
| | - Diego Romano Perinelli
- School of Pharmacy, University of Camerino, Via Gentile III da Varano, 62032 Camerino, Macerata, Italy
| | - Ettore Novellino
- Department of Pharmacy, University Federico II of Naples, Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Alessia Bertamino
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via G. Paolo II 132, 84084 Fisciano, Salerno, Italy
| | | | - Pietro Campiglia
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via G. Paolo II 132, 84084 Fisciano, Salerno, Italy
| | - Maurizio Taglialatela
- Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Sciences and Dentistry, University Federico II of Naples, Via Pansini, 5, 80131 Naples, Italy
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13
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Hofstetter RK, Hasan M, Fassauer GM, Bock C, Surur AS, Behnisch S, Grathwol CW, Potlitz F, Oergel T, Siegmund W, Link A. Simultaneous quantification of acidic and basic flupirtine metabolites by supercritical fluid chromatography according to European Medicines Agency validation. J Chromatogr A 2019; 1603:338-347. [DOI: 10.1016/j.chroma.2019.04.067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2019] [Revised: 04/15/2019] [Accepted: 04/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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14
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Bock C, Surur AS, Beirow K, Kindermann MK, Schulig L, Bodtke A, Bednarski PJ, Link A. Sulfide Analogues of Flupirtine and Retigabine with Nanomolar K V 7.2/K V 7.3 Channel Opening Activity. ChemMedChem 2019; 14:952-964. [PMID: 30861620 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.201900112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The potassium channel openers flupirtine and retigabine have proven to be valuable analgesics or antiepileptics. Their recent withdrawal due to occasional hepatotoxicity and tissue discoloration, respectively, leaves a therapeutic niche unfilled. Metabolic oxidation of both drugs gives rise to the formation of electrophilic quinones. These elusive, highly reactive metabolites may induce liver injury in the case of flupirtine and blue tissue discoloration after prolonged intake of retigabine. We examined which structural features can be altered to avoid the detrimental oxidation of the aromatic ring and shift oxidation toward the formation of more benign metabolites. Structure-activity relationship studies were performed to evaluate the KV 7.2/3 channel opening activity of 45 derivatives. Sulfide analogues were identified that are devoid of the risk of quinone formation, but possess potent KV 7.2/3 opening activity. For example, flupirtine analogue 3-(3,5-difluorophenyl)-N-(6-(isobutylthio)-2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)pyridin-3-yl)propanamide (48) has 100-fold enhanced activity (EC50 =1.4 nm), a vastly improved toxicity/activity ratio, and the same efficacy as retigabine in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Bock
- Institute of Pharmacy, University of Greifswald, Friedrich-Ludwig-Jahn-Str. 17, 17489, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Abdrrahman S Surur
- Institute of Pharmacy, University of Greifswald, Friedrich-Ludwig-Jahn-Str. 17, 17489, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Kristin Beirow
- Institute of Pharmacy, University of Greifswald, Friedrich-Ludwig-Jahn-Str. 17, 17489, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Markus K Kindermann
- Institute of Pharmacy, University of Greifswald, Friedrich-Ludwig-Jahn-Str. 17, 17489, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Lukas Schulig
- Institute of Pharmacy, University of Greifswald, Friedrich-Ludwig-Jahn-Str. 17, 17489, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Anja Bodtke
- Institute of Pharmacy, University of Greifswald, Friedrich-Ludwig-Jahn-Str. 17, 17489, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Patrick J Bednarski
- Institute of Pharmacy, University of Greifswald, Friedrich-Ludwig-Jahn-Str. 17, 17489, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Andreas Link
- Institute of Pharmacy, University of Greifswald, Friedrich-Ludwig-Jahn-Str. 17, 17489, Greifswald, Germany
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15
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Surur AS, Beirow K, Bock C, Schulig L, Kindermann MK, Bodtke A, Siegmund W, Bednarski PJ, Link A. Flupirtine Analogues: Explorative Synthesis and Influence of Chemical Structure on K V7.2/K V7.3 Channel Opening Activity. ChemistryOpen 2019; 8:41-44. [PMID: 30652063 PMCID: PMC6331712 DOI: 10.1002/open.201800244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2018] [Revised: 11/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuronal voltage‐gated potassium channels KV7.2/KV7.3 are sensitive to small‐molecule drugs such as flupirtine, even though physiological response occurs in the absence of ligands. Clinically, prolonged use of flupirtine as a pain medication is associated with rare cases of drug‐induced liver injury. Thus, safety concerns prevent a broader use of this non‐opioid and non‐steroidal analgesic in therapeutic areas with unmet medical needs such as hyperactive bladder or neonatal seizures. With the goal of studying influences of chemical structure on activity and toxicity of flupirtine, we explored modifications of the benzylamino bridge and the substitution pattern in both rings of flupirtine. Among twelve derivatives, four novel thioether derivatives showed the desired activity in cellular assays and may serve as leads for safer KV channel openers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdrrahman S Surur
- Institute of Pharmacy University of Greifswald Friedrich-Ludwig-Jahn-Str. 17 17489 Greifswald Germany
| | - Kristin Beirow
- Institute of Pharmacy University of Greifswald Friedrich-Ludwig-Jahn-Str. 17 17489 Greifswald Germany
| | - Christian Bock
- Institute of Pharmacy University of Greifswald Friedrich-Ludwig-Jahn-Str. 17 17489 Greifswald Germany
| | - Lukas Schulig
- Institute of Pharmacy University of Greifswald Friedrich-Ludwig-Jahn-Str. 17 17489 Greifswald Germany
| | - Markus K Kindermann
- Institute of Pharmacy University of Greifswald Friedrich-Ludwig-Jahn-Str. 17 17489 Greifswald Germany
| | - Anja Bodtke
- Institute of Pharmacy University of Greifswald Friedrich-Ludwig-Jahn-Str. 17 17489 Greifswald Germany
| | | | - Patrick J Bednarski
- Institute of Pharmacy University of Greifswald Friedrich-Ludwig-Jahn-Str. 17 17489 Greifswald Germany
| | - Andreas Link
- Institute of Pharmacy University of Greifswald Friedrich-Ludwig-Jahn-Str. 17 17489 Greifswald Germany
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16
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Surur AS, Bock C, Beirow K, Wurm K, Schulig L, Kindermann MK, Siegmund W, Bednarski PJ, Link A. Flupirtine and retigabine as templates for ligand-based drug design of KV7.2/3 activators. Org Biomol Chem 2019; 17:4512-4522. [DOI: 10.1039/c9ob00511k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Puzzling stability: molecular jigsaw pieces of residues characterized in light of activity, lipophilicity, stability against oxidation, and hepatotoxicity were combined to yield flupirtine analogue 25b.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdrrahman S. Surur
- Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry
- Institute of Pharmacy
- University of Greifswald
- 17487 Greifswald
- Germany
| | - Christian Bock
- Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry
- Institute of Pharmacy
- University of Greifswald
- 17487 Greifswald
- Germany
| | - Kristin Beirow
- Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry
- Institute of Pharmacy
- University of Greifswald
- 17487 Greifswald
- Germany
| | - Konrad Wurm
- Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry
- Institute of Pharmacy
- University of Greifswald
- 17487 Greifswald
- Germany
| | - Lukas Schulig
- Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry
- Institute of Pharmacy
- University of Greifswald
- 17487 Greifswald
- Germany
| | - Markus K. Kindermann
- Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry
- Institute of Pharmacy
- University of Greifswald
- 17487 Greifswald
- Germany
| | - Werner Siegmund
- Center of Drug Absorption and Transport (C_DAT) Greifswald
- Germany
| | - Patrick J. Bednarski
- Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry
- Institute of Pharmacy
- University of Greifswald
- 17487 Greifswald
- Germany
| | - Andreas Link
- Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry
- Institute of Pharmacy
- University of Greifswald
- 17487 Greifswald
- Germany
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