1
|
Ali A, Bauser M, Bertrand S, Blackaby W, Boss C, Bossart M, Hall A, Binch H, Czechtizky W, Gijsen H, Haning H, Hartung IV, Kilburn P, Lassalle G, Lücking U, Mack J, Missbach M, Otsomaa L, Torrens A, Wagner M, Walter M, Weinstabl H, van Hijfte L, von Nussbaum F. European Medicinal Chemistry Leaders in Industry (EMCL) - On the Status and Future of Medicinal Chemistry Research in Europe. ChemMedChem 2023; 18:e202300127. [PMID: 37276375 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202300127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
The status of industrial Medicinal Chemistry was discussed with European Medicinal Chemistry Leaders from large to mid-sized pharma and CRO companies as well as biotechs. The chemical modality space has expanded recently from small molecules to address new challenging targets. Besides the classical SAR/SPR optimization of drug molecules also their 'greenness' has increasing importance. The entire pharma discovery ecosystem has developed significantly. Beyond pharma and academia new key players such as Biotech and integrated CROs as well as Digital companies have appeared and are now to a large extend fueled by VC money. Digitalization is happening everywhere but surprisingly did not change speed and success rates of projects so far. Future Medicinal Chemists will still have to be excellent synthetic chemists but in addition they must be knowledgeable in new computational areas such as data sciences. Their ability to collaborate and to work in teams is key.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amjad Ali
- External Discovery Chemistry, Merck and Co. Inc., 2000 Galloping Hill Road, Kenilworth, NJ 07033, USA
| | - Marcus Bauser
- Research & Early Development, Global R&D, Leo Pharma, Industriparken 55, 2750, Ballerup, Denmark
| | - Sophie Bertrand
- Medicinal Chemistry, Medicine Design, R&D, GSK Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2NY, UK
| | - Wesley Blackaby
- Chemistry and Analytical Sciences, Drug Design and Small Molecule Unit, Servier Research Institute, 125 Chemin de Ronde, 78290, Croissy sur Seine, France
| | - Christoph Boss
- Drug Discovery Chemistry, Idorsia Pharmaceuticals Ltd., Hegenheimermattweg 91, 4123, Allschwil/BK, Switzerland
| | - Martin Bossart
- Synthetic Medicinal Modalities, Sanofi, Industriepark Höchst G838, 65926, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Adrian Hall
- Medicinal Chemistry, UCB Pharma, Chemin Du Foriest 1, 1420, Braine-l'Alleud, Belgium
| | - Hayley Binch
- Medicinal Chemistry, Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Grenzacherstrasse 124, 4070, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Werngard Czechtizky
- Medicinal Chemistry, Respiratory and Immunology, AstraZeneca, Pepparedsleden 1, 43183, Göteborg, Sweden
| | - Harrie Gijsen
- Discovery Chemistry, Therapeutics Discovery, Janssen Research & Development, A division of Janssen Pharmaceutica NV, Turnhoutseweg 30, 2340, Beerse, Belgium
| | - Helmut Haning
- Research & Development, Drug Discovery Sciences, Medicinal Chemistry, Bayer AG, Pharmaceuticals, < postCode/>42096, Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Ingo V Hartung
- Medicinal Chemistry & Drug Design, Merck Healthcare KGaA, Frankfurter Str. 250, 64293, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Paul Kilburn
- Medicinal Chemistry and Translational DMPK, Lundbeck, Ottiliavej 9, 2500, Valby, Denmark
| | - Gilbert Lassalle
- Medicinal Chemistry, Evotec (France), SAS, Campus Curie, 195 Route d'Espagne, 31036, Toulouse Cedex, France
| | - Ulrich Lücking
- Chemistry, FoRx Therapeutics, Lichtstrasse 35, 4056, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jürgen Mack
- Medicinal Chemistry, Boehringer Ingelheim, Birkendorfer Str. 65, 88400, Biberach, Germany
| | - Martin Missbach
- Global Discovery Chemistry, Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research (NIBR), 4002, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Leena Otsomaa
- Medicine Design, R&D, Orion Corporation, Orion Pharma, Orionintie 1, 02200, Espoo, Finland
| | - Antoni Torrens
- Chemical Collaborations & Strategic Alliances, ABAC Therapeutics S.L., Joan XXIII, 10, 08950, Esplugues de Llobregat. Barcelona, Spain
| | - Michael Wagner
- Chemistry and Drug Discovery, Dewpoint Therapeutics GmbH, Industriepark Hoechst, G830, 65926, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Magnus Walter
- Chemical Sciences and Process Development, Monte Rosa Therapeutics AG, Klybeckstrasse 191, WKL-136.3, 4057, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Harald Weinstabl
- Medicinal Chemistry, Boehringer Ingelheim, Dr. Boehringer Gasse 5-11, 1121, Vienna, Austria
| | - Luc van Hijfte
- Drug Discovery, Symeres, Kerkenbos 1013, 6546, BB Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Franz von Nussbaum
- Life Science Chemistry, Nuvisan ICB GmbH, Müllerstr. 178, 13353, Berlin, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Szaruga M, Veugelen S, Benurwar M, Lismont S, Sepulveda-Falla D, Lleo A, Ryan NS, Lashley T, Fox NC, Murayama S, Gijsen H, De Strooper B, Chávez-Gutiérrez L. Qualitative changes in human γ-secretase underlie familial Alzheimer's disease. J Exp Med 2015; 212:2003-13. [PMID: 26481686 PMCID: PMC4647268 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20150892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2015] [Accepted: 09/11/2015] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations in the catalytic subunit of the γ-secretase complex, Presenilin, cause familial Alzheimer’s disease. Analysis of patients’ brains shows that these mutations do not result in loss of enzymatic function but in qualitative changes in Aβ product profiles. Presenilin (PSEN) pathogenic mutations cause familial Alzheimer’s disease (AD [FAD]) in an autosomal-dominant manner. The extent to which the healthy and diseased alleles influence each other to cause neurodegeneration remains unclear. In this study, we assessed γ-secretase activity in brain samples from 15 nondemented subjects, 22 FAD patients harboring nine different mutations in PSEN1, and 11 sporadic AD (SAD) patients. FAD and control brain samples had similar overall γ-secretase activity levels, and therefore, loss of overall (endopeptidase) γ-secretase function cannot be an essential part of the pathogenic mechanism. In contrast, impaired carboxypeptidase-like activity (γ-secretase dysfunction) is a constant feature in all FAD brains. Significantly, we demonstrate that pharmacological activation of the carboxypeptidase-like γ-secretase activity with γ-secretase modulators alleviates the mutant PSEN pathogenic effects. Most SAD cases display normal endo- and carboxypeptidase-like γ-secretase activities. However and interestingly, a few SAD patient samples display γ-secretase dysfunction, suggesting that γ-secretase may play a role in some SAD cases. In conclusion, our study highlights qualitative shifts in amyloid-β (Aβ) profiles as the common denominator in FAD and supports a model in which the healthy allele contributes with normal Aβ products and the diseased allele generates longer aggregation-prone peptides that act as seeds inducing toxic amyloid conformations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Szaruga
- VIB Center for the Biology of Disease, University of Leuven (KU Leuven), 3000 Leuven, Belgium Center for Human Genetics (CME) and Leuven Research Institute for Neuroscience and Disease (LIND), University of Leuven (KU Leuven), 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Sarah Veugelen
- VIB Center for the Biology of Disease, University of Leuven (KU Leuven), 3000 Leuven, Belgium Center for Human Genetics (CME) and Leuven Research Institute for Neuroscience and Disease (LIND), University of Leuven (KU Leuven), 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Manasi Benurwar
- VIB Center for the Biology of Disease, University of Leuven (KU Leuven), 3000 Leuven, Belgium Center for Human Genetics (CME) and Leuven Research Institute for Neuroscience and Disease (LIND), University of Leuven (KU Leuven), 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Sam Lismont
- VIB Center for the Biology of Disease, University of Leuven (KU Leuven), 3000 Leuven, Belgium Center for Human Genetics (CME) and Leuven Research Institute for Neuroscience and Disease (LIND), University of Leuven (KU Leuven), 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Diego Sepulveda-Falla
- Institut für Neuropathologie, Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany Neuroscience Group of Antioquia, Faculty of Medicine, University of Antioquia, Medellín 1226, Colombia
| | - Alberto Lleo
- Unidad de Memoria, Departamento de Neurología, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques Sant Pau, Hospital de Sant Pau, 08025 Barcelona, Spain Centro Investigación Biomédica en Red Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), 28049 Madrid, Spain
| | - Natalie S Ryan
- Dementia Research Centre, Institute of Neurology, University College London, London WC1N 3AR, England, UK
| | - Tammaryn Lashley
- Queen Square Brain Bank for Neurological Disorders, Department of Molecular Neuroscience, Institute of Neurology, University College London, London WC1N 3AR, England, UK
| | - Nick C Fox
- Dementia Research Centre, Institute of Neurology, University College London, London WC1N 3AR, England, UK
| | - Shigeo Murayama
- Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo 173-0015, Japan
| | - Harrie Gijsen
- Janssen Research and Development Division, Janssen Pharmaceutica NV, 2340 Beerse, Belgium
| | - Bart De Strooper
- VIB Center for the Biology of Disease, University of Leuven (KU Leuven), 3000 Leuven, Belgium Center for Human Genetics (CME) and Leuven Research Institute for Neuroscience and Disease (LIND), University of Leuven (KU Leuven), 3000 Leuven, Belgium Department of Molecular Neuroscience, Institute of Neurology, University College London, London WC1N 3AR, England, UK
| | - Lucía Chávez-Gutiérrez
- VIB Center for the Biology of Disease, University of Leuven (KU Leuven), 3000 Leuven, Belgium Center for Human Genetics (CME) and Leuven Research Institute for Neuroscience and Disease (LIND), University of Leuven (KU Leuven), 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Rombouts FJR, Tresadern G, Delgado O, Martínez-Lamenca C, Van Gool M, García-Molina A, Alonso de Diego SA, Oehlrich D, Prokopcova H, Alonso JM, Austin N, Borghys H, Van Brandt S, Surkyn M, De Cleyn M, Vos A, Alexander R, Macdonald G, Moechars D, Gijsen H, Trabanco AA. 1,4-Oxazine β-Secretase 1 (BACE1) Inhibitors: From Hit Generation to Orally Bioavailable Brain Penetrant Leads. J Med Chem 2015; 58:8216-35. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.5b01101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Frederik J. R. Rombouts
- Neuroscience Medicinal Chemistry, Janssen Research & Development, Janssen Pharmaceutica NV, Turnhoutseweg 30, B-2340 Beerse, Belgium
| | - Gary Tresadern
- Discovery Sciences, Janssen Research & Development, Janssen−Cilag SA, C/Jarama 75A, 45007 Toledo, Spain
| | - Oscar Delgado
- Neuroscience Medicinal Chemistry, Janssen Research & Development, Janssen−Cilag SA, C/Jarama 75A, 45007 Toledo, Spain
| | - Carolina Martínez-Lamenca
- Neuroscience Medicinal Chemistry, Janssen Research & Development, Janssen Pharmaceutica NV, Turnhoutseweg 30, B-2340 Beerse, Belgium
| | - Michiel Van Gool
- Neuroscience Medicinal Chemistry, Janssen Research & Development, Janssen−Cilag SA, C/Jarama 75A, 45007 Toledo, Spain
| | - Aránzazu García-Molina
- Neuroscience Medicinal Chemistry, Janssen Research & Development, Janssen−Cilag SA, C/Jarama 75A, 45007 Toledo, Spain
| | - Sergio A. Alonso de Diego
- Neuroscience Medicinal Chemistry, Janssen Research & Development, Janssen−Cilag SA, C/Jarama 75A, 45007 Toledo, Spain
| | - Daniel Oehlrich
- Neuroscience Medicinal Chemistry, Janssen Research & Development, Janssen Pharmaceutica NV, Turnhoutseweg 30, B-2340 Beerse, Belgium
| | - Hana Prokopcova
- Neuroscience Medicinal Chemistry, Janssen Research & Development, Janssen Pharmaceutica NV, Turnhoutseweg 30, B-2340 Beerse, Belgium
| | - José Manuel Alonso
- Discovery Sciences, Janssen Research & Development, Janssen−Cilag SA, C/Jarama 75A, 45007 Toledo, Spain
| | - Nigel Austin
- Discovery Sciences, Janssen Research & Development, Janssen Pharmaceutica NV, Turnhoutseweg 30, B-2340 Beerse, Belgium
| | - Herman Borghys
- Discovery Sciences, Janssen Research & Development, Janssen Pharmaceutica NV, Turnhoutseweg 30, B-2340 Beerse, Belgium
| | - Sven Van Brandt
- Neuroscience Medicinal Chemistry, Janssen Research & Development, Janssen Pharmaceutica NV, Turnhoutseweg 30, B-2340 Beerse, Belgium
| | - Michel Surkyn
- Neuroscience Medicinal Chemistry, Janssen Research & Development, Janssen Pharmaceutica NV, Turnhoutseweg 30, B-2340 Beerse, Belgium
| | - Michel De Cleyn
- Neuroscience Medicinal Chemistry, Janssen Research & Development, Janssen Pharmaceutica NV, Turnhoutseweg 30, B-2340 Beerse, Belgium
| | - Ann Vos
- Discovery Sciences, Janssen Research & Development, Janssen Pharmaceutica NV, Turnhoutseweg 30, B-2340 Beerse, Belgium
| | - Richard Alexander
- Biologics Research, Janssen Research & Development, 1400 McKean Road, Spring House, Pennsylvania 19477, United States
| | - Gregor Macdonald
- Neuroscience Medicinal Chemistry, Janssen Research & Development, Janssen Pharmaceutica NV, Turnhoutseweg 30, B-2340 Beerse, Belgium
| | - Dieder Moechars
- Neuroscience Biology, Janssen Research & Development, Janssen Pharmaceutica NV, Turnhoutseweg 30, B-2340 Beerse, Belgium
| | - Harrie Gijsen
- Neuroscience Medicinal Chemistry, Janssen Research & Development, Janssen Pharmaceutica NV, Turnhoutseweg 30, B-2340 Beerse, Belgium
| | - Andrés A. Trabanco
- Neuroscience Medicinal Chemistry, Janssen Research & Development, Janssen−Cilag SA, C/Jarama 75A, 45007 Toledo, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Velter AI, Bischoff FP, Berthelot D, De Cleyn M, Oehlrich D, Jaroskova L, Macdonald G, Minne G, Pieters S, Rombouts F, Van Brandt S, Van Roosbroeck Y, Surkyn M, Trabanco AA, Tresadern G, Wu T, Borghys H, Mercken M, Masungi C, Gijsen H. Anilinotriazoles as potent gamma secretase modulators. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2014; 24:5805-5813. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2014.10.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2014] [Revised: 10/02/2014] [Accepted: 10/07/2014] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
|
5
|
Borghys H, Jacobs T, Van Broeck B, Dillen L, Dhuyvetter D, Gijsen H, Mercken M. Comparison of two different methods for measurement of amyloid-β peptides in cerebrospinal fluid after BACE1 inhibition in a dog model. J Alzheimers Dis 2014; 38:39-48. [PMID: 23948925 DOI: 10.3233/jad-130599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Beta-secretase is the first cleavage enzyme of amyloid-β protein precursor (AβPP) in the amyloidogenic pathway, leading to the formation of the plaque forming Amyloid-β (Aβ)1-42 peptide. BACE (beta-site AβPP cleaving enzyme) 1 inhibition is therefore considered to be a promising disease modifying therapy for Alzheimer's disease. An early assessment of the in vivo activity of BACE inhibitors was done in dogs since AβPP processing is the same as in humans and this species easily enables longitudinal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) sampling. Aβ changes in CSF compared to baseline are used to evaluate target engagement of the compounds. Levels of Aβ1-37, Aβ1-38, Aβ1-40, and Aβ1-42 in CSF are measured with immunoassay (Mesoscale electrochemiluminescence technology) and with an ultra high-performance liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). Two experimental BACE inhibitors were evaluated. With the immunoassay, a dose dependent decrease is observed for all four Aβ peptides. Measurements with the UPLC-MS/MS are in line with the immunoassay for Aβ1-37, Aβ1-38, and Aβ1-40, however, for Aβ1-42, differences are sometimes observed when comparing to changes seen in the other peptides with UPLC-MS/MS and with immunoassay results. Generally lower concentrations are measured with immunoassay. The reason for these differences is still unknown. Aβ1-42 is more prone to form aggregates compared to the other peptides. One hypothesis could be that while the immunoassay only measures free Aβ, bound and aggregated Aβ peptides are at least partially dissolved with the UPLC-MS/MS method, since acetonitrile is added to the CSF samples. This increases variability in the concentration of Aβ peptide measured with UPLC-MS/MS, especially for Aβ1-42, potentially masking the compound effect on Aβ1-42 levels.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Herman Borghys
- Janssen Research & Development, Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson, Beerse, Belgium
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
Borghgraef P, Menuet C, Theunis C, Louis JV, Devijver H, Maurin H, Smet-Nocca C, Lippens G, Hilaire G, Gijsen H, Moechars D, Van Leuven F. Increasing brain protein O-GlcNAc-ylation mitigates breathing defects and mortality of Tau.P301L mice. PLoS One 2013; 8:e84442. [PMID: 24376810 PMCID: PMC3871570 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0084442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2013] [Accepted: 11/18/2013] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The microtubule associated protein tau causes primary and secondary tauopathies by unknown molecular mechanisms. Post-translational O-GlcNAc-ylation of brain proteins was demonstrated here to be beneficial for Tau.P301L mice by pharmacological inhibition of O-GlcNAc-ase. Chronic treatment of ageing Tau.P301L mice mitigated their loss in body-weight and improved their motor deficits, while the survival was 3-fold higher at the pre-fixed study endpoint at age 9.5 months. Moreover, O-GlcNAc-ase inhibition significantly improved the breathing parameters of Tau.P301L mice, which underpinned pharmacologically the close correlation of mortality and upper-airway defects. O-GlcNAc-ylation of brain proteins increased rapidly and stably by systemic inhibition of O-GlcNAc-ase. Conversely, biochemical evidence for protein Tau.P301L to become O-GlcNAc-ylated was not obtained, nor was its phosphorylation consistently or markedly affected. We conclude that increasing O-GlcNAc-ylation of brain proteins improved the clinical condition and prolonged the survival of ageing Tau.P301L mice, but not by direct biochemical action on protein tau. The pharmacological effect is proposed to be located downstream in the pathological cascade initiated by protein Tau.P301L, opening novel venues for our understanding, and eventually treating the neurodegeneration mediated by protein tau.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peter Borghgraef
- Experimental Genetics Group - LEGTEGG, KULeuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Clément Menuet
- MP3-Respiration, UMR CNRS 6231, Faculté Saint-Jérôme, Marseille, France
| | - Clara Theunis
- Experimental Genetics Group - LEGTEGG, KULeuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Justin V. Louis
- Experimental Genetics Group - LEGTEGG, KULeuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Herman Devijver
- Experimental Genetics Group - LEGTEGG, KULeuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Hervé Maurin
- Experimental Genetics Group - LEGTEGG, KULeuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Caroline Smet-Nocca
- Groupe RMN-Glycobiologie, CNRS, University de Lille, Villeneuve d'Ascq, France
| | - Guy Lippens
- Groupe RMN-Glycobiologie, CNRS, University de Lille, Villeneuve d'Ascq, France
| | - Gerard Hilaire
- MP3-Respiration, UMR CNRS 6231, Faculté Saint-Jérôme, Marseille, France
| | - Harrie Gijsen
- Department Neuroscience, Janssen Research & Development, Beerse, Belgium
| | - Dieder Moechars
- Department Neuroscience, Janssen Research & Development, Beerse, Belgium
| | - Fred Van Leuven
- Experimental Genetics Group - LEGTEGG, KULeuven, Leuven, Belgium
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Tesseur I, Lo AC, Roberfroid A, Dietvorst S, Van Broeck B, Borgers M, Gijsen H, Moechars D, Mercken M, Kemp J, D'Hooge R, De Strooper B. Comment on "ApoE-directed therapeutics rapidly clear β-amyloid and reverse deficits in AD mouse models". Science 2013; 340:924-e. [PMID: 23704554 DOI: 10.1126/science.1233937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Cramer et al. (Reports, 23 March 2012, p. 1503; published online 9 February 2012) tested bexarotene as a potential β-amyloid-lowering drug for Alzheimer's disease (AD). We were not able to reproduce the described effects in several animal models. Drug formulation appears very critical. Our data call for extreme caution when considering this compound for use in AD patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ina Tesseur
- VIB Center for the Biology of Disease, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Tesseur I, Lo A, Roberfroid A, Dietvorst S, Van Broeck B, Borgers M, Gijsen H, Moechars D, Mercken M, Kemp J, D’Hooge R, De Strooper B. Bexarotene treatment does not clear β-Amyloid in an AD mouse model and Beagle dogs. Mol Neurodegener 2013. [PMCID: PMC3846861 DOI: 10.1186/1750-1326-8-s1-p40] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
|
9
|
Borghys H, Tuefferd M, Van Broeck B, Clessens E, Dillen L, Cools W, Vinken P, Straetemans R, De Ridder F, Gijsen H, Mercken M. A canine model to evaluate efficacy and safety of γ-secretase inhibitors and modulators. J Alzheimers Dis 2012; 28:809-22. [PMID: 22072214 DOI: 10.3233/jad-2011-111475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Gamma-secretase, a membrane bound protease which cleaves the transmembrane protein amyloid-β protein precursor (AβPP), is a therapeutic target for Alzheimer's disease. Gamma-secretase inhibitors (GSIs) and modulators (GSMs) are being investigated as potential disease-modifying agents. Preclinical in vivo models to monitor the activity on gamma-secretase are described in different species such as mouse, rat, and guinea pigs. All these models have their value in testing compounds with amyloid lowering properties, however, compound characteristics and pharmacokinetic properties, as well as other species characteristics such as limited sampling volumes of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), recommended the use of a larger, non-rodent animal species. For this purpose, a screening model in dogs was developed for testing GSIs and GSMs. We showed that GSIs and GSMs had a dose- and time-dependent effect on Aβ(37), Aβ(38), Aβ(40), and Aβ(42) in CSF. Changes in liver function were evidenced by a transient increase in bilirubin with the GSMs and incidental increases in alanine aminotransferase for GSMs as well as GSIs. Microarray analysis of liver biopsies enabled to elucidate potential mechanisms behind the liver function changes. The relevance of the liver findings should be further evaluated in chronic pre-clinical safety studies and in humans. Based on our data, we can conclude that the dog is a very appropriate species to assess efficacy and safety of compounds which have an effect on AβPP processing such as GSMs, GSIs, and BACE-inhibitors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Herman Borghys
- Janssen Research and Development, Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson, Beerse, Belgium.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Chávez-Gutiérrez L, Bammens L, Benilova I, Vandersteen A, Benurwar M, Borgers M, Lismont S, Zhou L, Van Cleynenbreugel S, Esselmann H, Wiltfang J, Serneels L, Karran E, Gijsen H, Schymkowitz J, Rousseau F, Broersen K, De Strooper B. The mechanism of γ-Secretase dysfunction in familial Alzheimer disease. EMBO J 2012; 31:2261-74. [PMID: 22505025 PMCID: PMC3364747 DOI: 10.1038/emboj.2012.79] [Citation(s) in RCA: 384] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2011] [Accepted: 02/28/2012] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations in presenilin (PSEN) and amyloid precursor protein (APP) cause dominant early-onset Alzheimer's disease (AD), but the mechanism involved is debated. Here, such mutations are shown to alter γ-secretase activity, leading to changes in Aβ peptide cleavage patterns. The mechanisms by which mutations in the presenilins (PSEN) or the amyloid precursor protein (APP) genes cause familial Alzheimer disease (FAD) are controversial. FAD mutations increase the release of amyloid β (Aβ)42 relative to Aβ40 by an unknown, possibly gain-of-toxic-function, mechanism. However, many PSEN mutations paradoxically impair γ-secretase and ‘loss-of-function' mechanisms have also been postulated. Here, we use kinetic studies to demonstrate that FAD mutations affect Aβ generation via three different mechanisms, resulting in qualitative changes in the Aβ profiles, which are not limited to Aβ42. Loss of ɛ-cleavage function is not generally observed among FAD mutants. On the other hand, γ-secretase inhibitors used in the clinic appear to block the initial ɛ-cleavage step, but unexpectedly affect more selectively Notch than APP processing, while modulators act as activators of the carboxypeptidase-like (γ) activity. Overall, we provide a coherent explanation for the effect of different FAD mutations, demonstrating the importance of qualitative rather than quantitative changes in the Aβ products, and suggest fundamental improvements for current drug development efforts.
Collapse
|
11
|
Hahn S, Brüning T, Ness J, Czirr E, Baches S, Gijsen H, Korth C, Pietrzik CU, Bulic B, Weggen S. Presenilin-1 but not amyloid precursor protein mutations present in mouse models of Alzheimer's disease attenuate the response of cultured cells to γ-secretase modulators regardless of their potency and structure. J Neurochem 2010; 116:385-95. [PMID: 21091478 DOI: 10.1111/j.1471-4159.2010.07118.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
γ-Secretase modulators (GSMs) inhibit the generation of amyloidogenic Aβ42 peptides and are promising agents for treatment or prevention of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Recently, a second generation of GSMs with favorable pharmacological properties has emerged, but preclinical studies to assess their efficacy in vivo are lacking. Such studies rely on transgenic mouse models that express amyloid precursor protein (APP) and presenilin (PSEN) mutations associated with early-onset familial AD. Previously, we have shown that certain PSEN1 mutations attenuated the response of cultured cells to GSMs and potentially confound in vivo studies in AD mouse models. However, different combinations of familial AD mutations might have synergistic or opposing effects, and we have now systematically determined the response of APP and PSEN1 mutations present in current AD models. Using a potent acidic GSM, we found that APP mutations, either single mutations or in combination, did not affect the potency of GSMs. In contrast, all PSEN1 mutations that have been used to accelerate pathological changes in AD models strongly attenuated the Aβ42-lowering activity of GSMs with two exceptions (M146L, A246E). Similar results were obtained with potent non-acidic GSMs indicating that the attenuating effect of PSEN1 mutations cannot simply be overcome by increased potency or structural changes. Notably, two non-acidic compounds fully compensated the attenuating effect of the PSEN1-G384A mutation. Taken together, our findings indicate that most AD models with rapid pathology and advanced phenotypes are unsuitable for preclinical GSM studies. However, we also provide evidence that additional compound screens could discover GSMs that are able to break the attenuating effects of PSEN mutations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie Hahn
- Department of Neuropathology, Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Hillsley K, McCaul C, Aerssens J, Peeters PJ, Gijsen H, Moechars D, Coulie B, Grundy D, Stead RH. Activation of the cannabinoid 2 (CB2) receptor inhibits murine mesenteric afferent nerve activity. Neurogastroenterol Motil 2007; 19:769-77. [PMID: 17539892 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2982.2007.00950.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Abstract Cannabinoid 2 (CB2) receptors have both antinociceptive and antihypersensitivity effects, although the precise mechanisms of action are still unclear. In this study, the modulatory role of CB2 receptors on the mesenteric afferent response to the endogenous immunogenic agent bradykinin (BK) was investigated. Mesenteric afferent recordings were obtained from anaesthetized wild-type and CB2(-/-) mice using conventional extracellular recording techniques. Control responses to BK were obtained in all experiments prior to administration of either CB2 receptor agonist AM1241, or AM1241 plus the CB2 receptor antagonist AM630. Bradykinin consistently evoked activation of mesenteric afferents (n = 32). AM1241 inhibited the BK response in a dose dependent manner. In the presence of AM630 (10 mg kg(-1)), however, AM1241 (10 mg kg(-)1) had no significant effect on the BK response. Moreover, AM1241 had also no significant effect on the BK response in CB2(-/-) mice. Activation of the CB2 receptor inhibits the BK response in mesenteric afferents, demonstrating that the CB2 receptor is an important regulator of neuroimmune function. This may be a mechanism of action for the antinociceptive and antihypersensitive effects of CB2 receptor agonists.
Collapse
|