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Collier ME, Zhang S, Scrutton NS, Giorgini F. Inflammation control and improvement of cognitive function in COVID-19 infections: is there a role for kynurenine 3-monooxygenase inhibition? Drug Discov Today 2021; 26:1473-1481. [PMID: 33609782 PMCID: PMC7889466 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2021.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2020] [Revised: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The novel respiratory virus severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), emerged during late 2019 and spread rapidly across the world. It is now recognised that the nervous system can be affected in COVID-19, with several studies reporting long-term cognitive problems in patients. The metabolic pathway of tryptophan degradation, known as the kynurenine pathway (KP), is significantly activated in patients with COVID-19. KP metabolites have roles in regulating both inflammatory/immune responses and neurological functions. In this review, we speculate on the effects of KP activation in patients with COVID-19, and how modulation of this pathway might impact inflammation and reduce neurological symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Ew Collier
- Department of Genetics and Genome Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 7RH, UK.
| | - Shaowei Zhang
- Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, Department of Chemistry, School of Natural Sciences, The University of Manchester, 131 Princess Street, Manchester M1 7DN, UK
| | - Nigel S Scrutton
- Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, Department of Chemistry, School of Natural Sciences, The University of Manchester, 131 Princess Street, Manchester M1 7DN, UK
| | - Flaviano Giorgini
- Department of Genetics and Genome Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 7RH, UK
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2
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Kimura H, Suda H, Kassai M, Endo M, Deai Y, Yahata M, Miyajima M, Isobe Y. N-(6-phenylpyridazin-3-yl)benzenesulfonamides as highly potent, brain-permeable, and orally active kynurenine monooxygenase inhibitors. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2021; 33:127753. [PMID: 33359168 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2020.127753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [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: 09/23/2020] [Revised: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/12/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is one of the serious neurodegenerative diseases and no disease modifiers are available to date. The correction of unbalanced kynurenine pathway metabolites may be useful to treat disease progression and kynurenine monooxygenase (KMO) is considered an ideal drug target. A couple of KMO inhibitors have been reported, but their brain permeability was very poor. We found pyridazinylsulfonamide as a novel lead compound, and it was optimized to the brain-permeable and highly potent KMO inhibitor 12, which was equipotent with CHDI-340246 and superior to CHDI-340246 in terms of brain penetration. Compound 12 was effective in R6/2 mice (HD model mice), i.e. neuroprotective kynurenic acid was increased, whereas neurotoxic 3-hydroxykynurenine was suppressed. In addition, impaired cognitive function was improved. Therefore, the brain-permeable KMO inhibitor was considered to be a disease modifier for HD treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hidenori Kimura
- Drug Research Division, Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma. Co., Ltd., 3-1-98, Kasugade-naka, Konohana-ku, Osaka 554-0022, Japan
| | - Hitoshi Suda
- Drug Research Division, Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma. Co., Ltd., 3-1-98, Kasugade-naka, Konohana-ku, Osaka 554-0022, Japan
| | - Momoe Kassai
- Drug Research Division, Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma. Co., Ltd., 3-1-98, Kasugade-naka, Konohana-ku, Osaka 554-0022, Japan
| | - Mika Endo
- Drug Research Division, Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma. Co., Ltd., 3-1-98, Kasugade-naka, Konohana-ku, Osaka 554-0022, Japan
| | - Yoko Deai
- Drug Research Division, Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma. Co., Ltd., 3-1-98, Kasugade-naka, Konohana-ku, Osaka 554-0022, Japan
| | - Masahiro Yahata
- Drug Research Division, Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma. Co., Ltd., 3-1-98, Kasugade-naka, Konohana-ku, Osaka 554-0022, Japan
| | - Mari Miyajima
- Drug Research Division, Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma. Co., Ltd., 3-1-98, Kasugade-naka, Konohana-ku, Osaka 554-0022, Japan
| | - Yoshiaki Isobe
- Drug Research Division, Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma. Co., Ltd., 3-1-98, Kasugade-naka, Konohana-ku, Osaka 554-0022, Japan.
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3
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Zhang S, Sakuma M, Deora GS, Levy CW, Klausing A, Breda C, Read KD, Edlin CD, Ross BP, Wright Muelas M, Day PJ, O’Hagan S, Kell DB, Schwarcz R, Leys D, Heyes DJ, Giorgini F, Scrutton NS. A brain-permeable inhibitor of the neurodegenerative disease target kynurenine 3-monooxygenase prevents accumulation of neurotoxic metabolites. Commun Biol 2019; 2:271. [PMID: 31372510 PMCID: PMC6656724 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-019-0520-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2018] [Accepted: 06/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Dysregulation of the kynurenine pathway (KP) leads to imbalances in neuroactive metabolites associated with the pathogenesis of several neurodegenerative disorders, including Huntington's disease (HD). Inhibition of the enzyme kynurenine 3-monooxygenase (KMO) in the KP normalises these metabolic imbalances and ameliorates neurodegeneration and related phenotypes in several neurodegenerative disease models. KMO is thus a promising candidate drug target for these disorders, but known inhibitors are not brain permeable. Here, 19 new KMO inhibitors have been identified. One of these (1) is neuroprotective in a Drosophila HD model but is minimally brain penetrant in mice. The prodrug variant (1b) crosses the blood-brain barrier, releases 1 in the brain, thereby lowering levels of 3-hydroxykynurenine, a toxic KP metabolite linked to neurodegeneration. Prodrug 1b will advance development of targeted therapies against multiple neurodegenerative and neuroinflammatory diseases in which KP likely plays a role, including HD, Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaowei Zhang
- Manchester Institute of Biotechnology and School of Chemistry, The University of Manchester, Manchester, M1 7DN UK
| | - Michiyo Sakuma
- Manchester Institute of Biotechnology and School of Chemistry, The University of Manchester, Manchester, M1 7DN UK
| | - Girdhar S. Deora
- School of Pharmacy, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072 Australia
| | - Colin W. Levy
- Manchester Institute of Biotechnology and School of Chemistry, The University of Manchester, Manchester, M1 7DN UK
| | - Alex Klausing
- Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21228 USA
| | - Carlo Breda
- Department of Genetics and Genome Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester, LE1 7RH UK
| | - Kevin D. Read
- Drug Discovery Unit, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, Scotland DD1 5EH UK
| | | | - Benjamin P. Ross
- School of Pharmacy, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072 Australia
| | - Marina Wright Muelas
- Manchester Institute of Biotechnology and School of Chemistry, The University of Manchester, Manchester, M1 7DN UK
| | - Philip J. Day
- Manchester Institute of Biotechnology and Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PL UK
| | - Stephen O’Hagan
- Manchester Institute of Biotechnology and School of Chemistry, The University of Manchester, Manchester, M1 7DN UK
| | - Douglas B. Kell
- Manchester Institute of Biotechnology and School of Chemistry, The University of Manchester, Manchester, M1 7DN UK
| | - Robert Schwarcz
- Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21228 USA
| | - David Leys
- Manchester Institute of Biotechnology and School of Chemistry, The University of Manchester, Manchester, M1 7DN UK
| | - Derren J. Heyes
- Manchester Institute of Biotechnology and School of Chemistry, The University of Manchester, Manchester, M1 7DN UK
| | - Flaviano Giorgini
- Department of Genetics and Genome Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester, LE1 7RH UK
| | - Nigel S. Scrutton
- Manchester Institute of Biotechnology and School of Chemistry, The University of Manchester, Manchester, M1 7DN UK
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4
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Kim HT, Na BK, Chung J, Kim S, Kwon SK, Cha H, Son J, Cho JM, Hwang KY. Structural Basis for Inhibitor-Induced Hydrogen Peroxide Production by Kynurenine 3-Monooxygenase. Cell Chem Biol 2018; 25:426-438.e4. [PMID: 29429898 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2018.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [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: 08/02/2017] [Revised: 10/17/2017] [Accepted: 01/08/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Kynurenine 3-monooxygenase (KMO) inhibitors have been developed for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders. The mechanisms of flavin reduction and hydrogen peroxide production by KMO inhibitors are unknown. Herein, we report the structure of human KMO and crystal structures of Saccharomyces cerevisiae (sc) and Pseudomonas fluorescens (pf) KMO with Ro 61-8048. Proton transfer in the hydrogen bond network triggers flavin reduction in p-hydroxybenzoate hydroxylase, but the mechanism triggering flavin reduction in KMO is different. Conformational changes via π-π interactions between the loop above the flavin and substrate or non-substrate effectors lead to disorder of the C-terminal α helix in scKMO and shifts of domain III in pfKMO, stimulating flavin reduction. Interestingly, Ro 61-8048 has two different binding modes. It acts as a competitive inhibitor in scKMO and as a non-substrate effector in pfKMO. These findings provide understanding of the catalytic cycle of KMO and insight for structure-based drug design of KMO inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyun Tae Kim
- Crystalgenomics, Inc., 5F, Tower A, Korea Bio Park 700, Daewangpangyo-ro, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do 13524, Korea; Division of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Korea University, 145 Anam-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02841, Korea
| | - Byeong Kwan Na
- Crystalgenomics, Inc., 5F, Tower A, Korea Bio Park 700, Daewangpangyo-ro, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do 13524, Korea
| | - Jiwoung Chung
- Crystalgenomics, Inc., 5F, Tower A, Korea Bio Park 700, Daewangpangyo-ro, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do 13524, Korea
| | - Sulhee Kim
- Division of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Korea University, 145 Anam-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02841, Korea
| | - Sool Ki Kwon
- Crystalgenomics, Inc., 5F, Tower A, Korea Bio Park 700, Daewangpangyo-ro, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do 13524, Korea
| | - Hyunju Cha
- Crystalgenomics, Inc., 5F, Tower A, Korea Bio Park 700, Daewangpangyo-ro, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do 13524, Korea
| | - Jonghyeon Son
- Division of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Korea University, 145 Anam-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02841, Korea
| | - Joong Myung Cho
- Crystalgenomics, Inc., 5F, Tower A, Korea Bio Park 700, Daewangpangyo-ro, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do 13524, Korea.
| | - Kwang Yeon Hwang
- Division of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Korea University, 145 Anam-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02841, Korea.
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5
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Wilson K, Webster SP, Iredale JP, Zheng X, Homer NZ, Pham NT, Auer M, Mole DJ. Detecting drug-target binding in cells using fluorescence-activated cell sorting coupled with mass spectrometry analysis. Methods Appl Fluoresc 2017; 6:015002. [PMID: 28901950 DOI: 10.1088/2050-6120/aa8c60] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The assessment of drug-target engagement for determining the efficacy of a compound inside cells remains challenging, particularly for difficult target proteins. Existing techniques are more suited to soluble protein targets. Difficult target proteins include those with challenging in vitro solubility, stability or purification properties that preclude target isolation. Here, we report a novel technique that measures intracellular compound-target complex formation, as well as cellular permeability, specificity and cytotoxicity-the toxicity-affinity-permeability-selectivity (TAPS) technique. The TAPS assay is exemplified here using human kynurenine 3-monooxygenase (KMO), a challenging intracellular membrane protein target of significant current interest. TAPS confirmed target binding of known KMO inhibitors inside cells. We conclude that the TAPS assay can be used to facilitate intracellular hit validation on most, if not all intracellular drug targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kris Wilson
- Drug Discovery Core, University/BHF Centre for Cardiovascular Science, Queen's Medical Research Institute, The University of Edinburgh, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, United Kingdom
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6
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Amin SA, Adhikari N, Jha T, Gayen S. First molecular modeling report on novel arylpyrimidine kynurenine monooxygenase inhibitors through multi-QSAR analysis against Huntington's disease: A proposal to chemists! Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2016; 26:5712-5718. [PMID: 27838184 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2016.10.058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [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: 07/19/2016] [Revised: 09/30/2016] [Accepted: 10/20/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is caused by mutation of huntingtin protein (mHtt) leading to neuronal cell death. The mHtt induced toxicity can be rescued by inhibiting the kynurenine monooxygenase (KMO) enzyme. Therefore, KMO is a promising drug target to address the neurodegenerative disorders such as Huntington's diseases. Fiftysix arylpyrimidine KMO inhibitors are structurally explored through regression and classification based multi-QSAR modeling, pharmacophore mapping and molecular docking approaches. Moreover, ten new compounds are proposed and validated through the modeling that may be effective in accelerating Huntington's disease drug discovery efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sk Abdul Amin
- Laboratory of Drug Design and Discovery, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Dr. Harisingh Gour University, Sagar 470003, Madhya Pradesh, India; Natural Science Laboratory, Division of Medicinal and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, PO Box 17020, Jadavpur University, Kolkata 700032, West Bengal, India
| | - Nilanjan Adhikari
- Natural Science Laboratory, Division of Medicinal and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, PO Box 17020, Jadavpur University, Kolkata 700032, West Bengal, India
| | - Tarun Jha
- Natural Science Laboratory, Division of Medicinal and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, PO Box 17020, Jadavpur University, Kolkata 700032, West Bengal, India
| | - Shovanlal Gayen
- Laboratory of Drug Design and Discovery, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Dr. Harisingh Gour University, Sagar 470003, Madhya Pradesh, India
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7
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Beaumont V, Mrzljak L, Dijkman U, Freije R, Heins M, Rassoulpour A, Tombaugh G, Gelman S, Bradaia A, Steidl E, Gleyzes M, Heikkinen T, Lehtimäki K, Puoliväli J, Kontkanen O, Javier RM, Neagoe I, Deisemann H, Winkler D, Ebneth A, Khetarpal V, Toledo-Sherman L, Dominguez C, Park LC, Munoz-Sanjuan I. The novel KMO inhibitor CHDI-340246 leads to a restoration of electrophysiological alterations in mouse models of Huntington's disease. Exp Neurol 2016; 282:99-118. [PMID: 27163548 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2016.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [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: 12/03/2015] [Revised: 04/28/2016] [Accepted: 05/05/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Dysregulation of the kynurenine (Kyn) pathway has been associated with the progression of Huntington's disease (HD). In particular, elevated levels of the kynurenine metabolites 3-hydroxy kynurenine (3-OH-Kyn) and quinolinic acid (Quin), have been reported in the brains of HD patients as well as in rodent models of HD. The production of these metabolites is controlled by the activity of kynurenine mono-oxygenase (KMO), an enzyme which catalyzes the synthesis of 3-OH-Kyn from Kyn. In order to determine the role of KMO in the phenotype of mouse models of HD, we have developed a potent and selective KMO inhibitor termed CHDI-340246. We show that this compound, when administered orally to transgenic mouse models of HD, potently and dose-dependently modulates the Kyn pathway in peripheral tissues and in the central nervous system. The administration of CHDI-340246 leads to an inhibition of the formation of 3-OH-Kyn and Quin, and to an elevation of Kyn and Kynurenic acid (KynA) levels in brain tissues. We show that administration of CHDI-340246 or of Kyn and of KynA can restore several electrophysiological alterations in mouse models of HD, both acutely and after chronic administration. However, using a comprehensive panel of behavioral tests, we demonstrate that the chronic dosing of a selective KMO inhibitor does not significantly modify behavioral phenotypes or natural progression in mouse models of HD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Larry C Park
- CHDI Foundation/CHDI Management Inc., Los Angeles, USA
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8
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Mole DJ, Webster SP, Uings I, Zheng X, Binnie M, Wilson K, Hutchinson JP, Mirguet O, Walker A, Beaufils B, Ancellin N, Trottet L, Bénéton V, Mowat CG, Wilkinson M, Rowland P, Haslam C, McBride A, Homer NZM, Baily JE, Sharp MGF, Garden OJ, Hughes J, Howie SEM, Holmes DS, Liddle J, Iredale JP. Kynurenine-3-monooxygenase inhibition prevents multiple organ failure in rodent models of acute pancreatitis. Nat Med 2016; 22:202-9. [PMID: 26752518 PMCID: PMC4871268 DOI: 10.1038/nm.4020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2015] [Accepted: 11/30/2015] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a common and devastating inflammatory condition of the pancreas that is considered to be a paradigm of sterile inflammation leading to systemic multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) and death. Acute mortality from AP-MODS exceeds 20% (ref. 3), and the lifespans of those who survive the initial episode are typically shorter than those of the general population. There are no specific therapies available to protect individuals from AP-MODS. Here we show that kynurenine-3-monooxygenase (KMO), a key enzyme of tryptophan metabolism, is central to the pathogenesis of AP-MODS. We created a mouse strain that is deficient for Kmo (encoding KMO) and that has a robust biochemical phenotype that protects against extrapancreatic tissue injury to the lung, kidney and liver in experimental AP-MODS. A medicinal chemistry strategy based on modifications of the kynurenine substrate led to the discovery of the oxazolidinone GSK180 as a potent and specific inhibitor of KMO. The binding mode of the inhibitor in the active site was confirmed by X-ray co-crystallography at 3.2 Å resolution. Treatment with GSK180 resulted in rapid changes in the levels of kynurenine pathway metabolites in vivo, and it afforded therapeutic protection against MODS in a rat model of AP. Our findings establish KMO inhibition as a novel therapeutic strategy in the treatment of AP-MODS, and they open up a new area for drug discovery in critical illness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damian J Mole
- Medical Research Council Centre for Inflammation Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Clinical Surgery, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Scott P Webster
- University/British Heart Foundation Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Iain Uings
- Discovery Partnerships with Academia, GlaxoSmithKline, Stevenage, UK
| | - Xiaozhong Zheng
- Medical Research Council Centre for Inflammation Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Margaret Binnie
- University/British Heart Foundation Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Kris Wilson
- University/British Heart Foundation Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | | | | | - Ann Walker
- Discovery Partnerships with Academia, GlaxoSmithKline, Stevenage, UK
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Martin Wilkinson
- EastChem School of Chemistry, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Paul Rowland
- Molecular Discovery Research, GlaxoSmithKline, Stevenage, UK
| | - Carl Haslam
- Molecular Discovery Research, GlaxoSmithKline, Stevenage, UK
| | - Andrew McBride
- University/British Heart Foundation Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | | | - James E Baily
- University/British Heart Foundation Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Matthew G F Sharp
- Central Bioresearch Services, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - O James Garden
- Clinical Surgery, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Jeremy Hughes
- Medical Research Council Centre for Inflammation Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Sarah E M Howie
- Medical Research Council Centre for Inflammation Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Duncan S Holmes
- Discovery Partnerships with Academia, GlaxoSmithKline, Stevenage, UK
| | - John Liddle
- Discovery Partnerships with Academia, GlaxoSmithKline, Stevenage, UK
| | - John P Iredale
- Medical Research Council Centre for Inflammation Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
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9
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Lima VLA, Dias F, Nunes RD, Pereira LO, Santos TSR, Chiarini LB, Ramos TD, Silva-Mendes BJ, Perales J, Valente RH, Oliveira PL. The antioxidant role of xanthurenic acid in the Aedes aegypti midgut during digestion of a blood meal. PLoS One 2012; 7:e38349. [PMID: 22701629 PMCID: PMC3372515 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0038349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2012] [Accepted: 05/03/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
In the midgut of the mosquito Aedes aegypti, a vector of dengue and yellow fever, an intense release of heme and iron takes place during the digestion of a blood meal. Here, we demonstrated via chromatography, light absorption and mass spectrometry that xanthurenic acid (XA), a product of the oxidative metabolism of tryptophan, is produced in the digestive apparatus after the ingestion of a blood meal and reaches milimolar levels after 24 h, the period of maximal digestive activity. XA formation does not occur in the White Eye (WE) strain, which lacks kynurenine hydroxylase and accumulates kynurenic acid. The formation of XA can be diminished by feeding the insect with 3,4-dimethoxy-N-[4-(3-nitrophenyl)thiazol-2-yl] benzenesulfonamide (Ro-61-8048), an inhibitor of XA biosynthesis. Moreover, XA inhibits the phospholipid oxidation induced by heme or iron. A major fraction of this antioxidant activity is due to the capacity of XA to bind both heme and iron, which occurs at a slightly alkaline pH (7.5-8.0), a condition found in the insect midgut. The midgut epithelial cells of the WE mosquito has a marked increase in occurrence of cell death, which is reversed to levels similar to the wild type mosquitoes by feeding the insects with blood supplemented with XA, confirming the protective role of this molecule. Collectively, these results suggest a new role for XA as a heme and iron chelator that provides protection as an antioxidant and may help these animals adapt to a blood feeding habit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vitor L. A. Lima
- Instituto de Química e Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal de Alagoas, Maceió, Alagoas, Brazil
| | - Felipe Dias
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica, Programa de Biologia Molecular e Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo D. Nunes
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica, Programa de Biologia Molecular e Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Luiza O. Pereira
- Laboratório Interdisciplinar de Pesquisas Médicas - Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Tiago S. R. Santos
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica, Programa de Biologia Molecular e Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Luciana B. Chiarini
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Tadeu D. Ramos
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica, Programa de Biologia Molecular e Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Bernardo J. Silva-Mendes
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica, Programa de Biologia Molecular e Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Jonas Perales
- Laboratório de Toxinologia, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Richard H. Valente
- Laboratório de Toxinologia, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Pedro L. Oliveira
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica, Programa de Biologia Molecular e Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Entomologia Molecular, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- * E-mail:
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10
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Feng Y, Bowden BF, Kapoor V. Ianthellamide A, a selective kynurenine-3-hydroxylase inhibitor from the Australian marine sponge Ianthella quadrangulata. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2012; 22:3398-401. [PMID: 22525315 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2012.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2012] [Revised: 03/29/2012] [Accepted: 04/02/2012] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Ianthellamide A (1), a novel octopamine derivative, was isolated from the Australian marine sponge Ianthella quadrangulata. Compound 1 selectively inhibited the activity of kynurenine 3-hydroxylase with an IC(50) value of 1.5 μM. It also significantly increased the level of endogenous kynurenic acid in rat brain and hence has the potential as a neuroprotective agent in the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunjiang Feng
- Eskitis Institute, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD 4111, Australia.
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Grégoire L, Rassoulpour A, Guidetti P, Samadi P, Bédard PJ, Izzo E, Schwarcz R, Di Paolo T. Prolonged kynurenine 3-hydroxylase inhibition reduces development of levodopa-induced dyskinesias in parkinsonian monkeys. Behav Brain Res 2008; 186:161-7. [PMID: 17868931 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2007.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2007] [Revised: 08/02/2007] [Accepted: 08/05/2007] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Increased glutamatergic activity is believed to play a significant role in the development of levodopa-induced dyskinesias (LID). LID may therefore be attenuated by a reduction in glutamatergic function. This was tested pharmacologically in MPTP monkeys by increasing the formation of kynurenic acid (KYNA), a tryptophan metabolite that inhibits glutamate release and also blocks NMDA receptors directly. KYNA synthesis was stimulated by prolonged systemic administration of the kynurenine 3-hydroxylase inhibitor Ro 61-8048. Four MPTP cynomolgus monkeys received l-dopa (LD; 100mg) with benserazide (25 mg) for one month. Progressively, all these animals developed LID. Four other MPTP monkeys received Ro 61-8048 (50mg/kg) daily 3 h before administration of LD/benserazide for one month. The addition of Ro 61-8048 reduced the development of LID but did not affect the antiparkinsonian efficacy of LD. Moreover, Ro 61-8048 administration caused sustained increases in serum kynurenine and KYNA concentrations, which reverted to basal values 24 h after the last treatment. This effect of Ro 61-8048 was less pronounced in the CSF. These results demonstrate that long-lasting elevation of KYNA levels caused by prolonged inhibition of kynurenine 3-hydroxylase is associated with a significant reduction in LID but does not compromise the benefits of chronic LD therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurent Grégoire
- Molecular Endocrinology and Oncology Research Center, CHUQ, CHUL Pavillon and Faculty of Pharmacy, Laval University, Québec, PQ, Canada
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Ceresoli-Borroni G, Guidetti P, Amori L, Pellicciari R, Schwarcz R. Perinatal kynurenine 3-hydroxylase inhibition in rodents: pathophysiological implications. J Neurosci Res 2007; 85:845-54. [PMID: 17279543 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.21183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
The kynurenine pathway (KP) of tryptophan degradation contains three neuroactive metabolites: the neuroinhibitory agent kynurenic acid (KYNA) and, in a competing branch, the free radical generator 3-hydroxykynurenine (3-HK) and the excitotoxin quinolinic acid (QUIN). These three "kynurenines" derive from a common precursor, L-kynurenine, and are recognized for their role in brain physiology and pathophysiology. Inhibition of kynurenine 3-hydroxylase, the enzyme responsible for 3-HK formation, shifts KP metabolism in the mature brain toward enhanced KYNA formation. We now tested the cerebral effects of kynurenine 3-hydroxylase inhibition in immature rodents. Rat pups treated with the kynurenine 3-hydroxylase inhibitor UPF 648 (30 mg/kg, i.p.) 10 min after birth showed substantial increases in cerebral and liver kynurenine and KYNA levels up to 24 hr later, whereas 3-HK and QUIN levels were simultaneously decreased. Administered to pregnant rats or mice on the last day of gestation, UPF 648 (50 mg/kg, i.p.) produced qualitatively similar changes (i.e., large increases in kynurenine and KYNA and reductions in 3-HK and QUIN) in the brain and liver of the offspring. Rat pups delivered by UPF 648-treated mothers and immediately exposed to neonatal asphyxia showed further enhanced brain KYNA levels. These studies demonstrate that acute kynurenine 3-hydroxylase inhibition effectively shifts cerebral KP metabolism in neonatal rodents toward increased KYNA formation. Selective inhibitors of this enzyme may therefore provide neuroprotection in newborns and will also be useful for the experimental evaluation of the long-term effects of perinatal KP impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianpiera Ceresoli-Borroni
- Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21228, USA
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Entrena A, Camacho ME, Carrión MD, López-Cara LC, Velasco G, León J, Escames G, Acuña-Castroviejo D, Tapias V, Gallo MA, Vivó A, Espinosa A. Kynurenamines as neural nitric oxide synthase inhibitors. J Med Chem 2006; 48:8174-81. [PMID: 16366599 DOI: 10.1021/jm050740o] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
To find new compounds with potential neuroprotective activity, we have designed, synthesized, and characterized a series of neural nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) inhibitors with a kynurenamine structure. Among them, N-[3-(2-amino-5-methoxyphenyl)-3-oxopropyl]acetamide is the main melatonin metabolite in the brain and shows the highest activity in the series, with an inhibition percentage of 65% at a 1 mM concentration. The structure-activity relationship of the new series partially reflects that of the previously reported 2-acylamido-4-(2-amino-5-methoxyphenyl)-4-oxobutyric acids, endowed with a kynurenine-like structure. Structural comparisons between these new kinurenamine derivatives, kynurenines, and 1-acyl-3-(2-amino-5-methoxyphenyl)-4,5-dihydro-1H-pyrazole derivatives also reported confirm our previous model for the nNOS inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Entrena
- Departamento de Química Farmacéutica y Orgánica, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain
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Sapko MT, Guidetti P, Yu P, Tagle DA, Pellicciari R, Schwarcz R. Endogenous kynurenate controls the vulnerability of striatal neurons to quinolinate: Implications for Huntington's disease. Exp Neurol 2005; 197:31-40. [PMID: 16099455 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2005.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2005] [Revised: 07/05/2005] [Accepted: 07/07/2005] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Excessive activation of NMDA receptors results in excitotoxic nerve cell loss, which is believed to play a critical role in the pathophysiology of Huntington's disease (HD) and several other catastrophic neurodegenerative diseases. Kynurenic acid (KYNA), a neuroinhibitory tryptophan metabolite, has neuroprotective properties and may serve as an endogenous anti-excitotoxic agent. This hypothesis was tested in the striatum, using mice with a targeted deletion of kynurenine aminotransferase II (KAT II), a major biosynthetic enzyme of KYNA in the mammalian brain. On post-natal day (PND) 14, the striatum of mkat-2-/- mice showed a reduction in KYNA levels but contained normal concentrations of the metabolically related neurotoxins 3-hydroxykynurenine and quinolinic acid (QUIN). Intrastriatal injections of QUIN, a NMDA receptor agonist, caused significantly larger lesions in these immature mutant mice than in age-matched wild-type animals. This lesion enlargement was not observed when mkat-2-/- mice were acutely pre-treated with the kynurenine 3-hydroxylase inhibitor UPF 648, which counteracted the striatal KYNA deficit. Moreover, no increased vulnerability to QUIN was observed in 2-month-old mkat-2-/- mice, which present with normal brain KYNA levels. Intrastriatal injections of the non-NMDA receptor agonist kainate caused similar lesion sizes in both genotypes regardless of age. These results indicate that endogenous KYNA preferentially controls the vulnerability of striatal neurons to QUIN. Our data suggest that timely pharmacological interventions resulting in an up-regulation of brain KYNA levels may benefit patients suffering from HD or other neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael T Sapko
- Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, P.O. Box 21247, Baltimore, MD 21228, USA
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