1
|
Cannabinoid CB2 Receptors in Neurodegenerative Proteinopathies: New Insights and Therapeutic Potential. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10123000. [PMID: 36551756 PMCID: PMC9775106 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10123000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2022] [Revised: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Some of the most prevalent neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease, are proteinopathies characterized by the accumulation of specific protein aggregates in the brain. Such misfolded protein aggregates can trigger modulation of the innate and adaptive immune systems and subsequently lead to chronic neuroinflammation that drives the onset and progression of neurodegenerative diseases. Since there is still no effective disease-modifying treatment, new therapeutic targets for neurodegenerative proteinopathies have been sought. The endocannabinoid system, and in particular the cannabinoid CB2 receptors, have been extensively studied, due to their important role in neuroinflammation, especially in microglial cells. Several studies have shown promising effects of CB2 receptor activation on reducing protein aggregation-based pathology as well as on attenuating inflammation and several dementia-related symptoms. In this review, we discuss the available data on the role of CB2 receptors in neuroinflammation and the potential benefits and limitations of specific agonists of these receptors in the therapy of neurodegenerative proteinopathies.
Collapse
|
2
|
Exploring the signaling space of a GPCR using bivalent ligands with a rigid oligoproline backbone. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:2108776118. [PMID: 34810259 PMCID: PMC8640787 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2108776118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
G protein–coupled receptors (GPCRs) are major players in cellular signal transmission. In this work, we have used rigid oligoproline backbones derivatized with two ligands at defined distances to induce GPCR dimer formation as a way to alter its signaling profile. We show that bivalent ligands at distances of 20 and 30 Å induce dimers of the GRPR receptor with different signaling responses. In addition, a nondimer–inducing bivalent ligand (with 10-Å distance between agonists) also induces different signaling patterns, most likely due to allosteric effects. These findings identify bivalent ligands with a stiff oligoproline backbone as tools to explore the natural signaling space of GPCRs. G protein–coupled receptors (GPCRs) are one of the most important drug–target classes in pharmaceutical industry. Their diversity in signaling, which can be modulated with drugs, permits the design of more effective and better-tolerated therapeutics. In this work, we have used rigid oligoproline backbones to generate bivalent ligands for the gastrin-releasing peptide receptor (GRPR) with a fixed distance between their recognition motifs. This allows the stabilization of GPCR dimers irrespective of their physiological occurrence and relevance, thus expanding the space for medicinal chemistry. Specifically, we observed that compounds presenting agonists or antagonists at 20- and 30-Å distance induce GRPR dimerization. Furthermore, we found that 1) compounds with two agonists at 20- and 30-Å distance that induce dimer formation show bias toward Gq efficacy, 2) dimers with 20- and 30-Å distance have different potencies toward β-arrestin-1 and β-arrestin-2, and 3) the divalent agonistic ligand with 10-Å distance specifically reduces Gq potency without affecting β-arrestin recruitment, pointing toward an allosteric effect. In summary, we show that rigid oligoproline backbones represent a tool to develop ligands with biased GPCR signaling.
Collapse
|
3
|
Morales P, Navarro G, Gómez‐Autet M, Redondo L, Fernández‐Ruiz J, Pérez‐Benito L, Cordomí A, Pardo L, Franco R, Jagerovic N. Discovery of Homobivalent Bitopic Ligands of the Cannabinoid CB 2 Receptor*. Chemistry 2020; 26:15839-15842. [PMID: 32794211 PMCID: PMC7756656 DOI: 10.1002/chem.202003389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2020] [Revised: 08/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Single chemical entities with potential to simultaneously interact with two binding sites are emerging strategies in medicinal chemistry. We have designed, synthesized and functionally characterized the first bitopic ligands for the CB2 receptor. These compounds selectively target CB2 versus CB1 receptors. Their binding mode was studied by molecular dynamic simulations and site-directed mutagenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paula Morales
- Medicinal Chemistry InstituteSpanish Research CouncilMadridSpain
| | - Gemma Navarro
- Department of Biochemistry and Physiology, CIBERNEDFaculty of Pharmacy and Food SciencesUniversitat de BarcelonaBarcelonaSpain
| | - Marc Gómez‐Autet
- Laboratory of Computational Medicine, Biostatistics UnitFaculty of MedicineUniversitat Autónoma de BarcelonaBarcelonaSpain
| | - Laura Redondo
- Medicinal Chemistry InstituteSpanish Research CouncilMadridSpain
| | - Javier Fernández‐Ruiz
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, CIBERNED, IRYCISFaculty of MedicineUniversidad Complutense de MadridMadridSpain
| | - Laura Pérez‐Benito
- Laboratory of Computational Medicine, Biostatistics UnitFaculty of MedicineUniversitat Autónoma de BarcelonaBarcelonaSpain
- Present address: Computational ChemistryJanssen Research & Development, Janssen Pharmaceutica N.V.Belgium
| | - Arnau Cordomí
- Laboratory of Computational Medicine, Biostatistics UnitFaculty of MedicineUniversitat Autónoma de BarcelonaBarcelonaSpain
| | - Leonardo Pardo
- Laboratory of Computational Medicine, Biostatistics UnitFaculty of MedicineUniversitat Autónoma de BarcelonaBarcelonaSpain
| | - Rafael Franco
- Department of Biochemistry and Physiology, CIBERNEDFaculty of Pharmacy and Food SciencesUniversitat de BarcelonaBarcelonaSpain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, CIBERNEDSchool of ChemistryUniversitat de BarcelonaBarcelonaSpain
| | - Nadine Jagerovic
- Medicinal Chemistry InstituteSpanish Research CouncilMadridSpain
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Botta J, Appelhans J, McCormick PJ. Continuing challenges in targeting oligomeric GPCR-based drugs. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2020; 169:213-245. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2019.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
|
5
|
Scheiner M, Dolles D, Gunesch S, Hoffmann M, Nabissi M, Marinelli O, Naldi M, Bartolini M, Petralla S, Poeta E, Monti B, Falkeis C, Vieth M, Hübner H, Gmeiner P, Maitra R, Maurice T, Decker M. Dual-Acting Cholinesterase-Human Cannabinoid Receptor 2 Ligands Show Pronounced Neuroprotection in Vitro and Overadditive and Disease-Modifying Neuroprotective Effects in Vivo. J Med Chem 2019; 62:9078-9102. [PMID: 31609608 PMCID: PMC7640639 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.9b00623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
We have designed and synthesized a series of 14 hybrid molecules out of the cholinesterase (ChE) inhibitor tacrine and a benzimidazole-based human cannabinoid receptor subtype 2 (hCB2R) agonist and investigated them in vitro and in vivo. The compounds are potent ChE inhibitors, and for the most promising hybrids, the mechanism of human acetylcholinesterase (hAChE) inhibition as well as their ability to interfere with AChE-induced aggregation of β-amyloid (Aβ), and Aβ self-aggregation was assessed. All hybrids were evaluated for affinity and selectivity for hCB1R and hCB2R. To ensure that the hybrids retained their agonist character, the expression of cAMP-regulated genes was quantified, and potency and efficacy were determined. Additionally, the effects of the hybrids on microglia activation and neuroprotection on HT-22 cells were investigated. The most promising in vitro hybrids showed pronounced neuroprotection in an Alzheimer's mouse model at low dosage (0.1 mg/kg, i.p.), lacking hepatotoxicity even at high dose (3 mg/kg, i.p.).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Scheiner
- Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Food Chemistry, Julius Maximilian University of Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Dominik Dolles
- Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Food Chemistry, Julius Maximilian University of Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Sandra Gunesch
- Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Food Chemistry, Julius Maximilian University of Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Matthias Hoffmann
- Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Food Chemistry, Julius Maximilian University of Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Massimo Nabissi
- School of Pharmacy, University of Camerino, Via Madonna delle Carceri 9, 62032 Camerino, Italy
| | - Oliviero Marinelli
- School of Pharmacy, University of Camerino, Via Madonna delle Carceri 9, 62032 Camerino, Italy
| | - Marina Naldi
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Via Belmeloro 6, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Manuela Bartolini
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Via Belmeloro 6, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Sabrina Petralla
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Via Selmi 3, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Eleonora Poeta
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Via Selmi 3, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Barbara Monti
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Via Selmi 3, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Christina Falkeis
- Pathology, Clinical Center Bayreuth, Preuschwitzer Straße 101, 95445 Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Michael Vieth
- Pathology, Clinical Center Bayreuth, Preuschwitzer Straße 101, 95445 Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Harald Hübner
- Medicinal Chemistry, Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Schuhstraße 19, 91052 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Peter Gmeiner
- Medicinal Chemistry, Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Schuhstraße 19, 91052 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Rangan Maitra
- Center for Drug Discovery, Research Triangle Institute, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709, United States
| | - Tangui Maurice
- MMDN, University of Montpellier, INSERM, EPHE, UMR-S1198, 34095 Montpellier, France
| | - Michael Decker
- Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Food Chemistry, Julius Maximilian University of Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Agnetta L, Bermudez M, Riefolo F, Matera C, Claro E, Messerer R, Littmann T, Wolber G, Holzgrabe U, Decker M. Fluorination of Photoswitchable Muscarinic Agonists Tunes Receptor Pharmacology and Photochromic Properties. J Med Chem 2019; 62:3009-3020. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.8b01822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Luca Agnetta
- Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Food Chemistry, Julius Maximilian University of Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Marcel Bermudez
- Institute of Pharmacy, Freie Universität Berlin, Königin-Luise-Straße 2 + 4, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Fabio Riefolo
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), Barcelona Institute for Science and Technology, Carrer Baldiri Reixac 15-21, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
- Network Biomedical Research Center in Bioengineering, Biomaterials, and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), 50018 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Carlo Matera
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), Barcelona Institute for Science and Technology, Carrer Baldiri Reixac 15-21, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
- Network Biomedical Research Center in Bioengineering, Biomaterials, and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), 50018 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Enrique Claro
- Institut de Neurociències (INc) and Departament de Bioquímica i Biologia Molecular, Unitat de Bioquímica de Medicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Regina Messerer
- Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Food Chemistry, Julius Maximilian University of Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Timo Littmann
- Institute of Pharmacy, University of Regensburg, Universitätstraße 31, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Gerhard Wolber
- Institute of Pharmacy, Freie Universität Berlin, Königin-Luise-Straße 2 + 4, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Ulrike Holzgrabe
- Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Food Chemistry, Julius Maximilian University of Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Michael Decker
- Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Food Chemistry, Julius Maximilian University of Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Dolles D, Strasser A, Wittmann HJ, Marinelli O, Nabissi M, Pertwee RG, Decker M. The First Photochromic Affinity Switch for the Human Cannabinoid Receptor 2. ADVANCED THERAPEUTICS 2018. [DOI: 10.1002/adtp.201700032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Dominik Dolles
- Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry; Institute of Pharmacy and Food Chemistry; Julius Maximilian University of Würzburg; Würzburg Germany
| | - Andrea Strasser
- Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry II; Institute of Pharmacy; University of Regensburg; Regensburg Germany
| | - Hans-Joachim Wittmann
- Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry II; Institute of Pharmacy; University of Regensburg; Regensburg Germany
| | - Oliviero Marinelli
- School of Pharmacy; Department of Experimental Medicine; University of Camerino; Camerino Italy
| | - Massimo Nabissi
- School of Pharmacy; Department of Experimental Medicine; University of Camerino; Camerino Italy
| | - Roger G. Pertwee
- School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition; Institute of Medical Sciences; University of Aberdeen; Aberdeen Scotland UK
| | - Michael Decker
- Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry; Institute of Pharmacy and Food Chemistry; Julius Maximilian University of Würzburg; Würzburg Germany
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Lensing CJ, Adank DN, Wilber SL, Freeman KT, Schnell SM, Speth RC, Zarth AT, Haskell-Luevano C. A Direct in Vivo Comparison of the Melanocortin Monovalent Agonist Ac-His-DPhe-Arg-Trp-NH 2 versus the Bivalent Agonist Ac-His-DPhe-Arg-Trp-PEDG20-His-DPhe-Arg-Trp-NH 2: A Bivalent Advantage. ACS Chem Neurosci 2017; 8:1262-1278. [PMID: 28128928 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.6b00399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Bivalent ligands targeting putative melanocortin receptor dimers have been developed and characterized in vitro; however, studies of their functional in vivo effects have been limited. The current report compares the effects of homobivalent ligand CJL-1-87, Ac-His-DPhe-Arg-Trp-PEDG20-His-DPhe-Arg-Trp-NH2, to monovalent ligand CJL-1-14, Ac-His-DPhe-Arg-Trp-NH2, on energy homeostasis in mice after central intracerebroventricular (ICV) administration into the lateral ventricle of the brain. Bivalent ligand CJL-1-87 had noteworthy advantages as an antiobesity probe over CJL-1-14 in a fasting-refeeding in vivo paradigm. Treatment with CJL-1-87 significantly decreased food intake compared to CJL-1-14 or saline (50% less intake 2-8 h after treatment). Furthermore, CJL-1-87 treatment decreased the respiratory exchange ratio (RER) without changing the energy expenditure indicating that fats were being burned as the primary fuel source. Additionally, CJL-1-87 treatment significantly lowered body fat mass percentage 6 h after administration (p < 0.05) without changing the lean mass percentage. The bivalent ligand significantly decreased insulin, C-peptide, leptin, GIP, and resistin plasma levels compared to levels after CJL-1-14 or saline treatments. Alternatively, ghrelin plasma levels were significantly increased. Serum stability of CJL-1-87 and CJL-1-14 (T1/2 = 6.0 and 16.8 h, respectively) was sufficient to permit physiological effects. The differences in binding affinity of CJL-1-14 compared to CJL-1-87 are speculated as a possible mechanism for the bivalent ligand's unique effects. We also provide in vitro evidence for the formation of a MC3R-MC4R heterodimer complex, for the first time to our knowledge, that may be an unexploited neuronal molecular target. Regardless of the exact mechanism, the advantageous ability of CJL-1-87 compared to CJL-1-14 to increase in vitro binding affinity, increase the duration of action in spite of decreased serum stability, decrease in vivo food intake, decrease mice's body fat percent, and differentially affect mouse hormone levels demonstrates the distinct characteristics achieved from the current melanocortin agonist bivalent design strategy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cody J. Lensing
- Department of Medicinal
Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Danielle N. Adank
- Department of Medicinal
Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Stacey L. Wilber
- Department of Medicinal
Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Katie T. Freeman
- Department of Medicinal
Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Sathya M. Schnell
- Department of Medicinal
Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Robert C. Speth
- College of Pharmacy, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33328-2018, United States
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Georgetown University, Washington, D.C. 20057, United States
| | - Adam T. Zarth
- Department of Medicinal
Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, 2231 6th Street SE, 2-210 CCRB, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Carrie Haskell-Luevano
- Department of Medicinal
Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Romero-Parra J, Chung H, Tapia RA, Faúndez M, Morales-Verdejo C, Lorca M, Lagos CF, Di Marzo V, David Pessoa-Mahana C, Mella J. Combined CoMFA and CoMSIA 3D-QSAR study of benzimidazole and benzothiophene derivatives with selective affinity for the CB2 cannabinoid receptor. Eur J Pharm Sci 2017; 101:1-10. [PMID: 28137469 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejps.2017.01.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2016] [Revised: 01/19/2017] [Accepted: 01/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The preceding years have brought an exponential increase in our understanding of the endocannabinoid system (ECS), including the knowledge of CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors, endocannabinoids, and the enzymes that synthesize and degrade endocannabinoids. Among these ECS components CB2 receptors have been the subject of considerable attention, primarily due to their promising therapeutic potential to treat numerous pathologies while avoiding the adverse psychotropic effects that can accompany CB1 receptor-based therapies. Recently, our research group has reported a new series of non-cytotoxic benzo[d]imidazoles and benzo[b]thiophenes displaying high CB2/CB1 selectivity index. In order to investigate the structural requirements for CB2 ligands and to derive a predictive model that can be used for the design of novel selective CB2 ligands, a three-dimensional quantitative structure-activity relationship (3D-QSAR) study was performed on the above mentioned chemical series employing comparative molecular field analysis (CoMFA) and comparative molecular similarity index analysis (CoMSIA) techniques. The CoMFA and CoMSIA models displayed high external predictability (rpred2 0.919 and 0.908) and good statistical robustness. Valuable information regarding the steric, electrostatic and hydrophobic properties of the molecules was obtained, and several modifications around both heterocycles were evaluated with the aim to generate new promising series of benzo[d]imidazoles and benzo[b]thiophenes derivatives displaying high CB2 selectivity and low toxicity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Javier Romero-Parra
- Pharmacy Department, Faculty of Chemistry, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Vicuña Mackenna 4860, Santiago, Chile
| | - Hery Chung
- Pharmacy Department, Faculty of Chemistry, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Vicuña Mackenna 4860, Santiago, Chile
| | - Ricardo A Tapia
- Departamento de Química Orgánica, Facultad de Química, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, 702843, Santiago, Chile
| | - Mario Faúndez
- Pharmacy Department, Faculty of Chemistry, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Vicuña Mackenna 4860, Santiago, Chile
| | - Cesar Morales-Verdejo
- Universidad Bernardo OHiggins, Laboratorio de Bionanotecnología, General Gana 1702, Santiago, Chile
| | - Marcos Lorca
- Instituto de Química y Bioquímica, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Valparaíso, Av. Gran Bretaña 1111, Playa Ancha, Valparaíso, Casilla 5030, Chile
| | - Carlos F Lagos
- Department of Endocrinology, School of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Lira 85, 5th Floor, Santiago Centro 8330074, Santiago, Chile; Facultad de Ciencia, Universidad San Sebastián, Campus Los Leones, Lota 2465, Providencia 7510157, Santiago, Chile
| | - Vincenzo Di Marzo
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Istituto di Chimica Biomolecolare, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Via Campi Flegrei 34, Napoli, Italy
| | - C David Pessoa-Mahana
- Pharmacy Department, Faculty of Chemistry, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Vicuña Mackenna 4860, Santiago, Chile
| | - Jaime Mella
- Instituto de Química y Bioquímica, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Valparaíso, Av. Gran Bretaña 1111, Playa Ancha, Valparaíso, Casilla 5030, Chile.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Akhtar W, Khan MF, Verma G, Shaquiquzzaman M, Rizvi MA, Mehdi SH, Akhter M, Alam MM. Therapeutic evolution of benzimidazole derivatives in the last quinquennial period. Eur J Med Chem 2016; 126:705-753. [PMID: 27951484 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2016.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 127] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2016] [Revised: 11/10/2016] [Accepted: 12/03/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Benzimidazole, a fused heterocycle bearing benzene and imidazole has gained considerable attention in the field of contemporary medicinal chemistry. The moiety is of substantial importance because of its wide array of pharmacological activities. This nitrogen containing heterocycle is a part of a number of therapeutically used agents. Moreover, a number of patents concerning this moiety in the last few years further highlight its worth. The present review covers the recent work published by scientists across the globe during last five years.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wasim Akhtar
- Drug Design and Medicinal Chemistry Lab, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi 110062, India
| | - Mohemmed Faraz Khan
- Drug Design and Medicinal Chemistry Lab, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi 110062, India
| | - Garima Verma
- Drug Design and Medicinal Chemistry Lab, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi 110062, India
| | - M Shaquiquzzaman
- Drug Design and Medicinal Chemistry Lab, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi 110062, India
| | - M A Rizvi
- Department of Biosciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi 110025, India
| | - Syed Hassan Mehdi
- Department of Biosciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi 110025, India
| | - Mymoona Akhter
- Drug Design and Medicinal Chemistry Lab, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi 110062, India
| | - M Mumtaz Alam
- Drug Design and Medicinal Chemistry Lab, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi 110062, India.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Navarro G, Morales P, Rodríguez-Cueto C, Fernández-Ruiz J, Jagerovic N, Franco R. Targeting Cannabinoid CB2 Receptors in the Central Nervous System. Medicinal Chemistry Approaches with Focus on Neurodegenerative Disorders. Front Neurosci 2016; 10:406. [PMID: 27679556 PMCID: PMC5020102 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2016.00406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2016] [Accepted: 08/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Endocannabinoids activate two types of specific G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), namely cannabinoid CB1 and CB2. Contrary to the psychotropic actions of agonists of CB1 receptors, and serious side effects of the selective antagonists of this receptor, drugs acting on CB2 receptors appear as promising drugs to combat CNS diseases (Parkinson's disease, Huntington's chorea, cerebellar ataxia, amyotrohic lateral sclerosis). Differential localization of CB2 receptors in neural cell types and upregulation in neuroinflammation are keys to understand the therapeutic potential in inter alia diseases that imply progressive neurodegeneration. Medicinal chemistry approaches are now engaged to develop imaging tools to map receptors in the living human brain, to develop more efficacious agonists, and to investigate the possibility to develop allosteric modulators.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gemma Navarro
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biomedicine, University of BarcelonaBarcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos IIIMadrid, Spain; Cell and Molecular Neuropharmacology, Institut de Biomedicina (IBUB), Universitat de BarcelonaBarcelona, Spain
| | - Paula Morales
- Instituto de Química Médica, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones CientíficasMadrid, Spain; Center for Drug Discovery, University of North Carolina at GreensboroGreensboro, NC, USA
| | - Carmen Rodríguez-Cueto
- Centro de Investigación en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos IIIMadrid, Spain; Departamento de Bioquímica, Facultad de Medicina, Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Universidad ComplutenseMadrid, Spain; Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación SanitariaMadrid, Spain
| | - Javier Fernández-Ruiz
- Centro de Investigación en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos IIIMadrid, Spain; Departamento de Bioquímica, Facultad de Medicina, Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Universidad ComplutenseMadrid, Spain; Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación SanitariaMadrid, Spain
| | - Nadine Jagerovic
- Instituto de Química Médica, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas Madrid, Spain
| | - Rafael Franco
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biomedicine, University of BarcelonaBarcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos IIIMadrid, Spain; Cell and Molecular Neuropharmacology, Institut de Biomedicina (IBUB), Universitat de BarcelonaBarcelona, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Busnelli M, Kleinau G, Muttenthaler M, Stoev S, Manning M, Bibic L, Howell LA, McCormick PJ, Di Lascio S, Braida D, Sala M, Rovati GE, Bellini T, Chini B. Design and Characterization of Superpotent Bivalent Ligands Targeting Oxytocin Receptor Dimers via a Channel-Like Structure. J Med Chem 2016; 59:7152-66. [PMID: 27420737 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.6b00564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Dimeric/oligomeric states of G-protein coupled receptors have been difficult to target. We report here bivalent ligands consisting of two identical oxytocin-mimetics that induce a three order magnitude boost in G-protein signaling of oxytocin receptors (OTRs) in vitro and a 100- and 40-fold gain in potency in vivo in the social behavior of mice and zebrafish. Through receptor mutagenesis and interference experiments with synthetic peptides mimicking transmembrane helices (TMH), we show that such superpotent behavior follows from the binding of the bivalent ligands to dimeric receptors based on a TMH1-TMH2 interface. Moreover, in this arrangement, only the analogues with a well-defined spacer length (∼25 Å) precisely fit inside a channel-like passage between the two protomers of the dimer. The newly discovered oxytocin bivalent ligands represent a powerful tool for targeting dimeric OTR in neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders and, in general, provide a framework to untangle specific arrangements of G-protein coupled receptor dimers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marta Busnelli
- CNR, Institute of Neuroscience , Milan, Italy 20129.,Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano , Milan, Italy 20129
| | - Gunnar Kleinau
- Institute of Experimental Pediatric Endocrinology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin , Berlin, Germany 13353
| | - Markus Muttenthaler
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland , Brisbane, Australia 4072
| | - Stoytcho Stoev
- Department of Biochemistry and Cancer Biology, University of Toledo , Toledo, Ohio 43614, United States
| | - Maurice Manning
- Department of Biochemistry and Cancer Biology, University of Toledo , Toledo, Ohio 43614, United States
| | - Lucka Bibic
- School of Pharmacy, University of East Anglia , Norwich Research Park, Norwich, U.K. NR4 7TJ
| | - Lesley A Howell
- School of Pharmacy, University of East Anglia , Norwich Research Park, Norwich, U.K. NR4 7TJ
| | - Peter J McCormick
- School of Pharmacy, University of East Anglia , Norwich Research Park, Norwich, U.K. NR4 7TJ
| | - Simona Di Lascio
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano , Milan, Italy 20129
| | - Daniela Braida
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano , Milan, Italy 20129
| | - Mariaelvina Sala
- CNR, Institute of Neuroscience , Milan, Italy 20129.,Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano , Milan, Italy 20129
| | - G Enrico Rovati
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano , Milan, Italy 20133
| | - Tommaso Bellini
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano , Milan, Italy 20129
| | - Bice Chini
- CNR, Institute of Neuroscience , Milan, Italy 20129
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Lensing CJ, Freeman KT, Schnell SM, Adank DN, Speth RC, Haskell-Luevano C. An in Vitro and in Vivo Investigation of Bivalent Ligands That Display Preferential Binding and Functional Activity for Different Melanocortin Receptor Homodimers. J Med Chem 2016; 59:3112-28. [PMID: 26959173 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.5b01894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Pharmacological probes for the melanocortin receptors have been utilized for studying various disease states including cancer, sexual function disorders, Alzheimer's disease, social disorders, cachexia, and obesity. This study focused on the design and synthesis of bivalent ligands to target melanocortin receptor homodimers. Lead ligands increased binding affinity by 14- to 25-fold and increased cAMP signaling potency by 3- to 5-fold compared to their monovalent counterparts. Unexpectedly, different bivalent ligands showed preferences for particular melanocortin receptor subtypes depending on the linker that connected the binding scaffolds, suggesting structural differences between the various dimer subtypes. Homobivalent compound 12 possessed a functional profile that was unique from its monovalent counterpart providing evidence of the discrete effects of bivalent ligands. Lead compound 7 significantly decreased feeding in mice after intracerebroventricular administration. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of a melanocortin bivalent ligand's in vivo physiological effects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cody J Lensing
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Minnesota , Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Katie T Freeman
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Minnesota , Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Sathya M Schnell
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Minnesota , Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Danielle N Adank
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Minnesota , Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Robert C Speth
- College of Pharmacy, Nova Southeastern University , Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33328-2018, United States.,Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Georgetown University , Washington, D.C. 20057, United States
| | - Carrie Haskell-Luevano
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Minnesota , Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Dolles D, Nimczick M, Scheiner M, Ramler J, Stadtmüller P, Sawatzky E, Drakopoulos A, Sotriffer C, Wittmann HJ, Strasser A, Decker M. Aminobenzimidazoles and Structural Isomers as Templates for Dual-Acting Butyrylcholinesterase Inhibitors andhCB2R Ligands To Combat Neurodegenerative Disorders. ChemMedChem 2015; 11:1270-83. [DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.201500418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2015] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Dominik Dolles
- Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry; Institute of Pharmacy and Food Chemistry; Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg; Am Hubland 97074 Würzburg Germany
| | - Martin Nimczick
- Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry; Institute of Pharmacy and Food Chemistry; Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg; Am Hubland 97074 Würzburg Germany
| | - Matthias Scheiner
- Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry; Institute of Pharmacy and Food Chemistry; Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg; Am Hubland 97074 Würzburg Germany
| | - Jacqueline Ramler
- Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry; Institute of Pharmacy and Food Chemistry; Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg; Am Hubland 97074 Würzburg Germany
| | - Patricia Stadtmüller
- Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry; Institute of Pharmacy and Food Chemistry; Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg; Am Hubland 97074 Würzburg Germany
| | - Edgar Sawatzky
- Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry; Institute of Pharmacy and Food Chemistry; Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg; Am Hubland 97074 Würzburg Germany
| | - Antonios Drakopoulos
- Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry; Institute of Pharmacy and Food Chemistry; Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg; Am Hubland 97074 Würzburg Germany
| | - Christoph Sotriffer
- Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry; Institute of Pharmacy and Food Chemistry; Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg; Am Hubland 97074 Würzburg Germany
| | - Hans-Joachim Wittmann
- Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry II; Institute of Pharmacy; University of Regensburg; 95053 Regensburg Germany
| | - Andrea Strasser
- Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry II; Institute of Pharmacy; University of Regensburg; 95053 Regensburg Germany
| | - Michael Decker
- Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry; Institute of Pharmacy and Food Chemistry; Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg; Am Hubland 97074 Würzburg Germany
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Huang G, Nimczick M, Decker M. Rational Modification of the Biological Profile of GPCR Ligands through Combination with Other Biologically Active Moieties. Arch Pharm (Weinheim) 2015; 348:531-40. [DOI: 10.1002/ardp.201500079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2015] [Revised: 03/26/2015] [Accepted: 03/27/2015] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Guozheng Huang
- Pharmazeutische und Medizinische Chemie; Institut für Pharmazie und Lebensmittelchemie; Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg; Würzburg Germany
| | - Martin Nimczick
- Pharmazeutische und Medizinische Chemie; Institut für Pharmazie und Lebensmittelchemie; Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg; Würzburg Germany
| | - Michael Decker
- Pharmazeutische und Medizinische Chemie; Institut für Pharmazie und Lebensmittelchemie; Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg; Würzburg Germany
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Nimczick M, Decker M. New Approaches in the Design and Development of Cannabinoid Receptor Ligands: Multifunctional and Bivalent Compounds. ChemMedChem 2015; 10:773-86. [DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.201500041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
|