Synthesis and biological evaluation of novel chiral diazepine derivatives as bombesin receptor subtype-3 (BRS-3) agonists incorporating an antedrug approach

The Nonpeptide Agonist MK-5046 Functions As an Allosteric Agonist for the Bombesin Receptor Subtype-3

Allosteric ligands of various G-protein-coupled receptors are being increasingly described and are providing important advances in the development of ligands with novel selectivity and efficacy. These unusual properties allow expanded opportunities for pharmacologic studies and treatment. Unfortunately, no allosteric ligands are yet described for the bombesin receptor family (BnRs), which are proposed to be involved in numerous physiologic/pathophysiological processes in both the central nervous system and peripheral tissues. In this study, we investigate the possibility that the bombesin receptor subtype-3 (BRS-3) specific nonpeptide receptor agonist MK-5046 [(2S)-1,1,1-trifluoro-2-[4-(1H-pyrazol-1-yl)phenyl]-3-(4-[[1-(trifluoromethyl)cyclopropyl]methyl]-1H-imidazol-2-yl)propan-2-ol] functions as a BRS-3 allosteric receptor ligand. We find that in BRS-3 cells, MK-5046 only partially inhibits iodine-125 radionuclide (125I)-Bantag-1 [Boc-Phe-His-4-amino-5-cyclohexyl-2,4,5-trideoxypentonyl-Leu-(3-dimethylamino) benzylamide N-methylammonium trifluoroacetate] binding and that both peptide-1 (a universal BnR-agonist) and MK-5046 activate phospholipase C; however, the specific BRS-3 peptide antagonist Bantag-1 inhibits the action of peptide-1 competitively, whereas for MK-5046 the inhibition is noncompetitive and yields a curvilinear Schild plot. Furthermore, MK-5046 shows other allosteric behaviors, including slowing dissociation of the BRS-3 receptor ligand 125I-Bantag-1, dose-inhibition curves being markedly affected by increasing ligand concentration, and MK-5046 leftward shifting the peptide-1 agonist dose-response curve. Lastly, receptor chimeric studies and site-directed mutagenesis provide evidence that MK-5046 and Bantag-1 have different binding sites determining their receptor high affinity/selectivity. These results provide evidence that MK-5046 is functioning as an allosteric agonist at the BRS-3 receptor, which is the first allosteric ligand described for this family of receptors. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: G-protein-coupled receptor allosteric ligands providing higher selectivity, selective efficacy, and safety that cannot be obtained using usual orthosteric receptor-based strategies are being increasingly described, resulting in enhanced usefulness in exploring receptor function and in treatment. No allosteric ligands exist for any of the mammalian bombesin receptor (BnR) family. Here we provide evidence for the first such example of a BnR allosteric ligand by showing that MK-5046, a nonpeptide agonist for bombesin receptor subtype-3, is functioning as an allosteric agonist.

Bombesin Receptor Family Activation and CNS/Neural Tumors: Review of Evidence Supporting Possible Role for Novel Targeted Therapy

G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are increasingly being considered as possible therapeutic targets in cancers. Activation of GPCR on tumors can have prominent growth effects, and GPCRs are frequently over-/ectopically expressed on tumors and thus can be used for targeted therapy. CNS/neural tumors are receiving increasing attention using this approach. Gliomas are the most frequent primary malignant brain/CNS tumor with glioblastoma having a 10-year survival <1%; neuroblastomas are the most common extracranial solid tumor in children with long-term survival<40%, and medulloblastomas are less common, but one subgroup has a 5-year survival <60%. Thus, there is an increased need for more effective treatments of these tumors. The Bombesin-receptor family (BnRs) is one of the GPCRs that are most frequently over/ectopically expressed by common tumors and is receiving particular attention as a possible therapeutic target in several tumors, particularly in prostate, breast, and lung cancer. We review in this paper evidence suggesting why a similar approach in some CNS/neural tumors (gliomas, neuroblastomas, medulloblastomas) should also be considered.

Synthesis of Benzodiazepines Through Ring Opening/Ring Closure of Benzimidazole Salts

Pyrido-benzodiazepine derivatives are undoubtedly one of the most important structural motifs in the marketed drugs and the drug candidates. Commonly synthetic methods for construction of the benzodiazepine ring derivatives are based on the condensation reactions of two highly functionalized synthons. The development of synthesis for these compounds, however, is hampered by the regioselectivity and atom economy. In this work, a one-step synthesis of pyrido-benzodiazepine backbones and its analogues is achieved through continuous ring-opening hydrolysis of benzimidazole salts and intramolecular C-H bond activation. The reaction mechanism is explored by control experiments and density functional theory (DFT) calculations.

Development and Characterization of a Novel, High-Affinity, Specific, Radiolabeled Ligand for BRS-3 Receptors

Bombesin (Bn) receptor subtype 3(BRS-3) is an orphan G-protein-coupled receptor of the Bn family, which does not bind any natural Bn peptide with high affinity. Receptor knockout studies show that the animals develop diabetes, obesity, altered temperature control, and other central nervous system (CNS)/endocrine/gastrointestinal changes. It is present in CNS, peripheral tissues, and tumors; however, its role in normal physiology/pathophysiology, as well as its receptor localization/pharmacology is largely unknown, in part due to the lack of a convenient, specific, direct radiolabeled ligand. This study was designed to address this problem and to develop and characterize a specific radiolabeled ligand for BRS-3. The peptide antagonist Bantag-1 had >10,000-fold selectivity for human BRS-3 (hBRS-3) over other mammalian Bn receptors (BnRs) [i.e., gastrin-releasing peptide receptor (GRPR) and neuromedin B receptor (NMBR)]. Using iodogen and basic conditions, it was radiolabeled to high specific activity (2200 Ci/mmol) and found to bind with high affinity/specificity to hBRS-3. Binding was saturable, rapid, and reversible. The ligand only interacted with known BRS-3 ligands, and not with other specific GRPR/NMBR ligands or ligands for unrelated receptors. The magnitude of 125I-Bantag-1 binding correlated with BRS-3 mRNA expression and the magnitude of activation of phospholipase C in lung cancer cells, as well as readily identifying BRS-3 in lung cancer cells and normal tissues, allowing the direct assessment of BRS-3 receptor pharmacology/numbers on cells containing BRS-3 with other BnRs, which is usually the case. This circumvents the need for subtraction assays, which are now frequently used to assess BRS-3 indirectly using radiolabeled pan-ligands, which interact with all BnRs.

Bombesin receptor subtype-3-expressing neurons regulate energy homeostasis through a novel neuronal pathway in the hypothalamus

OBJECTIVES

Bombesin receptor subtype-3 (BRS-3) has been suggested to play a potential role in energy homeostasis. However, the physiological mechanism of BRS-3 on energy homeostasis remains unknown. Thus, we investigated the BRS-3-mediated neuronal pathway involved in food intake and energy expenditure.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Expression of BRS-3 in the rat brain was histologically examined. The BRS-3 neurons activated by refeeding-induced satiety or a BRS-3 agonist were identified by c-Fos immunostaining. We also analyzed expression changes in feeding-relating peptides in the brain of fasted rats administered with the BRS-3 agonist.

RESULTS

In the paraventricular hypothalamic nucleus (PVH), dorsomedial hypothalamic nucleus (DMH), and medial preoptic area (MPA), strong c-Fos induction was observed in the BRS-3 neurons especially in PVH after refeeding. However, the BRS-3 neurons in the PVH did not express feeding-regulating peptides, while the BRS-3 agonist administration induced c-Fos expression in the DMH and MPA, which were not refeeding-sensitive, as well as in the PVH. The BRS-3 agonist administration changed the Pomc and Cart mRNA level in several brain regions of fasted rats.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that BRS-3 neurons in the PVH are a novel functional subdivision in the PVH that regulates feeding behavior. As the MPA and DMH are reportedly involved in thermoregulation and energy metabolism, the BRS-3 neurons in the MPA/DMH might mediate the energy expenditure control. POMC and CART may contribute to BRS-3 neuron-mediated energy homeostasis regulation. In summary, BRS-3-expressing neurons could regulate energy homeostasis through a novel neuronal pathway.

A Selective Bombesin Receptor Subtype 3 Agonist Promotes Weight Loss in Male Diet-Induced-Obese Rats With Circadian Rhythm Change

Bombesin receptor subtype 3 (BRS-3) is an orphan G protein-coupled receptor. Based on the obese phenotype of male BRS-3-deficient mice, BRS-3 has been considered an attractive target for obesity treatment. Here, we developed a selective BRS-3 agonist (compound-A) and evaluated its antiobesity effects. Compound-A showed anorectic effects and enhanced energy expenditure in diet-induced-obese (DIO)-F344 rats. Moreover, repeated oral administration of compound-A for 7 days resulted in a significant body weight reduction in DIO-F344 rats. We also evaluated compound-A for cardiovascular side effects using telemeterized Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. Oral administration of compound-A resulted in transient blood pressure increases in SD rats. To investigate the underlying mechanisms of BRS-3 agonist effects, we focused on the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), the main control center of circadian rhythms in the hypothalamus, also regulating sympathetic nervous system. Compound-A significantly increased the messenger RNA expression of Brs-3, c-fos, and circadian rhythm genes in SCN of DIO-F344 rats. Because SCN also controls the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, we evaluated the relationship between BRS-3 and the HPA axis. Oral administration of compound-A caused a significant increase of plasma corticosterone levels in DIO-F344 rats. On this basis, energy expenditure enhancement by compound-A may be due to a circadian rhythm change in central and peripheral tissues, enhancement of peripheral lipid metabolism, and stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system. Furthermore, the blood pressure increase by compound-A could be associated with sympathetic nervous system stimulation via SCN and elevation of plasma corticosterone levels through activation of the HPA axis.

Novel chiral-diazepines function as specific, selective receptor agonists with variable coupling and species variability in human, mouse and rat BRS-3 receptor cells

Bombesin receptor subtype-3 (BRS-3) is an orphan G-protein coupled receptor which is classified in the bombesin receptor (BnR) family with which it shares high homology. It is present widely in the central nervous system and peripheral tissues and primarily receptor-knockout studies suggest it is involved in metabolic-glucose-insulin homeostasis, feeding and other CNS behaviors, gastrointestinal motility and cancer growth. However, the role of BRS-3 physiologically or in pathologic disorders has been not well defined because the natural ligand is unknown. Until recently, no selective agonists/antagonists were available; however, recently synthetic high-affinity agonists, chiral-diazepines nonpeptide-analogs (3F, 9D, 9F, 9G) with low CNS penetrance, were described, but are not well-categorized pharmacologically or in different labarotory species. The present study characterizes the affinities, potencies, selectivities of the chiral-diazepine BRS-3 agonists in human and rodents (mice,rat). In human BRS-3 receptors, the relative affinities of the chiral-diazepines was 9G>9D>9F>3F; each was selective for BRS-3. For stimulating PLC activity, in h-BRS-3 each of the four chiral diazepine analogs was fully efficacious and their relative potencies were: 9G (EC50: 9 nM)>9D (EC50: 9.4 nM)>9F (EC50: 39 nM)>3F (EC50: 48 nM). None of the four chiral diazepine analogs activated r,m,h-GRPR/NMBR. The nonpeptide agonists showed marked differences from each other and a peptide agonist in receptor-coupling-stiochiometry and in affinities/potencies in different species. These results demonstrate that chiral diazepine analogs (9G, 9D, 9F, 3F) have high/affinity/potency for the BRS-3 receptor in human and rodent cells, but different coupling-relationships and species differences from a peptide agonist.

Insights into bombesin receptors and ligands: Highlighting recent advances

This following article is written for Prof. Abba Kastin's Festschrift, to add to the tribute to his important role in the advancement of the role of peptides in physiological, as well as pathophysiological processes. There have been many advances during the 35 years of his prominent role in the Peptide field, not only as editor of the journal Peptides, but also as a scientific investigator and editor of two volumes of the Handbook of Biological Active Peptides [146,147]. Similar to the advances with many different peptides, during this 35 year period, there have been much progress made in the understanding of the pharmacology, cell biology and the role of (bombesin) Bn receptors and their ligands in various disease states, since the original isolation of bombesin from skin of the European frog Bombina bombina in 1970 [76]. This paper will briefly review some of these advances over the time period of Prof. Kastin 35 years in the peptide field concentrating on the advances since 2007 when many of the results from earlier studies were summarized [128,129]. It is appropriate to do this because there have been 280 articles published in Peptides during this time on bombesin-related peptides and it accounts for almost 5% of all publications. Furthermore, 22 Bn publications we have been involved in have been published in either Peptides [14,39,55,58,81,92,93,119,152,216,225,226,231,280,302,309,355,361,362] or in Prof. Kastin's Handbook of Biological Active Peptides [137,138,331].

Bombesin receptor subtype 3 as a potential target for obesity and diabetes

INTRODUCTION

Diabetes mellitus and obesity are important health issues; increasing in prevalence, both in the USA and globally. There are only limited pharmacological treatments, and although bariatric surgery is effective, new effective pharmacologic treatments would be of great value. This review covers one area of increasing interest that could yield new novel treatments of obesity/diabetes mellitus. It involves recognition of the central role the G-protein-coupled receptor, bombesin receptor subtype 3 (BRS-3) plays in energy/glucose metabolism.

AREAS COVERED

Since the initial observation that BRS-3 knockout mice develop obesity, hypertension, impaired glucose metabolism and hyperphagia, there have been numerous studies of the mechanisms involved and the development of selective BRS-3 agonists/antagonists, which have marked effects on body weight, feeding and glucose/insulin homeostasis. In this review, each of these areas is briefly reviewed.

EXPERT OPINION

BRS-3 plays an important role in glucose/energy homeostasis. The development of potent, selective BRS-3 agonists demonstrates promise as a novel approach to treat obesity/diabetic states. One important question that needs to be addressed is whether BRS-3 agonists need to be centrally acting. This is particularly important in light of recent animal and human studies that report transient cardiovascular side effects with centrally acting oral BRS agonists.