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A Role for Neuropeptide S in Alcohol and Cocaine Seeking. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:ph15070800. [PMID: 35890099 PMCID: PMC9317571 DOI: 10.3390/ph15070800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Revised: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The neuropeptide S (NPS) is the endogenous ligand of the NPS receptor (NPSR). The NPSR is widely expressed in brain regions that process emotional and affective behavior. NPS possesses a unique physio-pharmacological profile, being anxiolytic and promoting arousal at the same time. Intracerebroventricular NPS decreased alcohol consumption in alcohol-preferring rats with no effect in non-preferring control animals. This outcome is most probably linked to the anxiolytic properties of NPS, since alcohol preference is often associated with high levels of basal anxiety and intense stress-reactivity. In addition, NPSR mRNA was overexpressed during ethanol withdrawal and the anxiolytic-like effects of NPS were increased in rodents with a history of alcohol dependence. In line with these preclinical findings, a polymorphism of the NPSR gene was associated with anxiety traits contributing to alcohol use disorders in humans. NPS also potentiated the reinstatement of cocaine and ethanol seeking induced by drug-paired environmental stimuli and the blockade of NPSR reduced reinstatement of cocaine-seeking. Altogether, the work conducted so far indicates the NPS/NPSR system as a potential target to develop new treatments for alcohol and cocaine abuse. An NPSR agonist would be indicated to help individuals to quit alcohol consumption and to alleviate withdrawal syndrome, while NPSR antagonists would be indicated to prevent relapse to alcohol- and cocaine-seeking behavior.
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Identification of a Novel Neuropeptide S Receptor Antagonist Scaffold Based on the SHA-68 Core. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:ph14101024. [PMID: 34681248 PMCID: PMC8538004 DOI: 10.3390/ph14101024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Revised: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Activation of the neuropeptide S receptor (NPSR) system has been shown to produce anxiolytic-like actions, arousal, and enhance memory consolidation, whereas blockade of the NPSR has been shown to reduce relapse to substances of abuse and duration of anesthetics. We report here the discovery of a novel core scaffold (+) N-benzyl-3-(2-methylpropyl)-1-oxo-3-phenyl-1H,3H,4H,5H,6H,7H-furo[3,4-c]pyridine-5-carboxamide with potent NPSR antagonist activity in vitro. Pharmacokinetic parameters demonstrate that 14b reaches pharmacologically relevant levels in plasma and the brain following intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration, but is cleared rapidly from plasma. Compound 14b was able to block NPS (0.3 nmol)-stimulated locomotor activity in C57/Bl6 mice at 3 mg/kg (i.p.), indicating potent in vivo activity for the structural class. This suggests that 14b can serve as a useful tool for continued mapping of the pharmacological functions of the NPS receptor system.
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Reinscheid RK, Ruzza C. Pharmacology, Physiology and Genetics of the Neuropeptide S System. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:ph14050401. [PMID: 33922620 PMCID: PMC8146834 DOI: 10.3390/ph14050401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Revised: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The Neuropeptide S (NPS) system is a rather ‘young’ transmitter system that was discovered and functionally described less than 20 years ago. This review highlights the progress that has been made in elucidating its pharmacology, anatomical distribution, and functional involvement in a variety of physiological effects, including behavior and immune functions. Early on, genetic variations of the human NPS receptor (NPSR1) have attracted attention and we summarize current hypotheses of genetic linkage with disease and human behaviors. Finally, we review the therapeutic potential of future drugs modulating NPS signaling. This review serves as an introduction to the broad collection of original research papers and reviews from experts in the field that are presented in this Special Issue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rainer K. Reinscheid
- Institute of Pharmacology & Toxicology, University Hospital Jena, Friedrich-Schiller University, 07747 Jena, Germany
- Institute of Physiology I, University Hospital Münster, Westfälische-Wilhelms University, 48149 Münster, Germany
- Correspondence: (R.K.R.); (C.R.)
| | - Chiara Ruzza
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation and Laboratory for Technologies of Advanced Therapies (LTTA), University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
- Correspondence: (R.K.R.); (C.R.)
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Batran RZ, Gugnani KS, Maher TJ, Khedr MA. New quinolone derivatives as neuropeptide S receptor antagonists: Design, synthesis, homology modeling, dynamic simulations and modulation of Gq/Gs signaling pathways. Bioorg Chem 2021; 111:104817. [PMID: 33848721 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2021.104817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Revised: 02/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
In a search for new neuropeptide S receptor antagonists, we have described a new series of quinolone-pyranopyrimidine hybrid derivatives aiming to modify the inhibitory characters towards NPSR to develop new therapeutic strategies against anxiety, addiction and food disorders. We identified six potent antagonists 3, 4b, 6, 8, 9 and 10 which counteracted the stimulatory effect of NPS at both Gq and Gs pathways, at low micromolar concentrations, through modulation of Ca2+ and cAMP signaling, respectively. Molecular docking predicted the orientation mode of the top active compounds; 10 and 4b with ΔG value of -23.94 and -23.87 kcal/mol, respectively that is considered good when compared to that of the reference compound ML154 (ΔG = -25.75 kcal/mol) . Molecular dynamic simulations confirmed the stability of binding of compound 10 to the homology model of NPSR as it reached the equilibrium after 4 ns at RMSD of 1.00 Å while ML154 was faster to achieve the equilibrium after 2 ns at RMSD of 1.00 Å.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rasha Z Batran
- Chemistry of Natural Compounds Department, Pharmaceutical and Drug Industries Research Division, National Research Centre, 33 El Bohouth St., Dokki, Giza, P.O. Box 12622, Egypt.
| | - Kuljeet S Gugnani
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, MCPHS University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Timothy J Maher
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, MCPHS University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Mohammed A Khedr
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Helwan University, Ein Helwan, Cairo, P.O. Box 11795, Egypt
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5
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Zhang ZR, Tao YX. Physiology, pharmacology, and pathophysiology of neuropeptide S receptor. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2019; 161:125-148. [PMID: 30711025 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2018.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Neuropeptide S receptor 1 (NPSR1), originally named G protein-coupled receptor 154 (GPR154), was deorphanized in 2002 with neuropeptide S identified as the endogenous ligand. NPSR1 is primarily expressed in bronchus, brain as well as immune cells. It regulates multiple physiological processes, including immunoregulation, locomotor activity, anxiety, arousal, learning and memory, and food intake and energy balance. SNPs of NPSR1 are significantly associated with several diseases, including asthma, anxiolytic and arousal disorders, and rheumatoid arthritis. This chapter will summarize studies on NPSR1, including its molecular structure, tissue distribution, physiology, pharmacology, and pathophysiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng-Rui Zhang
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States; Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, Ministry of Education, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
| | - Ya-Xiong Tao
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States; Center for Neuroscience Initiative, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States.
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6
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Blough B, Namjoshi O. Small Molecule Neuropeptide S and Melanocortin 4 Receptor Ligands as Potential Treatments for Substance Use Disorders. Handb Exp Pharmacol 2019; 258:61-87. [PMID: 31628605 DOI: 10.1007/164_2019_313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
There is a vital need for novel approaches and biological targets for drug discovery and development. Treatment strategies for substance use disorders (SUDs) to date have been mostly ineffective other than substitution-like therapeutics. Two such targets are the peptide G-protein-coupled receptors neuropeptide S (NPS) and melanocortin 4 (MC4). Preclinical evidence suggests that antagonists, inverse agonists, or negative allosteric modulators of these receptors might be novel therapeutics for SUDs. NPS is a relatively unexplored receptor with high potential for treating SUD. MC4 has a strong link to early-onset obesity, and emerging evidence suggests significant overlap between food-maintained and drug-maintained behaviors making MC4 an intriguing target for SUD. This chapter provides an overview of the literature in relation to the roles of NPS and MC4 in drug-seeking behaviors and then provides a medicinal chemistry-based survey of the small molecule ligands for each receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruce Blough
- Center for Drug Discovery, RTI International, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA.
| | - Ojas Namjoshi
- Center for Drug Discovery, RTI International, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
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7
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Batran RZ, Dawood DH, El-Seginy SA, Maher TJ, Gugnani KS, Rondon-Ortiz AN. Coumarinyl pyranopyrimidines as new neuropeptide S receptor antagonists; design, synthesis, homology and molecular docking. Bioorg Chem 2017; 75:274-290. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2017.09.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2017] [Revised: 09/21/2017] [Accepted: 09/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Ruzza C, Calò G, Di Maro S, Pacifico S, Trapella C, Salvadori S, Preti D, Guerrini R. Neuropeptide S receptor ligands: a patent review (2005-2016). Expert Opin Ther Pat 2016; 27:347-362. [PMID: 27788040 DOI: 10.1080/13543776.2017.1254195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Neuropeptide S (NPS) is a 20-residue peptide and endogenous ligand of the NPS receptor (NPSR). This receptor was a formerly orphan GPCR whose activation increases calcium and cyclic adenosine monophosphate levels. The NPS/NPSR system is expressed in several brain regions where it controls important biological functions including locomotor activity, arousal and sleep, anxiety, food intake, memory, pain, and drug addiction. Areas covered: This review furnishes an updated overview of the patent literature covering NPSR ligands since 2005, when the first example of an NPSR antagonist was disclosed. Expert opinion: Several potent NPSR antagonists are available as valuable pharmacological tools despite showing suboptimal pharmacokinetic properties in vivo. The optimization of these ligands is needed to speed up their potential clinical advancement as pharmaceuticals to treat drug addiction. In order to support the design of novel NPSR antagonists, we performed a ligand-based conformational analysis recognizing some structural requirements for NPSR antagonism. The identification of small-molecule NPSR agonists now represents an unmet challenge to be addressed. These molecules will allow investigation of the beneficial effects of selective NPSR activation in a large panel of psychiatric disorders and to foresee their therapeutic potential as anxiolytics, nootropics, and analgesics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Ruzza
- a Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, School of Medicine and National Institute of Neuroscience , University of Ferrara , Ferrara , Italy
| | - Girolamo Calò
- a Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, School of Medicine and National Institute of Neuroscience , University of Ferrara , Ferrara , Italy
| | | | - Salvatore Pacifico
- c Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences , University of Ferrara , Ferrara , Italy
| | - Claudio Trapella
- c Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences , University of Ferrara , Ferrara , Italy
| | - Severo Salvadori
- c Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences , University of Ferrara , Ferrara , Italy
| | - Delia Preti
- c Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences , University of Ferrara , Ferrara , Italy
| | - Remo Guerrini
- c Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences , University of Ferrara , Ferrara , Italy
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9
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Hassler C, Zhang Y, Gilmour B, Graf T, Fennell T, Snyder R, Deschamps J, Reinscheid RK, Garau C, Runyon SP. Identification of neuropeptide S antagonists: structure-activity relationship studies, X-ray crystallography, and in vivo evaluation. ACS Chem Neurosci 2014; 5:731-44. [PMID: 24964000 PMCID: PMC4140596 DOI: 10.1021/cn500113c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2014] [Revised: 06/24/2014] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Modulation of the neuropeptide S (NPS) system has been linked to a variety of CNS disorders such as panic disorder, anxiety, sleeping disorders, asthma, obesity, PTSD, and substance abuse. In this study, a series of diphenyltetrahydro-1H-oxazolo[3,4-α]pyrazin-3(5H)-ones were synthesized and evaluated for antagonist activity at the neuropeptide S receptor. The absolute configuration was determined by chiral resolution of the key synthetic intermediate, followed by analysis of one of the individual enantiomers by X-ray crystallography. The R isomer was then converted to a biologically active compound (34) that had a Ke of 36 nM. The most potent compound displayed enhanced aqueous solubility compared with the prototypical antagonist SHA-68 and demonstrated favorable pharmacokinetic properties for behavioral assessment. In vivo analysis in mice indicated a significant blockade of NPS induced locomotor activity at an ip dose of 50 mg/kg. This suggests that analogs having improved drug-like properties will facilitate more detailed studies of the neuropeptide S receptor system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Hassler
- Research
Triangle Institute, Post Office Box 12194, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709-2194, United States
| | - Yanan Zhang
- Research
Triangle Institute, Post Office Box 12194, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709-2194, United States
| | - Brian Gilmour
- Research
Triangle Institute, Post Office Box 12194, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709-2194, United States
| | - Tyler Graf
- Research
Triangle Institute, Post Office Box 12194, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709-2194, United States
| | - Timothy Fennell
- Research
Triangle Institute, Post Office Box 12194, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709-2194, United States
| | - Rodney Snyder
- Research
Triangle Institute, Post Office Box 12194, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709-2194, United States
| | - Jeffrey
R. Deschamps
- Center
for Bio/Molecular Science and Engineering, Naval Research Laboratory, Code 6930, 4555 Overlook Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20375, United States
| | - Rainer K. Reinscheid
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of
California, Irvine, 2214
Natural Sciences I, Mail Code: 3958, Irvine, California 92697-3958, United States
| | - Celia Garau
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of
California, Irvine, 2214
Natural Sciences I, Mail Code: 3958, Irvine, California 92697-3958, United States
| | - Scott P. Runyon
- Research
Triangle Institute, Post Office Box 12194, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709-2194, United States
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10
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Patnaik S, Marugan JJ, Liu K, Zheng W, Southall N, Dehdashti SJ, Thorsell A, Heilig M, Bell L, Zook M, Eskay B, Brimacombe KR, Austin CP. Structure-activity relationship of imidazopyridinium analogues as antagonists of neuropeptide s receptor. J Med Chem 2013; 56:9045-56. [PMID: 24171469 DOI: 10.1021/jm400904m] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
The discovery and characterization of a novel chemical series of phosphorothioyl-containing imidazopyridines as potent neuropeptide S receptor antagonists is presented. The synthesis of analogues and their structure-activity relationship with respect to the Gq, Gs, and ERK pathways is detailed. The pharmacokinetics and in vivo efficacy of a potent analogue in a food intake rodent model are also included, underscoring its potential therapeutic value for the treatment of sleep, anxiety, and addiction disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samarjit Patnaik
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health , 9800 Medical Center Drive, Rockville, Maryland 20850, United States
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11
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Camarda V, Ruzza C, Rizzi A, Trapella C, Guerrini R, Reinscheid RK, Calo G. In vitro and in vivo pharmacological characterization of the novel neuropeptide S receptor ligands QA1 and PI1. Peptides 2013; 48:27-35. [PMID: 23911665 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2013.07.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2013] [Revised: 07/17/2013] [Accepted: 07/17/2013] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The pharmacological activity of the novel neuropeptide S (NPS) receptor (NPSR) ligands QA1 and PI1 was investigated. In vitro QA1 and PI1 were tested in calcium mobilization studies performed in HEK293 cells expressing the recombinant mouse (HEK293mNPSR) and human (HEK293hNPSRIle107 and HEK293hNPSRAsn107) NPSR receptors. In vivo the compounds were studied in mouse righting reflex (RR) and locomotor activity (LA) tests. NPS caused a concentration dependent mobilization of intracellular calcium in the three cell lines with high potency (pEC50 8.73-9.14). In inhibition response curve and Schild protocol experiments the effects of NPS were antagonized by QA1 and PI1. QA1 displayed high potency (pKB 9.60-9.82) behaving as a insurmountable antagonist. However in coinjection experiments QA1 produced a rightward swift of the concentration response curve to NPS without modifying its maximal effects; this suggests that QA1 is actually a slow dissociating competitive antagonist. PI1 displayed a competitive type of antagonism and lower values of potencies (pA2 7.74-8.45). In vivo in mice NPS (0.1 nmol, i.c.v.) elicited arousal promoting action in the RR assay and stimulant effects in the LA test. QA1 (30 mgkg(-1)) was able to partially counteract the arousal promoting NPS effects, while PI1 was inactive in the RR test. In the LA test QA1 and PI1 only poorly blocked the NPS stimulant action. The present data demonstrated that QA1 and PI1 act as potent NPSR antagonists in vitro, however their usefulness for in vivo investigations in mice seems limited probably by pharmacokinetic reasons.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Camarda
- Department of Medical Science, Section of Pharmacology and National Institute of Neuroscience, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
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12
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LaPlante SR, Bilodeau F, Aubry N, Gillard JR, O'Meara J, Coulombe R. N- versus O-alkylation: utilizing NMR methods to establish reliable primary structure determinations for drug discovery. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2013; 23:4663-8. [PMID: 23809849 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2013.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2013] [Revised: 05/23/2013] [Accepted: 06/03/2013] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
A classic synthetic issue that remains unresolved is the reaction that involves the control of N- versus O-alkylation of ambident anions. This common chemical transformation is important for medicinal chemists, who require predictable and reliable protocols for the rapid synthesis of inhibitors. The uncertainty of whether the product(s) are N- and/or O-alkylated is common and can be costly if undetermined. Herein, we report an NMR-based strategy that focuses on distinguishing inhibitors and intermediates that are N- or O-alkylated. The NMR strategy involves three independent and complementary methods. However, any combination of two of the methods can be reliable if the third were compromised due to resonance overlap or other issues. The timely nature of these methods (HSQC/HMQC, HMBC. ROESY, and (13)C shift predictions) allows for contemporaneous determination of regioselective alkylation as needed during the optimization of synthetic routes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven R LaPlante
- Department of Chemistry, Boehringer Ingelheim (Canada) Ltd, 2100 Cunard St., Laval, Quebec H7S 2G5, Canada.
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13
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Hypothalamic neuropeptide S receptor blockade decreases discriminative cue-induced reinstatement of cocaine seeking in the rat. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2013; 226:347-55. [PMID: 23149909 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-012-2910-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2012] [Accepted: 10/20/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Previous studies have shown that activation of brain neuropeptide S receptor (NPSR) facilitates reinstatement of cocaine seeking elicited by environmental cues predictive of drug availability. This finding suggests the possibility that blockade of NPSR receptors may be of therapeutic benefit in cocaine addiction. To evaluate this hypothesis, we investigated the effect of two newly synthetized NPSR antagonists, namely the quinolinone-amide derivative NPSR-QA1 and the NPS peptidic analogue [D-Cys(tBu)⁵]NPS on cocaine self-administration and on discriminative cue-induced relapse to cocaine seeking in the rat. METHODS Separate groups of rats self-administered food and cocaine 0.25 mg/kg/inf in FR1 and FR5 (fixed ratio reinforcement schedules) for 30-min and 2-h sessions per day. After food and cocaine intake reached baseline levels, the effect of NPSR-QA1 was tested on cocaine and food self-administration. The NPSR-QA1 was injected intraperitoneally and its effect on discriminative cue-induced reinstatement was evaluated, while [D-Cys(tBut)⁵]NPS was injected intracranially, intra-lateral hypothalamus, intra-perifornical area of the hypothalamus, and intra-central amygdala. The effect of the NPSR-QA1 on extinction of cocaine seeking was also assessed. RESULTS Intraperitoneal administration of NPSR-QA1 (15-30 mg/kg) did not affect cocaine self-administration. Conversely, NPSR-QA1 (15-30 mg/kg) decreased discriminative cue-induced cocaine relapse. At the lowest dose, this effect was specific, while at the highest dose, NPSR-QA1 also reduced food self-administration. The efficacy of NPSR antagonism on cocaine seeking was confirmed with [D-Cys(tBu)⁵]NPS (10-30 nmol/rat) as it markedly inhibited relapse behavior following site-specific injection into the lateral hypothalamus and the perifornical area of the hypothalamus but not into the central amygdala. CONCLUSIONS The identification of the NPS/NPSR system as an important new element involved in the physiopathology of cocaine addiction and the discovery of the anti-addictive properties of NPSR antagonists opens the possibility of exploring a new mechanism for cocaine addiction treatment.
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The role of the neuropeptide S system in addiction: focus on its interaction with the CRF and hypocretin/orexin neurotransmission. Prog Neurobiol 2012; 100:48-59. [PMID: 23041581 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2012.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2012] [Revised: 09/19/2012] [Accepted: 09/26/2012] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Recent behavioral, pharmacological and molecular findings have linked the NPS system to drug dependence. Most of the evidence supports the possibility that increased NPS activity may contribute to shaping vulnerability to addiction, especially relapse. However, data suggesting that the anxiolytic-like properties of NPS may have protective effects on addiction have been also published. In addition, evidence from conditioned place preference experiments, though not unequivocal, suggests that NPS per se is devoid of motivational properties. Intriguingly, several effects of NPS on drugs of abuse appear to be mediated by downstream activation of brain corticotrophin releasing factor (CRF) and hypocretin-1/orexin-A (Hcrt-1/Ox-A) systems. The major objective of the present article is to review the existing work on NPS and addiction. Particular attention is devoted to the interpretation of findings revealing complex neuroanatomical and functional interactions between NPS, CRF, and the Hcrt-1/Ox-A systems. Original data aimed at shedding light on the role of NPS in reward processing are also shown. Finally, existing findings are discussed within the framework of addiction theories, and the potential of the NPS system as a treatment target for addiction is analyzed.
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15
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Trapella C, Pela M, Del Zoppo L, Calo G, Camarda V, Ruzza C, Cavazzini A, Costa V, Bertolasi V, Reinscheid RK, Salvadori S, Guerrini R. Synthesis and separation of the enantiomers of the neuropeptide S receptor antagonist (9R/S)-3-oxo-1,1-diphenyl-tetrahydro-oxazolo[3,4-a]pyrazine-7-carboxylic acid 4-fluoro-benzylamide (SHA 68). J Med Chem 2011; 54:2738-44. [PMID: 21466221 DOI: 10.1021/jm200138r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
This study reports the synthesis, chromatographic separation, and pharmacological evaluation of the two enantiomers of the neuropeptide S receptor (NPSR) antagonist (9R/S)-3-oxo-1,1-diphenyl-tetrahydro-oxazolo[3,4-a]pyrazine-7-carboxylic acid 4-fluoro-benzylamide (SHA 68). The (9R)-3-oxo-1,1-diphenyl-tetrahydro-oxazolo[3,4-a]pyrazine-7-carboxylic acid 4-fluoro-benzylamide (compound 10) and (9S)-3-oxo-1,1-diphenyl-tetrahydro-oxazolo[3,4-a]pyrazine-7-carboxylic acid 4-fluoro-benzylamide (compound 10a) were synthesized and their purity assessed by chiral chromatography. The absolute configuration of the enantiomer 10 has been assigned from the crystal structure of the corresponding (S)-phenyl ethyl amine derivative 8. Calcium mobilization studies performed on cells expressing the recombinant NPSR demonstrated that compound 10 is the active enantiomer while the contribution of 10a to the NPSR antagonist properties of the racemic mixture is negligible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudio Trapella
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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16
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Dal Ben D, Antonini I, Buccioni M, Lambertucci C, Marucci G, Thomas A, Volpini R, Cristalli G. Neuropeptide S receptor: recent updates on nonpeptide antagonist discovery. ChemMedChem 2011; 6:1163-71. [PMID: 21452188 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.201100038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2011] [Revised: 02/24/2011] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Neuropeptide S (NPS) is a 20-amino acid peptide of great interest due to its possible involvement in several biological processes, including food intake, locomotion, wakefulness, arousal, and anxiety. Structure-activity relationship studies of NPS have identified key points for structural modifications with the goal of modulating NPS receptor (NPSR) agonist activity or achieving antagonism at the same receptor. Only limited information is available for nonpeptide NPSR antagonists. In the last year, several studies have been reported in literature which present various series of small molecules as antagonists of this receptor. The results allow a comparison of the structures and activities of these molecules, leading to the design of new ligands with increased potency and improved pharmacological and pharmacokinetic profiles. This work presents a brief overview of the available information regarding structural features and pharmacological characterization of published nonpeptide NPSR antagonists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Dal Ben
- School of Pharmacy, Medicinal Chemistry Unit, University of Camerino via S. Agostino 1, 62032 Camerino, MC, Italy.
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17
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Peng YL, Han RW, Chang M, Zhang L, Zhang RS, Li W, Han YF, Wang R. Central Neuropeptide S inhibits food intake in mice through activation of Neuropeptide S receptor. Peptides 2010; 31:2259-63. [PMID: 20800637 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2010.08.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2010] [Revised: 08/17/2010] [Accepted: 08/17/2010] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Neuropeptide S (NPS), the endogenous ligand of NPS receptor (NPSR), can regulate a variety of biological functions, including arousal, anxiety, locomotion, memory and drug abuse. Previous studies have shown that central NPS inhibited food intake in rats and chicks. In the present study, we investigated the role of central NPS on food intake in fasted mice, and detected the underlying mechanism(s) by using NPSR antagonist [D-Val(5)]NPS and Corticotropin-Releasing Factor 1 (CRF₁) Receptor antagonist NBI-27914. The present results indicated that intracerebroventricular injection of NPS (0.001-0.1 nmol) dose-dependently inhibited food intake in fasted mice. The anorectic effect of NPS reached the maximum at the dose of 0.1 nmol, which could be antagonized by co-injection of 10 nmol NPSR antagonist [D-Val(5)]NPS. Furthermore, CRF₁ receptor antagonist NBI-27914 at the dose of 2 μg antagonized the hyperlocomotor action of NPS, but did not affect the role of NPS on food intake. In conclusion, our results demonstrated central NPS inhibited food intake in fasted mice, mediated by its cognate NPSR, but not by CRF₁ receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Li Peng
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, and Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Life Sciences, and State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry, Lanzhou University, 222 Tian Shui South Road, Lanzhou 730000, PR China
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18
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Peng YL, Zhang JN, Chang M, Li W, Han RW, Wang R. Effects of central neuropeptide S in the mouse formalin test. Peptides 2010; 31:1878-83. [PMID: 20603169 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2010.06.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2010] [Revised: 06/24/2010] [Accepted: 06/24/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Neuropeptide S (NPS), a recently discovered bioactive peptide, was reported to regulate arousal, anxiety, locomotion, feeding behaviors, memory, and drug addiction. NPS receptor (NPSR) mRNA was found in several brain regions related to descending control system of pain, including the periaqueductal gray (PAG). Our previous study had shown that NPS could produce antinociception in mice. The present study was designed to evaluate whether NPS may produce antinociceptive effect observed in the mouse formalin test, a model of inflammatory pain. NPS (0.1-100 pmol) administrated intracerebroventricularly (i.c.v.) dose-dependently attenuated both first-phase and second-phase nociceptive behaviors induced by paw formalin injection. NPS (10 pmol, i.c.v.)-elicited antinociceptive effect was counteracted by co-injection with 1000 and 10,000 pmol [D-Val(5)]NPS, which alone induced neither hyperalgesia nor antinociception. The antinociception induced by NPS (10 pmol, i.c.v.) was not affected by naloxone (i.p., 10 mg/kg) and naloxone alone had no effect in the formalin test. In addition, compared to the saline (i.c.v.) treated group, NPS (10 pmol, i.c.v.) treated group increased c-Fos protein expression in nearly all subdivisions of the PAG in the formalin-injected mice. The above results revealed that NPS could produce antinociception in the formalin test through NPSR, which may be involved in the activation of PAG, suggesting that NPS-NPSR system may be a potential target for developing new analgesic drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Li Peng
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry, and Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, 222 Tian Shui South Road, Lanzhou 730000, PR China
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19
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McCoy JG, Marugan JJ, Liu K, Zheng W, Southall N, Huang W, Heilig M, Austin CP. Selective Modulation of Gq/Gs pathways by Naphtho Pyrano Pyrimidines as antagonists of the Neuropeptide S Receptor. ACS Chem Neurosci 2010; 1:559-574. [PMID: 21116448 DOI: 10.1021/cn100040h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Antagonists of the Neuropeptide S Receptor have been postulated as promising therapeutics in the treatment of respiratory, sleep, anxiety, and addictive disorders. Here we present the SAR of a new series of orthosteric antagonists. Neuropeptide S Receptor signaling is coupled to both Gq and Gs proteins, and we observe that different analogues in this structural series can selectively antagonize these two pathways. Many G-protein coupled receptors transduce signals through multiple pathways. Selective antagonism of these pathways may lead the way to the development of more targeted pharmacological profiles and therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua G. McCoy
- NIH Chemical Genomic Center, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Heath, 9800 Medical Center Drive, Rockville, Maryland 20850
| | - Juan J. Marugan
- NIH Chemical Genomic Center, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Heath, 9800 Medical Center Drive, Rockville, Maryland 20850
| | - Ke Liu
- NIH Chemical Genomic Center, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Heath, 9800 Medical Center Drive, Rockville, Maryland 20850
| | - Wei Zheng
- NIH Chemical Genomic Center, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Heath, 9800 Medical Center Drive, Rockville, Maryland 20850
| | - Noel Southall
- NIH Chemical Genomic Center, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Heath, 9800 Medical Center Drive, Rockville, Maryland 20850
| | - Wenwei Huang
- NIH Chemical Genomic Center, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Heath, 9800 Medical Center Drive, Rockville, Maryland 20850
| | - Markus Heilig
- National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Heath, Bethesda, Maryland 20892
| | - Christopher P. Austin
- NIH Chemical Genomic Center, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Heath, 9800 Medical Center Drive, Rockville, Maryland 20850
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20
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Tricyclic imidazole antagonists of the Neuropeptide S Receptor. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2010; 20:4704-8. [PMID: 20615693 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2010.04.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2010] [Revised: 04/05/2010] [Accepted: 04/07/2010] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
A new structural class of potent antagonists of the Neuropeptide S Receptor (NPSR) is reported. High-throughput screening identified a tricyclic imidazole antagonist of NPSR, and medicinal chemistry optimization of this structure was undertaken to improve potency against the receptor as well as CNS penetration. Detailed herein are synthetic and medicinal chemistry studies that led to the identification of antagonists 15 and NPSR-PI1, which demonstrate potent in vitro NPSR antagonism and central exposure in vivo.
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