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Zhong Z, He X, Ge J, Zhu J, Yao C, Cai H, Ye XY, Xie T, Bai R. Discovery of small-molecule compounds and natural products against Parkinson's disease: Pathological mechanism and structural modification. Eur J Med Chem 2022; 237:114378. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2022.114378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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2
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Luessen DJ, Conn PJ. Allosteric Modulators of Metabotropic Glutamate Receptors as Novel Therapeutics for Neuropsychiatric Disease. Pharmacol Rev 2022; 74:630-661. [PMID: 35710132 PMCID: PMC9553119 DOI: 10.1124/pharmrev.121.000540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Metabotropic glutamate (mGlu) receptors, a family of G-protein-coupled receptors, have been identified as novel therapeutic targets based on extensive research supporting their diverse contributions to cell signaling and physiology throughout the nervous system and important roles in regulating complex behaviors, such as cognition, reward, and movement. Thus, targeting mGlu receptors may be a promising strategy for the treatment of several brain disorders. Ongoing advances in the discovery of subtype-selective allosteric modulators for mGlu receptors has provided an unprecedented opportunity for highly specific modulation of signaling by individual mGlu receptor subtypes in the brain by targeting sites distinct from orthosteric or endogenous ligand binding sites on mGlu receptors. These pharmacological agents provide the unparalleled opportunity to selectively regulate neuronal excitability, synaptic transmission, and subsequent behavioral output pertinent to many brain disorders. Here, we review preclinical and clinical evidence supporting the utility of mGlu receptor allosteric modulators as novel therapeutic approaches to treat neuropsychiatric diseases, such as schizophrenia, substance use disorders, and stress-related disorders.
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3
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Piszczek L, Constantinescu A, Kargl D, Lazovic J, Pekcec A, Nicholson JR, Haubensak W. Dissociation of impulsive traits by subthalamic metabotropic glutamate receptor 4. eLife 2022; 11:62123. [PMID: 34982027 PMCID: PMC8803315 DOI: 10.7554/elife.62123] [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: 08/14/2020] [Accepted: 12/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Behavioral strategies require gating of premature responses to optimize outcomes. Several brain areas control impulsive actions, but the neuronal basis of natural variation in impulsivity between individuals remains largely unknown. Here, by combining a Go/No-Go behavioral assay with resting-state (rs) functional MRI in mice, we identified the subthalamic nucleus (STN), a known gate for motor control in the basal ganglia, as a major hotspot for trait impulsivity. In vivo recorded STN neural activity encoded impulsive action as a separable state from basic motor control, characterized by decoupled STN/substantia nigra pars reticulata (SNr) mesoscale networks. Optogenetic modulation of STN activity bidirectionally controlled impulsive behavior. Pharmacological and genetic manipulations showed that these impulsive actions are modulated by metabotropic glutamate receptor 4 (mGlu4) function in STN and its coupling to SNr in a behavioral trait-dependent manner, and independently of general motor function. In conclusion, STN circuitry multiplexes motor control and trait impulsivity, which are molecularly dissociated by mGlu4. This provides a potential mechanism for the genetic modulation of impulsive behavior, a clinically relevant predictor for developing psychiatric disorders associated with impulsivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukasz Piszczek
- The Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP), Department of Neuroscience, Vienna Biocenter, Vienna, Austria
| | - Andreea Constantinescu
- The Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP), Department of Neuroscience, Vienna Biocenter, Vienna, Austria
| | - Dominic Kargl
- The Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP), Department of Neuroscience, Vienna Biocenter, Vienna, Austria.,Department of Neuronal Cell Biology, Center for Brain Research, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Jelena Lazovic
- Preclinical Imaging Facility, Vienna BioCenter Core Facilities (VBCF), Vienna, Austria
| | - Anton Pekcec
- Div Research Germany, Boehringer Ingelheim, Biberach an der Riss, Germany
| | - Janet R Nicholson
- Div Research Germany, Boehringer Ingelheim, Biberach an der Riss, Germany
| | - Wulf Haubensak
- The Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP), Department of Neuroscience, Vienna Biocenter, Vienna, Austria.,Department of Neuronal Cell Biology, Center for Brain Research, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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4
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Stankiewicz A, Kaczorowska K, Bugno R, Kozioł A, Paluchowska MH, Burnat G, Chruścicka B, Chorobik P, Brański P, Wierońska JM, Duszyńska B, Pilc A, Bojarski AJ. New 1,2,4-oxadiazole derivatives with positive mGlu 4 receptor modulation activity and antipsychotic-like properties. J Enzyme Inhib Med Chem 2021; 37:211-225. [PMID: 34894953 PMCID: PMC8667925 DOI: 10.1080/14756366.2021.1998022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Considering the allosteric regulation of mGlu receptors for potential therapeutic applications, we developed a group of 1,2,4-oxadiazole derivatives that displayed mGlu4 receptor positive allosteric modulatory activity (EC50 = 282–656 nM). Selectivity screening revealed that they were devoid of activity at mGlu1, mGlu2 and mGlu5 receptors, but modulated mGlu7 and mGlu8 receptors, thus were classified as group III-preferring mGlu receptor agents. None of the compounds was active towards hERG channels or in the mini-AMES test. The most potent in vitro mGlu4 PAM derivative 52 (N-(3-chloro-4-(5-(2-chlorophenyl)-1,2,4-oxadiazol-3-yl)phenyl)picolinamide) was readily absorbed after i.p. administration (male Albino Swiss mice) and reached a maximum brain concentration of 949.76 ng/mL. Five modulators (34, 37, 52, 60 and 62) demonstrated significant anxiolytic- and antipsychotic-like properties in the SIH and DOI-induced head twitch test, respectively. Promising data were obtained, especially for N-(4-(5-(2-chlorophenyl)-1,2,4-oxadiazol-3-yl)-3-methylphenyl)picolinamide (62), whose effects in the DOI-induced head twitch test were comparable to those of clozapine and better than those reported for the selective mGlu4 PAM ADX88178.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Stankiewicz
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Kraków, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Kaczorowska
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Kraków, Poland
| | - Ryszard Bugno
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Kraków, Poland
| | - Aneta Kozioł
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Kraków, Poland
| | - Maria H Paluchowska
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Kraków, Poland
| | - Grzegorz Burnat
- Department of Neurobiology, Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Kraków, Poland
| | - Barbara Chruścicka
- Department of Neurobiology, Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Kraków, Poland
| | - Paulina Chorobik
- Department of Neurobiology, Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Kraków, Poland
| | - Piotr Brański
- Department of Neurobiology, Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Kraków, Poland
| | - Joanna M Wierońska
- Department of Neurobiology, Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Kraków, Poland
| | - Beata Duszyńska
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Kraków, Poland
| | - Andrzej Pilc
- Department of Neurobiology, Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Kraków, Poland
| | - Andrzej J Bojarski
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Kraków, Poland
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5
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Waku I, Magalhães MS, Alves CO, de Oliveira AR. Haloperidol-induced catalepsy as an animal model for parkinsonism: A systematic review of experimental studies. Eur J Neurosci 2021; 53:3743-3767. [PMID: 33818841 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.15222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2020] [Revised: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Several useful animal models for parkinsonism have been developed so far. Haloperidol-induced catalepsy is often used as a rodent model for the study of motor impairments observed in Parkinson's disease and related disorders and for the screening of potential antiparkinsonian compounds. The objective of this systematic review is to identify publications that used the haloperidol-induced catalepsy model for parkinsonism and to explore the methodological characteristics and the main questions addressed in these studies. A careful systematic search of the literature was carried out by accessing articles in three different databases: Web of Science, PubMed and SCOPUS. The selection and inclusion of studies were performed based on the abstract and, subsequently, on full-text analysis. Data extraction included the objective of the study, study design and outcome of interest. Two hundred and fifty-five articles were included in the review. Publication years ranged from 1981 to 2020. Most studies used the model to explore the effects of potential treatments for parkinsonism. Although the methodological characteristics used are quite varied, most studies used Wistar rats as experimental subjects. The most frequent dose of haloperidol used was 1.0 mg/kg, and the horizontal bar test was the most used to assess catalepsy. The data presented here provide a framework for an evidence-based approach to the design of preclinical research on parkinsonism using the haloperidol-induced catalepsy model. This model has been used routinely and successfully and is likely to continue to play a critical role in the ongoing search for the next generation of therapeutic interventions for parkinsonism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabelle Waku
- Department of Psychology, Center of Education and Human Sciences, Federal University of São Carlos (UFSCar), São Carlos, SP, Brazil
| | - Mylena S Magalhães
- Department of Psychology, Center of Education and Human Sciences, Federal University of São Carlos (UFSCar), São Carlos, SP, Brazil
| | - Camila O Alves
- Department of Psychology, Center of Education and Human Sciences, Federal University of São Carlos (UFSCar), São Carlos, SP, Brazil.,Institute of Neuroscience and Behavior (INeC), Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Amanda R de Oliveira
- Department of Psychology, Center of Education and Human Sciences, Federal University of São Carlos (UFSCar), São Carlos, SP, Brazil.,Institute of Neuroscience and Behavior (INeC), Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
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6
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Orgován Z, Ferenczy GG, Keserű GM. Allosteric Molecular Switches in Metabotropic Glutamate Receptors. ChemMedChem 2021; 16:81-93. [PMID: 32686363 PMCID: PMC7818470 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202000444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGlu) are class C G protein-coupled receptors of eight subtypes that are omnipresently expressed in the central nervous system. mGlus have relevance in several psychiatric and neurological disorders, therefore they raise considerable interest as drug targets. Allosteric modulators of mGlus offer advantages over orthosteric ligands owing to their increased potential to achieve subtype selectivity, and this has prompted discovery programs that have produced a large number of reported allosteric mGlu ligands. However, the optimization of allosteric ligands into drug candidates has proved to be challenging owing to induced-fit effects, flat or steep structure-activity relationships and unexpected changes in theirpharmacology. Subtle structural changes identified as molecular switches might modulate the functional activity of allosteric ligands. Here we review these switches discovered in the metabotropic glutamate receptor family..
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoltán Orgován
- Medicinal Chemistry Research GroupResearch Centre for Natural SciencesMagyar tudósok krt. 2Budapest1117Hungary
| | - György G. Ferenczy
- Medicinal Chemistry Research GroupResearch Centre for Natural SciencesMagyar tudósok krt. 2Budapest1117Hungary
| | - György M. Keserű
- Medicinal Chemistry Research GroupResearch Centre for Natural SciencesMagyar tudósok krt. 2Budapest1117Hungary
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Doller D, Bespalov A, Miller R, Pietraszek M, Kalinichev M. A case study of foliglurax, the first clinical mGluR4 PAM for symptomatic treatment of Parkinson's disease: translational gaps or a failing industry innovation model? Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2020; 29:1323-1338. [PMID: 33074728 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2020.1839047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Approximately 40% of Parkinson's disease (PD) patients that take mostly dopamine receptor agonists for motor fluctuations, experience the return of symptoms between regular doses. This is a phenomenon known as 'OFF periods.' Positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) of metabotropic glutamate receptor 4 (mGluR4) are a promising non-dopaminergic mechanism with potential to address the unmet need of patients suffering from OFF periods. Foliglurax is the first mGluR4 PAM that has advanced into clinical testing in PD patients. AREAS COVERED We summarize the chemistry, pharmacokinetics, and preclinical pharmacology of foliglurax. Translational PET imaging studies, clinical efficacy data, and a competitive landscape analysis of available therapies are presented to the readers. In this Perspective article, foliglurax is used as a case study to illustrate the inherent R&D challenges that companies face when developing drugs. These challenges include the delivery of drugs acting through novel mechanisms, long-term scientific investment, and commercial success and shorter-term positive financial returns. EXPERT OPINION Failure to meet the primary and secondary endpoints in a Phase 2 study led Lundbeck to discontinue the development of foliglurax. Understanding the evidence supporting compound progression into Phase 2 will enable the proper assessment of the therapeutic potential of mGluR4 PAMs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anton Bespalov
- Partnership for Assessment and Accreditation of Scientific Practice , Heidelberg, Germany.,Valdman Institute of Pharmacology, Pavlov Medical University , St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Rob Miller
- Ventral Stream Consulting LLC ., IL, USA
| | - Malgorzata Pietraszek
- Partnership for Assessment and Accreditation of Scientific Practice , Heidelberg, Germany
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8
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Zhang X, Wang D, Zhang B, Zhu J, Zhou Z, Cui L. Regulation of microglia by glutamate and its signal pathway in neurodegenerative diseases. Drug Discov Today 2020; 25:1074-1085. [PMID: 32320851 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2020.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2019] [Revised: 03/10/2020] [Accepted: 04/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Microglia are an essential component of the central nervous system (CNS) and are involved in the primary response to microorganisms, neuroinflammation, homeostasis, and tissue regeneration, as well as contributing to the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases. Research has shown that microglial diversity, multifunctionality, and their relationship with glutamate are crucial to determining their roles in these diseases. In this review, we focus on recent progress in determining microglial characteristics and the role of glutamate and its receptors in microglia regulation, which could be a novel therapeutic strategy for neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyue Zhang
- Department of Neurology and Neuroscience Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China; Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences & Society, Division of Neurogeriatrics, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital Solna, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Dan Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, the First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China.
| | - Bo Zhang
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences & Society, Division of Neurogeriatrics, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital Solna, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Neurosurgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China.
| | - Jie Zhu
- Department of Neurology and Neuroscience Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China; Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences & Society, Division of Neurogeriatrics, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital Solna, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Zhulin Zhou
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences & Society, Division of Neurogeriatrics, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital Solna, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Li Cui
- Department of Neurology and Neuroscience Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China.
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9
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Orgován Z, Ferenczy GG, Keserű GM. Fragment-Based Approaches for Allosteric Metabotropic Glutamate Receptor (mGluR) Modulators. Curr Top Med Chem 2019; 19:1768-1781. [PMID: 31393248 DOI: 10.2174/1568026619666190808150039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2019] [Revised: 07/03/2019] [Accepted: 07/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluR) are members of the class C G-Protein Coupled Receptors (GPCR-s) and have eight subtypes. These receptors are responsible for a variety of functions in the central and peripheral nervous systems and their modulation has therapeutic utility in neurological and psychiatric disorders. It was previously established that selective orthosteric modulation of these receptors is challenging, and this stimulated the search for allosteric modulators. Fragment-Based Drug Discovery (FBDD) is a viable approach to find ligands binding at allosteric sites owing to their limited size and interactions. However, it was also observed that the structure-activity relationship of allosteric modulators is often sharp and inconsistent. This can be attributed to the characteristics of the allosteric binding site of mGluRs that is a water channel where ligand binding is accompanied with induced fit and interference with the water network, both playing a role in receptor activation. In this review, we summarize fragment-based drug discovery programs on mGluR allosteric modulators and their contribution identifying of new mGluR ligands with better activity and selectivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoltán Orgován
- Medicinal Chemistry Research Group, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, 2 Magyar Tudosok Korutja, Budapest H-1117, Hungary
| | - György G Ferenczy
- Medicinal Chemistry Research Group, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, 2 Magyar Tudosok Korutja, Budapest H-1117, Hungary
| | - György M Keserű
- Medicinal Chemistry Research Group, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, 2 Magyar Tudosok Korutja, Budapest H-1117, Hungary
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10
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Chen Q, Ho JD, Ashok S, Vargas MC, Wang J, Atwell S, Bures M, Schkeryantz JM, Monn JA, Hao J. Structural Basis for ( S)-3,4-Dicarboxyphenylglycine (DCPG) As a Potent and Subtype Selective Agonist of the mGlu 8 Receptor. J Med Chem 2018; 61:10040-10052. [PMID: 30365309 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.8b01120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
( S)-3,4-Dicarboxyphenylglycine (DCPG) was first reported in 2001 as a potent orthosteric agonist with high subtype selectivity for the mGlu8 receptor, but the structural basis for its high selectivity is not well understood. We have solved a cocrystal structure of recombinant human mGlu8 amino terminal domain (ATD) protein bound to ( S)-DCPG, which possesses the largest lobe opening angle observed to date among known agonist-bound mGlu ATD crystal structures. The binding conformation of ( S)-DCPG observed in the crystal structure is significantly different from that in the homology model built from an l-glutamate-bound rat mGlu1 ATD crystal structure, which has a smaller lobe opening angle. This highlights the importance of considering various lobe opening angles when modeling mGlu ATD-ligand complex. New homology models of other mGlu receptors based on the ( S)-DCPG-bound mGlu8 ATD crystal structure were explored to rationalize ( S)-DCPG's high mGlu8 receptor subtype selectivity.
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11
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Reaction of cross-conjugated push-pull enamino ketones with 1,2-naphthoquinone 1-methides: synthesis of 3-aryl-1-(1H-benzo[f]chromen-2-yl)prop-2-en-1-ones. Chem Heterocycl Compd (N Y) 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/s10593-018-2377-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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12
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mGlu 4 allosteric modulation for treating Parkinson's disease. Neuropharmacology 2018; 135:308-315. [PMID: 29578036 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2018.03.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2018] [Revised: 03/20/2018] [Accepted: 03/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
2017 is the 200th anniversary of the first published description of Parkinson's disease (PD). Fifty years ago, the clinical benefit of levodopa was first documented, representing the most important advance in the treatment of PD so far. Among the novel targets identified in the last decade, positive allosteric modulators (PAM) of mGlu4 receptors show great promise, with the potential to change the paradigm of the PD treatment approach. mGlu4 PAMs have shown consistent efficacy in various preclinical models of PD, and entered clinical trials for the first time in 2017. This review synthesizes the rationale for mGlu4 PAM development for PD and progress to date, reporting the key achievements from preclinical studies to the first-in-class compound assessment in man.
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13
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Isherwood SN, Robbins TW, Nicholson JR, Dalley JW, Pekcec A. Selective and interactive effects of D 2 receptor antagonism and positive allosteric mGluR4 modulation on waiting impulsivity. Neuropharmacology 2017; 123:249-260. [PMID: 28487067 PMCID: PMC5522528 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2017.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2017] [Revised: 05/04/2017] [Accepted: 05/05/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Background Metabotropic glutamate receptor 4 (mGluR4) and dopamine D2 receptors are specifically expressed within the indirect pathway neurons of the striato-pallidal-subthalamic pathway. This unique expression profile suggests that mGluR4 and D2 receptors may play a cooperative role in the regulation and inhibitory control of behaviour. We investigated this possibility by testing the effects of a functionally-characterised positive allosteric mGluR4 modulator, 4-((E)-styryl)-pyrimidin-2-ylamine (Cpd11), both alone and in combination with the D2 receptor antagonist eticlopride, on two distinct forms of impulsivity. Methods Rats were trained on the five-choice serial reaction time task (5-CSRTT) of sustained visual attention and segregated according to low, mid, and high levels of motor impulsivity (LI, MI and HI, respectively), with unscreened rats used as an additional control group. A separate group of rats was trained on a delay discounting task (DDT) to assess choice impulsivity. Results Systemic administration of Cpd11 dose-dependently increased motor impulsivity and impaired attentional accuracy on the 5-CSRTT in all groups tested. Eticlopride selectively attenuated the increase in impulsivity induced by Cpd11, but not the accompanying attentional impairment, at doses that had no significant effect on behavioural performance when administered alone. Cpd11 also decreased choice impulsivity on the DDT (i.e. increased preference for the large, delayed reward) and decreased locomotor activity. Conclusions These findings demonstrate that mGluR4s, in conjunction with D2 receptors, affect motor- and choice-based measures of impulsivity, and therefore may be novel targets to modulate impulsive behaviour associated with a number of neuropsychiatric syndromes. Positive allosteric mGluR4 modulation increases motor impulsivity and impairs aspects of visual attention. Positive allosteric mGluR4 modulation decreases choice impulsivity as well as indices of motor function. Blocking D2 receptors selectively attenuates the effect of positive allosteric mGluR4 modulation on motor impulsivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah N Isherwood
- Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Div. Research Germany, Birkendorfer Strasse 65, 88397 Biberach an der Riss, Germany; Behavioural and Clinical Neuroscience Institute, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3EB, UK; Department of Psychology, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3EB, UK
| | - Trevor W Robbins
- Behavioural and Clinical Neuroscience Institute, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3EB, UK; Department of Psychology, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3EB, UK
| | - Janet R Nicholson
- Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Div. Research Germany, Birkendorfer Strasse 65, 88397 Biberach an der Riss, Germany
| | - Jeffrey W Dalley
- Behavioural and Clinical Neuroscience Institute, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3EB, UK; Department of Psychology, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3EB, UK; Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 2QQ, UK
| | - Anton Pekcec
- Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Div. Research Germany, Birkendorfer Strasse 65, 88397 Biberach an der Riss, Germany.
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14
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Maksymetz J, Moran SP, Conn PJ. Targeting metabotropic glutamate receptors for novel treatments of schizophrenia. Mol Brain 2017; 10:15. [PMID: 28446243 PMCID: PMC5405554 DOI: 10.1186/s13041-017-0293-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2016] [Accepted: 04/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Support for the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) hypofunction hypothesis of schizophrenia has led to increasing focus on restoring proper glutamatergic signaling as an approach for treatment of this devastating disease. The ability of metabotropic glutamate (mGlu) receptors to modulate glutamatergic neurotransmission has thus attracted considerable attention for the development of novel antipsychotics. Consisting of eight subtypes classified into three groups based on sequence homology, signal transduction, and pharmacology, the mGlu receptors provide a wide range of targets to modulate NMDAR function as well as glutamate release. Recently, allosteric modulators of mGlu receptors have been developed that allow unprecedented selectivity among subtypes, not just groups, facilitating the investigation of the effects of subtype-specific modulation. In preclinical animal models, positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) of the group I mGlu receptor mGlu5 have efficacy across all three symptom domains of schizophrenia (positive, negative, and cognitive). The discovery and development of mGlu5 PAMs that display unique signal bias suggests that efficacy can be retained while avoiding the neurotoxic effects of earlier compounds. Interestingly, mGlu1 negative allosteric modulators (NAMs) appear efficacious in positive symptom models of the disease but are still in early preclinical development. While selective group II mGlu receptor (mGlu2/3) agonists have reached clinical trials but were unsuccessful, specific mGlu2 or mGlu3 receptor targeting still hold great promise. Genetic studies implicated mGlu2 in the antipsychotic effects of group II agonists and mGlu2 PAMs have since entered into clinical trials. Additionally, mGlu3 appears to play an important role in cognition, may confer neuroprotective effects, and thus is a promising target to alleviate cognitive deficits in schizophrenia. Although group III mGlu receptors (mGlu4/6/7/8) have attracted less attention, mGlu4 agonists and PAMs appear to have efficacy across all three symptoms domains in preclinical models. The recent discovery of heterodimers comprising mGlu2 and mGlu4 may explain the efficacy of mGlu4 selective compounds but this remains to be determined. Taken together, compounds targeting mGlu receptors, specifically subtype-selective allosteric modulators, provide a compelling alternative approach to fill the unmet clinical needs for patients with schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Maksymetz
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232 USA
- Vanderbilt Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Nashville, TN 37232 USA
| | - Sean P. Moran
- Vanderbilt Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Nashville, TN 37232 USA
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232 USA
| | - P. Jeffrey Conn
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232 USA
- Vanderbilt Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Nashville, TN 37232 USA
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232 USA
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15
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Jin C, Ma S. Recent advances in the medicinal chemistry of group II and group III mGlu receptors. MEDCHEMCOMM 2017; 8:501-515. [PMID: 30108768 PMCID: PMC6072351 DOI: 10.1039/c6md00612d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2016] [Accepted: 01/03/2017] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGlu receptors) belong to the G-protein-coupled receptors superfamily. They are divided into three groups, in which group II and group III belong to presynaptic receptors that negatively modulate glutamate and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) release when activated. In this review, we introduce not only the functions of mGlu receptors, but also the group II and group III allosteric modulators and agonists/antagonists reported over the past five years according to a classification of their structures, with a specific focus on their biological activity and selectivity. In particular, the structure of these compounds and the future directions of ideal candidates are highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaobin Jin
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry , Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education) , School of Pharmaceutical Sciences , Shandong University , 44, West Culture Road , Jinan 250012 , P.R. China .
| | - Shutao Ma
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry , Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education) , School of Pharmaceutical Sciences , Shandong University , 44, West Culture Road , Jinan 250012 , P.R. China .
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16
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Niswender CM, Jones CK, Lin X, Bubser M, Gray AT, Blobaum AL, Engers DW, Rodriguez AL, Loch MT, Daniels JS, Lindsley CW, Hopkins CR, Javitch JA, Conn PJ. Development and Antiparkinsonian Activity of VU0418506, a Selective Positive Allosteric Modulator of Metabotropic Glutamate Receptor 4 Homomers without Activity at mGlu2/4 Heteromers. ACS Chem Neurosci 2016; 7:1201-11. [PMID: 27441572 PMCID: PMC5073817 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.6b00036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Metabotropic glutamate receptor 4 (mGlu4) is emerging as a potential therapeutic target for numerous central nervous system indications, including Parkinson's disease (PD). As the glutamate binding sites among the eight mGlu receptors are highly conserved, modulation of receptor activity via allosteric sites within the receptor transmembrane domains using positive and negative allosteric modulators (PAMs and NAMs, respectively) has become a common strategy. We and others have used PAMs targeting mGlu4 to show that potentiation of receptor signaling induces antiparkinsonian activity in a variety of PD animal models, including haloperidol-induced catalepsy and 6-hydroxydopamine-induced lesion. Recently, mGlu4 has been reported to form heteromeric complexes with other mGlu receptor subtypes, such as mGlu2, and the resulting heteromer exhibits a distinct pharmacological profile in response to allosteric modulators. For example, some mGlu4 PAMs do not appear to potentiate glutamate activity when mGlu2 and mGlu4 are coexpressed, whereas other compounds potentiate mGlu4 responses regardless of mGlu2 coexpression. We report here the discovery and characterization of VU0418506, a novel mGlu4 PAM with activity in rodent PD models. Using pharmacological approaches and Complemented Donor-Acceptor resonance energy transfer (CODA-RET) technology, we find that VU0418506 does not potentiate agonist-induced activity when mGlu2 and mGlu4 are heterodimerized, suggesting that the antiparkinsonian action of mGlu4 PAMs can be induced by compounds without activity at mGlu2/4 heteromers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colleen M. Niswender
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
- Vanderbilt Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
- Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
| | - Carrie K. Jones
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
- Vanderbilt Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
- Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
| | - Xin Lin
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York 10032, United States
- Division of Molecular Therapeutics, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, New York 10032, United States
| | - Michael Bubser
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
- Vanderbilt Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
| | - Analisa Thompson Gray
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
- Vanderbilt Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
| | - Anna L. Blobaum
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
- Vanderbilt Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
| | - Darren W. Engers
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
- Vanderbilt Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
| | - Alice L. Rodriguez
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
- Vanderbilt Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
| | - Matthew T. Loch
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
- Vanderbilt Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
| | - J. Scott Daniels
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
- Vanderbilt Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
| | - Craig W. Lindsley
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
- Vanderbilt Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
- Department of Chemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
| | - Corey R. Hopkins
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
- Vanderbilt Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
- Department of Chemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
| | - Jonathan A Javitch
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York 10032, United States
- Department of Pharmacology, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York 10032, United States
- Division of Molecular Therapeutics, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, New York 10032, United States
| | - P. Jeffrey Conn
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
- Vanderbilt Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
- Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
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17
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Ponnazhagan R, Harms AS, Thome AD, Jurkuvenaite A, Gogliotti R, Niswender CM, Conn PJ, Standaert DG. The Metabotropic Glutamate Receptor 4 Positive Allosteric Modulator ADX88178 Inhibits Inflammatory Responses in Primary Microglia. J Neuroimmune Pharmacol 2016; 11:231-7. [PMID: 26872456 PMCID: PMC4848139 DOI: 10.1007/s11481-016-9655-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2016] [Accepted: 02/03/2016] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
While the specific trigger of Parkinson Disease (PD) in most patients is unknown, considerable evidence suggests that the neuroinflammatory response makes an essential contribution to the neurodegenerative process. Drugs targeting metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGlu receptors), 7 Transmembrane (7TM) spanning/G protein coupled receptors that bind glutamate, are emerging as therapeutic targets for PD and may have anti-inflammatory properties. ADX88178 is novel potent, selective, and brain-penetrant positive allosteric modulator of the mGlu4 which is under evaluation for treatment of PD and other neurological disorders. We used microglia cultured from mouse brain to determine if ADX88178 had direct effects on the inflammatory responses of these cells. We studied both microglia from wild type and Grm4 knock out mice. We found that activation of mGlu4 with ADX88178 attenuated LPS-induced inflammation in primary microglia, leading to a decrease in the expression of TNFα, MHCII, and iNOS, markers of pro-inflammatory responses. These effects were absent in microglia from mice lacking mGlu4. These results demonstrate a cell-autonomous anti-inflammatory effect of ADX88178 mediated mGlu4 activation on microglia, and suggest that this drug or similar activators or potentiators of mGlu4 may have disease-modifying as well as symptomatic effects in PD and other brain disorders with an inflammatory component.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ranjani Ponnazhagan
- Center for Neurodegeneration and Experimental Therapeutics, Department of Neurology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA
| | - Ashley S Harms
- Center for Neurodegeneration and Experimental Therapeutics, Department of Neurology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA
| | - Aaron D Thome
- Center for Neurodegeneration and Experimental Therapeutics, Department of Neurology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA
| | - Asta Jurkuvenaite
- Center for Neurodegeneration and Experimental Therapeutics, Department of Neurology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA
| | - Rocco Gogliotti
- Vanderbilt Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37235, USA
| | - Colleen M Niswender
- Vanderbilt Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37235, USA
| | - P Jeffrey Conn
- Vanderbilt Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37235, USA
| | - David G Standaert
- Center for Neurodegeneration and Experimental Therapeutics, Department of Neurology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA.
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18
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Pershina E, Arkhipov V. Subacute activation of mGlu4 receptors causes the feedback inhibition of its gene expression in rat brain. Life Sci 2016; 153:50-4. [DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2016.03.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2015] [Revised: 03/02/2016] [Accepted: 03/17/2016] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
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Power EM, Empson RM. Functional contributions of glutamate transporters at the parallel fibre to Purkinje neuron synapse-relevance for the progression of cerebellar ataxia. CEREBELLUM & ATAXIAS 2014; 1:3. [PMID: 26331027 PMCID: PMC4549135 DOI: 10.1186/2053-8871-1-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2013] [Accepted: 03/19/2014] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Background Rapid uptake of glutamate by neuronal and glial glutamate transporters (EAATs, a family of excitatory amino acid transporters) is critical for shaping synaptic responses and for preventing excitotoxicity. Two of these transporters, EAAT4 in Purkinje neurons (PN) and EAAT1 in Bergmann glia are both enriched within the cerebellum and altered in a variety of human ataxias. Results PN excitatory synaptic responses and firing behaviour following high frequency parallel fibre (PF) activity commonly encountered during sensory stimulation in vivo were adversely influenced by acute inhibition of glutamate transporters. In the presence of a non-transportable blocker of glutamate transporters we observed very large amplitude and duration excitatory postsynaptic currents accompanied by excessive firing of the PNs. A combination of AMPA and mGluR1, but not NMDA, type glutamate receptor activation powered the hyper-excitable PN state. The enhanced PN excitability also recruited a presynaptic mGluR4 dependent mechanism that modified short term plasticity at the PF synapse. Conclusions Our findings indicate that reduced glutamate transporter activity, as occurs in the early stages of some forms of human cerebellar ataxias, excessively excites PNs and disrupts the timing of their output. Our findings raise the possibility that sustaining cerebellar glutamate uptake may provide a therapeutic approach to prevent this disruption and the glutamate excitotoxicity-induced PN death that signals the end point of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmet M Power
- Department of Physiology, Brain Health Research Centre, University of Otago School of Medical Sciences, PO Box 56, 9054 Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Ruth M Empson
- Department of Physiology, Brain Health Research Centre, University of Otago School of Medical Sciences, PO Box 56, 9054 Dunedin, New Zealand
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20
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Sławińska A, Wierońska JM, Stachowicz K, Marciniak M, Lasoń-Tyburkiewicz M, Gruca P, Papp M, Kusek M, Tokarski K, Doller D, Pilc A. The antipsychotic-like effects of positive allosteric modulators of metabotropic glutamate mGlu4 receptors in rodents. Br J Pharmacol 2014; 169:1824-39. [PMID: 23714045 DOI: 10.1111/bph.12254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2013] [Revised: 04/24/2013] [Accepted: 05/12/2013] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Because agonists at metabotropic glutamate receptors exert beneficial effects in schizophrenia, we have assessed the actions of Lu AF21934 and Lu AF32615, two chemically distinct, selective and brain-penetrant positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) of the mGlu4 receptor, in several tests reflecting positive, negative and cognitive symptoms of schizophrenia in rodents. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Hyperactivity induced by MK-801 or amphetamine and head twitches induced by 2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodoamphetamine (DOI) in mice were used as models for positive symptoms. Disruption of social interaction and spatial delayed alternation tests induced by MK-801 in rats were used as models for negative and cognitive symptoms of schizophrenia, respectively. KEY RESULTS Lu AF21934 (0.1-5 mg·kg(-1) ) and Lu AF32615 (2-10 mg·kg(-1) ) dose-dependently inhibited hyperactivity induced by MK-801 or amphetamine. They also antagonized head twitches and increased frequency of spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs) in brain slices, induced by DOI. In mice lacking the mGlu4 receptor (mGlu4 (-/-) ) mice, Lu AF21934 did not antagonize DOI-induced head twitches. MK-801-induced disruption in the social interaction test was decreased by Lu AF21934 at 0.5 mg·kg(-1) and by Lu AF32615 at 10 mg·kg(-1) . In the delayed spatial alternation test, Lu AF21934 was active at 1 and 2 mg·kg(-1) , while Lu AF32615 was active at 10 mg·kg(-1) . CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS We propose that activation by PAMs of the mGlu4 receptor is a promising approach to the discovery of novel antipsychotic drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Sławińska
- Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Kraków, Poland
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21
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Nickols HH, Conn PJ. Development of allosteric modulators of GPCRs for treatment of CNS disorders. Neurobiol Dis 2014; 61:55-71. [PMID: 24076101 PMCID: PMC3875303 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2013.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 163] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2013] [Revised: 09/13/2013] [Accepted: 09/17/2013] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The discovery of allosteric modulators of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) provides a promising new strategy with potential for developing novel treatments for a variety of central nervous system (CNS) disorders. Traditional drug discovery efforts targeting GPCRs have focused on developing ligands for orthosteric sites which bind endogenous ligands. Allosteric modulators target a site separate from the orthosteric site to modulate receptor function. These allosteric agents can either potentiate (positive allosteric modulator, PAM) or inhibit (negative allosteric modulator, NAM) the receptor response and often provide much greater subtype selectivity than orthosteric ligands for the same receptors. Experimental evidence has revealed more nuanced pharmacological modes of action of allosteric modulators, with some PAMs showing allosteric agonism in combination with positive allosteric modulation in response to endogenous ligand (ago-potentiators) as well as "bitopic" ligands that interact with both the allosteric and orthosteric sites. Drugs targeting the allosteric site allow for increased drug selectivity and potentially decreased adverse side effects. Promising evidence has demonstrated potential utility of a number of allosteric modulators of GPCRs in multiple CNS disorders, including neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and Huntington's disease, as well as psychiatric or neurobehavioral diseases such as anxiety, schizophrenia, and addiction.
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Key Words
- (+)-6-(2,4-dimethylphenyl)-2-ethyl-6,7-dihydrobenzo[d]oxazol-4(5H)-one
- (1-(4-cyano-4-(pyridine-2-yl)piperidine-1-yl)methyl-4-oxo-4H-quinolizine-3-carboxylic acid)
- (1S,2S)-N(1)-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)cyclohexane-1,2-dicarboxamide
- (1S,3R,4S)-1-aminocyclo-pentane-1,3,4-tricarboxylic acid
- (3,4-dihydro-2H-pyrano[2,3]b quinolin-7-yl)(cis-4-methoxycyclohexyl) methanone
- (3aS,5S,7aR)-methyl 5-hydroxy-5-(m-tolylethynyl)octahydro-1H-indole-1-carboxylate
- 1-(1′-(2-methylbenzyl)-1,4′-bipiperidin-4-yl)-1H-benzo[d]imidazol-2(3H)-one
- 1-[3-(4-butyl-1-piperidinyl)propyl]-3,4-dihydro-2(1H)-quinolinone
- 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine
- 2-(2-(3-methoxyphenyl)ethynyl)-5-methylpyridine
- 2-chloro-4-((2,5-dimethyl-1-(4-(trifluoromethoxy)phenyl)-1Himidazol-4-yl)ethynyl)pyridine
- 2-methyl-6-(2-phenylethenyl)pyridine
- 2-methyl-6-(phenylethynyl)-pyridine
- 3-cyano-N-(1,3-diphenyl-1H-pyrazol-5-yl)benzamide
- 3-cyclohexyl-5-fluoro-6-methyl-7-(2-morpholin-4-ylethoxy)-4H-chromen-4-one
- 3[(2-methyl-1,3-thiazol-4-yl)ethylnyl]pyridine
- 4-((E)-styryl)-pyrimidin-2-ylamine
- 4-[1-(2-fluoropyridin-3-yl)-5-methyl-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl]-N-isopropyl-N-methyl-3,6-dihydropyridine-1(2H)-carboxamide
- 4-n-butyl-1-[4-(2-methylphenyl)-4-oxo-1-butyl]-piperidine
- 5-methyl-6-(phenylethynyl)-pyridine
- 5MPEP
- 6-(4-methoxyphenyl)-5-methyl-3-(4-pyridinyl)-isoxazolo[4,5-c]pyridin-4(5H)-one
- 6-OHDA
- 6-hydroxydopamine
- 6-methyl-2-(phenylazo)-3-pyridinol
- 77-LH-28-1
- 7TMR
- AC-42
- ACPT-1
- AChE
- AD
- ADX71743
- AFQ056
- APP
- Allosteric modulator
- Alzheimer's disease
- BINA
- BQCA
- CDPPB
- CFMMC
- CNS
- CPPHA
- CTEP
- DA
- DFB
- DHPG
- Drug discovery
- ERK1/2
- FMRP
- FTIDC
- FXS
- Fragile X syndrome
- GABA
- GPCR
- JNJ16259685
- L-AP4
- L-DOPA
- Lu AF21934
- Lu AF32615
- M-5MPEP
- MMPIP
- MPEP
- MPTP
- MTEP
- Metabotropic glutamate receptor
- Muscarinic acetylcholine receptor
- N-[4-chloro-2[(1,3-dioxo-1,3-dihydro-2H-isoindol-2-yl)methyl]phenyl]-2-hydrobenzamide
- N-methyl-d-aspartate
- N-phenyl-7-(hydroxylimino)cyclopropa[b]chromen-1a-carboxamide
- NAM
- NMDA
- PAM
- PCP
- PD
- PD-LID
- PET
- PHCCC
- PQCA
- Parkinson's disease
- Parkinson's disease levodopa-induced dyskinesia
- SAM
- SIB-1757
- SIB-1893
- TBPB
- [(3-fluorophenyl)methylene]hydrazone-3-fluorobenzaldehyde
- acetylcholinesterase
- amyloid precursor protein
- benzylquinolone carboxylic acid
- central nervous system
- dihydroxyphenylglycine
- dopamine
- extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2
- fragile X mental retardation protein
- l-(+)-2-amino-4-phosphonobutyric acid
- l-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine
- mGlu
- metabotropic glutamate receptor
- negative allosteric modulator
- phencyclidine
- positive allosteric modulator
- positron emission tomography
- potassium 30-([(2-cyclopentyl-6-7-dimethyl-1-oxo-2,3-dihydro-1H-inden-5yl)oxy]methyl)biphenyl l-4-carboxylate
- seven transmembrane receptor
- silent allosteric modulator
- γ-aminobutyric acid
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Affiliation(s)
- Hilary Highfield Nickols
- Division of Neuropathology, Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - P. Jeffrey Conn
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
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22
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Williams CJ, Dexter DT. Neuroprotective and symptomatic effects of targeting group III mGlu receptors in neurodegenerative disease. J Neurochem 2013; 129:4-20. [PMID: 24224472 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.12608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2013] [Revised: 10/28/2013] [Accepted: 11/06/2013] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Neurodegenerative disorders possess common pathological mechanisms, such as protein aggregation, inflammation, oxidative stress (OS) and excitotoxicity, raising the possibility of shared therapeutic targets. As a result of the selective cellular and regional expression of group III metabotropic glutamate (mGlu) receptors, drugs targeting such receptors have demonstrated both neuroprotective properties and symptomatic improvements in several models of neurodegeneration. In recent years, the discovery and development of subtype-selective ligands for the group III mGlu receptors has gained pace, allowing further research into the functions of these receptors and revealing their roles in health and disease. Activation of this class of receptors results in neuroprotection, with a variety of underlying mechanisms implicated. Group III mGlu receptor stimulation prevents excitotoxicity by inhibiting glutamate release from neurons and microglia and increasing glutamate uptake by astrocytes. It also attenuates the neuroinflammatory response by reducing glial reactivity and encourages neurotrophic phenotypes. This article will review the current literature with regard to the neuroprotective and symptomatic effects of group III mGlu receptor activation and discuss their promise as therapeutic targets in neurodegenerative disease. We review the neuroprotective and symptomatic effects of targeting group III mGlu receptors in neurodegenerative disease: Excess extracellular glutamate causes overactivation of NMDA receptors resulting in excitotoxicity. Externalization of phosphatidylserine stimulates phagocytosis of neurons by activated microglia, which contribute to damage through glutamate and pro-inflammatory factor release. Reactive astrocytes produce cytotoxic factors enhancing neuronal cell death. Activation of group III mGlu receptors by glutamate and/or mGlu receptor ligands results in inhibition of glutamate release from presynaptic terminals and microglia, reducing excitotoxicity. Astrocytic glutamate uptake is increased and microglia produce neurotrophic factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire J Williams
- Parkinson's Disease Research Group, Centre for Neuroinflammation and Neurodegeneration, Division of Brain Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, London, UK
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Betts MJ, O'Neill MJ, Duty S. Allosteric modulation of the group III mGlu4 receptor provides functional neuroprotection in the 6-hydroxydopamine rat model of Parkinson's disease. Br J Pharmacol 2012; 166:2317-30. [PMID: 22404342 DOI: 10.1111/j.1476-5381.2012.01943.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE We recently reported that broad spectrum agonist-induced activation of presynaptic group III metabotropic glutamate (mGlu) receptors within the substantia nigra pars compacta using L-2-amino-4-phosphonobutyrate provided functional neuroprotection in the 6-hydroxydopamine lesion rat model of Parkinson's disease. The aim of this study was to establish whether selective activation of the mGlu(4) receptor alone could afford similar functional neuroprotection. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH The neuroprotective effects of 8 days of supranigral treatment with a positive allosteric modulator of mGlu(4) receptors, (+/-)-cis-2-(3,5-dichlorphenylcarbamoyl)cyclohexanecarboxylic acid (VU0155041), were investigated in rats with unilateral 6-hydroxydopamine lesions. The effects of VU0155041 treatment on motor function were assessed using both habitual (cylinder test) and forced (adjusted stepping, amphetamine-induced rotations) behavioural tests. Nigrostriatal tract integrity was examined by analysis of tyrosine hydroxylase, dopa decarboxylase or dopamine levels in the striatum and tyrosine hydroxylase-positive cell counts in the substantia nigra pars compacta. KEY RESULTS VU0155041 provided around 40% histological protection against a unilateral 6-hydroxydopamine lesion as well as significant preservation of motor function. These effects were inhibited by pre-treatment with (RS)-α-cyclopropyl-4-phosphonophenylglycine, confirming a receptor-mediated response. Reduced levels of inflammatory markers were also evident in the brains of VU0155041-treated animals. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Allosteric potentiation of mGlu(4) receptors in the substantia nigra pars compacta provided neuroprotective effects in the 6-hydroxydopamine rat model A reduced inflammatory response may contribute, in part, to this action. In addition to the reported symptomatic effects, activation of mGlu(4) receptors may also offer a novel approach for slowing the progressive degeneration observed in Parkinson's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J Betts
- King's College London, Wolfson Centre for Age-Related Diseases, Guy's Campus, London, UK
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24
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Amalric M, Lopez S, Goudet C, Fisone G, Battaglia G, Nicoletti F, Pin JP, Acher FC. Group III and subtype 4 metabotropic glutamate receptor agonists: discovery and pathophysiological applications in Parkinson's disease. Neuropharmacology 2012; 66:53-64. [PMID: 22664304 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2012.05.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2012] [Revised: 04/28/2012] [Accepted: 05/21/2012] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Restoring the balance between excitatory and inhibitory circuits in the basal ganglia, following the loss of dopaminergic (DA) neurons of the substantia nigra pars compacta, represents a major challenge to treat patients affected by Parkinson's disease (PD). The imbalanced situation in favor of excitation in the disease state may also accelerate excitotoxic processes, thereby representing a potential target for neuroprotective therapies. Reducing the excitatory action of glutamate, the major excitatory neurotransmitter in the basal ganglia, should lead to symptomatic improvement for PD patients and may promote the survival of DA neurons. Recent studies have focused on the modulatory action of metabotropic glutamate (mGlu) receptors on neurodegenerative diseases including PD. Group III mGlu receptors, including subtypes 4, 7 and 8, are largely expressed in the basal ganglia. Recent studies highlight the use of selective mGlu4 receptor positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) for the treatment of PD. Here we review the effects of newly-designed group-III orthosteric agonists on neuroprotection, neurorestoration and reduction of l-DOPA induced dyskinesia in animal models of PD. The combination of orthosteric mGlu4 receptor selective agonists with PAMs may open new avenues for the symptomatic treatment of PD. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled 'Metabotropic Glutamate Receptors'.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Amalric
- Aix-Marseille University, CNRS UMR 7291, Laboratoire de Neurosciences Fonctionnelles, Case C, 3 Place Victor Hugo, 13331 Marseille Cedex 3, France.
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Johnson KA, Jones CK, Tantawy MN, Bubser M, Marvanova M, Ansari MS, Baldwin RM, Conn PJ, Niswender CM. The metabotropic glutamate receptor 8 agonist (S)-3,4-DCPG reverses motor deficits in prolonged but not acute models of Parkinson's disease. Neuropharmacology 2012; 66:187-95. [PMID: 22546615 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2012.03.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2012] [Revised: 03/27/2012] [Accepted: 03/29/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGlus) are 7 Transmembrane Spanning Receptors (7TMs) that are differentially expressed throughout the brain and modulate synaptic transmission at both excitatory and inhibitory synapses. Recently, mGlus have been implicated as therapeutic targets for many disorders of the central nervous system, including Parkinson's disease (PD). Previous studies have shown that nonselective agonists of group III mGlus have antiparkinsonian effects in several animal models of PD, suggesting that these receptors represent promising targets for treating the motor symptoms of PD. However, the relative contributions of different group III mGlu subtypes to these effects have not been fully elucidated. Here we report that intracerebroventricular (icv) administration of the mGlu(8)-selective agonist (S)-3,4-dicarboxyphenylglycine (DCPG [ 2.5, 10, or 30 nmol]) does not alleviate motor deficits caused by acute (2 h) treatment with haloperidol or reserpine. However, following prolonged pretreatment with haloperidol (three doses evenly spaced over 18-20 h) or reserpine (18-20 h), DCPG robustly reverses haloperidol-induced catalepsy and reserpine-induced akinesia. Furthermore, DCPG (10 nmol, icv) reverses the long-lasting catalepsy induced by 20 h pretreatment with the decanoate salt of haloperidol. Finally, icv administration of DCPG ameliorates forelimb use asymmetry caused by unilateral 6-hydroxydopamine lesion of substantia nigra dopamine neurons. These findings suggest that mGlu(8) may partially mediate the antiparkinsonian effects of group III mGlu agonists in animal models of PD in which dopamine depletion or blockade of D(2)-like dopamine receptors is prolonged and indicate that selective activation of mGlu(8) may represent a novel therapeutic strategy for alleviating the motor symptoms of PD. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled 'Metabotropic Glutamate Receptors'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kari A Johnson
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
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26
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Lindsley CW, Hopkins CR. Metabotropic glutamate receptor 4 (mGlu4)-positive allosteric modulators for the treatment of Parkinson's disease: historical perspective and review of the patent literature. Expert Opin Ther Pat 2012; 22:461-81. [PMID: 22506633 DOI: 10.1517/13543776.2012.679437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Metabotropic glutamate receptor 4 (mGlu(4)) is a group III GPCR and has been demonstrated to play a major role in a number of therapeutic areas within the CNS. As the orthosteric site of all glutamate receptors is highly conserved, modulating mGlu(4) via allosteric modulation has emerged as a very attractive mode-of-action and has been validated preclinically in a number of animal models for Parkinson's disease, anxiety, pain, and neuroinflammation. AREAS COVERED In this review, the patent literature for mGlu(4)-positive allosteric modulators over the past 4 years will be provided. Patents from all companies are discussed and an overview of the chemical matter and relevant biological properties will be given. EXPERT OPINION Although there has yet to be an mGlu(4)-positive allosteric modulator progressed into clinical trials, there is a wealth of preclinical data from the primary literature that shows the promise of this emerging target. A number of academic and industry laboratories have recently published exciting patent data covering a multitude of chemical matter. Positive allosteric modulation of mGlu(4) remains one of the more attractive non-dopaminergic therapies for Parkinson's disease, as well as emerging data for other indications such as pain, neuroinflammation, schizophrenia and diabetes, which could potentially make mGlu(4) a significant therapeutic target going forward.
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Affiliation(s)
- Craig W Lindsley
- Vanderbilt University, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Vanderbilt Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Department of Chemistry, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
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Bennouar KE, Uberti MA, Melon C, Bacolod MD, Jimenez HN, Cajina M, Kerkerian-Le Goff L, Doller D, Gubellini P. Synergy between L-DOPA and a novel positive allosteric modulator of metabotropic glutamate receptor 4: implications for Parkinson's disease treatment and dyskinesia. Neuropharmacology 2012; 66:158-69. [PMID: 22491024 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2012.03.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2011] [Revised: 02/27/2012] [Accepted: 03/24/2012] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Group III metabotropic glutamate (mGlu) receptors are localized in presynaptic terminals within basal ganglia (BG) circuitry that become hyperactive due to dopamine depletion in Parkinson's disease (PD). For this reason, group III mGlu receptors, in particular mGlu4, have been considered as key strategic targets for non-dopaminergic pharmacological treatments aimed at modulating these synapses, without producing the well known side-effects of l-DOPA, in particular the highly disabling l-DOPA-induced dyskinesia (LID). Herein we add physiological and functional support to this hypothesis using Lu AF21934, a novel selective and brain-penetrant mGlu4 receptor positive allosteric modulator (PAM) tool compound. By in vitro electrophysiological recordings we demonstrate that Lu AF21934 inhibits corticostriatal synaptic transmission and enhances the effect of the orthosteric mGlu4 receptor-preferred agonist LSP1-2111. In naïve rats, Lu AF21934 dose-dependently (10 and 30 mg/kg) alleviated haloperidol-induced catalepsy. In hemiparkinsonian rats (unilateral 6-hydroxydopamine lesion of the substantia nigra pars compacta), Lu AF21934 alone did not affect akinesia at the doses tested (10 and 30 mg/kg). However, when Lu AF21934 was combined with sub-threshold doses of l-DOPA (1 and 5 mg/kg), it acted synergistically in alleviating akinesia in a dose-dependent manner and, notably, also reduced the incidence of LID but not its severity. Interestingly, these effects occurred at Lu AF21934 brain free concentrations that showed functional activity in in vitro screens (calcium flux and electrophysiology assays). These results support the potential for antiparkinsonian clinical use of a combined treatment consisting in l-DOPA and a mGlu4 receptor PAM to reduce efficacious l-DOPA doses (generally known as l-DOPA sparing), while maintaining the same benefit on PD motor troubles, and at the same time minimizing the development of LID. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled 'Metabotropic Glutamate Receptors'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khaled-Ezaheir Bennouar
- Aix-Marseille Univ, Institut de Biologie du Développement de Marseille-Luminy (IBDML), UMR 7288, 13009 Marseille, France
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28
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Jimenez HN, Liu KG, Hong SP, Reitman MS, Uberti MA, Bacolod MD, Cajina M, Nattini M, Sabio M, Doller D. 4-(1-Phenyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)quinolines as novel, selective and brain penetrant metabotropic glutamate receptor 4 positive allosteric modulators. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2012; 22:3235-9. [PMID: 22465637 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2012.03.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2012] [Revised: 03/05/2012] [Accepted: 03/07/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
4-(1-Phenyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)quinoline (1) was identified by screening the Lundbeck compound collection, and characterized as having mGlu4 receptor positive allosteric modulator properties. Compound 1 is selective over other mGlu receptors and a panel of GPCRs, ion channels and enzymes, but has suboptimal lipophilicity and high plasma and brain non-specific binding. In view of the challenges at the hit-to-lead stage previously reported in the development of mGlu4 receptor positive allosteric modulators (PAMs), a thorough structure-mGlu4 PAM activity relationship study was conducted to interrogate the chemical tractability of this chemotype. The central pyrazole ring tolerates the addition of one or two methyl groups. The C-7 position of the quinoline ring provides a site tolerant to hydrophilic substituents, enabling the design of diverse analogs with good in vitro mGlu4 PAM potency and efficacy, as well as improved microsomal turnover in vitro, compared to 1. In spite of the excellent ligand efficiency of 1 (LE=0.43), optimization of in vitro potency for this series reached a plateau around EC(50)=200 nM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hermogenes N Jimenez
- Chemical & Pharmacokinetic Sciences, Lundbeck Research USA, 215 College Road, Paramus, NJ 07652, USA
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Célanire S, Campo B. Recent advances in the drug discovery of metabotropic glutamate receptor 4 (mGluR4) activators for the treatment of CNS and non-CNS disorders. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2012; 7:261-80. [PMID: 22468956 DOI: 10.1517/17460441.2012.660914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The metabotropic glutamate receptor type 4 (mGluR4) plays a pivotal role in a plethora of therapeutic areas, as recently demonstrated in preclinical validation studies with several chemical classes of compounds in rodent models of central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral disorders. Activation of mGluR4 with orthosteric agonists, allosteric agonists or pure positive allosteric modulators (PAM) has been postulated to be of broad therapeutic use. AREAS COVERED The authors address past and current drug discovery efforts, insights and achievements in the field toward the identification of therapeutically promising and emerging class of mGluR4 activators, over the 2005 - 2011 period. Chemical structures, properties and in vivo pharmacological results discussed in the present review were retrieved from public literature including PubMed searches, Thomson Pharma and SciFinder databases searches, conferences, proceedings and posters. EXPERT OPINION Developing a subtype-selective, orally bioavailable brain penetrant mGluR4 orthosteric agonist remains challenging. Lack of subtype selectivity and low brain penetration has been a common limitation of the first generation of mGluR4 agonist and potentiators. However, significant progress has recently been made with the identification of several double- to single-digit nanomolar mGluR4 PAM having reasonable pharmacokinetic properties, oral bioavailability and brain penetration. The use of such compounds in research has led to advancement in understanding the central role of mGluR4 in multiple neurodegenerative and neuroinflammatory disorders, such as Parkinson's disease and multiple sclerosis. Our understanding of the potential application of mGluR4 as therapeutic target is expected to grow as these compounds advance into preclinical and clinical development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvain Célanire
- Medicinal Chemistry Department, Addex Pharmaceuticals, Geneva, Switzerland.
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Jones CK, Engers DW, Thompson AD, Field JR, Blobaum AL, Lindsley SR, Zhou Y, Gogliotti RD, Jadhav S, Zamorano R, Bogenpohl J, Smith Y, Morrison R, Daniels JS, Weaver CD, Conn PJ, Lindsley CW, Niswender CM, Hopkins CR. Discovery, synthesis, and structure-activity relationship development of a series of N-4-(2,5-dioxopyrrolidin-1-yl)phenylpicolinamides (VU0400195, ML182): characterization of a novel positive allosteric modulator of the metabotropic glutamate receptor 4 (mGlu(4)) with oral efficacy in an antiparkinsonian animal model. J Med Chem 2011; 54:7639-47. [PMID: 21966889 DOI: 10.1021/jm200956q] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
There is an increasing amount of literature data showing the positive effects on preclinical antiparkinsonian rodent models with selective positive allosteric modulators of metabotropic glutamate receptor 4 (mGlu(4)). However, most of the data generated utilize compounds that have not been optimized for druglike properties, and as a consequence, they exhibit poor pharmacokinetic properties and thus do not cross the blood-brain barrier. Herein, we report on a series of N-4-(2,5-dioxopyrrolidin-1-yl)phenylpicolinamides with improved PK properties with excellent potency and selectivity as well as improved brain exposure in rodents. Finally, ML182 was shown to be orally active in the haloperidol induced catalepsy model, a well-established antiparkinsonian model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carrie K Jones
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
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Robichaud AJ, Engers DW, Lindsley CW, Hopkins CR. Recent progress on the identification of metabotropic glutamate 4 receptor ligands and their potential utility as CNS therapeutics. ACS Chem Neurosci 2011; 2:433-49. [PMID: 22860170 DOI: 10.1021/cn200043e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2011] [Accepted: 06/14/2011] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
This Review describes recent activity in the advancement of ligands for the metabotropic glutamate 4 receptor subtype and their potential utility as central nervous system (CNS) therapeutics. Until recently, there was a paucity of compounds with suitable selectivity and druglike properties to elucidate the value of this target. The search for selective entities has led several groups to the investigation of allosteric modulators as a path to optimization of potential ligands. Recent efforts, discussed here, have afforded a variety of derivatives with improvements in potency, solubility, and pharmacokinetic properties that garner support for continued investigation and optimization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert J. Robichaud
- Chemical & Pharmacokinetic Sciences, Lundbeck Research USA, 215 College Road, Paramus, New Jersey 07652, United States
| | - Darren W. Engers
- Vanderbilt Specialized Chemistry Center for Accelerated Probe Development (MLPCN), Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
| | - Craig W. Lindsley
- Department of Chemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
- Vanderbilt Specialized Chemistry Center for Accelerated Probe Development (MLPCN), Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
| | - Corey R. Hopkins
- Department of Chemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
- Vanderbilt Specialized Chemistry Center for Accelerated Probe Development (MLPCN), Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
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Hong SP, Liu KG, Ma G, Sabio M, Uberti MA, Bacolod MD, Peterson J, Zou ZZ, Robichaud AJ, Doller D. Tricyclic thiazolopyrazole derivatives as metabotropic glutamate receptor 4 positive allosteric modulators. J Med Chem 2011; 54:5070-81. [PMID: 21688779 DOI: 10.1021/jm200290z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
There is an increasing amount of evidence to support that activation of the metabotropic glutamate receptor 4 (mGlu4 receptor), either with an orthosteric agonist or a positive allosteric modulator (PAM), provides impactful interventions in diseases such as Parkinson's disease, anxiety, and pain. mGlu4 PAMs may have several advantages over mGlu4 agonists for a number of reasons. As part of our efforts in identifying therapeutics for central nervous system (CNS) diseases such as Parkinson's disease, we have been focusing on metabotropic glutamate receptors. Herein we report our studies with a series of tricyclic thiazolopyrazoles as mGlu4 PAMs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sang-Phyo Hong
- Chemical & Pharmacokinetic Sciences, Lundbeck Research USA, 215 College Road, Paramus, New Jersey 07652, USA
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33
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Engers DW, Field JR, Le U, Zhou Y, Bolinger JD, Zamorano R, Blobaum AL, Jones CK, Jadhav S, Weaver CD, Conn PJ, Lindsley CW, Niswender CM, Hopkins CR. Discovery, synthesis, and structure-activity relationship development of a series of N-(4-acetamido)phenylpicolinamides as positive allosteric modulators of metabotropic glutamate receptor 4 (mGlu(4)) with CNS exposure in rats. J Med Chem 2011; 54:1106-10. [PMID: 21247167 DOI: 10.1021/jm101271s] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Herein we report the discovery, synthesis, and evaluation of a series of N-(4-acetamido)-phenylpicolinamides as positive allosteric modulators of mGlu(4). Compounds from the series show submicromolar potency at both human and rat mGlu(4). In addition, pharmacokinetic studies utilizing subcutaneous dosing demonstrated good brain exposure in rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darren W Engers
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
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Progress in the Medicinal Chemistry of Group III Metabotropic Glutamate Receptors. ANNUAL REPORTS IN MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY 2011. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-386009-5.00026-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register]
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