1
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Fradley R, Goetghebeur P, Miller D, Burley R, Almond S, Gruart I Massó A, Delgado García JM, Zhu B, Howley E, Neill JC, Grayson B, Gaskin P, Carlton M, Gray I, Serrats J, Davies CH. Luvadaxistat: A Novel Potent and Selective D-Amino Acid Oxidase Inhibitor Improves Cognitive and Social Deficits in Rodent Models for Schizophrenia. Neurochem Res 2023; 48:3027-3041. [PMID: 37289348 PMCID: PMC10471729 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-023-03956-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor hypofunctionality is a well-studied hypothesis for schizophrenia pathophysiology, and daily dosing of the NMDA receptor co-agonist, D-serine, in clinical trials has shown positive effects in patients. Therefore, inhibition of D-amino acid oxidase (DAAO) has the potential to be a new therapeutic approach for the treatment of schizophrenia. TAK-831 (luvadaxistat), a novel, highly potent inhibitor of DAAO, significantly increases D-serine levels in the rodent brain, plasma, and cerebrospinal fluid. This study shows luvadaxistat to be efficacious in animal tests of cognition and in a translational animal model for cognitive impairment in schizophrenia. This is demonstrated when luvadaxistat is dosed alone and in conjunction with a typical antipsychotic. When dosed chronically, there is a suggestion of change in synaptic plasticity as seen by a leftward shift in the maximum efficacious dose in several studies. This is suggestive of enhanced activation of NMDA receptors in the brain and confirmed by modulation of long-term potentiation after chronic dosing. DAAO is highly expressed in the cerebellum, an area of increasing interest for schizophrenia, and luvadaxistat was shown to be efficacious in a cerebellar-dependent associative learning task. While luvadaxistat ameliorated the deficit seen in sociability in two different negative symptom tests of social interaction, it failed to show an effect in endpoints of negative symptoms in clinical trials. These results suggest that luvadaxistat potentially could be used to improve cognitive impairment in patients with schizophrenia, which is not well addressed with current antipsychotic medications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosa Fradley
- Neuroscience Drug Discovery Unit, Takeda, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - David Miller
- Neuroscience Drug Discovery Unit, Takeda, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Sarah Almond
- Neuroscience Drug Discovery Unit, Takeda, Cambridge, UK
| | | | | | - Bin Zhu
- Neuroscience Drug Discovery Unit, Takeda, Cambridge, UK
| | - Eimear Howley
- Neuroscience Drug Discovery Unit, Takeda, Cambridge, UK
| | - Jo C Neill
- Division of Pharmacy and Optometry, School of Health Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Ben Grayson
- Division of Pharmacy and Optometry, School of Health Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Philip Gaskin
- Neuroscience Drug Discovery Unit, Takeda, Cambridge, UK
| | - Mark Carlton
- Neuroscience Drug Discovery Unit, Takeda, Cambridge, UK
| | - Ian Gray
- Neuroscience Drug Discovery Unit, Takeda, Cambridge, UK
| | - Jordi Serrats
- Neuroscience Drug Discovery Unit, Takeda California, 9625 Towne Centre Dr, San Diego, CA, 92121, USA.
| | - Ceri H Davies
- Takeda Pharmaceuticals Company Limited, Fujisawa, Kanagawa, Japan
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2
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Huang CC, Wei IH, Yang HT, Lane HY. Determination of D-serine and D-alanine Tissue Levels in the Prefrontal Cortex and Hippocampus of Rats After a Single Dose of Sodium Benzoate, a D-Amino Acid Oxidase Inhibitor, with Potential Antipsychotic and Antidepressant Properties. Neurochem Res 2023; 48:2066-2076. [PMID: 36786942 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-023-03884-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Revised: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023]
Abstract
The effects of the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor activators D-serine, D-alanine, and sarcosine against schizophrenia and depression are promising. Nevertheless, high doses of D-serine and sarcosine are associated with undesirable nephrotoxicity or worsened prostatic cancer. Thus, alternatives are needed. DAAO inhibition can increase D-serine as well as D-alanine and protect against D-serine-induced nephrotoxicity. Although several DAAO inhibitors improve the symptoms of schizophrenia and depression, they can increase the plasma levels but not brain levels of D-serine. The mechanism of action of DAAO inhibitors remains unclear. We investigated the effects of the DAAO inhibitor sodium benzoate on the prefrontal cortex and hippocampal level of D-alanine as known another substrate with antipsychotic and antidepressant properties and other NMDAR-related amino acids, such as, L-alanine, D-serine, L-serine, D-glutamate, L-glutamate, and glycine levels. Our results indicate that sodium benzoate exerts antipsychotic and antidepressant-like effects without changing the D-serine levels in the brain prefrontal cortex (PFC) and hippocampus. Moreover, D-alanine levels in the PFC and hippocampus did not change. Despite these negative findings regarding the effects of D-amino acids in the PFC and hippocampus, sodium benzoate exhibited antipsychotic and antidepressant-like effects. Thus, the therapeutic effects of sodium benzoate are independent of D-serine or D-alanine levels. In conclusion, sodium benzoate may be effective among patients with schizophrenia or depression; however, the mechanisms of actions remain to be elucidated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chih-Chia Huang
- Tsaotun Psychiatric Center, Ministry of Health and Welfare, No. 161, Yu-Pin Road Tsaotun Township, Nantou, 54249, Taiwan.
- Department of Psychiatry, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.
- Program in Translational Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan.
| | - I-Hua Wei
- Department of Anatomy, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Hui-Ting Yang
- School of Food Safety, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hsien-Yuan Lane
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Psychiatry & Brain Disease Research Center, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Psychology, College of Medical and Health Sciences, Asia University, Taichung, Taiwan
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3
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Medvedev A, Buneeva O. Tryptophan Metabolites as Mediators of Microbiota-Gut-Brain Communication: Focus on Isatin. Front Behav Neurosci 2022; 16:922274. [PMID: 35846785 PMCID: PMC9280024 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2022.922274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Isatin (indole-2,3-dione) is an endogenous regulator, exhibiting various behavioral, biological, and pharmacological activities. Synthesis of isatin includes several crucial stages: cleavage of the tryptophan side chain and subsequent oxidation of the indole nucleus. Although these stages require concerted action of bacterial and host enzymes, there are two pathways of isatin formation: the host and bacterial pathways. Isatin acts as a neuroprotector in different experimental models of neurodegeneration. Its effects are realized via up- and downregulation of isatin-responsive genes and via interaction with numerous isatin-binding proteins identified in the brain. The effect of isatin on protein-protein interactions in the brain may be important for realization of weak inhibition of multiple receptor targets.
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Shindo T, Shikanai H, Watarai A, Hiraide S, Iizuka K, Izumi T. D-serine metabolism in the medial prefrontal cortex, but not the hippocampus, is involved in AD/HD-like behaviors in SHRSP/Ezo. Eur J Pharmacol 2022; 923:174930. [PMID: 35364072 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2022.174930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Revised: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (AD/HD) is a mild neurodevelopmental disorder with inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity as its core symptoms. We previously revealed that an AD/HD animal model, juvenile stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRSP/Ezo) exhibited functional abnormalities in N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors in the prefrontal cortex. D-serine is an endogenous co-ligand that acts on the glycine-binding site of NMDA receptors, which is essential for the physiological activation of NMDA receptors. We herein performed neurochemical and pharmacological behavioral experiments to elucidate dysfunctions in D-serine metabolism (namely, biosynthesis and catabolism) associated to AD/HD. The serine enantiomers ratio (D-serine/D-serine + L-serine, DL ratio) in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and hippocampus (HIP) was lower in SHRSP/Ezo than in its genetic control. The level of D-amino acid oxidase (DAAO, D-serine degrading enzyme) was higher in the mPFC, and the level of serine racemase (SR, D-serine biosynthetic enzyme), was lower in the HIP in SHRSP/Ezo. Thus, changes in these enzymes may contribute to the lower DL ratio of SHRSP/Ezo. Moreover, a microinjection of a DAAO inhibitor into the mPFC in SHRSP/Ezo increased DL ratio and attenuated AD/HD-like behaviors, such as inattention and hyperactivity, in the Y-maze test. Injection into the HIP also increased the DL ratio, but had no effect on behaviors. These results suggest that AD/HD-like behaviors in SHRSP/Ezo are associated with an abnormal D-serine metabolism underlying NMDA receptor dysfunction in the mPFC. These results will contribute to elucidating the pathogenesis of AD/HD and the development of new treatment strategies for AD/HD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsugumi Shindo
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Health Science University of Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Hiroki Shikanai
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Health Science University of Hokkaido, Japan; Advanced Research Promotion Center, Health Science University of Hokkaido, Japan.
| | - Akane Watarai
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Health Science University of Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Sachiko Hiraide
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Health Science University of Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Kenji Iizuka
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Health Science University of Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Takeshi Izumi
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Health Science University of Hokkaido, Japan; Advanced Research Promotion Center, Health Science University of Hokkaido, Japan
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Meftah A, Hasegawa H, Kantrowitz JT. D-Serine: A Cross Species Review of Safety. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:726365. [PMID: 34447324 PMCID: PMC8384137 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.726365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background:D-Serine, a direct, full agonist at the D-serine/glycine modulatory site of the N-methyl-D-aspartate-type glutamate receptors (NMDAR), has been assessed as a treatment for multiple psychiatric and neurological conditions. Based on studies in rats, concerns of nephrotoxicity have limited D-serine research in humans, particularly using high doses. A review of D-serine's safety is timely and pertinent, as D-serine remains under active study for schizophrenia, both directly (R61 MH116093) and indirectly through D-amino acid oxidase (DAAO) inhibitors. The principal focus is on nephrotoxicity, but safety in other physiologic and pathophysiologic systems are also reviewed. Methods: Using the search terms "D-serine," "D-serine and schizophrenia," "D-serine and safety," "D-serine and nephrotoxicity" in PubMed, we conducted a systematic review on D-serine safety. D-serine physiology, dose-response and efficacy in clinical studies and dAAO inhibitor safety is also discussed. Results: When D-serine doses >500 mg/kg are used in rats, nephrotoxicity, manifesting as an acute tubular necrosis syndrome, seen within hours of administration is highly common, if not universal. In other species, however, D-serine induced nephrotoxicity has not been reported, even in other rodent species such as mice and rabbits. Even in rats, D--serine related toxicity is dose dependent and reversible; and does not appear to be present in rats at doses producing an acute Cmax of <2,000 nmol/mL. For comparison, the Cmax of D-serine 120 mg/kg, the highest dose tested in humans, is ~500 nmol/mL in acute dosing. Across all published human studies, only one subject has been reported to have abnormal renal values related to D-serine treatment. This abnormality did not clearly map on to the acute tubular necrosis syndrome seen in rats, and fully resolved within a few days of stopping treatment. DAAO inhibitors may be nephroprotective. D-Serine may have a physiologic role in metabolic, extra-pyramidal, cardiac and other systems, but no other clinically significant safety concerns are revealed in the literature. Conclusions: Even before considering human to rat differences in renal physiology, using current FDA guided monitoring paradigms, D-serine appears safe at currently studied maximal doses, with potential safety in combination with DAAO inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amir Meftah
- College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York City, NY, United States
- New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York City, NY, United States
| | - Hiroshi Hasegawa
- Department of Pathophysiology, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Joshua T. Kantrowitz
- College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York City, NY, United States
- New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York City, NY, United States
- Nathan Kline Institute, Orangeburg, NY, United States
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6
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Nagy LV, Bali ZK, Kapus G, Pelsőczi P, Farkas B, Lendvai B, Lévay G, Hernádi I. Converging Evidence on D-Amino Acid Oxidase-Dependent Enhancement of Hippocampal Firing Activity and Passive Avoidance Learning in Rats. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol 2020; 24:434-445. [PMID: 33305805 PMCID: PMC8130201 DOI: 10.1093/ijnp/pyaa095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2020] [Revised: 12/02/2020] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor activation requires the binding of a co-agonist on the glycine-binding site. D-serine is the main endogenous co-agonist of NMDA receptors, and its availability significantly depends on the activity of the metabolic enzyme D-amino acid oxidase (DAAO). Inhibition of DAAO increases the brain levels of D-serine and modulates a variety of physiological functions, including cognitive behavior. METHODS Here, we examined the effects of a novel 4-hydroxypyridazin-3(2H)-one derivative DAAO inhibitor, Compound 30 (CPD30), on passive avoidance learning and on neuronal firing activity in rats. RESULTS D-serine administration was applied as reference, which increased cognitive performance and enhanced hippocampal firing activity and responsiveness to NMDA after both local and systemic application. Similarly to D-serine, CPD30 (0.1 mg/kg) effectively reversed MK-801-induced memory impairment in the passive avoidance test. Furthermore, local iontophoretic application of CPD30 in the vicinity of hippocampal pyramidal neurons significantly increased firing rate and enhanced their responses to locally applied NMDA. CPD30 also enhanced hippocampal firing activity after systemic administration. In 0.1- to 1.0-mg/kg doses, CPD30 increased spontaneous and NMDA-evoked firing activity of the neurons. Effects of CPD30 on NMDA responsiveness emerged faster (at 10 minutes post-injection) when a 1.0-mg/kg dose was applied compared with the onset of the effects of 0.1 mg/kg CPD30 (at 30 minutes post-injection). CONCLUSIONS The present results confirm that the inhibition of DAAO enzyme is an effective strategy for cognitive enhancement. Our findings further facilitate the understanding of the cellular mechanisms underlying the behavioral effects of DAAO inhibition in the mammalian brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lili Veronika Nagy
- Department of Experimental Zoology and Neurobiology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary,Szentágothai Research Center, Center for Neuroscience, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Zsolt Kristóf Bali
- Szentágothai Research Center, Center for Neuroscience, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary,Grastyán Translational Research Center, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary,Institute of Physiology, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary,Correspondence: Zsolt Kristóf Bali, PhD, Translational Neuroscience Research Group, Grastyán Translational Research Center, 6 Ifjúság út, H-7624, Pécs, Hungary ()
| | - Gábor Kapus
- Pharmacological and Drug Safety Research, Gedeon Richter Plc, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Péter Pelsőczi
- Pharmacological and Drug Safety Research, Gedeon Richter Plc, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Bence Farkas
- Pharmacological and Drug Safety Research, Gedeon Richter Plc, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Balázs Lendvai
- Pharmacological and Drug Safety Research, Gedeon Richter Plc, Budapest, Hungary
| | - György Lévay
- Pharmacological and Drug Safety Research, Gedeon Richter Plc, Budapest, Hungary,Department of Morphology and Physiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - István Hernádi
- Department of Experimental Zoology and Neurobiology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary,Szentágothai Research Center, Center for Neuroscience, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary,Grastyán Translational Research Center, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary,Institute of Physiology, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
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7
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Yoneyama T, Sato S, Sykes A, Fradley R, Stafford S, Bechar S, Howley E, Patel T, Tagawa Y, Moriwaki T, Asahi S. Mechanistic Multilayer Quantitative Model for Nonlinear Pharmacokinetics, Target Occupancy and Pharmacodynamics (PK/TO/PD) Relationship of D-Amino Acid Oxidase Inhibitor, TAK-831 in Mice. Pharm Res 2020; 37:164. [PMID: 32901384 PMCID: PMC7478952 DOI: 10.1007/s11095-020-02893-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Accepted: 07/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Purpose TAK-831 is a highly selective and potent inhibitor of D-amino acid oxidase (DAAO) currently under clinical development for schizophrenia. In this study, a mechanistic multilayer quantitative model that parsimoniously connects pharmacokinetics (PK), target occupancy (TO) and D-serine concentrations as a pharmacodynamic (PD) readout was established in mice. Methods PK, TO and PD time-profiles were obtained in mice and analyzed by mechanistic binding kinetics model connected with an indirect response model in a step wise fashion. Brain distribution was investigated to elucidate a possible mechanism driving the hysteresis between PK and TO. Results The observed nonlinear PK/TO/PD relationship was well captured by mechanistic modeling framework within a wide dose range of TAK-831 in mice. Remarkably different brain distribution was observed between target and reference regions, suggesting that the target-mediated slow binding kinetics rather than slow penetration through the blood brain barrier caused the observed distinct kinetics between PK and TO. Conclusion A quantitative mechanistic model for concentration- and time-dependent nonlinear PK/TO/PD relationship was established for TAK-831 in mice with accounting for possible rate-determining process. The established mechanistic modeling framework will provide a quantitative means for multilayer biomarker-assisted clinical development in multiple central nervous system indications. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1007/s11095-020-02893-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomoki Yoneyama
- Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics Research Laboratories, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Fujisawa, Kanagawa, Japan.
| | - Sho Sato
- Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics Research Laboratories, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Fujisawa, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Andy Sykes
- Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics Research Laboratories, Takeda Cambridge Ltd, Cambridge, UK
| | - Rosa Fradley
- Pharmacology, Takeda Cambridge Ltd, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Shyam Bechar
- Pharmacology, Takeda Cambridge Ltd, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Toshal Patel
- Pharmacology, Takeda Cambridge Ltd, Cambridge, UK
| | - Yoshihiko Tagawa
- Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics Research Laboratories, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Fujisawa, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Toshiya Moriwaki
- Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics Research Laboratories, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Fujisawa, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Satoru Asahi
- Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics Research Laboratories, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Fujisawa, Kanagawa, Japan
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8
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Kozak R, Kiss T, Dlugolenski K, Johnson DE, Gorczyca RR, Kuszpit K, Harvey BD, Stolyar P, Sukoff Rizzo SJ, Hoffmann WE, Volfson D, Hajós M, Davoren JE, Abbott AL, Williams GV, Castner SA, Gray DL. Characterization of PF-6142, a Novel, Non-Catecholamine Dopamine Receptor D1 Agonist, in Murine and Nonhuman Primate Models of Dopaminergic Activation. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:1005. [PMID: 32733245 PMCID: PMC7358525 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.01005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Selective activation of dopamine D1 receptors remains a promising pro-cognitive therapeutic strategy awaiting robust clinical investigation. PF-6142 is a key example from a recently disclosed novel series of non-catechol agonists and partial agonists of the dopamine D1/5 receptors (D1R) that exhibit pharmacokinetic (PK) properties suitable for oral delivery. Given their reported potential for functionally biased signaling compared to known catechol-based selective agonists, and the promising rodent PK profile of PF-6142, we utilized relevant in vivo assays in male rodents and male and female non-human primates (NHP) to evaluate the pharmacology of this new series. Studies in rodents showed that PF-6142 increased locomotor activity and prefrontal cortex acetylcholine release, increased time spent in wakefulness, and desynchronized the EEG, like known D1R agonists. D1R selectivity of PF-6142 was supported by lack of effect in D1R knock-out mice and blocked response in the presence of the D1R antagonist SCH-23390. Further, PF-6142 improved performance in rodent models of NMDA receptor antagonist-induced cognitive dysfunction, such as MK-801-disrupted paired-pulse facilitation, and ketamine-disrupted working memory performance in the radial arm maze. Similarly, PF-6142 reversed ketamine-induced deficits in NHP performing the spatial delayed recognition task. Of importance, PF-6142 did not alter the efficacy of risperidone in assays predictive of antipsychotic-like effect in rodents including pre-pulse inhibition and conditioned avoidance responding. These data support the continued development of non-catechol based D1R agonists for the treatment of cognitive impairment associated with brain disorders including schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rouba Kozak
- Global Research and Development, Pfizer Inc., Groton, CT, United States
| | - Tamás Kiss
- Global Research and Development, Pfizer Inc., Groton, CT, United States
| | - Keith Dlugolenski
- Global Research and Development, Pfizer Inc., Groton, CT, United States
| | - David E Johnson
- Global Research and Development, Pfizer Inc., Groton, CT, United States
| | | | - Kyle Kuszpit
- Global Research and Development, Pfizer Inc., Groton, CT, United States
| | - Brian D Harvey
- Global Research and Development, Pfizer Inc., Groton, CT, United States
| | - Polina Stolyar
- Global Research and Development, Pfizer Inc., Groton, CT, United States
| | | | | | - Dmitri Volfson
- Global Research and Development, Pfizer Inc., Groton, CT, United States
| | - Mihaly Hajós
- Global Research and Development, Pfizer Inc., Groton, CT, United States.,Department of Comparative Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | | | - Amanda L Abbott
- Department of Comparative Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Graham V Williams
- Department of Comparative Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Stacy A Castner
- Department of Comparative Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - David L Gray
- Global Research and Development, Pfizer Inc., Groton, CT, United States
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9
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Ma T, Wu Y, Chen B, Zhang W, Jin L, Shen C, Wang Y, Liu Y. D-Serine Contributes to Seizure Development via ERK Signaling. Front Neurosci 2019; 13:254. [PMID: 30971878 PMCID: PMC6443828 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2019.00254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2018] [Accepted: 03/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
A seizure is one of the leading neurological disorders. NMDA receptor-mediated neuronal excitation has been thought to be essential for epileptogenesis. As an endogenous co-agonist of the NMDA receptor, D-serine has been suggested to play a role in epileptogenesis. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. In the current study, we investigated the effects of antagonizing two key enzymes in D-serine metabolism on the development of seizures and the downstream signaling. Our results showed that serine racemase (SR), a key enzyme in regulating the L-to-D-serine conversion, was significantly up-regulated in hippocampal astrocytes in rats and patients who experienced seizure, in comparison with control rats and patients. L-aspartic acid β-hydroxamate (LaaβH), an inhibitor of SR, significantly prolonged the latencies of seizures, shortened the durations of seizures, and decreased the total EEG power in rats. In contrast, D-amino acid oxidase inhibitor 5-chlorobenzo[d]isoxazol-3-ol (CBIO), which can increase D-serine levels, showed the opposite effects. Furthermore, our data showed that LaaβH and CBIO significantly affected the phosphorylation of Extracellular Signal-regulated Kinase (ERK). Antagonizing or activating ERK could significantly block the effects of LaaβH/CBIO on the occurrence of seizures. In summary, our study revealed that D-serine is involved in the development of epileptic seizures, partially through ERK signaling, indicating that the metabolism of D-serine may be targeted for the treatment of epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tie Ma
- Department of Neurology, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, China.,Department of Neurology, The Seventh Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yin Wu
- Department of Pharmacy, Xi'an High-tech Hospital, Xi'an, China
| | - Beibei Chen
- Department of Neurology, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Wenjuan Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Lang Jin
- Department of Neurology, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Chenxi Shen
- Department of Neurology, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yazhou Wang
- Department of Neurobiology and Institute of Neurosciences, School of Basic Medicine, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yonghong Liu
- Department of Neurology, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
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10
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Billard JM. Changes in Serine Racemase-Dependent Modulation of NMDA Receptor: Impact on Physiological and Pathological Brain Aging. Front Mol Biosci 2018; 5:106. [PMID: 30555832 PMCID: PMC6282039 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2018.00106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2018] [Accepted: 11/09/2018] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The N-methyl-D-Aspartate glutamate receptors (NMDARs) are pivotal for the functional and morphological plasticity that are required in neuronal networks for efficient brain activities and notably for cognitive-related abilities. Because NMDARs are heterogeneous in subunit composition and associated with multiple functional regulatory sites, their efficacy is under the tonic influence of numerous allosteric modulations, whose dysfunction generally represents the first step generating pathological states. Among the enzymatic candidates, serine racemase (SR) has recently gathered an increasing interest considering that it tightly regulates the production of d-serine, an amino acid now viewed as the main endogenous co-agonist necessary for NMDAR activation. Nowadays, SR deregulation is associated with a wide range of neurological and psychiatric diseases including schizophrenia, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and depression. This review aims at compelling the most recent experimental evidences indicating that changes in SR-related modulation of NMDARs also govern opposite functional dysfunctions in physiological and pathological (Alzheimer's disease) aging that finally results in memory disabilities in both cases. It also highlights SR as a relevant alternative target for new pharmacological strategies aimed at preventing functional alterations and cognitive impairments linked to the aging process.
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11
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Koga R, Miyoshi Y, Sakaue H, Hamase K, Konno R. Mouse d-Amino-Acid Oxidase: Distribution and Physiological Substrates. Front Mol Biosci 2017; 4:82. [PMID: 29255714 PMCID: PMC5722847 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2017.00082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2017] [Accepted: 11/14/2017] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
d-Amino-acid oxidase (DAO) catalyzes the oxidative deamination of d-amino acids. DAO is present in a wide variety of organisms and has important roles. Here, we review the distribution and physiological substrates of mouse DAO. Mouse DAO is present in the kidney, brain, and spinal cord, like DAOs in other mammals. However, in contrast to other animals, it is not present in the mouse liver. Recently, DAO has been detected in the neutrophils, retina, and small intestine in mice. To determine the physiological substrates of mouse DAO, mutant mice lacking DAO activity are helpful. As DAO has wide substrate specificity and degrades various d-amino acids, many d-amino acids accumulate in the tissues and body fluids of the mutant mice. These amino acids are d-methionine, d-alanine, d-serine, d-leucine, d-proline, d-phenylalanine, d-tyrosine, and d-citrulline. Even in wild-type mice, administration of DAO inhibitors elevates D-serine levels in the plasma and brain. Among the above d-amino acids, the main physiological substrates of mouse DAO are d-alanine and d-serine. These two d-amino acids are most abundant in the tissues and body fluids of mice. d-Alanine derives from bacteria and produces bactericidal reactive oxygen species by the action of DAO. d-Serine is synthesized by serine racemase and is present especially in the central nervous system, where it serves as a neuromodulator. DAO is responsible for the metabolism of d-serine. Since DAO has been implicated in the etiology of neuropsychiatric diseases, mouse DAO has been used as a representative model. Recent reports, however, suggest that mouse DAO is different from human DAO with respect to important properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reiko Koga
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Fukuoka University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Yurika Miyoshi
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Sakaue
- Department of Biochemistry, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, Hachioji, Japan
| | - Kenji Hamase
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Ryuichi Konno
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, International University of Health and Welfare, Ohtawara, Japan
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12
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Jagannath V, Brotzakis ZF, Parrinello M, Walitza S, Grünblatt E. Controversial Effects of D-Amino Acid Oxidase Activator (DAOA)/G72 on D-Amino Acid Oxidase (DAO) Activity in Human Neuronal, Astrocyte and Kidney Cell Lines: The N-methyl D-aspartate (NMDA) Receptor Hypofunction Point of View. Front Mol Neurosci 2017; 10:342. [PMID: 29114206 PMCID: PMC5660716 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2017.00342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2017] [Accepted: 10/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Dysfunction of D-amino acid oxidase (DAO) and DAO activator (DAOA)/G72 genes have been linked to neuropsychiatric disorders. The glutamate hypothesis of schizophrenia has proposed that increased DAO activity leads to decreased D-serine, which subsequently may lead to N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor hypofunction. It has been shown that DAOA binds to DAO and increases its activity. However, there are also studies showing DAOA decreases DAO activity. Thus, the effect of DAOA on DAO is controversial. We aimed to understand the effect of DAOA on DAO activity in neuron-like (SH-SY5Y), astrocyte-like (1321N1) and kidney-like (HEK293) human cell lines. DAO activity was measured based on the release of hydrogen peroxide and its interaction with Amplex Red reagent. We found that DAOA increases DAO activity only in HEK293 cells, but has no effect on DAO activity in SH-SY5Y and 1321N1 cells. This might be because of different signaling pathways, or due to lower DAO and DAOA expression in SH-SY5Y and 1321N1 cells compared to HEK293 cells, but also due to different compartmentalization of the proteins. The lower DAO and DAOA expression in neuron-like SH-SY5Y and astrocyte-like 1321N1 cells might be due to tightly regulated expression, as previously reported in the human post-mortem brain. Our simulation experiments to demonstrate the interaction between DAOA and human DAO (hDAO) showed that hDAO holoenzyme [hDAO with flavine adenine dinucleotide (FAD)] becomes more flexible and misfolded in the presence of DAOA, whereas DAOA had no effect on hDAO apoprotein (hDAO without FAD), which indicate that DAOA inactivates hDAO holoenzyme. Furthermore, patch-clamp analysis demonstrated no effect of DAOA on NMDA receptor activity in NR1/NR2A HEK293 cells. In summary, the interaction between DAO and DAOA seems to be cell type and its biochemical characteristics dependent which still needs to be elucidated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinita Jagannath
- Molecular and Neurobiochemistry Laboratory, Centre for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Research, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital of Psychiatry Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Zacharias Faidon Brotzakis
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule (ETH) Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Faculty of Informatics, Institute of Computational Science, Università della Svizzera Italiana (USI), Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Michele Parrinello
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule (ETH) Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Faculty of Informatics, Institute of Computational Science, Università della Svizzera Italiana (USI), Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Susanne Walitza
- Molecular and Neurobiochemistry Laboratory, Centre for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Research, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital of Psychiatry Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich and ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Zurich Center for Integrative Human Physiology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Edna Grünblatt
- Molecular and Neurobiochemistry Laboratory, Centre for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Research, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital of Psychiatry Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich and ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Zurich Center for Integrative Human Physiology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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13
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Howley E, Bestwick M, Fradley R, Harrison H, Leveridge M, Okada K, Fieldhouse C, Farnaby W, Canning H, Sykes AP, Merchant K, Hazel K, Kerr C, Kinsella N, Walsh L, Livermore DG, Hoffman I, Ellery J, Mitchell P, Patel T, Carlton M, Barnes M, Miller DJ. Assessment of the Target Engagement and D-Serine Biomarker Profiles of the D-Amino Acid Oxidase Inhibitors Sodium Benzoate and PGM030756. Neurochem Res 2017; 42:3279-3288. [PMID: 28780732 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-017-2367-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2017] [Revised: 07/20/2017] [Accepted: 07/24/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Irregular N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) function is one of the main hypotheses employed to facilitate understanding of the underlying disease state of schizophrenia. Although direct agonism of the NMDAR has not yielded promising therapeutics, advances have been made by modulating the NMDAR co-agonist site which is activated by glycine and D-serine. One approach to activate the co-agonist site is to increase synaptic D-serine levels through inhibition of D-amino acid oxidase (DAO), the major catabolic clearance pathway for this and other D-amino acids. A number of DAO inhibitors have been developed but most have not entered clinical trials. One exception to this is sodium benzoate which has demonstrated efficacy in small trials of schizophrenia and Alzheimer's disease. Herein we provide data on the effect of sodium benzoate and an optimised Takeda compound, PGM030756 on ex vivo DAO enzyme occupancy and cerebellar D-serine levels in mice. Both compounds achieve high levels of enzyme occupancy; although lower doses of PGM030756 (1, 3 and 10 mg/kg) were required to achieve this compared to sodium benzoate (300, 1000 mg/kg). Cerebellar D-serine levels were increased by both agents with a delay of approximately 6 h after dosing before the peak effect was achieved. Our data and methods may be useful in understanding the effects of sodium benzoate that have been seen in clinical trials of schizophrenia and Alzheimer's disease and to support the potential clinical assessment of other DAO inhibitors, such as PGM030756, which demonstrate good enzyme occupancy and D-serine increases following administration of low oral doses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eimear Howley
- Takeda Cambridge Ltd, 418 Cambridge Science Park, Milton Road, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, CB4 0PA, UK
| | - Michael Bestwick
- Takeda Cambridge Ltd, 418 Cambridge Science Park, Milton Road, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, CB4 0PA, UK
| | - Rosa Fradley
- Takeda Cambridge Ltd, 418 Cambridge Science Park, Milton Road, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, CB4 0PA, UK.
| | - Helen Harrison
- Takeda Cambridge Ltd, 418 Cambridge Science Park, Milton Road, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, CB4 0PA, UK
| | - Mathew Leveridge
- Takeda Cambridge Ltd, 418 Cambridge Science Park, Milton Road, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, CB4 0PA, UK
| | - Kengo Okada
- Biomolecular Research Laboratories, Shonan Research Center, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Ltd, 26-1, Muraoka-Higashi 2-chome, Fujisawa, Kanagawa, 25108555, Japan
| | - Charlotte Fieldhouse
- Takeda Cambridge Ltd, 418 Cambridge Science Park, Milton Road, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, CB4 0PA, UK
| | - Will Farnaby
- Takeda Cambridge Ltd, 418 Cambridge Science Park, Milton Road, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, CB4 0PA, UK
| | - Hannah Canning
- Takeda Cambridge Ltd, 418 Cambridge Science Park, Milton Road, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, CB4 0PA, UK
| | - Andy P Sykes
- Takeda Cambridge Ltd, 418 Cambridge Science Park, Milton Road, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, CB4 0PA, UK
| | - Kevin Merchant
- Takeda Cambridge Ltd, 418 Cambridge Science Park, Milton Road, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, CB4 0PA, UK
| | - Katherine Hazel
- Takeda Cambridge Ltd, 418 Cambridge Science Park, Milton Road, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, CB4 0PA, UK
| | - Catrina Kerr
- Takeda Cambridge Ltd, 418 Cambridge Science Park, Milton Road, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, CB4 0PA, UK
| | - Natasha Kinsella
- Takeda Cambridge Ltd, 418 Cambridge Science Park, Milton Road, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, CB4 0PA, UK
| | - Louise Walsh
- Takeda Cambridge Ltd, 418 Cambridge Science Park, Milton Road, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, CB4 0PA, UK
| | - David G Livermore
- Takeda Cambridge Ltd, 418 Cambridge Science Park, Milton Road, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, CB4 0PA, UK
| | - Isaac Hoffman
- Takeda California Inc., 10410 Science Center Dr, San Diego, CA, 92121, USA
| | - Jonathan Ellery
- Takeda Cambridge Ltd, 418 Cambridge Science Park, Milton Road, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, CB4 0PA, UK
| | - Phillip Mitchell
- Takeda Cambridge Ltd, 418 Cambridge Science Park, Milton Road, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, CB4 0PA, UK
| | - Toshal Patel
- Takeda Cambridge Ltd, 418 Cambridge Science Park, Milton Road, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, CB4 0PA, UK
| | - Mark Carlton
- Takeda Cambridge Ltd, 418 Cambridge Science Park, Milton Road, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, CB4 0PA, UK
| | - Matt Barnes
- Takeda Cambridge Ltd, 418 Cambridge Science Park, Milton Road, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, CB4 0PA, UK
| | - David J Miller
- Takeda Cambridge Ltd, 418 Cambridge Science Park, Milton Road, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, CB4 0PA, UK
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14
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Chen L, Chu C, Zhang YH, Zhu C, Kong X, Huang T, Cai YD. Analysis of Gene Expression Profiles in the Human Brain Stem, Cerebellum and Cerebral Cortex. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0159395. [PMID: 27434030 PMCID: PMC4951119 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0159395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2016] [Accepted: 07/01/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The human brain is one of the most mysterious tissues in the body. Our knowledge of the human brain is limited due to the complexity of its structure and the microscopic nature of connections between brain regions and other tissues in the body. In this study, we analyzed the gene expression profiles of three brain regions-the brain stem, cerebellum and cerebral cortex-to identify genes that are differentially expressed among these different brain regions in humans and to obtain a list of robust, region-specific, differentially expressed genes by comparing the expression signatures from different individuals. Feature selection methods, specifically minimum redundancy maximum relevance and incremental feature selection, were employed to analyze the gene expression profiles. Sequential minimal optimization, a machine-learning algorithm, was employed to examine the utility of selected genes. We also performed a literature search, and we discuss the experimental evidence for the important physiological functions of several highly ranked genes, including NR2E1, DAO, and LRRC7, and we give our analyses on a gene (TFAP2B) that have not been investigated or experimentally validated. As a whole, the results of our study will improve our ability to predict and understand genes related to brain regionalization and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Chen
- School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China
- College of Information Engineering, Shanghai Maritime University, Shanghai, 201306, China
| | - Chen Chu
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Yu-Hang Zhang
- Institute of Health Sciences, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Changming Zhu
- College of Information Engineering, Shanghai Maritime University, Shanghai, 201306, China
| | - Xiangyin Kong
- Institute of Health Sciences, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Tao Huang
- Institute of Health Sciences, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
- * E-mail: (YDC); (TH)
| | - Yu-Dong Cai
- School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China
- * E-mail: (YDC); (TH)
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15
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Sershen H, Hashim A, Dunlop DS, Suckow RF, Cooper TB, Javitt DC. Modulating NMDA Receptor Function with D-Amino Acid Oxidase Inhibitors: Understanding Functional Activity in PCP-Treated Mouse Model. Neurochem Res 2016; 41:398-408. [PMID: 26857796 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-016-1838-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2016] [Revised: 01/14/2016] [Accepted: 01/17/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Deficits in N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) function are increasingly linked to persistent negative symptoms and cognitive deficits in schizophrenia. Accordingly, clinical studies have been targeting the modulatory site of the NMDA receptor, based on the decreased function of NMDA receptor, to see whether increasing NMDA function can potentially help treat the negative and cognitive deficits seen in the disease. Glycine and D-serine are endogenous ligands to the NMDA modulatory site, but since high doses are needed to affect brain levels, related compounds are being developed, for example glycine transport (GlyT) inhibitors to potentially elevate brain glycine or targeting enzymes, such as D-amino acid oxidase (DAAO) to slow the breakdown and increase the brain level of D-serine. In the present study we further evaluated the effect of DAAO inhibitors 5-chloro-benzo[d]isoxazol-3-ol (CBIO) and sodium benzoate (NaB) in a phencyclidine (PCP) rodent mouse model to see if the inhibitors affect PCP-induced locomotor activity, alter brain D-serine level, and thereby potentially enhance D-serine responses. D-Serine dose-dependently reduced the PCP-induced locomotor activity at doses above 1000 mg/kg. Acute CBIO (30 mg/kg) did not affect PCP-induced locomotor activity, but appeared to reduce locomotor activity when given with D-serine (600 mg/kg); a dose that by itself did not have an effect. However, the effect was also present when the vehicle (Trappsol(®)) was tested with D-serine, suggesting that the reduction in locomotor activity was not related to DAAO inhibition, but possibly reflected enhanced bioavailability of D-serine across the blood brain barrier related to the vehicle. With this acute dose of CBIO, D-serine level in brain and plasma were not increased. Another weaker DAAO inhibitor NaB (400 mg/kg), and NaB plus D-serine also significantly reduced PCP-induced locomotor activity, but without affecting plasma or brain D-serine level, arguing against a DAAO-mediated effect. However, NaB reduced plasma L-serine and based on reports that NaB also elevates various plasma metabolites, for example aminoisobutyric acid (AIB), a potential effect via the System A amino acid carrier may be involved in the regulation of synaptic glycine level to modulate NMDAR function needs to be investigated. Acute ascorbic acid (300 mg/kg) also inhibited PCP-induced locomotor activity, which was further attenuated in the presence of D-serine (600 mg/kg). Ascorbic acid may have an action at the dopamine membrane carrier and/or altering redox mechanisms that modulate NMDARs, but this needs to be further investigated. The findings support an effect of D-serine on PCP-induced hyperactivity. They also offer suggestions on an interaction of NaB via an unknown mechanism, other than DAAO inhibition, perhaps through metabolomic changes, and find unexpected synergy between D-serine and ascorbic acid that supports combined NMDA glycine- and redox-site intervention. Although mechanisms of these specific agents need to be determined, overall it supports continued glutamatergic drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henry Sershen
- Nathan S. Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, 140 Old Orangeburg Rd., Orangeburg, NY, 10962, USA. .,NYU Langone Medical Center, Department of Psychiatry, New York, NY, 10016, USA.
| | - Audrey Hashim
- Nathan S. Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, 140 Old Orangeburg Rd., Orangeburg, NY, 10962, USA
| | - David S Dunlop
- Nathan S. Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, 140 Old Orangeburg Rd., Orangeburg, NY, 10962, USA
| | - Raymond F Suckow
- Nathan S. Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, 140 Old Orangeburg Rd., Orangeburg, NY, 10962, USA.,New York State Psychiatric Institute, 1051 Riverside Dr., New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Tom B Cooper
- Nathan S. Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, 140 Old Orangeburg Rd., Orangeburg, NY, 10962, USA.,New York State Psychiatric Institute, 1051 Riverside Dr., New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Daniel C Javitt
- Nathan S. Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, 140 Old Orangeburg Rd., Orangeburg, NY, 10962, USA. .,Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, 10032, USA.
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16
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Yamamuro K, Kimoto S, Rosen KM, Kishimoto T, Makinodan M. Potential primary roles of glial cells in the mechanisms of psychiatric disorders. Front Cell Neurosci 2015; 9:154. [PMID: 26029044 PMCID: PMC4432872 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2015.00154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2015] [Accepted: 04/06/2015] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
While neurons have long been considered the major player in multiple brain functions such as perception, emotion, and memory, glial cells have been relegated to a far lesser position, acting as merely a “glue” to support neurons. Multiple lines of recent evidence, however, have revealed that glial cells such as oligodendrocytes, astrocytes, and microglia, substantially impact on neuronal function and activities and are significantly involved in the underlying pathobiology of psychiatric disorders. Indeed, a growing body of evidence indicates that glial cells interact extensively with neurons both chemically (e.g., through neurotransmitters, neurotrophic factors, and cytokines) and physically (e.g., through gap junctions), supporting a role for these cells as likely significant modifiers not only of neural function in brain development but also disease pathobiology. Since questions have lingered as to whether glial dysfunction plays a primary role in the biology of neuropsychiatric disorders or a role related solely to their support of neuronal physiology in these diseases, informative and predictive animal models have been developed over the last decade. In this article, we review recent findings uncovered using glia-specific genetically modified mice with which we can evaluate both the causation of glia dysfunction and its potential role in neuropsychiatric disorders such as autism and schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuhiko Yamamuro
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Nara Medical University, Kashihara Japan
| | - Sohei Kimoto
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Nara Medical University, Kashihara Japan
| | | | - Toshifumi Kishimoto
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Nara Medical University, Kashihara Japan
| | - Manabu Makinodan
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Nara Medical University, Kashihara Japan
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17
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Shaffer CL, Patel NC, Schwarz J, Scialis RJ, Wei Y, Hou XJ, Xie L, Karki K, Bryce DK, Osgood SM, Hoffmann WE, Lazzaro JT, Chang C, McGinnis DF, Lotarski SM, Liu J, Obach RS, Weber ML, Chen L, Zasadny KR, Seymour PA, Schmidt CJ, Hajós M, Hurst RS, Pandit J, O'Donnell CJ. The discovery and characterization of the α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) receptor potentiator N-{(3S,4S)-4-[4-(5-cyano-2-thienyl)phenoxy]tetrahydrofuran-3-yl}propane-2-sulfonamide (PF-04958242). J Med Chem 2015; 58:4291-308. [PMID: 25905800 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.5b00300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
A unique tetrahydrofuran ether class of highly potent α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptor potentiators has been identified using rational and structure-based drug design. An acyclic lead compound, containing an ether-linked isopropylsulfonamide and biphenyl group, was pharmacologically augmented by converting it to a conformationally constrained tetrahydrofuran to improve key interactions with the human GluA2 ligand-binding domain. Subsequent replacement of the distal phenyl motif with 2-cyanothiophene to enhance its potency, selectivity, and metabolic stability afforded N-{(3S,4S)-4-[4-(5-cyano-2-thienyl)phenoxy]tetrahydrofuran-3-yl}propane-2-sulfonamide (PF-04958242, 3), whose preclinical characterization suggests an adequate therapeutic index, aided by low projected human oral pharmacokinetic variability, for clinical studies exploring its ability to attenuate cognitive deficits in patients with schizophrenia.
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18
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Abstract
The elevation of kynurenic acid (KYNA) observed in schizophrenic patients may contribute to core symptoms arising from glutamate hypofunction, including cognitive impairments. Although increased KYNA levels reduce excitatory neurotransmission, KYNA has been proposed to act as an endogenous antagonist at the glycine site of the glutamate NMDA receptor (NMDAR) and as a negative allosteric modulator at the α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor. Levels of KYNA are elevated in CSF and the postmortem brain of schizophrenia patients, and these elevated levels of KYNA could contribute to NMDAR hypofunction and the cognitive deficits and negative symptoms associated with this disease. However, the impact of endogenously produced KYNA on brain function and behavior is less well understood due to a paucity of pharmacological tools. To address this issue, we identified PF-04859989, a brain-penetrable inhibitor of kynurenine aminotransferase II (KAT II), the enzyme responsible for most brain KYNA synthesis. In rats, systemic administration of PF-04859989 dose-dependently reduced brain KYNA to as little as 28% of basal levels, and prevented amphetamine- and ketamine-induced disruption of auditory gating and improved performance in a sustained attention task. It also prevented ketamine-induced disruption of performance in a working memory task and a spatial memory task in rodents and nonhuman primates, respectively. Together, these findings support the hypotheses that endogenous KYNA impacts cognitive function and that inhibition of KAT II, and consequent lowering of endogenous brain KYNA levels, improves cognitive performance under conditions considered relevant for schizophrenia.
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19
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Novel human D-amino acid oxidase inhibitors stabilize an active-site lid-open conformation. Biosci Rep 2014; 34:BSR20140071. [PMID: 25001371 PMCID: PMC4127593 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20140071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The NMDAR (N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor) is a central regulator of synaptic plasticity and learning and memory. hDAAO (human D-amino acid oxidase) indirectly reduces NMDAR activity by degrading the NMDAR co-agonist D-serine. Since NMDAR hypofunction is thought to be a foundational defect in schizophrenia, hDAAO inhibitors have potential as treatments for schizophrenia and other nervous system disorders. Here, we sought to identify novel chemicals that inhibit hDAAO activity. We used computational tools to design a focused, purchasable library of compounds. After screening this library for hDAAO inhibition, we identified the structurally novel compound, 'compound 2' [3-(7-hydroxy-2-oxo-4-phenyl-2H-chromen-6-yl)propanoic acid], which displayed low nM hDAAO inhibitory potency (Ki=7 nM). Although the library was expected to enrich for compounds that were competitive for both D-serine and FAD, compound 2 actually was FAD uncompetitive, much like canonical hDAAO inhibitors such as benzoic acid. Compound 2 and an analog were independently co-crystalized with hDAAO. These compounds stabilized a novel conformation of hDAAO in which the active-site lid was in an open position. These results confirm previous hypotheses regarding active-site lid flexibility of mammalian D-amino acid oxidases and could assist in the design of the next generation of hDAAO inhibitors.
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20
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Schweimer JV, Coullon GSL, Betts JF, Burnet PWJ, Engle SJ, Brandon NJ, Harrison PJ, Sharp T. Increased burst-firing of ventral tegmental area dopaminergic neurons in D-amino acid oxidase knockout mice in vivo. Eur J Neurosci 2014; 40:2999-3009. [PMID: 25040393 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.12667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2014] [Revised: 05/19/2014] [Accepted: 06/10/2014] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
d-Amino acid oxidase (DAO) degrades the N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor co-agonist d-serine, and is implicated in schizophrenia as a risk gene and therapeutic target. In schizophrenia, the critical neurochemical abnormality affects dopamine, but to date there is little evidence that DAO impacts on the dopamine system. To address this issue, we measured the electrophysiological properties of dopaminergic (DA) and non-DA neurons in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) of anaesthetised DAO knockout (DAO(-/-) ) and DAO heterozygote (DAO(+/-) ) mice as compared with their wild-type (DAO(+/+) ) littermates. Genotype was confirmed at the protein level by western blotting and immunohistochemistry. One hundred and thirty-nine VTA neurons were recorded in total, and juxtacellular labelling of a subset revealed that neurons immunopositive for tyrosine hydroxylase had DA-like electrophysiological properties that were distinct from those of neurons that were tyrosine hydroxylase-immunonegative. In DAO(-/-) mice, approximately twice as many DA-like neurons fired in a bursting pattern than in DAO(+/-) or DAO(+/+) mice, but other electrophysiological properties did not differ between genotypes. In contrast, non-DA-like neurons had a lower firing rate in DAO(-/-) mice than in DAO(+/-) or DAO(+/+) mice. These data provide the first direct evidence that DAO modulates VTA DA neuron activity, which is of interest for understanding both the glutamatergic regulation of dopamine function and the therapeutic potential of DAO inhibitors. The increased DA neuron burst-firing probably reflects increased availability of d-serine at VTA NMDA receptors, but the site, mechanism and mediation of the effect requires further investigation, and may include both direct and indirect processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judith V Schweimer
- University Department of Pharmacology, Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3QT, UK; University Department of Psychiatry, Warneford Hospital, Oxford, OX3 7JX, UK
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21
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Betts JF, Schweimer JV, Burnham KE, Burnet PWJ, Sharp T, Harrison PJ. D-amino acid oxidase is expressed in the ventral tegmental area and modulates cortical dopamine. Front Synaptic Neurosci 2014; 6:11. [PMID: 24822045 PMCID: PMC4014674 DOI: 10.3389/fnsyn.2014.00011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2014] [Accepted: 04/09/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
D-amino acid oxidase (DAO, DAAO) degrades the NMDA receptor co-agonist D-serine, modulating D-serine levels and thence NMDA receptor function. DAO inhibitors are under development as a therapy for schizophrenia, a disorder involving both NMDA receptor and dopaminergic dysfunction. However, a direct role for DAO in dopamine regulation has not been demonstrated. Here, we address this question in two ways. First, using in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry, we show that DAO mRNA and immunoreactivity are present in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) of the rat, in tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)-positive and -negative neurons, and in glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)-immunoreactive astrocytes. Second, we show that injection into the VTA of sodium benzoate, a DAO inhibitor, increases frontal cortex extracellular dopamine, as measured by in vivo microdialysis and high performance liquid chromatography. Combining sodium benzoate and D-serine did not enhance this effect, and injection of D-serine alone affected dopamine metabolites but not dopamine. These data show that DAO is expressed in the VTA, and suggest that it impacts on the mesocortical dopamine system. The mechanism by which the observed effects occur, and the implications of these findings for schizophrenia therapy, require further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jill F Betts
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford Oxford, UK ; Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford Oxford, UK
| | - Judith V Schweimer
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford Oxford, UK ; Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford Oxford, UK
| | - Katherine E Burnham
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford Oxford, UK ; Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford Oxford, UK
| | | | - Trevor Sharp
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford Oxford, UK
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22
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Benzoate, a D-amino acid oxidase inhibitor, for the treatment of early-phase Alzheimer disease: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Biol Psychiatry 2014; 75:678-85. [PMID: 24074637 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2013.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2013] [Revised: 07/25/2013] [Accepted: 08/05/2013] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR)-mediated neurotransmission is vital for learning and memory. Hypofunction of NMDAR has been reported to play a role in the pathophysiology of Alzheimer disease (AD), particularly in the early phase. Enhancing NMDAR activation might be a novel treatment approach. One of the methods to enhance NMDAR activity is to raise the levels of NMDA coagonists by blocking their metabolism. This study examined the efficacy and safety of sodium benzoate, a D-amino acid oxidase inhibitor, for the treatment of amnestic mild cognitive impairment and mild AD. METHODS We conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in four major medical centers in Taiwan. Sixty patients with amnestic mild cognitive impairment or mild AD were treated with 250-750 mg/day of sodium benzoate or placebo for 24 weeks. Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale-cognitive subscale (the primary outcome) and global function (assessed by Clinician Interview Based Impression of Change plus Caregiver Input) were measured every 8 weeks. Additional cognition composite was measured at baseline and endpoint. RESULTS Sodium benzoate produced a better improvement than placebo in Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale-cognitive subscale (p = .0021, .0116, and .0031 at week 16, week 24, and endpoint, respectively), additional cognition composite (p = .007 at endpoint) and Clinician Interview Based Impression of Change plus Caregiver Input (p = .015, .016, and .012 at week 16, week 24, and endpoint, respectively). Sodium benzoate was well-tolerated without evident side-effects. CONCLUSIONS Sodium benzoate substantially improved cognitive and overall functions in patients with early-phase AD. The preliminary results show promise for D-amino acid oxidase inhibition as a novel approach for early dementing processes.
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23
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Hopkins SC, Campbell UC, Heffernan MLR, Spear KL, Jeggo RD, Spanswick DC, Varney MA, Large TH. Effects of D-amino acid oxidase inhibition on memory performance and long-term potentiation in vivo. Pharmacol Res Perspect 2013; 1:e00007. [PMID: 25505561 PMCID: PMC4184572 DOI: 10.1002/prp2.7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2013] [Accepted: 08/16/2013] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) activation can initiate changes in synaptic strength, evident as long-term potentiation (LTP), and is a key molecular correlate of memory formation. Inhibition of d-amino acid oxidase (DAAO) may increase NMDAR activity by regulating d-serine concentrations, but which neuronal and behavioral effects are influenced by DAAO inhibition remain elusive. In anesthetized rats, extracellular field excitatory postsynaptic potentials (fEPSPs) were recorded before and after a theta frequency burst stimulation (TBS) of the Schaffer collateral pathway of the CA1 region in the hippocampus. Memory performance was assessed after training with tests of contextual fear conditioning (FC, mice) and novel object recognition (NOR, rats). Oral administration of 3, 10, and 30 mg/kg 4H-furo[3,2-b]pyrrole-5-carboxylic acid (SUN) produced dose-related and steady increases of cerebellum d-serine in rats and mice, indicative of lasting inhibition of central DAAO. SUN administered 2 h prior to training improved contextual fear conditioning in mice and novel object recognition memory in rats when tested 24 h after training. In anesthetized rats, LTP was established proportional to the number of TBS trains. d-cycloserine (DCS) was used to identify a submaximal level of LTP (5× TBS) that responded to NMDA receptor activation; SUN administered at 10 mg/kg 3-4 h prior to testing similarly increased in vivo LTP levels compared to vehicle control animals. Interestingly, in vivo administration of DCS also increased brain d-serine concentrations. These results indicate that DAAO inhibition increased NMDAR-related synaptic plasticity during phases of post training memory consolidation to improve memory performance in hippocampal-dependent behavioral tests.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Kerry L Spear
- Sunovion Pharmaceuticals IncMarlborough, Massachusetts
| | | | - David C Spanswick
- Neurosolutions Ltd.Coventry, U.K
- Department of Physiology, Monash UniversityClayton, Victoria, Australia
- Warwick Medical School, University of WarwickCoventry, U.K
| | - Mark A Varney
- Sunovion Pharmaceuticals IncMarlborough, Massachusetts
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24
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Hopkins SC, Heffernan MLR, Saraswat LD, Bowen CA, Melnick L, Hardy LW, Orsini MA, Allen MS, Koch P, Spear KL, Foglesong RJ, Soukri M, Chytil M, Fang QK, Jones SW, Varney MA, Panatier A, Oliet SHR, Pollegioni L, Piubelli L, Molla G, Nardini M, Large TH. Structural, Kinetic, and Pharmacodynamic Mechanisms of d-Amino Acid Oxidase Inhibition by Small Molecules. J Med Chem 2013; 56:3710-24. [DOI: 10.1021/jm4002583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Seth C. Hopkins
- Sunovion Pharmaceuticals Inc., Marlborough, Massachusetts 01752, United States
| | | | - Lakshmi D. Saraswat
- Sunovion Pharmaceuticals Inc., Marlborough, Massachusetts 01752, United States
| | - Carrie A. Bowen
- Sunovion Pharmaceuticals Inc., Marlborough, Massachusetts 01752, United States
| | - Laurence Melnick
- Sunovion Pharmaceuticals Inc., Marlborough, Massachusetts 01752, United States
| | - Larry W. Hardy
- Sunovion Pharmaceuticals Inc., Marlborough, Massachusetts 01752, United States
| | - Michael A. Orsini
- Sunovion Pharmaceuticals Inc., Marlborough, Massachusetts 01752, United States
| | | | - Patrick Koch
- Sunovion Pharmaceuticals Inc., Marlborough, Massachusetts 01752, United States
| | - Kerry L. Spear
- Sunovion Pharmaceuticals Inc., Marlborough, Massachusetts 01752, United States
| | | | | | - Milan Chytil
- Sunovion Pharmaceuticals Inc., Marlborough, Massachusetts 01752, United States
| | - Q. Kevin Fang
- Sunovion Pharmaceuticals Inc., Marlborough, Massachusetts 01752, United States
| | - Steven W. Jones
- Sunovion Pharmaceuticals Inc., Marlborough, Massachusetts 01752, United States
| | - Mark A. Varney
- Sunovion Pharmaceuticals Inc., Marlborough, Massachusetts 01752, United States
| | - Aude Panatier
- Neurocentre Magendie, Inserm U862 and Université de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, F-33077, France
| | - Stephane H. R. Oliet
- Neurocentre Magendie, Inserm U862 and Université de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, F-33077, France
| | - Loredano Pollegioni
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie
e Scienze della Vita, Università degli Studi dell’Insubria, Via J. H. Dunant 3, 21100 Varese, Italy
- The Protein Factory, Politecnico di Milano, ICRM-CNR and Università degli Studi dell’Insubria, Via Mancinelli 7,
20131 Milano, Italy
| | - Luciano Piubelli
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie
e Scienze della Vita, Università degli Studi dell’Insubria, Via J. H. Dunant 3, 21100 Varese, Italy
- The Protein Factory, Politecnico di Milano, ICRM-CNR and Università degli Studi dell’Insubria, Via Mancinelli 7,
20131 Milano, Italy
| | - Gianluca Molla
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie
e Scienze della Vita, Università degli Studi dell’Insubria, Via J. H. Dunant 3, 21100 Varese, Italy
- The Protein Factory, Politecnico di Milano, ICRM-CNR and Università degli Studi dell’Insubria, Via Mancinelli 7,
20131 Milano, Italy
| | - Marco Nardini
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, I-20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Thomas H. Large
- Sunovion Pharmaceuticals Inc., Marlborough, Massachusetts 01752, United States
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Hondo T, Warizaya M, Niimi T, Namatame I, Yamaguchi T, Nakanishi K, Hamajima T, Harada K, Sakashita H, Matsumoto Y, Orita M, Takeuchi M. 4-Hydroxypyridazin-3(2H)-one derivatives as novel D-amino acid oxidase inhibitors. J Med Chem 2013; 56:3582-92. [PMID: 23566269 DOI: 10.1021/jm400095b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
D-Amino acid oxidase (DAAO) catalyzes the oxidation of d-amino acids including d-serine, a coagonist of the N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor. We identified a series of 4-hydroxypyridazin-3(2H)-one derivatives as novel DAAO inhibitors with high potency and substantial cell permeability using fragment-based drug design. Comparisons of complex structures deposited in the Protein Data Bank as well as those determined with in-house fragment hits revealed that a hydrophobic subpocket was formed perpendicular to the flavin ring by flipping Tyr224 in a ligand-dependent manner. We investigated the ability of the initial fragment hit, 3-hydroxy-pyridine-2(1H)-one, to fill this subpocket with the aid of complex structure information. 3-Hydroxy-5-(2-phenylethyl)pyridine-2(1H)-one exhibited the predicted binding mode and demonstrated high inhibitory activity for human DAAO in enzyme- and cell-based assays. We further designed and synthesized 4-hydroxypyridazin-3(2H)-one derivatives, which are equivalent to the 3-hydroxy-pyridine-2(1H)-one series but lack cell toxicity. 6-[2-(3,5-Difluorophenyl)ethyl]-4-hydroxypyridazin-3(2H)-one was found to be effective against MK-801-induced cognitive deficit in the Y-maze.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takeshi Hondo
- Drug Discovery Research, Astellas Pharma Inc., 21 Miyukigaoka, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8585, Japan.
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26
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Hopkins SC, Zhao FY, Bowen CA, Fang X, Wei H, Heffernan MLR, Spear KL, Spanswick DC, Varney MA, Large TH. Pharmacodynamic Effects of a d-Amino Acid Oxidase Inhibitor Indicate a Spinal Site of Action in Rat Models of Neuropathic Pain. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2013; 345:502-11. [DOI: 10.1124/jpet.113.204016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
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27
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Huang YJ, Lin CH, Lane HY, Tsai GE. NMDA Neurotransmission Dysfunction in Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Alzheimer's Disease. Curr Neuropharmacol 2013; 10:272-85. [PMID: 23450042 PMCID: PMC3468881 DOI: 10.2174/157015912803217288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2012] [Revised: 06/04/2012] [Accepted: 07/09/2012] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Dementia has become an all-important disease because the population is aging rapidly and the cost of health care associated with dementia is ever increasing. In addition to cognitive function impairment, associated behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) worsen patient’s quality of life and increase caregiver’s burden. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia and both behavioral disturbance and cognitive impairment of Alzheimer’s disease are thought to be associated with the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) dysfunction as increasing evidence of dysfunctional glutamatergic neurotransmission had been reported in behavioral changes and cognitive decline in Alzheimer’s disease. We review the literature regarding dementia (especially Alzheimer’s disease), BPSD and relevant findings on glutamatergic and NMDA neurotransmission, including the effects of memantine, a NMDA receptor antagonist, and NMDA-enhancing agents, such as D-serine and D-cycloserine. Literatures suggest that behavioral disturbance and cognitive impairment of Alzheimer’s disease may be associated with excitatory neurotoxic effects which result in impairment of neuronal plasticity and degenerative processes. Memantine shows benefits in improving cognition, function, agitation/aggression and delusion in Alzheimer’s disease. On the other hand, some NMDA modulators which enhance NMDA function through the co-agonist binding site can also improve cognitive function and psychotic symptoms. We propose that modulating NMDA neurotransmission is effective in treating behavioral and psychological symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. Prospective study using NMDA enhancers in patients with Alzheimer’s disease and associated behavioral disturbance is needed to verify this hypothesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Jhen Huang
- Institute of Clinical Medical Science, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan ; Department of Psychiatry, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
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28
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Nunes EA, MacKenzie EM, Rossolatos D, Perez-Parada J, Baker GB, Dursun SM. D-serine and schizophrenia: an update. Expert Rev Neurother 2012; 12:801-12. [PMID: 22853788 DOI: 10.1586/ern.12.65] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Considering the lengthy history of pharmacological treatment of schizophrenia, the development of novel antipsychotic agents targeting the glutamatergic system is relatively new. A glutamatergic deficit has been proposed to underlie many of the symptoms typically observed in schizophrenia, particularly the negative and cognitive symptoms (which are less likely to respond to current treatments). D-serine is an important coagonist of the glutamate NMDA receptor, and accumulating evidence suggests that D-serine levels and/or activity may be dysfunctional in schizophrenia and that facilitation of D-serine transmission could provide a significant therapeutic breakthrough, especially where conventional treatments have fallen short. A summary of the relevant animal data, as well as genetic studies and clinical trials examining D-serine as an adjunct to standard antipsychotic therapy, is provided in this article. Together, the evidence suggests that research on the next generation of antipsychotic agents should include studies on increasing brain levels of D-serine or mimicking its action on the NMDA receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emerson A Nunes
- Neurochemical Research Unit, Department of Psychiatry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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29
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Yamanaka M, Miyoshi Y, Ohide H, Hamase K, Konno R. d-Amino acids in the brain and mutant rodents lacking d-amino-acid oxidase activity. Amino Acids 2012; 43:1811-21. [DOI: 10.1007/s00726-012-1384-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2012] [Accepted: 07/30/2012] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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30
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Collingridge GL, Volianskis A, Bannister N, France G, Hanna L, Mercier M, Tidball P, Fang G, Irvine MW, Costa BM, Monaghan DT, Bortolotto ZA, Molnár E, Lodge D, Jane DE. The NMDA receptor as a target for cognitive enhancement. Neuropharmacology 2012; 64:13-26. [PMID: 22796429 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2012.06.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 175] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2012] [Revised: 06/22/2012] [Accepted: 06/24/2012] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
NMDA receptors (NMDARs) play an important role in neural plasticity including long-term potentiation and long-term depression, which are likely to explain their importance for learning and memory. Cognitive decline is a major problem facing an ageing human population, so much so that its reversal has become an important goal for scientific research and pharmaceutical development. Enhancement of NMDAR function is a core strategy toward this goal. In this review we indicate some of the major ways of potentiating NMDAR function by both direct and indirect modulation. There is good evidence that both positive and negative modulation can enhance function suggesting that a subtle approach correcting imbalances in particular clinical situations will be required. Excessive activation and the resultant deleterious effects will need to be carefully avoided. Finally we describe some novel positive allosteric modulators of NMDARs, with some subunit selectivity, and show initial evidence of their ability to affect NMDAR mediated events. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled 'Cognitive Enhancers'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Graham L Collingridge
- MRC Centre for Synaptic Plasticity, School of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Bristol, Bristol BS1 3NY, UK.
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The past 20 years have seen the glutamatergic hypothesis go from theory to phase III trials of novel mechanism antipsychotics. RECENT FINDINGS We review the recent literature on glutamatergic theory, covering assessment and genetic studies, as well as drug development in animals and humans. SUMMARY Although evidence continues to accumulate in support of glutamate hypotheses, further research continues to be required and interactions with other key systems need to be explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua Kantrowitz
- Schizophrenia Research Institute, Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, New York, USA.
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32
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Monaghan DT, Irvine MW, Costa BM, Fang G, Jane DE. Pharmacological modulation of NMDA receptor activity and the advent of negative and positive allosteric modulators. Neurochem Int 2012; 61:581-92. [PMID: 22269804 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2012.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2011] [Revised: 12/31/2011] [Accepted: 01/02/2012] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The NMDA receptor (NMDAR) family of l-glutamate receptors are well known to have diverse roles in CNS function as well as in various neuropathological and psychiatric conditions. Until recently, the types of agents available to pharmacologically regulate NMDAR function have been quite limited in terms of mechanism of action and subtype selectivity. This has changed significantly in the past two years. The purpose of this review is to summarize the many drug classes now available for modulating NMDAR activity. Previously, this included competitive antagonists at the l-glutamate and glycine binding sites, high and low affinity channel blockers, and GluN2B-selective N-terminal domain binding site antagonists. More recently, we and others have identified new classes of NMDAR agents that are either positive or negative allosteric modulators (PAMs and NAMs, respectively). These compounds include the pan potentiator UBP646, the GluN2A-selective potentiator/GluN2C and GluN2D inhibitor UBP512, the GluN2D-selective potentiator UBP551, the GluN2C/GluN2D-selective potentiator CIQ as well as the new NMDAR-NAMs such as the pan-inhibitor UBP618, the GluN2C/GluN2D-selective inhibitor QZN46 and the GluN2A inhibitors UBP608 and TCN201. These new agents do not bind within the l-glutamate or glycine binding sites, the ion channel pore or the N-terminal regulatory domain. Collectively, these new allosteric modulators appear to be acting at multiple novel sites on the NMDAR complex. Importantly, these agents display improved subtype-selectivity and as NMDAR PAMs and NAMs, they represent a new generation of potential NMDAR therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel T Monaghan
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA.
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