1
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Montenegro-Burke JR, Kok BP, Guijas C, Domingo-Almenara X, Moon C, Galmozzi A, Kitamura S, Eckmann L, Saez E, Siuzdak GE, Wolan DW. Metabolomics activity screening of T cell-induced colitis reveals anti-inflammatory metabolites. Sci Signal 2021; 14:eabf6584. [PMID: 34582249 DOI: 10.1126/scisignal.abf6584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
[Figure: see text].
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Affiliation(s)
- J Rafael Montenegro-Burke
- Scripps Center for Metabolomics and Mass Spectrometry, Scripps Research Institute; La Jolla, California 92037, USA
| | - Bernard P Kok
- Scripps Center for Metabolomics and Mass Spectrometry, Scripps Research Institute; La Jolla, California 92037, USA
| | - Carlos Guijas
- Scripps Center for Metabolomics and Mass Spectrometry, Scripps Research Institute; La Jolla, California 92037, USA
| | - Xavier Domingo-Almenara
- Scripps Center for Metabolomics and Mass Spectrometry, Scripps Research Institute; La Jolla, California 92037, USA
| | - Clara Moon
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Andrea Galmozzi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Seiya Kitamura
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Lars Eckmann
- Department of Medicine, University of California, La Jolla CA 92093, USA
| | - Enrique Saez
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Gary E Siuzdak
- Scripps Center for Metabolomics and Mass Spectrometry, Scripps Research Institute; La Jolla, California 92037, USA.,Department of Structural and Computational Biology, Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Dennis W Wolan
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA.,Department of Structural and Computational Biology, Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
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2
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Identifying selective agonists targeting LXRβ from terpene compounds of alismatis rhizoma. J Mol Model 2021; 27:91. [PMID: 33616795 DOI: 10.1007/s00894-021-04699-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2020] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Hyperlipidemia is thought of as an important contributor to coronary disease, diabetes, and fatty liver. Liver X receptor β (LXRβ) was considered as a validated target for hyperlipidemia therapy due to its role in regulating cholesterol homeostasis and immunity. However, many current drugs applied in clinics are not selectively targeting LXRβ, and they can also activate LXRα which activates SREBP-1c that worked as an activator of lipogenic genes. Therefore, exploiting agonists selectively targeting LXRβ is urgent. Here, computational tools were used to screen potential agonists selectively targeting LXRβ from 112 terpenes of alismatis rhizoma. Firstly, a structural analysis between selective and nonselective agonists was used to explore key residues of selective binding with LXRβ. Our data indicated that Phe271, Ser278, Met312, His435, and Trp457 were important to compounds binding with LXRβ, suggesting that engaging ligand interaction with these residues may provide directions for the development of ligands with improved selective profiles. Then, ADMET analysis, molecular docking, MD simulations, and calculation of binding free energy and its decomposition were executed to screen the agonists whose bioactivity was favorable from 112 terpenes of alismatis rhizoma. We found that two triterpenes 16-hydroxy-alisol B 23-acetate and alisol M 23-acetate showed favorable ADMET properties and high binding affinity against LXRβ. These compounds could be considered as promising selective agonists targeting LXRβ. Our work provides an alternative strategy for screening agonists selectively targeting LXRβ from alismatis rhizoma for hyperlipidemia disease treatment.
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3
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Analysis of Low Molecular Weight Substances and Related Processes Influencing Cellular Cholesterol Efflux. Pharmaceut Med 2020; 33:465-498. [PMID: 31933239 PMCID: PMC7101889 DOI: 10.1007/s40290-019-00308-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Cholesterol efflux is the key process protecting the vascular system from the development of atherosclerotic lesions. Various extracellular and intracellular events affect the ability of the cell to efflux excess cholesterol. To explore the possible pathways and processes that promote or inhibit cholesterol efflux, we applied a combined cheminformatic and bioinformatic approach. We performed a comprehensive analysis of published data on the various substances influencing cholesterol efflux and found 153 low molecular weight substances that are included in the Chemical Entities of Biological Interest (ChEBI) database. Pathway enrichment was performed for substances identified within the Reactome database, and 45 substances were selected in 93 significant pathways. The most common pathways included the energy-dependent processes related to active cholesterol transport from the cell, lipoprotein metabolism and lipid transport, and signaling pathways. The activators and inhibitors of cholesterol efflux were non-uniformly distributed among the different pathways: the substances influencing ‘biological oxidations’ activate cholesterol efflux and the substances influencing ‘Signaling by GPCR and PTK6’ inhibit efflux. This analysis may be used in the search and design of efflux effectors for therapies targeting structural and functional high-density lipoprotein deficiency.
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4
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Mykhaylychenko SS, Pikun NV, Rusanov EB, Rozhenko AB, Shermolovich YG. Synthesis of 2-polyfluoroalkyl-2,3-dihydro-1,3,4-thiadiazoles via regioselective [3+2] cycloaddition of nitrile imines to polyfluoroalkanethioamides. Chem Heterocycl Compd (N Y) 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/s10593-018-2199-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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5
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Nomura S, Endo-Umeda K, Fujii S, Makishima M, Hashimoto Y, Ishikawa M. Structural development of tetrachlorophthalimides as liver X receptor β (LXRβ)-selective agonists with improved aqueous solubility. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2017; 28:796-801. [PMID: 29398545 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2017.12.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2017] [Revised: 12/08/2017] [Accepted: 12/11/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
LXRβ-selective agonists are promising candidates to improve atherosclerosis without increasing plasma or hepatic TG levels. We have reported a series of tetrachlorophthalimide analogs as an LXRβ-selective agonist. However, they exhibited poor aqueous solubility probably due to its high hydrophobicity and highly rigid and plane structure. In this report, we present further structural development of tetrachloro(styrylphenyl)phthalimides as the LXRβ-selective agonists with improved aqueous solubility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sayaka Nomura
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences, The University of Tokyo, 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0032, Japan
| | - Kaori Endo-Umeda
- Nihon University School of Medicine, 30-1 Oyaguchi-kamicho, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo 173-8610, Japan
| | - Shinya Fujii
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences, The University of Tokyo, 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0032, Japan
| | - Makoto Makishima
- Nihon University School of Medicine, 30-1 Oyaguchi-kamicho, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo 173-8610, Japan
| | - Yuichi Hashimoto
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences, The University of Tokyo, 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0032, Japan
| | - Minoru Ishikawa
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences, The University of Tokyo, 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0032, Japan.
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6
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Heitel P, Achenbach J, Moser D, Proschak E, Merk D. DrugBank screening revealed alitretinoin and bexarotene as liver X receptor modulators. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2017; 27:1193-1198. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2017.01.066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2016] [Revised: 01/20/2017] [Accepted: 01/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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7
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Nomura S, Endo-Umeda K, Makishima M, Hashimoto Y, Ishikawa M. Development of Tetrachlorophthalimides as Liver X Receptor β (LXRβ)-Selective Agonists. ChemMedChem 2016; 11:2347-2360. [PMID: 27690261 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.201600305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2016] [Revised: 08/23/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Liver X receptor (LXR) agonists are candidates for the treatment of atherosclerosis via induction of ABCA1 (ATP-binding cassette A1) gene expression, which contributes to reverse cholesterol transport (RCT) and to cholesterol efflux from the liver and intestine. However, LXR agonists also induce genes involved in lipogenesis, such as SREBP-1c (sterol regulatory binding element protein 1c) and FAS (fatty acid synthase), thereby causing an undesirable increase in plasma and hepatic triglyceride (TG) levels. Recent studies indicate that LXRα contributes to lipogenesis in liver, and selective LXRβ activation improves RCT in mice. Therefore, LXRβ-selective agonists are promising candidates to improve atherosclerosis without increasing plasma or hepatic TG levels. However, the ligand-binding domains in the two LXR isoforms α/β share high sequence identity, and few LXR ligands show subtype selectivity. In this study we identified a tetrachlorophthalimide analogue as an LXRβ-selective agonist. Structural development led to (E)-4,5,6,7-tetrachloro-2-(2-styrylphenyl)isoindoline-1,3-dione (24 a), which shows potent and selective LXRβ agonistic activity in reporter gene assays. In binding assays, compound 24 a bound to LXRβ preferentially over LXRα. It also induced the expression of ABCA1 mRNA but not SREBP-1c mRNA in cells. Compound 24 a appears to be a promising lead compound for therapeutic agents to treat atherosclerosis without the side effects induced by LXRα/β dual agonists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sayaka Nomura
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences, The University of Tokyo, 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-0032, Japan
| | - Kaori Endo-Umeda
- Nihon University School of Medicine, 30-1 Oyaguchi-kamicho, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo, 173-8610, Japan
| | - Makoto Makishima
- Nihon University School of Medicine, 30-1 Oyaguchi-kamicho, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo, 173-8610, Japan
| | - Yuichi Hashimoto
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences, The University of Tokyo, 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-0032, Japan
| | - Minoru Ishikawa
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences, The University of Tokyo, 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-0032, Japan.
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8
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Lee SD, Tontonoz P. Liver X receptors at the intersection of lipid metabolism and atherogenesis. Atherosclerosis 2015; 242:29-36. [PMID: 26164157 PMCID: PMC4546914 DOI: 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2015.06.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2015] [Revised: 06/19/2015] [Accepted: 06/22/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Stephen D Lee
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Peter Tontonoz
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
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9
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Nomura S, Endo-Umeda K, Aoyama A, Makishima M, Hashimoto Y, Ishikawa M. Styrylphenylphthalimides as Novel Transrepression-Selective Liver X Receptor (LXR) Modulators. ACS Med Chem Lett 2015; 6:902-7. [PMID: 26288691 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.5b00170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2015] [Accepted: 07/13/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Anti-inflammatory effects of liver X receptor (LXR) ligands are thought to be largely due to LXR-mediated transrepression, whereas side effects are caused by activation of LXR-responsive gene expression (transactivation). Therefore, selective LXR modulators that preferentially exhibit transrepression activity should exhibit anti-inflammatory properties with fewer side effects. Here, we synthesized a series of styrylphenylphthalimide analogues and evaluated their structure-activity relationships focusing on LXRs-transactivating-agonistic/antagonistic activities and transrepressional activity. Among the compounds examined, 17l showed potent LXR-transrepressional activity with high selectivity over transactivating activity and did not show characteristic side effects of LXR-transactivating agonists in cells. This representative compound, 17l, was confirmed to have LXR-dependent transrepressional activity and to bind directly to LXRβ. Compound 17l should be useful not only as a chemical tool for studying the biological functions of LXRs transrepression but also as a candidate for a safer agent to treat inflammatory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sayaka Nomura
- Institute
of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences, The University of Tokyo, 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0032, Japan
| | - Kaori Endo-Umeda
- Nihon University School of Medicine, 30-1 Oyaguchi-kamicho, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo 173-8610, Japan
| | - Atsushi Aoyama
- Institute
of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences, The University of Tokyo, 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0032, Japan
| | - Makoto Makishima
- Nihon University School of Medicine, 30-1 Oyaguchi-kamicho, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo 173-8610, Japan
| | - Yuichi Hashimoto
- Institute
of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences, The University of Tokyo, 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0032, Japan
| | - Minoru Ishikawa
- Institute
of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences, The University of Tokyo, 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0032, Japan
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10
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Li Y, Wang L, Liu Z, Li C, Xu J, Gu Q, Xu J. Predicting selective liver X receptor β agonists using multiple machine learning methods. MOLECULAR BIOSYSTEMS 2015; 11:1241-50. [DOI: 10.1039/c4mb00718b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The classification models for predicting selective LXRβ agonists were firstly established using multiple machine learning methods. The top models can predict selective LXRβ agonists with chemical structure diversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yali Li
- Research Center for Drug Discovery & Institute of Human Virology
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Sun Yat-Sen University
- Guangzhou 510006
- China
| | - Ling Wang
- School of Bioscience and Bioengineering
- South China University of Technology
- Guangzhou 510006
- China
| | - Zhihong Liu
- Research Center for Drug Discovery & Institute of Human Virology
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Sun Yat-Sen University
- Guangzhou 510006
- China
| | - Chanjuan Li
- Research Center for Drug Discovery & Institute of Human Virology
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Sun Yat-Sen University
- Guangzhou 510006
- China
| | - Jiake Xu
- Centre for Orthopaedic Research
- School of Surgery
- The University of Western Australia
- Perth
- Australia
| | - Qiong Gu
- Research Center for Drug Discovery & Institute of Human Virology
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Sun Yat-Sen University
- Guangzhou 510006
- China
| | - Jun Xu
- Research Center for Drug Discovery & Institute of Human Virology
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Sun Yat-Sen University
- Guangzhou 510006
- China
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11
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Liver X receptor (LXR) partial agonists: biaryl pyrazoles and imidazoles displaying a preference for LXRβ. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2014; 25:372-7. [PMID: 25435151 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2014.11.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2014] [Revised: 11/05/2014] [Accepted: 11/07/2014] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
A series of biaryl pyrazole and imidazole Liver X Receptor (LXR) partial agonists has been synthesized displaying LXRβ selectivity. The LXRβ selective partial agonist 18 was identified with potent induction of ATP binding transporters ABCA1 and ABCG1 in human whole blood (EC50=1.2μM, 55% efficacy). In mice 18 displayed peripheral induction of ABCA1 at 3 and 10mpk doses with no significant elevation of plasma or hepatic triglycerides at these doses, showing an improved profile compared to a full pan-agonist.
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12
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28-Homobrassinolide: a novel oxysterol transactivating LXR gene expression. Mol Biol Rep 2014; 41:7447-61. [PMID: 25091941 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-014-3632-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2014] [Accepted: 07/21/2014] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Cholesterol is the template for steroid hormone biosynthesis. Cholesterol homeostasis is regulated by Cyt-P450 oxygenated cholesterols acting as ligands on LXR-α and LXR-β transcription factors that are now emerging as drug targets. Heterodimerization of LXRs with retinoic acid receptor is considered a prerequisite for target gene activation. Dietary plant oxysterol 28-homobrassinolide (28-HB) is a proven antihyperglycemic and a pro-steroidogenic agent in the rat. Whether 28-HB has a role in LXR gene expression was therefore investigated using oral gavage (15 days) of 28-HB (333 µg/kg b w) to normal and diabetic rat. PCR amplified LXR-α and β mRNA transcripts from treated rat liver and testis exhibited quantitative differences in their expression. Conformational differences in 28-HB docking to LXR-α and β binding domains were also noted through in silico studies, LXR-β adopting lesser specificity. We report that 28-HB transactivates LXR genes in the rat tissues.
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13
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Tice CM, Noto PB, Fan KY, Zhuang L, Lala DS, Singh SB. The Medicinal Chemistry of Liver X Receptor (LXR) Modulators. J Med Chem 2014; 57:7182-205. [PMID: 24832115 DOI: 10.1021/jm500442z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Colin M. Tice
- Vitae Pharmaceuticals Inc., 502 West Office Center Drive, Fort Washington, Pennsylvania 19034, United States
| | - Paul B. Noto
- Vitae Pharmaceuticals Inc., 502 West Office Center Drive, Fort Washington, Pennsylvania 19034, United States
| | - Kristi Yi Fan
- Vitae Pharmaceuticals Inc., 502 West Office Center Drive, Fort Washington, Pennsylvania 19034, United States
| | - Linghang Zhuang
- Vitae Pharmaceuticals Inc., 502 West Office Center Drive, Fort Washington, Pennsylvania 19034, United States
| | - Deepak S. Lala
- Vitae Pharmaceuticals Inc., 502 West Office Center Drive, Fort Washington, Pennsylvania 19034, United States
| | - Suresh B. Singh
- Vitae Pharmaceuticals Inc., 502 West Office Center Drive, Fort Washington, Pennsylvania 19034, United States
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14
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Temml V, Voss CV, Dirsch VM, Schuster D. Discovery of new liver X receptor agonists by pharmacophore modeling and shape-based virtual screening. J Chem Inf Model 2014; 54:367-71. [PMID: 24502802 PMCID: PMC3934620 DOI: 10.1021/ci400682b] [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: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
![]()
Agonists
of liver X receptors (LXR) α and β are important
regulators of cholesterol metabolism, but agonism of the LXRα
subtype appears to cause hepatic lipogenesis, suggesting LXRβ-selective
activators are attractive new lipid lowering drugs. In this work,
pharmacophore modeling and shape-based virtual screening were combined
to predict new LXRβ-selective ligands. Out of the 10 predicted
compounds, three displayed significant LXR activity. Two activated
both LXR subtypes. The third compound activated LXRβ 1.8-fold
over LXRα.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronika Temml
- Institute of Pharmacy/Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck, University of Innsbruck , Innrain 80-82, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
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15
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Yang C, Li Q, Li Y. Targeting nuclear receptors with marine natural products. Mar Drugs 2014; 12:601-35. [PMID: 24473166 PMCID: PMC3944506 DOI: 10.3390/md12020601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2013] [Revised: 12/20/2013] [Accepted: 01/07/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Nuclear receptors (NRs) are important pharmaceutical targets because they are key regulators of many metabolic and inflammatory diseases, including diabetes, dyslipidemia, cirrhosis, and fibrosis. As ligands play a pivotal role in modulating nuclear receptor activity, the discovery of novel ligands for nuclear receptors represents an interesting and promising therapeutic approach. The search for novel NR agonists and antagonists with enhanced selectivities prompted the exploration of the extraordinary chemical diversity associated with natural products. Recent studies involving nuclear receptors have disclosed a number of natural products as nuclear receptor ligands, serving to re-emphasize the translational possibilities of natural products in drug discovery. In this review, the natural ligands of nuclear receptors will be described with an emphasis on their mechanisms of action and their therapeutic potentials, as well as on strategies to determine potential marine natural products as nuclear receptor modulators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunyan Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Innovation Center of Cell Biology Research, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China.
| | - Qianrong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Innovation Center of Cell Biology Research, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China.
| | - Yong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Innovation Center of Cell Biology Research, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China.
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16
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Gabbi C, Warner M, Gustafsson JÅ. Action mechanisms of Liver X Receptors. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2013; 446:647-50. [PMID: 24300092 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2013.11.077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2013] [Accepted: 11/19/2013] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The two Liver X Receptors, LXRα and LXRβ, are nuclear receptors belonging to the superfamily of ligand-activated transcription factors. They share more than 78% homology in amino acid sequence, a common profile of oxysterol ligands and the same heterodimerization partner, Retinoid X Receptor. LXRs play crucial roles in several metabolic pathways: lipid metabolism, in particular in preventing cellular cholesterol accumulation; glucose homeostasis; inflammation; central nervous system functions and water transport. As with all nuclear receptors, the transcriptional activity of LXR is the result of an orchestration of numerous cellular factors including ligand bioavailability, presence of corepressors and coactivators and cellular context i.e., what other pathways are activated in the cell at the time the receptor recognizes its ligand. In this mini-review we summarize the factors regulating the transcriptional activity and the mechanisms of action of these two receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Gabbi
- Center for Nuclear Receptors and Cell Signaling, University of Houston, 3056 Cullen Blv, 77204 Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Margaret Warner
- Center for Nuclear Receptors and Cell Signaling, University of Houston, 3056 Cullen Blv, 77204 Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Jan-Åke Gustafsson
- Center for Nuclear Receptors and Cell Signaling, University of Houston, 3056 Cullen Blv, 77204 Houston, Texas, USA; Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Novum S-141 86, Sweden.
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17
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Avior Y, Bomze D, Ramon O, Nahmias Y. Flavonoids as dietary regulators of nuclear receptor activity. Food Funct 2013; 4:831-44. [PMID: 23598551 PMCID: PMC3781338 DOI: 10.1039/c3fo60063g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Metabolic diseases such as obesity, type II diabetes, and dyslipidemia are a rising cause of mortality worldwide. The progression of many metabolic diseases is fundamentally regulated on the transcriptional level by a family of ligand-activated transcription factors, called nuclear receptors, which detect and respond to metabolic changes. Their role in maintaining metabolic homeostasis makes nuclear receptors an important pharmaceutical and dietary target. This review will present the growing evidence that flavonoids, natural secondary plant metabolites, are important regulators of nuclear receptor activity. Structural similarities between flavonoids and cholesterol derivatives combined with the promiscuous nature of most nuclear receptors provide a wealth of possibilities for pharmaceutical and dietary modulation of metabolism. While the challenges of bringing flavonoid-derived therapeutics to the market are significant, we consider this rapidly growing field to be an essential aspect of the functional food initiative and an important mine for pharmaceutical compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yishai Avior
- School of Computer Science and Engineering, Center for Bioengineering, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Edmond J. Safra Campus (Givat Ram), Silberman 3-512, Jerusalem 91904, Israel.
| | - David Bomze
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Institute of Life Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Ory Ramon
- School of Computer Science and Engineering, Center for Bioengineering, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Edmond J. Safra Campus (Givat Ram), Silberman 3-512, Jerusalem 91904, Israel.
| | - Yaakov Nahmias
- School of Computer Science and Engineering, Center for Bioengineering, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Edmond J. Safra Campus (Givat Ram), Silberman 3-512, Jerusalem 91904, Israel.
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Institute of Life Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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18
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Nagy L, Szanto A, Szatmari I, Széles L. Nuclear hormone receptors enable macrophages and dendritic cells to sense their lipid environment and shape their immune response. Physiol Rev 2012; 92:739-89. [PMID: 22535896 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00004.2011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 164] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
A key issue in the immune system is to generate specific cell types, often with opposing activities. The mechanisms of differentiation and subtype specification of immune cells such as macrophages and dendritic cells are critical to understand the regulatory principles and logic of the immune system. In addition to cytokines and pathogens, it is increasingly appreciated that lipid signaling also has a key role in differentiation and subtype specification. In this review we explore how intracellular lipid signaling via a set of transcription factors regulates cellular differentiation, subtype specification, and immune as well as metabolic homeostasis. We introduce macrophages and dendritic cells and then we focus on a group of transcription factors, nuclear receptors, which regulate gene expression upon receiving lipid signals. The receptors we cover are the ones with a recognized physiological function in these cell types and ones which heterodimerize with the retinoid X receptor. These are as follows: the receptor for a metabolite of vitamin A, retinoic acid: retinoic acid receptor (RAR), the vitamin D receptor (VDR), the fatty acid receptor: peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ), the oxysterol receptor liver X receptor (LXR), and their obligate heterodimeric partner, the retinoid X receptor (RXR). We discuss how they can get activated and how ligand is generated and eliminated in these cell types. We also explore how activation of a particular target gene contributes to biological functions and how the regulation of individual target genes adds up to the coordination of gene networks. It appears that RXR heterodimeric nuclear receptors provide these cells with a coordinated and interrelated network of transcriptional regulators for interpreting the lipid milieu and the metabolic changes to bring about gene expression changes leading to subtype and functional specification. We also show that these networks are implicated in various immune diseases and are amenable to therapeutic exploitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laszlo Nagy
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Debrecen, Medical and Health Science Center, Egyetem tér 1, Debrecen, Hungary.
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19
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Biological Roles of Liver X Receptors in Immune Cells. Arch Immunol Ther Exp (Warsz) 2012; 60:235-49. [DOI: 10.1007/s00005-012-0179-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2011] [Accepted: 03/16/2012] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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20
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von Grafenstein S, Mihaly-Bison J, Wolber G, Bochkov VN, Liedl KR, Schuster D. Identification of novel liver X receptor activators by structure-based modeling. J Chem Inf Model 2012; 52:1391-400. [PMID: 22489742 PMCID: PMC3360526 DOI: 10.1021/ci300096c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2012] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Liver X receptors (LXRs) are members of the nuclear receptor family. Activators of LXRs are of high pharmacological interest as LXRs regulate cholesterol, fatty acid, and carbohydrate metabolism as well as inflammatory processes. On the basis of different X-ray crystal structures, we established a virtual screening workflow for the identification of novel LXR modulators. A two-step screening concept to identify active compounds included 3D-pharmacophore filters and rescoring by shape alignment. Eighteen virtual hits were tested in vitro applying a reporter gene assay, where concentration-dependent activity was proven for four novel lead structures. The most active compound 10, a 1,4-naphthochinone, has an estimated EC₅₀ of around 5 μM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanne von Grafenstein
- Institute of General, Inorganic
and Theoretical Chemistry/Theoretical Chemistry and Center for Molecular
Biosciences Innsbruck (CMBI), University of Innsbruck, Innrain 80/82, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Judit Mihaly-Bison
- Department of Vascular Biology
and Thrombosis Research, Medical University of Vienna, Schwarzspanierstrasse 17, A-1090 Wien, Austria
| | - Gerhard Wolber
- Institute of Pharmacy/Pharmaceutical
Chemistry, Freie Universitaet Berlin, Koenigin
Luise Strasse 2 + 4, D-14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Valery N. Bochkov
- Department of Vascular Biology
and Thrombosis Research, Medical University of Vienna, Schwarzspanierstrasse 17, A-1090 Wien, Austria
| | - Klaus R. Liedl
- Institute of General, Inorganic
and Theoretical Chemistry/Theoretical Chemistry and Center for Molecular
Biosciences Innsbruck (CMBI), University of Innsbruck, Innrain 80/82, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Daniela Schuster
- Computer-Aided Molecular Design
(CAMD) Group and CMBI, Institute of Pharmacy/Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Innsbruck, Innrain 80/82, A-6020 Innsbruck,
Austria
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21
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Jain T, Papas A, Jadhav A, McBride R, Saez E. In situ electroporation of surface-bound siRNAs in microwell arrays. LAB ON A CHIP 2012; 12:939-47. [PMID: 22245984 PMCID: PMC3392120 DOI: 10.1039/c2lc20931d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Gene silencing using RNA interference (RNAi) has become a prominent biological tool for gene annotation, pathway analysis, and target discovery in mammalian cells. High-throughput screens conducted using whole-genome siRNA libraries have uncovered rich sets of new genes involved in a variety of biological processes and cellular models of disease. However, high-throughput RNAi screening is not yet a mainstream tool in life science research because current screening platforms are expensive and onerous. Miniaturizing the RNAi screening platform to reduce cost and increase throughput will enable its widespread use and harness its potential for rapid genome annotation. With this aim, we have combined semi-conductor microfabrication and nanolitre dispensing techniques to develop miniaturized electroporation-ready microwell arrays loaded with siRNA molecules in which multiplexed gene knockdown can be achieved. Arrays of microwells are created using high-aspect ratio biocompatible photoresists on optically transparent and conductive Indium-Tin Oxide (ITO) substrates with integrated micro-electrodes to enable in situ electroporation. Non-contact inkjet microarraying allows precise dispensing of nanolitre volumes into the microwell structures. We have achieved parallel electroporation of multiple mammalian cells cultured in these microwell arrays and observed efficient knockdown of genes with surface-bound, printed siRNAs. Further integration of microfabrication and non-contact nanolitre dispensing techniques described here may enable single-substrate whole-genome siRNA screening in mammalian cells.
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22
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Abstract
Liver X receptors (LXRs) are members of the superfamily of metabolic nuclear receptors, which play central roles in the regulation of cholesterol absorption, efflux, transportation and excretion and many other processes correlating with lipid metabolism. LXRs can also regulate inflammation in vitro and in vivo. Accumulating evidence demonstrates that LXR are involved in the metabolism and inflammation in human diseases. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is classically associated with lipid metabolic disorders and inflammatory responses, especially in the nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) phase. The effects of LXRs on cholesterol metabolism and inflammation make them attractive as a potential target for the treatment of NAFLD. Since the ability to synthesize triglycerides may be protective in obesity and fatty liver, the hepatic lipogenesis by LXRs should not rule out the possibility of the use of LXRs in NAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Liu
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Shanghai Jiao-Tong University School of Medicine Renji Hospital, Shanghai Institute of Digestive Disease and Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ministry of Health (Shanghai Jiao-Tong University), Shanghai, China
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23
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Venteclef N, Jakobsson T, Steffensen KR, Treuter E. Metabolic nuclear receptor signaling and the inflammatory acute phase response. Trends Endocrinol Metab 2011; 22:333-43. [PMID: 21646028 DOI: 10.1016/j.tem.2011.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2011] [Revised: 03/28/2011] [Accepted: 04/11/2011] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The acute phase response (APR) classically refers to the rapid reprogramming of gene expression and metabolism in response to inflammatory cytokine signaling. As components of the innate immune system, hepatocyte-derived acute phase proteins (APPs) play a central role in restoring tissue homeostasis. Recently, an intriguing 'metaflammatory' facet of the APR became evident with chronically elevated APP levels being connected to metabolic syndrome disorders. The causality of these connections is unclear but could relate to adverse metabolic and inflammatory disturbances, particularly those affecting lipoprotein properties, cholesterol metabolism and atherogenesis. Here we review these aspects with an emphasis on the emerging importance of lipid-sensing nuclear receptors (LXRs, LRH-1, PPARs), in conjunction with anti-inflammatory transrepression pathways, as physiological and pharmacological relevant modulators of the APR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Venteclef
- Center for Biosciences, Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, S-14183 Stockholm, Sweden
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24
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Pfeifer T, Buchebner M, Chandak PG, Patankar J, Kratzer A, Obrowsky S, Rechberger GN, Kadam RS, Kompella UB, Kostner GM, Kratky D, Levak-Frank S. Synthetic LXR agonist suppresses endogenous cholesterol biosynthesis and efficiently lowers plasma cholesterol. Curr Pharm Biotechnol 2011; 12:285-92. [PMID: 21190543 PMCID: PMC3163291 DOI: 10.2174/138920111794295774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2010] [Accepted: 06/13/2010] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The liver X receptors (LXRs) are key regulators of genes involved in cholesterol homeostasis. Natural ligands and activators of LXRs are oxysterols. Numerous steroidal and non-steroidal synthetic LXR ligands are under development as potential drugs for individuals suffering from lipid disorders. N,N-dimethyl-3β-hydroxycholenamide (DMHCA) is a steroidal ligand of LXRs that exerts anti-atherogenic effects in apolipoprotein E-deficient mice without causing negative side effects such as liver steatosis or hypertriglyceridemia. In this report, we investigated the consequences of DMHCA treatment on cholesterol homeostasis in vivo and in vitro. Despite its hydrophobicity, DMHCA is readily absorbed by C57BL/6 mice and taken up by intestinal cells, the lung, heart and kidneys, but is undetectable in the brain. DMHCA significantly reduces cholesterol absorption and uptake in duodenum and jejunum of the small intestine and in turn leads to a reduction of plasma cholesterol by 24%. The most striking finding of this study is that DMHCA inhibited the enzyme 3β-hydroxysterol-Δ24-reductase resulting in an accumulation of desmosterol in the plasma and in feces. Thus, the reduction of plasma cholesterol was due to a block in the final step of cholesterol biosynthesis. Taken together, DMHCA is an interesting compound with properties distinct from other LXR ligands and might be used to study desmosterol-mediated effects in cells and tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Pfeifer
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Center of Molecular Medicine, Medical University of Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Marlene Buchebner
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Center of Molecular Medicine, Medical University of Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Prakash G. Chandak
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Center of Molecular Medicine, Medical University of Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Jay Patankar
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Center of Molecular Medicine, Medical University of Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Adelheid Kratzer
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Center of Molecular Medicine, Medical University of Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Sascha Obrowsky
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Center of Molecular Medicine, Medical University of Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | | | - Rajendra S. Kadam
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado, Denver, CO, USA
| | - Uday B. Kompella
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado, Denver, CO, USA
| | - Gerhard M. Kostner
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Center of Molecular Medicine, Medical University of Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Dagmar Kratky
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Center of Molecular Medicine, Medical University of Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Sanja Levak-Frank
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Center of Molecular Medicine, Medical University of Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria
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25
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A-González N, Castrillo A. Liver X receptors as regulators of macrophage inflammatory and metabolic pathways. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2010; 1812:982-94. [PMID: 21193033 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2010.12.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2010] [Revised: 12/14/2010] [Accepted: 12/17/2010] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The liver X receptors (LXRα and LXRβ) are members of the nuclear receptor family of transcription factors that play essential roles in the transcriptional control of lipid metabolism. LXRs are endogenously activated by modified forms of cholesterol known as oxysterols and control the expression of genes important for cholesterol uptake, efflux, transport, and excretion in multiple tissues. In addition to their role as cholesterol sensors, a number of studies have implicated LXRs in the modulation of innate and adaptive immune responses. Both through activation and repression mechanisms, LXRs regulate diverse aspects of inflammatory gene expression in macrophages. The ability of LXRs to coordinate metabolic and immune responses constitutes an attractive therapeutic target for the treatment of chronic inflammatory disorders. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Translating nuclear receptors from health to disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noelia A-González
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, ULPGC, Las Palmas, Spain
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26
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Yang Y, Wang L, Si S, Hong B. How can high-throughput screening deliver drugs to treat atherosclerosis? Expert Opin Drug Discov 2010; 5:1175-88. [DOI: 10.1517/17460441.2010.529896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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27
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Abstract
Despite a robust inverse association between high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, the development of new therapies based on pharmacologic enhancement of HDL metabolism has proven challenging. Emerging evidence suggests that static measurement of HDL levels has inherent limitations as a surrogate for overall HDL functionality, particularly with regard to the rate of flux through the macrophage reverse cholesterol transport (RCT) pathway. Recent research has provided important insight into the molecular underpinnings of RCT, the process by which excess cellular cholesterol is effluxed from peripheral tissues and returned to the liver for ultimate intestinal excretion. This review discusses the critical importance and current strategies for quantifying RCT flux. It also highlights therapeutic strategies for augmenting macrophage RCT via three conceptual approaches: 1) improved efflux of cellular cholesterol via targeting the macrophage; 2) enhanced cholesterol efflux acceptor functionality of circulating HDL; and 3) increased hepatic uptake and biliary/intestinal excretion.
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28
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Fazio S, Linton MF. High-density lipoprotein therapeutics and cardiovascular prevention. J Clin Lipidol 2010; 4:411-9. [PMID: 21122685 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacl.2010.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2010] [Accepted: 08/07/2010] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
The field of cardiovascular prevention has long anticipated the evolution of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) therapy from unproven metabolic tweaking to pillar of risk reduction on par with low-density lipoprotein control. However, the convincing epidemiologic data linking HDL cholesterol (HDL-C) and cardiovascular disease risk in an inverse correlation has not yet translated into clinical trial evidence supporting linearity between HDL-C increases and risk reduction, or identifying obvious goals of therapy. Although HDL-C-increasing lifestyle maneuvers and established HDL drugs such as niacin and fibrates are likely to protect the vasculature, the negative results obtained in trials of a cholesteryl ester transfer protein inhibitor remind us that HDL-C increases are not always beneficial. It is becoming clear that a functional HDL is a more desirable target than simply increasing HDL-C levels. The larger objective of improving HDL functionality (with or without HDL-C level changes) is bound to become the guiding principle for pharmaceutical research in this area. Several new compounds currently being tested bridge the classical aim of increasing HDL-C levels with the novel target of improving HDL function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio Fazio
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Atherosclerosis Research Unit, 383 PRB-2220 Pierce Avenue, Nashville, TN 37232-6300, USA.
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29
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Li X, Yeh V, Molteni V. Liver X receptor modulators: a review of recently patented compounds (2007 - 2009). Expert Opin Ther Pat 2010; 20:535-62. [PMID: 20302451 DOI: 10.1517/13543771003621269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
IMPORTANCE OF THE FIELD Liver X receptors (LXRs) are ligand activated transcription factors involved in cholesterol metabolism, glucose homeostasis, inflammation and lipogenesis. With the important physiological role of LXRs in reverse cholesterol transport (RCT), atherosclerosis is the best investigated therapeutic indication. While atherosclerosis is not yet clinically validated, Wyeth's LXRalpha/beta agonist LXR-623 indicated the key LXR target genes involved in RCT (ABCA1 and ABCG1) are upregulated in peripheral blood cells in a dose-dependent manner. While discontinued for CNS safety concerns, investigation of LXR-623 supports atherosclerosis as a clinical indication, and the possibility of identifying LXR agonists with profiles that avoid the strong lipogenic effects of full LXRalpha/beta agonists. AREAS COVERED IN THIS REVIEW Patents for LXR agonists from late 2006 up to August 2009 with emphasis on chemical matters and relationship to earlier disclosures, the biological data associated with selected analogues and therapeutic indications. WHAT THE READER WILL GAIN An overview of the majority of LXR scaffolds with representative structure activity relationships as well as the companies that are the chief players in the field. TAKE HOME MESSAGE The future application of LXR agonists depends upon the discovery of LXR agents without lipogenic effects. Limiting activation of LXRalpha is a popular strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolin Li
- Genomics Institute of the Novartis Research Foundation, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, San Diego, CA 92121, USA
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30
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Hu B, Unwalla RJ, Goljer I, Jetter JW, Quinet EM, Berrodin TJ, Basso MD, Feingold IB, Nilsson AG, Wilhelmsson A, Evans MJ, Wrobel JE. Identification of phenylsulfone-substituted quinoxaline (WYE-672) as a tissue selective liver X-receptor (LXR) agonist. J Med Chem 2010; 53:3296-304. [PMID: 20350005 DOI: 10.1021/jm100034x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
A series of phenyl sulfone substituted quinoxaline were prepared and the lead compound 13 (WYE-672) was shown to be a tissue selective LXR Agonist. Compound 13 demonstrated partial agonism for LXRbeta in kidney HEK-293 cells but did not activate Gal4 LXRbeta fusion proteins in huh-7 liver cells. Although 13 showed potent binding affinity to LXRbeta (IC(50) = 53 nM), it had little binding affinity for LXRalpha (IC(50) > 1.0 microM) and did not recruit any coactivator/corepressor peptides in the LXRalpha multiplex assay. However, compound 13 showed good agonism in THP-1 cells with respect to increasing ABCA1 gene expression and good potency on cholesterol efflux in THP-1 foam cells. In an eight-week lesion study in LDLR -/- mice, compound 13 showed reduction of aortic arch lesion progression and no plasma or hepatic triglyceride increase. These results suggest quinoxaline 13 may have an improved biological profile for potential use as a therapeutic agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baihua Hu
- Chemical Sciences, Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, 500 Arcola Road, Collegeville, Pennsylvania 19426, USA.
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31
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Venteclef N, Jakobsson T, Ehrlund A, Damdimopoulos A, Mikkonen L, Ellis E, Nilsson LM, Parini P, Jänne OA, Gustafsson JA, Steffensen KR, Treuter E. GPS2-dependent corepressor/SUMO pathways govern anti-inflammatory actions of LRH-1 and LXRbeta in the hepatic acute phase response. Genes Dev 2010; 24:381-95. [PMID: 20159957 DOI: 10.1101/gad.545110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 145] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The orphan receptor LRH-1 and the oxysterol receptors LXRalpha and LXRbeta are established transcriptional regulators of lipid metabolism that appear to control inflammatory processes. Here, we investigate the anti-inflammatory actions of these nuclear receptors in the hepatic acute phase response (APR). We report that selective synthetic agonists induce SUMOylation-dependent recruitment of either LRH-1 or LXR to hepatic APR promoters and prevent the clearance of the N-CoR corepressor complex upon cytokine stimulation. Investigations of the APR in vivo, using LXR knockout mice, indicate that the anti-inflammatory actions of LXR agonists are triggered selectively by the LXRbeta subtype. We further find that hepatic APR responses in small ubiquitin-like modifier-1 (SUMO-1) knockout mice are increased, which is due in part to diminished LRH-1 action at APR promoters. Finally, we provide evidence that the metabolically important coregulator GPS2 functions as a hitherto unrecognized transrepression mediator of interactions between SUMOylated nuclear receptors and the N-CoR corepressor complex. Our study extends the knowledge of anti-inflammatory mechanisms and pathways directed by metabolic nuclear receptor-corepressor networks to the control of the hepatic APR, and implies alternative pharmacological strategies for the treatment of human metabolic diseases associated with inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Venteclef
- Center for Biosciences, Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, S-14157 Huddinge/Stockholm, Sweden
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32
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Hu YW, Zheng L, Wang Q. Regulation of cholesterol homeostasis by liver X receptors. Clin Chim Acta 2010; 411:617-25. [PMID: 20060389 DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2009.12.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2009] [Revised: 12/21/2009] [Accepted: 12/21/2009] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Cellular cholesterol levels reflect a balance between uptake, efflux, and endogenous synthesis. The sterol-responsive transcription factors liver X receptors (LXRalpha and LXRbeta) help maintain cholesterol homeostasis, not only through promotion of cholesterol efflux from peripheral tissues but also through suppression of de novo synthesis and exogenous cholesterol uptake. In this review, we summarize the important role of LXRs in regulating expression of key members that keep cholesterol levels in balance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Wei Hu
- Laboratory Medicine Center, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, China
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33
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Zhu J, Mounzih K, Chehab EF, Mitro N, Saez E, Chehab FF. Effects of FoxO4 overexpression on cholesterol biosynthesis, triacylglycerol accumulation, and glucose uptake. J Lipid Res 2009; 51:1312-24. [PMID: 20037138 DOI: 10.1194/jlr.m001586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The Forkhead transcription factors FoxO1, FoxO3a, and FoxO4 play a prominent role in regulating cell survival and cell cycle. Whereas FOXO1 was shown to mediate insulin sensitivity and adipocyte differentiation, the role of the transcription factor FoxO4 in metabolism remains ill defined. To uncover the effects of FoxO4, we generated a cellular model of stable FoxO4 overexpression and subjected it to microarray-based gene expression profiling. While pathway analysis revealed a disruption of cholesterol biosynthesis gene expression, biochemical studies revealed an inhibition of cholesterol biosynthesis, which was coupled with decreased mRNA levels of lanosterol 14alpha demethylase (CYP51). FoxO4-mediated repression of CYP51 led to the accumulation of 24,25 dihydrolano-sterol (DHL), which independently and unlike lanosterol inhibited cholesterol biosynthesis. Furthermore, FoxO4-overexpressing cells accumulated lipid droplets and triacylglycerols and had an increase in basal glucose uptake. Recapitulation of these effects was obtained following treatment with CYP51 inhibitors, which also induce DHL buildup. Moreover, DHL but not lanosterol strongly stimulated liver X receptor alpha (LXRalpha) activity, suggesting that DHL and LXRalpha mediate the downstream effects initiated by FoxO4. Together, these studies suggest that FoxO4 acts on CYP51 to regulate the late steps of cholesterol biosynthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Zhu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
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34
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Jain T, McBride R, Head S, Saez E. Highly parallel introduction of nucleic acids into mammalian cells grown in microwell arrays. LAB ON A CHIP 2009; 9:3557-66. [PMID: 20024036 PMCID: PMC3033197 DOI: 10.1039/b913794g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
High-throughput cell-based screens of genome-size collections of cDNAs and siRNAs have become a powerful tool to annotate the mammalian genome, enabling the discovery of novel genes associated with normal cellular processes and pathogenic states, and the unravelling of genetic networks and signaling pathways in a systems biology approach. However, the capital expenses and the cost of reagents necessary to perform such large screens have limited application of this technology. Efforts to miniaturize the screening process have centered on the development of cellular microarrays created on microscope slides that use chemical means to introduce exogenous genetic material into mammalian cells. While this work has demonstrated the feasibility of screening in very small formats, the use of chemical transfection reagents (effective only in a subset of cell lines and not on primary cells) and the lack of defined borders between cells grown in adjacent microspots containing different genetic material (to prevent cell migration and to aid spot location recognition during imaging and phenotype deconvolution) have hampered the spread of this screening technology. Here, we describe proof-of-principles experiments to circumvent these drawbacks. We have created microwell arrays on an electroporation-ready transparent substrate and established procedures to achieve highly efficient parallel introduction of exogenous molecules into human cell lines and primary mouse macrophages. The microwells confine cells and offer multiple advantages during imaging and phenotype analysis. We have also developed a simple method to load this 484-microwell array with libraries of nucleic acids using a standard microarrayer. These advances can be elaborated upon to form the basis of a miniaturized high-throughput functional genomics screening platform to carry out genome-size screens in a variety of mammalian cells that may eventually become a mainstream tool for life science research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tilak Jain
- Department of Chemical Physiology, The Skaggs Institute for Chemical Biology, 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037
| | - Ryan McBride
- DNA Array Core, The Scripps Research Institute, 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037
| | - Steven Head
- DNA Array Core, The Scripps Research Institute, 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037
| | - Enrique Saez
- Department of Chemical Physiology, The Skaggs Institute for Chemical Biology, 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037
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35
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Abstract
Low levels of HDL cholesterol are a significant predictor of atherosclerotic cardiovascular events. HDL is believed to protect against atherosclerosis by promoting reverse cholesterol transport, and potentially through anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, antithrombotic and nitric oxide effects. The multiple mechanisms of action, as well as a limited ability to measure these properties, make HDL a complex therapeutic target, albeit one with immense potential for the treatment of patients with atherosclerosis. Here, we discuss new therapeutic strategies currently being developed, which have the potential to increase plasma levels of HDL cholesterol and/or improve HDL function.
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36
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Hu B, Unwalla R, Collini M, Quinet E, Feingold I, Goos-Nilsson A, Wihelmsson A, Nambi P, Wrobel J. Discovery and SAR of cinnolines/quinolines as liver X receptor (LXR) agonists with binding selectivity for LXRbeta. Bioorg Med Chem 2009; 17:3519-27. [PMID: 19394832 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2009.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2009] [Revised: 04/08/2009] [Accepted: 04/09/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
A series of cinnolines/quinolines was prepared and it was found that 4-phenyl-cinnoline/quinolines with either a 2',3' or 2',5'-disubstituted benzyloxy moiety or the 1-Me-7-indole methoxy moiety on the meta position of the 4-phenyl ring showed good binding selectivity for LXRbeta over LXRalpha. The LXRbeta binding selective modulators displayed good activity for inducing ABCA1 gene expression in J774 macrophage cell line and poor efficacy in the LXRalpha Gal4 functional assay. 26, 37 and 41 were examined for their ability to induce SREBP-1c gene expression in Huh-7 liver cell line and they were weak partial agonists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baihua Hu
- Chemical and Screening Science, Wyeth Research, 500 Arcola Road, Collegeville, PA 19426, USA.
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37
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Fiévet C, Staels B. Liver X receptor modulators: Effects on lipid metabolism and potential use in the treatment of atherosclerosis. Biochem Pharmacol 2009; 77:1316-27. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2008.11.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2008] [Revised: 11/24/2008] [Accepted: 11/25/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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38
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Swahn BM, Macsari I, Viklund J, Ohberg L, Sjödin J, Neelissen J, Lindquist J. Liver X receptor agonists with selectivity for LXRbeta; N-aryl-3,3,3-trifluoro-2-hydroxy-2-methylpropionamides. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2009; 19:2009-12. [PMID: 19264481 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2009.02.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2008] [Revised: 02/09/2009] [Accepted: 02/09/2009] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The synthesis and SAR of a new series of LXR agonist is reported. The N-Aryl-3,3,3-trifluoro-2-hydroxy-2-methyl-propionamide hits were found in a limited screen of the AstraZeneca compound collection. The effort to optimize these hits into LXRbeta selectivity is described. Compound 20 displayed desirable pharmacokinetic profile and up regulation of ABCA1 and ABCG1 mRNA in the brain were achieved when evaluated in vivo in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Britt-Marie Swahn
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, AstraZeneca R&D Södertälje, S-151 85 Södertälje, Sweden.
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39
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Zhang Y, Chan JF, Cummins CL. Liver X Receptors as Therapeutic Targets for Managing Cholesterol: Implications for Atherosclerosis and Other Inflammatory Conditions. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2009; 4:29-40. [PMID: 20852746 DOI: 10.2217/17584299.4.1.29] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Atherosclerosis is a disease characterized by excess cholesterol and inflammation in the blood vessels. The liver X receptors (alpha and beta) are members of the nuclear hormone receptor family that are activated by endogenous cholesterol metabolites. These receptors are widely expressed with a tissue distribution that includes the liver, intestine and macrophage. Upon activation, these receptors have been shown to increase reverse cholesterol transport from the macrophage back to the liver to aid in the removal of excess cholesterol. More recently, they have also been shown to inhibit the inflammatory response in macrophages. These functions are accomplished through direct regulation of gene transcription. Herein, we will describe the key benefits and potential risks of targeting the LXRs for the treatment of atherosclerosis.
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40
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Mulder J, Karpen SJ, Tietge UJF, Kuipers F. Nuclear receptors: mediators and modifiers of inflammation-induced cholestasis. FRONT BIOSCI-LANDMRK 2009; 14:2599-630. [PMID: 19273222 PMCID: PMC4085779 DOI: 10.2741/3400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Inflammation-induced cholestasis (IIC) is a frequently occurring phenomenon. A central role in its pathogenesis is played by nuclear receptors (NRs). These ligand-activated transcription factors not only regulate basal expression of hepatobiliary transport systems, but also mediate adaptive responses to inflammation and possess anti-inflammatory characteristics. The latter two functions may be exploited in the search for new treatments for IIC as well as for cholestasis in general. Current knowledge of the pathogenesis of IIC and the dual role NRs in this process are reviewed. Special interest is given to the use of NRs as potential targets for intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaap Mulder
- Department of Pediatrics Center for Liver, Digestive and Metabolic Diseases, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands.
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41
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Mohler ML, He Y, Wu Z, Hwang DJ, Miller DD. Recent and emerging anti-diabetes targets. Med Res Rev 2009; 29:125-95. [DOI: 10.1002/med.20142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
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42
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Ottow E, Weinmann H. Nuclear Receptors as Drug Targets: A Historical Perspective of Modern Drug Discovery. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2008. [DOI: 10.1002/9783527623297.ch1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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43
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Gabbi C, Warner M, Gustafsson JA. Minireview: liver X receptor beta: emerging roles in physiology and diseases. Mol Endocrinol 2008; 23:129-36. [PMID: 19074550 DOI: 10.1210/me.2008-0398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver X receptors, LXRalpha and LXRbeta, are nuclear receptors belonging to the large family of transcription factors. After activation by oxysterols, LXRs play a central role in the control of lipid and carbohydrate metabolism as well as inflammation. The role of LXRalpha has been extensively studied, particularly in the liver and macrophages. In the liver it prevents cholesterol accumulation by increasing bile acid synthesis and secretion into the bile through ATP-binding cassette G5/G8 transporters, whereas in macrophages it increases cholesterol reverse transport. The function of LXRbeta is still under investigation with most of the current knowledge coming from the study of phenotypes of LXRbeta-/- mice. With these mice new emerging roles for LXRbeta have been demonstrated in the pathogenesis of diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and chronic pancreatitis. The present review will focus on the abnormalities described so far in LXRbeta-/- mice and the insight gained into the possible roles of LXRbeta in human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Gabbi
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institute, Novum, S-141 86 Stockholm, Sweden
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44
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LXR Agonists for the Treatment of Atherosclerosis: Recent Highlights. ANNUAL REPORTS IN MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY 2008. [DOI: 10.1016/s0065-7743(08)00007-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register]
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