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De Bellis M, Boccanegra B, Cerchiara AG, Imbrici P, De Luca A. Blockers of Skeletal Muscle Na v1.4 Channels: From Therapy of Myotonic Syndrome to Molecular Determinants of Pharmacological Action and Back. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24010857. [PMID: 36614292 PMCID: PMC9821513 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24010857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The voltage-gated sodium channels represent an important target for drug discovery since a large number of physiological processes are regulated by these channels. In several excitability disorders, including epilepsy, cardiac arrhythmias, chronic pain, and non-dystrophic myotonia, blockers of voltage-gated sodium channels are clinically used. Myotonia is a skeletal muscle condition characterized by the over-excitability of the sarcolemma, resulting in delayed relaxation after contraction and muscle stiffness. The therapeutic management of this disorder relies on mexiletine and other sodium channel blockers, which are not selective for the Nav1.4 skeletal muscle sodium channel isoform. Hence, the importance of deepening the knowledge of molecular requirements for developing more potent and use-dependent drugs acting on Nav1.4. Here, we review the available treatment options for non-dystrophic myotonia and the structure-activity relationship studies performed in our laboratory with a focus on new compounds with potential antimyotonic activity.
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2
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Zhu Z, Deng Z, Wang Q, Wang Y, Zhang D, Xu R, Guo L, Wen H. Simulation and Machine Learning Methods for Ion-Channel Structure Determination, Mechanistic Studies and Drug Design. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:939555. [PMID: 35837274 PMCID: PMC9275593 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.939555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Ion channels are expressed in almost all living cells, controlling the in-and-out communications, making them ideal drug targets, especially for central nervous system diseases. However, owing to their dynamic nature and the presence of a membrane environment, ion channels remain difficult targets for the past decades. Recent advancement in cryo-electron microscopy and computational methods has shed light on this issue. An explosion in high-resolution ion channel structures paved way for structure-based rational drug design and the state-of-the-art simulation and machine learning techniques dramatically improved the efficiency and effectiveness of computer-aided drug design. Here we present an overview of how simulation and machine learning-based methods fundamentally changed the ion channel-related drug design at different levels, as well as the emerging trends in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengdan Zhu
- Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Institute of Big Data Research, Beijing, China
| | - Zhenfeng Deng
- DP Technology, Beijing, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | | | | | - Duo Zhang
- Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing, China
- DP Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Ruihan Xu
- DP Technology, Beijing, China
- National Engineering Research Center of Visual Technology, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | | | - Han Wen
- DP Technology, Beijing, China
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3
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Milani G, Cavalluzzi MM, Altamura C, Santoro A, Perrone M, Muraglia M, Colabufo NA, Corbo F, Casalino E, Franchini C, Pisano I, Desaphy J, Carrieri A, Carocci A, Lentini G. Bioisosteric Modification of To042: Synthesis and Evaluation of Promising Use-Dependent Inhibitors of Voltage-Gated Sodium Channels. ChemMedChem 2021; 16:3588-3599. [PMID: 34519427 PMCID: PMC9293070 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202100496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2021] [Revised: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Three analogues of To042, a tocainide-related lead compound recently reported for the treatment of myotonia, were synthesized and evaluated in vitro as skeletal muscle sodium channel blockers possibly endowed with enhanced use-dependent behavior. Patch-clamp experiments on hNav1.4 expressed in HEK293 cells showed that N-[(naphthalen-1-yl)methyl]-4-[(2,6-dimethyl)phenoxy]butan-2-amine, the aryloxyalkyl bioisostere of To042, exerted a higher use-dependent block than To042 thus being able to preferentially block the channels in over-excited membranes while preserving healthy tissue function. It also showed the lowest active transport across BBB according to the results of P-glycoprotein (P-gp) interacting activity evaluation and the highest cytoprotective effect on HeLa cells. Quantum mechanical calculations and dockings gave insights on the most probable conformation of the aryloxyalkyl bioisostere of To042 in solution and the target residues involved in the binding, respectively. Both approaches indicated the conformations that might be adopted in both the unbound and bound state of the ligand. Overall, N-[(naphthalen-1-yl)methyl]-4-[(2,6-dimethyl)phenoxy]butan-2-amine exhibits an interesting toxico-pharmacological profile and deserves further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gualtiero Milani
- Department of Pharmacy – Pharmaceutical SciencesUniversity of Bari Aldo MoroVia E. Orabona 470125BariItaly
| | - Maria Maddalena Cavalluzzi
- Department of Pharmacy – Pharmaceutical SciencesUniversity of Bari Aldo MoroVia E. Orabona 470125BariItaly
| | - Concetta Altamura
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human OncologySchool of MedicineUniversity of Bari Aldo Moro PoliclinicoPiazza Giulio Cesare70124BariItaly
| | - Antonella Santoro
- Department of Bioscience, Biotechnology and BiopharmaceuticsUniversity of Bari Aldo MoroVia Orabona 470125BariItaly
| | - Mariagrazia Perrone
- Department of Pharmacy – Pharmaceutical SciencesUniversity of Bari Aldo MoroVia E. Orabona 470125BariItaly
| | - Marilena Muraglia
- Department of Pharmacy – Pharmaceutical SciencesUniversity of Bari Aldo MoroVia E. Orabona 470125BariItaly
| | - Nicola Antonio Colabufo
- Department of Pharmacy – Pharmaceutical SciencesUniversity of Bari Aldo MoroVia E. Orabona 470125BariItaly
| | - Filomena Corbo
- Department of Pharmacy – Pharmaceutical SciencesUniversity of Bari Aldo MoroVia E. Orabona 470125BariItaly
| | - Elisabetta Casalino
- Department of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of Bari Aldo MoroVia E. Orabona 470125BariItaly
| | - Carlo Franchini
- Department of Pharmacy – Pharmaceutical SciencesUniversity of Bari Aldo MoroVia E. Orabona 470125BariItaly
| | - Isabella Pisano
- Department of Bioscience, Biotechnology and BiopharmaceuticsUniversity of Bari Aldo MoroVia Orabona 470125BariItaly
| | - Jean‐François Desaphy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human OncologySchool of MedicineUniversity of Bari Aldo Moro PoliclinicoPiazza Giulio Cesare70124BariItaly
| | - Antonio Carrieri
- Department of Pharmacy – Pharmaceutical SciencesUniversity of Bari Aldo MoroVia E. Orabona 470125BariItaly
| | - Alessia Carocci
- Department of Pharmacy – Pharmaceutical SciencesUniversity of Bari Aldo MoroVia E. Orabona 470125BariItaly
| | - Giovanni Lentini
- Department of Pharmacy – Pharmaceutical SciencesUniversity of Bari Aldo MoroVia E. Orabona 470125BariItaly
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4
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Catalano A, Rosato A, Salvagno L, Iacopetta D, Ceramella J, Fracchiolla G, Sinicropi MS, Franchini C. Benzothiazole-Containing Analogues of Triclocarban with Potent Antibacterial Activity. Antibiotics (Basel) 2021; 10:803. [PMID: 34356724 PMCID: PMC8300675 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics10070803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2021] [Revised: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Triclocarban (TCC) is a polychlorinated, aromatic, antimicrobial agent commercially used since the 1950s in personal care products for the prevention of spoilage and infections. Humans are frequently exposed to TCC due to its widespread use, leading to its substantial release into the aquatic environment. With the recent ban of TCC from some personal care products, implemented in 2016, many replacement antimicrobial compounds have been studied by researchers. Herein, we report the synthesis and biological activity of a series of diarylureas, analogues of TCC that bear the benzothiazole nucleus as one of the two aryl moieties. Among the studied compounds, 2bF and 2eC showed the highest antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, being also more active than TCC, with MIC values of 8 µg/mL versus 16 µg/mL of TCC. Moreover, compound 2bB was much more active than TCC against Enterococcus faecalis, a Gram-positive bacterium that is, unfortunately, strongly responsible for nosocomial infections. Finally, interesting results were found for compound 2bG that, even though less active than the others, exerts an interesting bactericidal action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Catalano
- Department of Pharmacy-Drug Sciences, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70126 Bari, Italy; (A.R.); (L.S.); (G.F.); (C.F.)
| | - Antonio Rosato
- Department of Pharmacy-Drug Sciences, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70126 Bari, Italy; (A.R.); (L.S.); (G.F.); (C.F.)
| | - Lara Salvagno
- Department of Pharmacy-Drug Sciences, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70126 Bari, Italy; (A.R.); (L.S.); (G.F.); (C.F.)
| | - Domenico Iacopetta
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, Italy; (D.I.); (J.C.); (M.S.S.)
| | - Jessica Ceramella
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, Italy; (D.I.); (J.C.); (M.S.S.)
| | - Giuseppe Fracchiolla
- Department of Pharmacy-Drug Sciences, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70126 Bari, Italy; (A.R.); (L.S.); (G.F.); (C.F.)
| | - Maria Stefania Sinicropi
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, Italy; (D.I.); (J.C.); (M.S.S.)
| | - Carlo Franchini
- Department of Pharmacy-Drug Sciences, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70126 Bari, Italy; (A.R.); (L.S.); (G.F.); (C.F.)
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Catalano A, Franchini C, Carocci A. Voltage-Gated Sodium Channel Blockers: Synthesis of Mexiletine Analogues and Homologues. Curr Med Chem 2021; 28:1535-1548. [PMID: 32364065 DOI: 10.2174/0929867327666200504080530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2019] [Revised: 03/13/2020] [Accepted: 03/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Mexiletine is an antiarrhythmic drug belonging to IB class, acting as sodium channel blocker. Besides its well-known activity on arrhythmias, its usefulness in the treatment of myotonia, myotonic dystrophy and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is now widely recognized. Nevertheless, it has been retired from the market in several countries because of its undesired effects. Thus, several papers were reported in the last years about analogues and homologues of mexiletine being endowed with a wider therapeutic ratio and a more selectivity of action. Some of them showed sodium channel blocking activity higher than the parent compound. It is noteworthy that mexiletine is used in therapy as a racemate even though a difference in the activities of the two enantiomers was widely demonstrated, with (-)-(R)-enantiomer being more active: this finding led several research groups to study mexiletine and its analogues and homologues in their optically active forms. This review summarizes the different synthetic routes used to obtain these compounds. They could represent an interesting starting point to new mexiletine-like compounds without common side effects related to the use of mexiletine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Catalano
- Department of Pharmacy-Drug Sciences, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", via Orabona 4, 70126 Bari, Italy
| | - Carlo Franchini
- Department of Pharmacy-Drug Sciences, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", via Orabona 4, 70126 Bari, Italy
| | - Alessia Carocci
- Department of Pharmacy-Drug Sciences, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", via Orabona 4, 70126 Bari, Italy
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Desaphy JF, Farinato A, Altamura C, De Bellis M, Imbrici P, Tarantino N, Caccia C, Melloni E, Padoani G, Vailati S, Keywood C, Carratù MR, De Luca A, Conte D, Pierno S. Safinamide's potential in treating nondystrophic myotonias: Inhibition of skeletal muscle voltage-gated sodium channels and skeletal muscle hyperexcitability in vitro and in vivo. Exp Neurol 2020; 328:113287. [PMID: 32205118 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2020.113287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2019] [Revised: 03/14/2020] [Accepted: 03/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The antiarrhythmic sodium-channel blocker mexiletine is used to treat patients with myotonia. However, around 30% of patients do not benefit from mexiletine due to poor tolerability or suboptimal response. Safinamide is an add-on therapy to levodopa for Parkinson's disease. In addition to MAOB inhibition, safinamide inhibits neuronal sodium channels, conferring anticonvulsant activity in models of epilepsy. Here, we investigated the effects of safinamide on skeletal muscle hNav1.4 sodium channels and in models of myotonia, in-vitro and in-vivo. Using patch-clamp, we showed that safinamide reversibly inhibited sodium currents in HEK293T cells transfected with hNav1.4. At the holding potential (hp) of -120 mV, the half-maximum inhibitory concentrations (IC50) were 160 and 33 μM at stimulation frequencies of 0.1 and 10 Hz, respectively. The calculated affinity constants of safinamide were dependent on channel state: 420 μM for closed channels and 9 μM for fast-inactivated channels. The p.F1586C mutation in hNav1.4 greatly impaired safinamide inhibition, suggesting that the drug binds to the local anesthetic receptor site in the channel pore. In a condition mimicking myotonia, i.e. hp. of -90 mV and 50-Hz stimulation, safinamide inhibited INa with an IC50 of 6 μM, being two-fold more potent than mexiletine. Using the two-intracellular microelectrodes current-clamp method, action potential firing was recorded in vitro in rat skeletal muscle fibers in presence of the chloride channel blocker, 9-anthracene carboxylic acid (9-AC), to increase excitability. Safinamide counteracted muscle fiber hyperexcitability with an IC50 of 13 μM. In vivo, oral safinamide was tested in the rat model of myotonia. In this model, intraperitoneal injection of 9-AC greatly increased the time of righting reflex (TRR) due to development of muscle stiffness. Safinamide counteracted 9-AC induced TRR increase with an ED50 of 1.2 mg/kg, which is 7 times lower than that previously determined for mexiletine. In conclusion, safinamide is a potent voltage and frequency dependent blocker of skeletal muscle sodium channels. Accordingly, the drug was able to counteract abnormal muscle hyperexcitability induced by 9-AC, both in vitro and in vivo. Thus, this study suggests that safinamide may have potential in treating myotonia and warrants further preclinical and human studies to fully evaluate this possibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-François Desaphy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, School of Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy.
| | - Alessandro Farinato
- Department of Pharmacy & Drug Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Concetta Altamura
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, School of Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Michela De Bellis
- Department of Pharmacy & Drug Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Paola Imbrici
- Department of Pharmacy & Drug Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Nancy Tarantino
- Department of Pharmacy & Drug Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Carla Caccia
- Open R&D Department, Zambon S.p.A., Bresso, MI, Italy
| | - Elsa Melloni
- Open R&D Department, Zambon S.p.A., Bresso, MI, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Maria Rosaria Carratù
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, School of Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Annamaria De Luca
- Department of Pharmacy & Drug Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Diana Conte
- Department of Pharmacy & Drug Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Sabata Pierno
- Department of Pharmacy & Drug Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
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7
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Affiliation(s)
- Michela De Bellis
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Diana Conte Camerino
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Jean-François Desaphy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
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Cecchi L, Bellumori M, Corbo F, Milani G, Clodoveo ML, Mulinacci N. Implementation of the Sono-Heat-Exchanger in the Extra Virgin Olive Oil Extraction Process: End-User Validation and Analytical Evaluation. Molecules 2019; 24:molecules24132379. [PMID: 31252634 PMCID: PMC6651205 DOI: 10.3390/molecules24132379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2019] [Revised: 06/21/2019] [Accepted: 06/26/2019] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The use of innovative systems, such as the heat exchanger, for production of extra virgin olive oil should allow maintenance of the same quality of those oils derived from traditional processes, and presents specific advantages. The performance of this system was evaluated by (i) determining the parameters directly measurable by the olive millers (i.e., end-user validation based on the production yields when the plant is located in different processing lines) and (ii) assessing the product quality through estimation of the content of phenolic and volatile compounds. The phenols were determined by High Performance Liquid Chromatography with Diode Array Detector (HPLC-DAD) before and after acidic hydrolysis while the volatile fraction was studied by Head-Space Solid-Phase-Micro-Extraction Gas-Chromatography with Mass Detector (HS-SPME-GC-MS). The use of the sono-heat-exchanger presents several advantages: it is a flexible machine, able to interface with all devices of the world's leading manufacturers of the Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) extraction plant, and it guarantees shorter processing times and energy savings. Our results also pointed out its capability to increase the oil yields up to 5.5%, particularly when it extracts oil from unripe fruits, which in traditional processes yield oils with higher phenolic contents, but with lower oil yields. Overall, the quality of virgin olive oils was maintained, avoiding decreases of phenolic content or detrimental effects on the sensory characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Cecchi
- Department of NEUROFARBA, and Multidisciplinary Centre of Research on Food Sciences (M.C.R.F.S.- Ce.R.A.), University of Florence, Via Ugo Schiff 6, 50019 Sesto F.no Firenze, Italy
| | - Maria Bellumori
- Department of NEUROFARBA, and Multidisciplinary Centre of Research on Food Sciences (M.C.R.F.S.- Ce.R.A.), University of Florence, Via Ugo Schiff 6, 50019 Sesto F.no Firenze, Italy
| | - Filomena Corbo
- Department of Pharmacy-Pharmaceutical Sciences, University Aldo Moro-Bari, Via Orabona, 4, 70100 Bari, Italy
| | - Gualtiero Milani
- Department of Pharmacy-Pharmaceutical Sciences, University Aldo Moro-Bari, Via Orabona, 4, 70100 Bari, Italy
| | - Maria Lisa Clodoveo
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, University of Bari, Piazza Giulio Cesare, 11-70124 Bari, Italy.
| | - Nadia Mulinacci
- Department of NEUROFARBA, and Multidisciplinary Centre of Research on Food Sciences (M.C.R.F.S.- Ce.R.A.), University of Florence, Via Ugo Schiff 6, 50019 Sesto F.no Firenze, Italy.
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De Bellis M, Sanarica F, Carocci A, Lentini G, Pierno S, Rolland JF, Conte Camerino D, De Luca A. Dual Action of Mexiletine and Its Pyrroline Derivatives as Skeletal Muscle Sodium Channel Blockers and Anti-oxidant Compounds: Toward Novel Therapeutic Potential. Front Pharmacol 2018; 8:907. [PMID: 29379434 PMCID: PMC5770958 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2017.00907] [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: 07/28/2017] [Accepted: 11/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Mexiletine (Mex) has been recently appointed as an orphan-drug in myotonic-syndromes, being a potent use-dependent blocker of skeletal-muscle sodium channels (NaV1.4). Available evidences about a potential anti-oxidant effect of Mex and its tetramethyl-pyrroline-derivatives in vivo, suggest the possibility to further enlarge the therapeutic potential of Mex-like compounds in myopathies in which alteration of excitation-contraction coupling is paralleled by oxidative stress. In line with this and based on our previous structure-activity-relationship studies, we synthesized new compounds with a tetramethyl-pyrroline-ring on the amino-group of both Mex (VM11) and of its potent use-dependent isopropyl-derivative (CI16). The compounds were tested for their ability to block native NaV1.4 and to exert cyto-protective effects against oxidative-stress injury in myoblasts. Voltage-clamp-recordings on adult myofibers were performed to assess the tonic and use-dependent block of peak sodium-currents (INa) by VM11 and CI16, as well as Mex, VM11 and CI16 were 3 and 6-fold more potent than Mex in producing a tonic-block of peak sodium-currents (INa), respectively. Interestingly, CI16 showed a 40-fold increase of potency with respect to Mex during high-frequency stimulation (10-Hz), resulting the strongest use-dependent Mex-like compound so far. The derivatives also behaved as inactivated channel blockers, however the voltage dependent block was modest. The experimental data fitted with the molecular-modeling simulation based on previously proposed interaction of main pharmacophores with NaV1.4 binding-site. CI16 and VM11 were then compared to Mex and its isopropyl derivative (Me5) for the ability to protect C2C12-cells from H2O2-cytotoxicity in the concentration range effective on Nav1.4. Mex and Me5 showed a moderate cyto-protective effect in the presence of H2O2, Importantly, CI16 and VM11 showed a remarkable cyto-protection at concentrations effective for use-dependent block of NaV1.4. This effect was comparable to that of selected anti-oxidant drugs proved to exert protective effect in preclinical models of progressive myopathies such as muscular dystrophies. Then, the tetramethyl-pyrroline compounds have increased therapeutic profile as sodium channel blockers and an interesting cyto-protective activity. The overall profile enlarges therapeutic potential from channelopathies to myopathies in which alteration of excitation-contraction coupling is paralleled by oxidative-stress, i.e., muscular dystrophies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michela De Bellis
- Unit of Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacy-Drug Science, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Francesca Sanarica
- Unit of Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacy-Drug Science, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Alessia Carocci
- Unit of Medicinal Chemistry, Department of Pharmacy-Drug Science, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Giovanni Lentini
- Unit of Medicinal Chemistry, Department of Pharmacy-Drug Science, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Sabata Pierno
- Unit of Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacy-Drug Science, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | | | - Diana Conte Camerino
- Unit of Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacy-Drug Science, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Annamaria De Luca
- Unit of Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacy-Drug Science, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
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Song H, Liu X, Wang C, Qiao J, Chu W, Sun Z. Cu(TFA)2
-Catalyzed Picolinamido-Directed C(sp2
)−H Cyanation of Naphthalenes by Using Benzoyl Cyanide as a Cyano Source. ASIAN J ORG CHEM 2017. [DOI: 10.1002/ajoc.201700418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- He Song
- School of Chemistry and Materials Science; Heilongjiang University; Harbin 150080 P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering Process & Technology for High-Efficiency Conversion; College of Heilongjiang Province; Harbin 150080 P. R. China
| | - Xiaochong Liu
- School of Chemistry and Materials Science; Heilongjiang University; Harbin 150080 P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering Process & Technology for High-Efficiency Conversion; College of Heilongjiang Province; Harbin 150080 P. R. China
| | - Chenglong Wang
- School of Chemistry and Materials Science; Heilongjiang University; Harbin 150080 P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering Process & Technology for High-Efficiency Conversion; College of Heilongjiang Province; Harbin 150080 P. R. China
| | - Jingyi Qiao
- School of Chemistry and Materials Science; Heilongjiang University; Harbin 150080 P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering Process & Technology for High-Efficiency Conversion; College of Heilongjiang Province; Harbin 150080 P. R. China
| | - Wenyi Chu
- School of Chemistry and Materials Science; Heilongjiang University; Harbin 150080 P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering Process & Technology for High-Efficiency Conversion; College of Heilongjiang Province; Harbin 150080 P. R. China
| | - Zhizhong Sun
- School of Chemistry and Materials Science; Heilongjiang University; Harbin 150080 P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering Process & Technology for High-Efficiency Conversion; College of Heilongjiang Province; Harbin 150080 P. R. China
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Cavalluzzi MM, Mangiatordi GF, Nicolotti O, Lentini G. Ligand efficiency metrics in drug discovery: the pros and cons from a practical perspective. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2017; 12:1087-1104. [PMID: 28814111 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2017.1365056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Ligand efficiency metrics are almost universally accepted as a valuable indicator of compound quality and an aid to reduce attrition. Areas covered: In this review, the authors describe ligand efficiency metrics giving a balanced overview on their merits and points of weakness in order to enable the readers to gain an informed opinion. Relevant theoretical breakthroughs and drug-like properties are also illustrated. Several recent exemplary case studies are discussed in order to illustrate the main fields of application of ligand efficiency metrics. Expert opinion: As a medicinal chemist guide, ligand efficiency metrics perform in a context- and chemotype-dependent manner; thus, they should not be used as a magic box. Since the 'big bang' of efficiency metrics occurred more or less ten years ago and the average time to develop a new drug is over the same period, the next few years will give a clearer outlook on the increased rate of success, if any, gained by means of these new intriguing tools.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Orazio Nicolotti
- a Department of Pharmacy - Drug Sciences , University of Bari Aldo Moro , Bari , Italy
| | - Giovanni Lentini
- a Department of Pharmacy - Drug Sciences , University of Bari Aldo Moro , Bari , Italy
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Iacopetta D, Carocci A, Sinicropi MS, Catalano A, Lentini G, Ceramella J, Curcio R, Caroleo MC. Old Drug Scaffold, New Activity: Thalidomide-Correlated Compounds Exert Different Effects on Breast Cancer Cell Growth and Progression. ChemMedChem 2017; 12:381-389. [PMID: 28099781 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.201600629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2016] [Revised: 01/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Thalidomide was first used for relief of morning sickness in pregnant women and then withdrawn from the market because of its dramatic effects on normal fetal development. Over the last decades, it has been used successfully for the treatment of several pathologies, including cancer. Many analogues with improved activity have been synthesized and tested. Herein we report some effects on the growth and progression of MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells by a small series of thalidomide-correlated compounds, which are very effective at inducing cancer cell death by triggering TNFα-mediated apoptosis. The most active compounds are able to drastically reduce the migration of breast cancer cells by regulation of the two major proteins involved in epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT): vimentin and E-cadherin. Moreover, these compounds diminish the intracellular biosynthesis of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which is primarily involved in the promotion of angiogenesis, sustaining tumor progression. The multiple features of these compounds that act on various key points of the tumorigenesis process make them good candidates for preclinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Domenico Iacopetta
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036, Arcavacata di Rende, Italy
| | - Alessia Carocci
- Department of Pharmacy-Drug Sciences, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", 70126, Bari, Italy
| | - Maria Stefania Sinicropi
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036, Arcavacata di Rende, Italy
| | - Alessia Catalano
- Department of Pharmacy-Drug Sciences, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", 70126, Bari, Italy
| | - Giovanni Lentini
- Department of Pharmacy-Drug Sciences, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", 70126, Bari, Italy
| | - Jessica Ceramella
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036, Arcavacata di Rende, Italy
| | - Rosita Curcio
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036, Arcavacata di Rende, Italy
| | - Maria Cristina Caroleo
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036, Arcavacata di Rende, Italy
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Increased sodium channel use-dependent inhibition by a new potent analogue of tocainide greatly enhances in vivo antimyotonic activity. Neuropharmacology 2016; 113:206-216. [PMID: 27743929 PMCID: PMC5154332 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2016.10.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2016] [Revised: 10/08/2016] [Accepted: 10/11/2016] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Although the sodium channel blocker, mexiletine, is the first choice drug in myotonia, some myotonic patients remain unsatisfied due to contraindications, lack of tolerability, or incomplete response. More therapeutic options are thus needed for myotonic patients, which require clinical trials based on solid preclinical data. In previous structure-activity relationship studies, we identified two newly-synthesized derivatives of tocainide, To040 and To042, with greatly enhanced potency and use-dependent behavior in inhibiting sodium currents in frog skeletal muscle fibers. The current study was performed to verify their potential as antimyotonic agents. Patch-clamp experiments show that both compounds, especially To042, are greatly more potent and use-dependent blockers of human skeletal muscle hNav1.4 channels compared to tocainide and mexiletine. Reduced effects on F1586C hNav1.4 mutant suggest that the compounds bind to the local anesthetic receptor, but that the increased hindrance and lipophilia of the N-substituent may further strengthen drug-receptor interaction and use-dependence. Compared to mexiletine, To042 was 120 times more potent to block hNav1.4 channels in a myotonia-like cellular condition and 100 times more potent to improve muscle stiffness in vivo in a previously-validated rat model of myotonia. To explore toxicological profile, To042 was tested on hERG potassium currents, motor coordination using rotarod, and C2C12 cell line for cytotoxicity. All these experiments suggest a satisfactory therapeutic index for To042. This study shows that, owing to a huge use-dependent block of sodium channels, To042 is a promising candidate drug for myotonia and possibly other membrane excitability disorders, warranting further preclinical and human studies. To040 and To042 are potent use-dependent hNav1.4 sodium channel blockers. The compounds strengthen the molecular interaction at the local anesthetic receptor. To042 is 120-fold more potent than mexiletine in vitro in myotonia-like conditions. To042 is 100-fold more potent than mexiletine in vivo in a rat model of myotonia. To042 is a promising antimyotonic drug deserving further investigation.
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Catalano A, Luciani R, Carocci A, Cortesi D, Pozzi C, Borsari C, Ferrari S, Mangani S. X-ray crystal structures of Enterococcus faecalis thymidylate synthase with folate binding site inhibitors. Eur J Med Chem 2016; 123:649-664. [PMID: 27517810 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2016.07.066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2016] [Revised: 07/25/2016] [Accepted: 07/26/2016] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Infections caused by Enterococcus faecalis (Ef) represent nowadays a relevant health problem. We selected Thymidylate synthase (TS) from this organism as a potential specific target for antibacterial therapy. We have previously demonstrated that species-specific inhibition of the protein can be achieved despite the relatively high structural similarity among bacterial TSs and human TS. We had previously obtained the EfTS crystal structure of the protein in complex with the metabolite 5-formyl-tetrahydrofolate (5-FTHF) suggesting the protein role as metabolite reservoir; however, protein-inhibitors complexes were still missing. In the present work we identified some inhibitors bearing the phthalimidic core from our in-house library and we performed crystallographic screening towards EfTS. We obtained two X-ray crystallographic structures: the first with a weak phthalimidic inhibitor bound in one subunit and 5-hydroxymethylene-6-hydrofolic acid (5-HMHF) in the other subunit; a second X-ray structure complex with methotrexate. The structural information achieved confirm the role of EfTS as an enzyme involved in the folate pool system and provide a structural basis for structure-based drug design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Catalano
- Dipartimento di Farmacia-Scienze del Farmaco, Università degli Studi di Bari "Aldo Moro", Via Orabona 4, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Rosaria Luciani
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita, Università degli Studi di Modena e Reggio Emilia, Via Campi 103, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Alessia Carocci
- Dipartimento di Farmacia-Scienze del Farmaco, Università degli Studi di Bari "Aldo Moro", Via Orabona 4, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Debora Cortesi
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita, Università degli Studi di Modena e Reggio Emilia, Via Campi 103, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Cecilia Pozzi
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie, Chimica e Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Chiara Borsari
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita, Università degli Studi di Modena e Reggio Emilia, Via Campi 103, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Stefania Ferrari
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita, Università degli Studi di Modena e Reggio Emilia, Via Campi 103, 41125 Modena, Italy.
| | - Stefano Mangani
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie, Chimica e Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy.
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Synthesis, antiarrhythmic activity, and toxicological evaluation of mexiletine analogues. Eur J Med Chem 2016; 121:300-307. [PMID: 27267000 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2016.05.046] [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: 03/14/2016] [Revised: 05/20/2016] [Accepted: 05/21/2016] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Four mexiletine analogues have been tested for their antiarrhythmic, inotropic, and chronotropic effects on isolated guinea pig heart tissues and to assess calcium antagonist activity, in comparison with the parent compound mexiletine. All analogues showed from moderate to high antiarrhythmic activity. In particular, three of them (1b,c,e) were more active and potent than the reference drug, while exhibiting only modest or no negative inotropic and chronotropic effects and vasorelaxant activity, thus showing high selectivity of action. All compounds showed no cytotoxicity and 1b,c,d did not impair motor coordination. All in, these new analogues exhibit an interesting cardiovascular profile and deserve further investigation.
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Imbrici P, Liantonio A, Camerino GM, De Bellis M, Camerino C, Mele A, Giustino A, Pierno S, De Luca A, Tricarico D, Desaphy JF, Conte D. Therapeutic Approaches to Genetic Ion Channelopathies and Perspectives in Drug Discovery. Front Pharmacol 2016; 7:121. [PMID: 27242528 PMCID: PMC4861771 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2016.00121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2016] [Accepted: 04/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
In the human genome more than 400 genes encode ion channels, which are transmembrane proteins mediating ion fluxes across membranes. Being expressed in all cell types, they are involved in almost all physiological processes, including sense perception, neurotransmission, muscle contraction, secretion, immune response, cell proliferation, and differentiation. Due to the widespread tissue distribution of ion channels and their physiological functions, mutations in genes encoding ion channel subunits, or their interacting proteins, are responsible for inherited ion channelopathies. These diseases can range from common to very rare disorders and their severity can be mild, disabling, or life-threatening. In spite of this, ion channels are the primary target of only about 5% of the marketed drugs suggesting their potential in drug discovery. The current review summarizes the therapeutic management of the principal ion channelopathies of central and peripheral nervous system, heart, kidney, bone, skeletal muscle and pancreas, resulting from mutations in calcium, sodium, potassium, and chloride ion channels. For most channelopathies the therapy is mainly empirical and symptomatic, often limited by lack of efficacy and tolerability for a significant number of patients. Other channelopathies can exploit ion channel targeted drugs, such as marketed sodium channel blockers. Developing new and more specific therapeutic approaches is therefore required. To this aim, a major advancement in the pharmacotherapy of channelopathies has been the discovery that ion channel mutations lead to change in biophysics that can in turn specifically modify the sensitivity to drugs: this opens the way to a pharmacogenetics strategy, allowing the development of a personalized therapy with increased efficacy and reduced side effects. In addition, the identification of disease modifiers in ion channelopathies appears an alternative strategy to discover novel druggable targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Imbrici
- Department of Pharmacy - Drug Sciences, University of Bari "Aldo Moro" Bari, Italy
| | - Antonella Liantonio
- Department of Pharmacy - Drug Sciences, University of Bari "Aldo Moro" Bari, Italy
| | - Giulia M Camerino
- Department of Pharmacy - Drug Sciences, University of Bari "Aldo Moro" Bari, Italy
| | - Michela De Bellis
- Department of Pharmacy - Drug Sciences, University of Bari "Aldo Moro" Bari, Italy
| | - Claudia Camerino
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neurosciences and Sense Organs, University of Bari "Aldo Moro" Bari, Italy
| | - Antonietta Mele
- Department of Pharmacy - Drug Sciences, University of Bari "Aldo Moro" Bari, Italy
| | - Arcangela Giustino
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, University of Bari "Aldo Moro" Bari, Italy
| | - Sabata Pierno
- Department of Pharmacy - Drug Sciences, University of Bari "Aldo Moro" Bari, Italy
| | - Annamaria De Luca
- Department of Pharmacy - Drug Sciences, University of Bari "Aldo Moro" Bari, Italy
| | - Domenico Tricarico
- Department of Pharmacy - Drug Sciences, University of Bari "Aldo Moro" Bari, Italy
| | - Jean-Francois Desaphy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, University of Bari "Aldo Moro" Bari, Italy
| | - Diana Conte
- Department of Pharmacy - Drug Sciences, University of Bari "Aldo Moro" Bari, Italy
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Carocci A, Catalano A, Turi F, Lovece A, Cavalluzzi MM, Bruno C, Colabufo NA, Contino M, Perrone MG, Franchini C, Lentini G. Stereoselective Modulation of P-Glycoprotein by Chiral Small Molecules. ChemMedChem 2015; 11:93-101. [DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.201500417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2015] [Revised: 10/14/2015] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Carocci
- Dipartimento di Farmacia-Scienze del Farmaco; Università degli Studi di Bari “Aldo Moro”; via E. Orabona n. 4 70125 Bari Italy
| | - Alessia Catalano
- Dipartimento di Farmacia-Scienze del Farmaco; Università degli Studi di Bari “Aldo Moro”; via E. Orabona n. 4 70125 Bari Italy
| | - Francesco Turi
- Dipartimento di Farmacia-Scienze del Farmaco; Università degli Studi di Bari “Aldo Moro”; via E. Orabona n. 4 70125 Bari Italy
| | - Angelo Lovece
- Dipartimento di Farmacia-Scienze del Farmaco; Università degli Studi di Bari “Aldo Moro”; via E. Orabona n. 4 70125 Bari Italy
| | - Maria M. Cavalluzzi
- Dipartimento di Farmacia-Scienze del Farmaco; Università degli Studi di Bari “Aldo Moro”; via E. Orabona n. 4 70125 Bari Italy
| | - Claudio Bruno
- Dipartimento di Farmacia-Scienze del Farmaco; Università degli Studi di Bari “Aldo Moro”; via E. Orabona n. 4 70125 Bari Italy
| | - Nicola A. Colabufo
- Dipartimento di Farmacia-Scienze del Farmaco; Università degli Studi di Bari “Aldo Moro”; via E. Orabona n. 4 70125 Bari Italy
| | - Marialessandra Contino
- Dipartimento di Farmacia-Scienze del Farmaco; Università degli Studi di Bari “Aldo Moro”; via E. Orabona n. 4 70125 Bari Italy
| | - Maria G. Perrone
- Dipartimento di Farmacia-Scienze del Farmaco; Università degli Studi di Bari “Aldo Moro”; via E. Orabona n. 4 70125 Bari Italy
| | - Carlo Franchini
- Dipartimento di Farmacia-Scienze del Farmaco; Università degli Studi di Bari “Aldo Moro”; via E. Orabona n. 4 70125 Bari Italy
| | - Giovanni Lentini
- Dipartimento di Farmacia-Scienze del Farmaco; Università degli Studi di Bari “Aldo Moro”; via E. Orabona n. 4 70125 Bari Italy
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