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Li J, Nagasaka Y, Shen H, Zhou X, Ma J, Trevisan-Silva D, Sherman NE, Ambati J, Gelfand BD, Guo LW. TMEM97 governs partial epithelial-mesenchymal transition of retinal pigment epithelial cells via the CTNND2-ADAM10 axis. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2025; 36:102460. [PMID: 39995975 PMCID: PMC11848774 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2025.102460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2025] [Indexed: 02/26/2025]
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is associated with retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) dysfunction in degenerative retinal diseases. However, the role of partial EMT (pEMT), a hybrid state exhibiting both epithelial and mesenchymal markers, remains poorly understood in this context. Our previous research demonstrated that TMEM97 ablation in mice worsens photoreceptor loss in an oxidant-induced RPE damage model. Here, we link TMEM97 to pEMT in RPE cells and explore the underlying molecular mechanisms. We found that re-expressing TMEM97 in the RPE of TMEM97-knockout mice, via subretinal lentiviral delivery, mitigated oxidant (NaIO3)-induced photoreceptor loss. Interestingly, TMEM97 knockout in ARPE19 cells in vitro led to upregulation of cadherin/adhesion-binding pathways, even without oxidant exposure. Integrated proteomic, transcriptomic, segmentation, and immunoblot analyses revealed that TMEM97 ablation induces pEMT, marked by the concurrent expression of epithelial E-cadherin and mesenchymal N-cadherin, a process reversed upon TMEM97 re-expression. Furthermore, TMEM97 negatively regulated CTNND2 protein (catenin δ-2), but not the known EMT driver β-catenin, and CTNND2 was found to promote ADAM10, which sustains both E- and N-cadherin protein levels. These findings identify TMEM97 as a novel regulator of RPE-cell pEMT through the CTNND2-ADAM10 axis, highlighting potential new targets for therapeutic intervention in RPE-related pathophysiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Li
- Division of Surgical Sciences, Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA
| | - Yosuke Nagasaka
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA
| | - Hongtao Shen
- Division of Surgical Sciences, Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA
| | - Xinyu Zhou
- Division of Surgical Sciences, Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA
| | - Jianjie Ma
- Division of Surgical Sciences, Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA
| | - Dilza Trevisan-Silva
- School of Medicine Core Facilities, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA
| | - Nicholas E. Sherman
- School of Medicine Core Facilities, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA
| | - Jayakrishna Ambati
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA
| | - Bradley D. Gelfand
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA
| | - Lian-Wang Guo
- Division of Surgical Sciences, Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA
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Ye N, Wang Q, Li Y, Zhen X. Current emerging therapeutic targets and clinical investigational agents for schizophrenia: Challenges and opportunities. Med Res Rev 2025; 45:755-787. [PMID: 39300769 DOI: 10.1002/med.22086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2024] [Revised: 08/14/2024] [Accepted: 09/09/2024] [Indexed: 09/22/2024]
Abstract
Since the first discovery of antipsychotics in the 1950s, targeting dopaminergic drugs has manifested to well manage the positive symptoms of schizophrenia with limited efficacy for the negative and cognitive symptoms. In past decades, extensive efforts have been undertaken towards the development of innovative agents that can effectively stabilize the dopamine and serotonin systems or target to nondopaminergic pathways, leading to various promising drug candidates entering into clinical trials. Notably, the sigma-2, 5-HT2A, and α1A receptor antagonist roluperidone, as well as a fixed-dose combination of the M1/4 receptor agonist KarXT, have been submitted for NDA applications. The dual agonist ulotaront, which targets TAAR1 and 5-HT1A receptors, and the GlyT1 inhibitor iclepertin have advanced into phase 3 clinical trials. Nevertheless, satisfactory therapeutic strategies for schizophrenia remain elusive. This review highlights current clinical endeavors in developing novel chemical small-molecule entities and fixed-dose combinations for the treatment of schizophrenia since 2017, thus facilitating the efficient development of the next generation of antipsychotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Ye
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases & College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Precision Diagnostics and Therapeutics Development, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Qi Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases & College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yue Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases & College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xuechu Zhen
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases & College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Precision Diagnostics and Therapeutics Development, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
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Moccia L, Bardi F, Anesini MB, Barbonetti S, Kotzalidis GD, Rossi S, Caso R, Grisoni F, Mandracchia G, Margoni S, Callovini T, Janiri D, Mazza M, Simonetti A, Montanari S, Autullo G, Camardese G, Pepe M, Di Nicola M, Di Giorgio V, Conti F, Sani G. Pharmacological Interventions for Negative Symptoms in Schizophrenia: A Systematic Review of Randomised Control Trials. Biomedicines 2025; 13:540. [PMID: 40149518 PMCID: PMC11940281 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines13030540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2025] [Revised: 02/11/2025] [Accepted: 02/13/2025] [Indexed: 03/29/2025] Open
Abstract
Background/Objectives: While positive symptoms of schizophrenia are often satisfactorily controlled, negative symptoms are difficult to treat, persisting despite treatment. Different strategies have been devised to deal with this problem. We aimed to review drug treatment for negative symptoms of schizophrenia in controlled trials of marketed drugs. Methods: We searched the PubMed database and the resulting records' reference lists to identify eligible trials using schizophrenia[ti] AND "negative symptom*"[ti] as a search strategy. We determined eligibility through Delphi rounds among all authors. Results: On 11 February 2025, we identified 1485 records on PubMed and 3 more from reference lists. Eligible were 95 records. Most studies were double-blind, randomized controlled trials, carried-out in add-on in patients stabilized with antipsychotics. Other antipsychotics were the most frequent comparators, followed by antidepressants, and recently, antioxidants are gaining importance in trials. Many trials, especially those conducted in the Western world, found no significant effects compared to placebo, while most Iranian studies were positive, although not with a strong effect size. Conclusions: Current research has contributed little to progress in the treatment of the negative symptoms of schizophrenia. The reason might reside in the absence of knowledge of the mechanisms whereby these symptoms are generated, which prevents us from designing possibly effective treatment strategies, and/or to the chronicity of negative symptoms, as they are the first to be established even when they do not become fully apparent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Moccia
- Department of Psychiatry, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Largo Agostino Gemelli 8, 00168 Rome, Italy; (F.B.); (M.B.A.); (S.B.); (S.R.); (R.C.); (F.G.); (G.M.); (S.M.); (T.C.); (D.J.); (M.M.); (A.S.); (S.M.); (G.A.); (M.P.); (M.D.N.); (G.S.)
- Department of Neuroscience, Section of Psychiatry, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo Francesco Vito 1, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Bardi
- Department of Psychiatry, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Largo Agostino Gemelli 8, 00168 Rome, Italy; (F.B.); (M.B.A.); (S.B.); (S.R.); (R.C.); (F.G.); (G.M.); (S.M.); (T.C.); (D.J.); (M.M.); (A.S.); (S.M.); (G.A.); (M.P.); (M.D.N.); (G.S.)
- Department of Neuroscience, Section of Psychiatry, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo Francesco Vito 1, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Benedetta Anesini
- Department of Psychiatry, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Largo Agostino Gemelli 8, 00168 Rome, Italy; (F.B.); (M.B.A.); (S.B.); (S.R.); (R.C.); (F.G.); (G.M.); (S.M.); (T.C.); (D.J.); (M.M.); (A.S.); (S.M.); (G.A.); (M.P.); (M.D.N.); (G.S.)
- Department of Neuroscience, Section of Psychiatry, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo Francesco Vito 1, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Sara Barbonetti
- Department of Psychiatry, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Largo Agostino Gemelli 8, 00168 Rome, Italy; (F.B.); (M.B.A.); (S.B.); (S.R.); (R.C.); (F.G.); (G.M.); (S.M.); (T.C.); (D.J.); (M.M.); (A.S.); (S.M.); (G.A.); (M.P.); (M.D.N.); (G.S.)
- Department of Neuroscience, Section of Psychiatry, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo Francesco Vito 1, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Georgios D. Kotzalidis
- Department of Psychiatry, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Largo Agostino Gemelli 8, 00168 Rome, Italy; (F.B.); (M.B.A.); (S.B.); (S.R.); (R.C.); (F.G.); (G.M.); (S.M.); (T.C.); (D.J.); (M.M.); (A.S.); (S.M.); (G.A.); (M.P.); (M.D.N.); (G.S.)
- Department of Neuroscience, Section of Psychiatry, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo Francesco Vito 1, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Sara Rossi
- Department of Psychiatry, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Largo Agostino Gemelli 8, 00168 Rome, Italy; (F.B.); (M.B.A.); (S.B.); (S.R.); (R.C.); (F.G.); (G.M.); (S.M.); (T.C.); (D.J.); (M.M.); (A.S.); (S.M.); (G.A.); (M.P.); (M.D.N.); (G.S.)
- Department of Neuroscience, Section of Psychiatry, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo Francesco Vito 1, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Romina Caso
- Department of Psychiatry, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Largo Agostino Gemelli 8, 00168 Rome, Italy; (F.B.); (M.B.A.); (S.B.); (S.R.); (R.C.); (F.G.); (G.M.); (S.M.); (T.C.); (D.J.); (M.M.); (A.S.); (S.M.); (G.A.); (M.P.); (M.D.N.); (G.S.)
- Department of Neuroscience, Section of Psychiatry, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo Francesco Vito 1, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Flavia Grisoni
- Department of Psychiatry, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Largo Agostino Gemelli 8, 00168 Rome, Italy; (F.B.); (M.B.A.); (S.B.); (S.R.); (R.C.); (F.G.); (G.M.); (S.M.); (T.C.); (D.J.); (M.M.); (A.S.); (S.M.); (G.A.); (M.P.); (M.D.N.); (G.S.)
- Department of Neuroscience, Section of Psychiatry, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo Francesco Vito 1, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Mandracchia
- Department of Psychiatry, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Largo Agostino Gemelli 8, 00168 Rome, Italy; (F.B.); (M.B.A.); (S.B.); (S.R.); (R.C.); (F.G.); (G.M.); (S.M.); (T.C.); (D.J.); (M.M.); (A.S.); (S.M.); (G.A.); (M.P.); (M.D.N.); (G.S.)
- Department of Neuroscience, Section of Psychiatry, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo Francesco Vito 1, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Stella Margoni
- Department of Psychiatry, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Largo Agostino Gemelli 8, 00168 Rome, Italy; (F.B.); (M.B.A.); (S.B.); (S.R.); (R.C.); (F.G.); (G.M.); (S.M.); (T.C.); (D.J.); (M.M.); (A.S.); (S.M.); (G.A.); (M.P.); (M.D.N.); (G.S.)
- Department of Neuroscience, Section of Psychiatry, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo Francesco Vito 1, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Tommaso Callovini
- Department of Psychiatry, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Largo Agostino Gemelli 8, 00168 Rome, Italy; (F.B.); (M.B.A.); (S.B.); (S.R.); (R.C.); (F.G.); (G.M.); (S.M.); (T.C.); (D.J.); (M.M.); (A.S.); (S.M.); (G.A.); (M.P.); (M.D.N.); (G.S.)
- Department of Neuroscience, Section of Psychiatry, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo Francesco Vito 1, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Delfina Janiri
- Department of Psychiatry, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Largo Agostino Gemelli 8, 00168 Rome, Italy; (F.B.); (M.B.A.); (S.B.); (S.R.); (R.C.); (F.G.); (G.M.); (S.M.); (T.C.); (D.J.); (M.M.); (A.S.); (S.M.); (G.A.); (M.P.); (M.D.N.); (G.S.)
- Department of Neuroscience, Section of Psychiatry, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo Francesco Vito 1, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Marianna Mazza
- Department of Psychiatry, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Largo Agostino Gemelli 8, 00168 Rome, Italy; (F.B.); (M.B.A.); (S.B.); (S.R.); (R.C.); (F.G.); (G.M.); (S.M.); (T.C.); (D.J.); (M.M.); (A.S.); (S.M.); (G.A.); (M.P.); (M.D.N.); (G.S.)
- Department of Neuroscience, Section of Psychiatry, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo Francesco Vito 1, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Alessio Simonetti
- Department of Psychiatry, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Largo Agostino Gemelli 8, 00168 Rome, Italy; (F.B.); (M.B.A.); (S.B.); (S.R.); (R.C.); (F.G.); (G.M.); (S.M.); (T.C.); (D.J.); (M.M.); (A.S.); (S.M.); (G.A.); (M.P.); (M.D.N.); (G.S.)
- Menninger Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Silvia Montanari
- Department of Psychiatry, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Largo Agostino Gemelli 8, 00168 Rome, Italy; (F.B.); (M.B.A.); (S.B.); (S.R.); (R.C.); (F.G.); (G.M.); (S.M.); (T.C.); (D.J.); (M.M.); (A.S.); (S.M.); (G.A.); (M.P.); (M.D.N.); (G.S.)
- Department of Neuroscience, Section of Psychiatry, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo Francesco Vito 1, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Gianna Autullo
- Department of Psychiatry, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Largo Agostino Gemelli 8, 00168 Rome, Italy; (F.B.); (M.B.A.); (S.B.); (S.R.); (R.C.); (F.G.); (G.M.); (S.M.); (T.C.); (D.J.); (M.M.); (A.S.); (S.M.); (G.A.); (M.P.); (M.D.N.); (G.S.)
- Department of Neuroscience, Section of Psychiatry, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo Francesco Vito 1, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Camardese
- Department of Psychiatry, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Largo Agostino Gemelli 8, 00168 Rome, Italy; (F.B.); (M.B.A.); (S.B.); (S.R.); (R.C.); (F.G.); (G.M.); (S.M.); (T.C.); (D.J.); (M.M.); (A.S.); (S.M.); (G.A.); (M.P.); (M.D.N.); (G.S.)
- Department of Life Science, Health, and Health Professions, Link Campus University, Via del Casale di S. Pio V, 44, 00165 Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Pepe
- Department of Psychiatry, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Largo Agostino Gemelli 8, 00168 Rome, Italy; (F.B.); (M.B.A.); (S.B.); (S.R.); (R.C.); (F.G.); (G.M.); (S.M.); (T.C.); (D.J.); (M.M.); (A.S.); (S.M.); (G.A.); (M.P.); (M.D.N.); (G.S.)
- Department of Neuroscience, Section of Psychiatry, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo Francesco Vito 1, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Di Nicola
- Department of Psychiatry, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Largo Agostino Gemelli 8, 00168 Rome, Italy; (F.B.); (M.B.A.); (S.B.); (S.R.); (R.C.); (F.G.); (G.M.); (S.M.); (T.C.); (D.J.); (M.M.); (A.S.); (S.M.); (G.A.); (M.P.); (M.D.N.); (G.S.)
- Department of Neuroscience, Section of Psychiatry, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo Francesco Vito 1, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Vassilij Di Giorgio
- Istituto di Neuroscienze, Neomesia Kos Group, Via Nomentana 1362, 00137 Rome, Italy; (V.D.G.); (F.C.)
| | - Fabio Conti
- Istituto di Neuroscienze, Neomesia Kos Group, Via Nomentana 1362, 00137 Rome, Italy; (V.D.G.); (F.C.)
| | - Gabriele Sani
- Department of Psychiatry, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Largo Agostino Gemelli 8, 00168 Rome, Italy; (F.B.); (M.B.A.); (S.B.); (S.R.); (R.C.); (F.G.); (G.M.); (S.M.); (T.C.); (D.J.); (M.M.); (A.S.); (S.M.); (G.A.); (M.P.); (M.D.N.); (G.S.)
- Department of Neuroscience, Section of Psychiatry, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo Francesco Vito 1, 00168 Rome, Italy
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Lizama BN, Keeling E, Cho E, Malagise EM, Knezovich N, Waybright L, Watto E, Look G, Di Caro V, Caggiano AO, Ratnayaka JA, Hamby ME. Sigma-2 receptor modulator CT1812 alters key pathways and rescues retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) functional deficits associated with dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Sci Rep 2025; 15:4256. [PMID: 39929889 PMCID: PMC11810999 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-025-87921-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2025] [Indexed: 02/13/2025] Open
Abstract
Trafficking defects in retinal pigmented epithelial (RPE) cells contribute to RPE atrophy, a hallmark of geographic atrophy (GA) in dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Dry AMD pathogenesis is multifactorial, including amyloid-β (Aβ) accumulation and oxidative stress-common features of Alzheimer's disease (AD). The Sigma-2 receptor (S2R) regulates lipid and protein trafficking, and S2R modulators reverse trafficking deficits in neurodegeneration in vitro models. Given overlapping mechanisms contributing to AD and AMD, S2R modulator effects on RPE function were investigated. The S2R modulator CT1812 is in clinical trials for AD, dementia with Lewy bodies, and GA. Leveraging AD trials testing CT1812, unbiased analyses of patient biofluid proteomes revealed that proteins altered by CT1812 associated with GA and macular degeneration disease ontologies and overlapped with proteins altered in dry AMD. Differential expression analysis of RPE transcripts from APP-Swedish/London mutant transgenic mice, a model featuring Aβ accumulation, revealed reversal of autophagy/trafficking transcripts in S2R modulator-treated animals versus vehicle toward healthy control levels. Photoreceptor outer segment (POS) trafficking in human RPE cells showed deficits in response to Aβ1-42 or hydrogen peroxide compared to vehicle. S2R modulators normalized stressor-induced POS trafficking deficits, resembling healthy control. Taken together, S2R modulation may provide a novel therapeutic strategy for dry AMD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Eloise Keeling
- Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, MP806, Tremona Road, Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Eunah Cho
- Cognition Therapeutics Inc., Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Evi M Malagise
- Cognition Therapeutics Inc., Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | | | | | - Emily Watto
- Cognition Therapeutics Inc., Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Gary Look
- Cognition Therapeutics Inc., Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | | | | | - J Arjuna Ratnayaka
- Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, MP806, Tremona Road, Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Mary E Hamby
- Cognition Therapeutics Inc., Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
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Sánchez-Sánchez L, Fernández R, Astigarraga E, Barreda-Gómez G, Ganfornina MD. Microarray-Based Methodology for Lipid Profiling, Enzymatic Activity, And Binding Assays in Printed Lipid Raft Membranes from Astrocytes and Neurons. Anal Chem 2025; 97:86-95. [PMID: 39718364 PMCID: PMC11740170 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.4c02421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2024] [Revised: 12/07/2024] [Accepted: 12/12/2024] [Indexed: 12/25/2024]
Abstract
Lipid rafts are liquid-ordered domains in which specific enzymes and receptors are located. These membrane platforms play crucial roles in a variety of signaling pathways. Alterations in the lipid environment, such as those elicited by oxidative stress, can lead to important functional disruptions in membrane proteins. Cell membrane microarrays have emerged in the past decade as a powerful methodology for the study of both lipids and membrane proteins at large scales. Based on that technology and the importance of liquid-ordered subdomains, we have developed a new printed lipid raft technology with a preserved native protein structure and lipid environment. To validate this technology and evaluate its potential for different aims, raft membrane microarrays (RMMAs) containing two different cell types (astrocytes and neurons) and three different conditions (astrocytes in control situation, metabolic stress, and oxidative stress) were developed. To study differences in lipid profiles between raft domains, the MALDI-MS assay was performed on RMMAs. To evaluate the preservation of native protein activities (enzymatic activity and ligand binding) in the printed raft domains, differences in NADH oxidoreductase, GAPDH, cholinesterase activities, and sigma-1 and sigma-2 binding assays were performed. We demonstrate the performance of this new microarray technology, adapted to membrane subdomains, as valid to explore changes in lipid composition and protein activities in raft domains from brain cell lines under different stress conditions relevant for neuropathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Sánchez-Sánchez
- IMG
Pharma Biotech S.L, Zamudio 48170, Spain
- Instituto
de Biomedicina y Genética Molecular, Unidad de Excelencia, University of Valladolid-CSIC, Valladolid 47003, Spain
| | | | | | | | - María Dolores Ganfornina
- Instituto
de Biomedicina y Genética Molecular, Unidad de Excelencia, University of Valladolid-CSIC, Valladolid 47003, Spain
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Donkor N, Kiehlbauch CC, Pappenhagen N, Look GC, Morgan AB, Shin R, Hamby ME, Inman DM. Neuroprotective effect of Sigma-2 modulator CT2074 in a mouse model of ocular hypertension. Exp Eye Res 2024; 249:110143. [PMID: 39481675 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2024.110143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2024] [Revised: 10/25/2024] [Accepted: 10/28/2024] [Indexed: 11/02/2024]
Abstract
Ocular neurodegenerative diseases, particularly glaucoma, represent a significant global cause of blindness, with current therapies inadequately addressing the degeneration of the retina and optic nerve. Recent research has identified the sigma-2 receptors as a potential druggable target to offer neuroprotection in managing ocular neurodegenerative disorders. This study investigates the neuroprotective potential of CT2074, a sigma-2 receptor modulator, in a mouse model of primary open-angle glaucoma. Male mice were subjected to unilateral magnetic bead-induced elevation of intraocular pressure (IOP) and received daily oral administration of CT2074, commencing three days prior to ocular hypertension (OHT) induction, and continuing for three weeks. Mice received bilateral intraocular injections of cholera toxin B-488 (CTB) to assess retinal ganglion cell (RGC) anterograde transport. Retina, optic nerve, and brain tissues were collected three weeks post OHT induction for quantification of RGC and axon number, with contralateral retinas and cerebelli preserved for assessment of drug exposure. CT2074 was observed in the retina at levels exceeding the 95% receptor occupancy concentration. RGC quantification showed a significant reduction in the Vehicle group compared to Naïve and CT2074 groups. Notably, the CT2074 treatment group exhibited significantly higher RGC density than the Vehicle (p < 0.0001) and was no different than Naïve. Analysis of RGC axons in optic nerve cross-sections revealed significant axonal loss in both the Vehicle and CT2074 groups compared to Naïve, though the CT2074-treated group had significantly higher axon number compared to the Vehicle. Anterograde transport in the Vehicle and CT2074 groups did not differ. This study underscores the potential of CT2074 administered orally to protect RGCs exposed to elevated IOP, as evidenced by substantial preservation of RGCs and their axons compared to Vehicle-treated mice. These findings signify a promising avenue for the development of sigma-2 receptor-targeted therapeutics in glaucoma and related neurodegenerative diseases, addressing a critical unmet need in the field of ocular neuroprotection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Donkor
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, North Texas Eye Research Institute, University of North Texas Health Science Center, 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth, TX, 76107, USA
| | - Charles C Kiehlbauch
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, North Texas Eye Research Institute, University of North Texas Health Science Center, 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth, TX, 76107, USA
| | - Nathaniel Pappenhagen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, North Texas Eye Research Institute, University of North Texas Health Science Center, 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth, TX, 76107, USA
| | - Gary C Look
- Cognition Therapeutics Inc. 2403 Sidney St. Suite 261, Pittsburgh, PA, 15203, USA
| | - Autumn B Morgan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, North Texas Eye Research Institute, University of North Texas Health Science Center, 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth, TX, 76107, USA
| | - Rick Shin
- Cognition Therapeutics Inc. 2403 Sidney St. Suite 261, Pittsburgh, PA, 15203, USA
| | - Mary E Hamby
- Cognition Therapeutics Inc. 2403 Sidney St. Suite 261, Pittsburgh, PA, 15203, USA
| | - Denise M Inman
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, North Texas Eye Research Institute, University of North Texas Health Science Center, 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth, TX, 76107, USA.
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7
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Kaur G, Dar ZA, Bajpai A, Singh R, Bansal R. Clinical Update on an Anti-Alzheimer Drug Candidate CT1812: A Sigma-2 Receptor Antagonist. Clin Ther 2024; 46:e21-e28. [PMID: 39289058 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinthera.2024.08.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2024] [Revised: 08/09/2024] [Accepted: 08/13/2024] [Indexed: 09/19/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE This review article summarizes the progress and latest findings related to the investigational drug candidate CT1812, which is currently in phase 2 clinical trials for Alzheimer's disease (AD). The article outlines the development of this promising molecule and provides insights into its mechanism of action as sigma-2 receptor (S2R) antagonist along with the positive outcomes of various clinical trials. Literature mentioning AD therapeutics that specifically target amyloid-beta (Aβ) oligomers is limited even though these oligomers are established as the most neurotoxic forms of the Aβ protein. This timely article highlights the potential of CT1812 as a breakthrough in AD therapeutics, providing a new avenue for addressing the neurotoxic forms of Aβ and advancing the field toward a potential cure for AD. METHODS The literature includes articles searched from PubMed and Google Scholar along with a comprehensive discussion of all the clinical research trials undertaken for CT1812. The review includes 12 clinical trials; of the total citations identified, 10 have been used to support the results of published trials. FINDINGS The positive outcomes in the multiple clinical trials conducted on CT1812 indicate the emergence of an effective and promising drug candidate for AD. The article mentions a gap in the literature regarding AD therapeutics specifically targeting Aβ oligomers, which reveals lack of established treatments addressing Aβ oligomers, making the novel approach of CT1812 noteworthy. IMPLICATIONS Clinical treatments available today provide symptomatic relief, however, any drug providing a potential cure for AD remains an unanswered question. S2Rs mediated oligomer binding in addition to synaptic toxicity suggest the potential usefulness of CT1812 in AD treatment. Efficacy and safety of CT1812 in further clinical trials could represent a significant advancement in the field, offering a potential treatment that goes beyond the symptomatic relief and aimed at addressing the core mechanisms associated with AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guramrit Kaur
- University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India
| | - Zahid Ahmad Dar
- University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India
| | - Ankit Bajpai
- University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India
| | - Ranjit Singh
- University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India
| | - Ranju Bansal
- University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India.
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8
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Lizama BN, Williams C, North HA, Pandey K, Duong D, Di Caro V, Mecca AP, Blennow K, Zetterberg H, Levey AI, Grundman M, van Dyck CH, Caggiano AO, Seyfried NT, Hamby ME. CT1812 biomarker signature from a meta-analysis of CSF proteomic findings from two Phase 2 clinical trials in Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimers Dement 2024; 20:6860-6880. [PMID: 39166791 PMCID: PMC11485314 DOI: 10.1002/alz.14152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2024] [Revised: 06/26/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 08/23/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION CT1812 is in clinical development for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) exploratory proteomics was employed to identify pharmacodynamic biomarkers of CT1812 in mild to moderate AD from two independent clinical trials. METHODS Unbiased analysis of tandem-mass tag mass spectrometry (TMT-MS) quantitative proteomics, pathway analysis and correlation analyses with volumetric magnetic resonance imaging (vMRI) were performed for the SPARC cohort (NCT03493282). Comparative analyses and a meta-analysis with the interim SHINE cohort (NCT03507790; SHINE-A) followed by network analysis (weighted gene co-expression network analysis [WGCNA]) were used to understand the biological impact of CT1812. RESULTS CT1812 pharmacodynamic biomarkers and biological pathways were identified that replicate across two clinical cohorts. The meta-analysis revealed novel candidate biomarkers linked to S2R biology and AD, and network analysis revealed treatment-associated networks driven by S2R. DISCUSSION: Early clinical validation of CT1812 candidate biomarkers replicating in independent cohorts strengthens the understanding of the biological impact of CT1812 in patients with AD, and supports CT1812's synaptoprotective mechanism of action and its continued clinical development. HIGHLIGHTS This exploratory proteomics study identified candidate biomarkers of CT1812 in SPARC (NCT03493282) Comparative analyses identified biomarkers replicating across trials/cohorts Two independent Ph2 trial cohorts (SPARC and interim SHINE [NCT03507790; SHINE-A]) were used in a meta-analysis Amyloid beta (Aβ) & synaptic biology impacted by CT1812 and volumetric magnetic resonance imaging (vMRI) treatment-related correlates emerge Network analyses revealed sigma-2 receptor (S2R)-interacting proteins that may be "drivers" of changes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Duc Duong
- Emory University School of Medicine, BiochemistryAtlantaGeorgiaUSA
| | | | - Adam P. Mecca
- Department of PsychiatryAlzheimer's Disease Research UnitYale University School of MedicineNew HavenConnecticutUSA
| | - Kaj Blennow
- Paris Brain InstituteICMPitié‐Salpêtrière HospitalSorbonne UniversityParisFrance
- Neurodegenerative Disorder Research CenterDivision of Life Sciences and Medicineand Department of NeurologyInstitute on Aging and Brain DisordersUniversity of Science and Technology of China and First Affiliated Hospital of USTCHefeiAnhuiP.R. China
- Department of Psychiatry and NeurochemistryInstitute of Neuroscience and Physiologythe Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, MölndalGöteborgSweden
- Clinical Neurochemistry LaboratorySahlgrenska University Hospital, MölndalGöteborgSweden
| | - Henrik Zetterberg
- Department of Psychiatry and NeurochemistryInstitute of Neuroscience and Physiologythe Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, MölndalGöteborgSweden
- Clinical Neurochemistry LaboratorySahlgrenska University Hospital, MölndalGöteborgSweden
- Department of Neurodegenerative DiseaseUCL Institute of NeurologyLondonUK
- UK Dementia Research Institute at UCLLondonUK
- Hong Kong Center for Neurodegenerative DiseasesHong KongChina
- Wisconsin Alzheimer's Disease Research CenterUniversity of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public HealthUniversity of Wisconsin‐MadisonMadisonWisconsinUSA
| | - Allan I. Levey
- Emory University School of Medicine, NeurologyAtlantaGeorgiaUSA
| | - Michael Grundman
- Global R&D PartnersLLCSan DiegoCaliforniaUSA
- Dept. of NeurosciencesUniversity of CaliforniaSan DiegoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Christopher H. van Dyck
- Department of PsychiatryAlzheimer's Disease Research UnitYale University School of MedicineNew HavenConnecticutUSA
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Ghafir El Idrissi I, Santo A, Lacivita E, Leopoldo M. Multitarget-Directed Ligands Hitting Serotonin Receptors: A Medicinal Chemistry Survey. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2024; 17:1238. [PMID: 39338400 DOI: 10.3390/ph17091238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2024] [Revised: 09/10/2024] [Accepted: 09/17/2024] [Indexed: 09/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) is a ubiquitous neurotransmitter in the human body. In the central nervous system, 5-HT affects sleep, pain, mood, appetite, and attention, while in the peripheral nervous system, 5-HT modulates peristalsis, mucus production, and blood vessel dilation. Fourteen membrane receptors mediate 5-HT activity. In agreement with the crucial roles played by 5-HT, many drugs target 5-HT receptors (5-HTRs). Therefore, it is unsurprising that many efforts have been devoted to discovering multitarget-directed ligands (MTDLs) capable of engaging one or more 5-HTRs plus another target phenotypically linked to a particular disease. In this review, we will describe medicinal chemistry efforts in designing MTDLs encompassing activity for one or more 5-HTRs, starting with atypical antipsychotics and moving to dual 5-HT1AR/serotonin transporter ligands, 5-HT6R antagonists/acetyl cholinesterases inhibitors, and 5-HT4R agonists/acetyl cholinesterases inhibitors. We will also provide an outlook on the most recent efforts made in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Imane Ghafir El Idrissi
- Department of Pharmacy-Drug Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Via Orabona, 4, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Angela Santo
- Department of Pharmacy-Drug Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Via Orabona, 4, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Enza Lacivita
- Department of Pharmacy-Drug Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Via Orabona, 4, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Marcello Leopoldo
- Department of Pharmacy-Drug Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Via Orabona, 4, 70125 Bari, Italy
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Scerba MT, Tweedie D, Greig NH. 2-(Piperidin-3-yl)phthalimides reduce classical markers of cellular inflammation in LPS-challenged RAW 264.7 cells and also demonstrate potentially relevant sigma and serotonin receptor affinity in membrane preparations. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2024; 110:129885. [PMID: 38996940 PMCID: PMC11479674 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2024.129885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2024] [Revised: 06/28/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024]
Abstract
Herein, we report the synthesis of new 4-amino-2-(piperidin-3-yl)isoindoline-1,3-diones and their biological evaluation in a series of in vitro experiments. The synthetic production of these materials was initiated upon the condensation of appropriate nitrophthalic acid derivatives with various 3-aminopiperidines; subsequent reduction provided the final products in moderate to good yields. Readily available chiral pool reagents facilitated entry into optically enriched samples, while the piperidine scaffold furnished a variety of amide and alkylated entries. In total, 16 candidates were produced, and their ensuing treatment in LPS-challenged RAW cells effected slight reductions in secreted TNF-α but provided more robust and dose-dependent declines in nitrite and IL-6 levels relative to basal amounts, all concurrent with maintenance of cellular viability across the concentration ranges screened. The secondary amine cohort including rac-6, (R)-7, and (S)-8 rendered the most pronounced dose-dependent reductions in nitrite and IL-6. When dosed at 30 μM, (R)-7 demonstrated the most compelling effects, with decreases of 32 % and 40 % for nitrite and IL-6, respectively. Notable reductions in the inflammatory markers were also observed for 19 which effected declines in TNF-α (14 %), nitrite (19 %), and IL-6 (11 %) when treated at 30 μM. Additionally, four representative compounds were further evaluated against numerous CNS receptors, channels, and transporters, with 6, 9, and 19 demonstrating varying degrees of nanomolar-to-low-micromolar binding to the σ-1 and σ-2 receptors and also to serotonin receptors 5HT2A, 5HT2B and 5HT3. In this regard, 6 displayed perhaps the most noteworthy affinities, with binding at σ-2 (Ki = 2.2uM), 5HT2B (Ki = 561 nM) and 5HT3 (Ki = 536 nM). Furthermore, no pronounced or dose-dependent Cereblon/DDB1 binding was observed for the screened representative compounds 6, 9, 18 and 19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael T Scerba
- Drug Design & Development Section, Translational Gerontology Branch, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, 251 Bayview Blvd, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA.
| | - David Tweedie
- Drug Design & Development Section, Translational Gerontology Branch, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, 251 Bayview Blvd, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Nigel H Greig
- Drug Design & Development Section, Translational Gerontology Branch, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, 251 Bayview Blvd, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
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11
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Wu L, Zhu Y, Zhu S, Zhang D, Wang X, Xiao Z, Tan Y, Ouyang X, Li C. Untargeted Lipidomics Analysis to Discover Lipid Profiles and Biomarkers of Rabbit Acne Model and Reveal Action Mechanism of Isotretinoin. Drug Des Devel Ther 2024; 18:4003-4016. [PMID: 39258275 PMCID: PMC11386034 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s476649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 08/28/2024] [Indexed: 09/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Acne vulgaris (AV), a chronic inflammatory pilosebaceous disorder, affects 80-90% of teenagers. This study aimed to discover lipid profiles and biomarkers of the rabbit ear acne model, and investigate the mechanism of isotretinoin in treating acne at the lipid level. Methods Untargeted lipidomic analysis using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography system (UHPLC) coupled to q-extraction plus was performed to identify skin lipid metabolites in blank control (groups C), model group (group M) and isotretinoin group (group T). Multivariate statistical analysis was used to process the lipidomics data. Results A total of 43 lipid classes comprising 6989 lipid species were identified from the mass spectrometry data. The orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) model demonstrated significant separation in skin lipidomic profiles between group M and group C. With variable influence on projection (VIP) > 1.0 and P-value < 0.05, 299 significantly different lipid metabolites were identified. These lipid metabolites consisted mainly of ceramides (Cer) (53.85%), phosphatidylethanolamines (PE) (9.03%), phosphatidylcholines (PC)(5.35%), and sphingomyelin (SM)(4.01%). Combining with AUC ≥ 0.9 as the elected criteria, Cer (d18;1_24:0), zymosterol (ZyE)(33:5), Cer (t43:1), ZyE (33:6), ZyE (24:7), and ZyE (35:6) have "high" accuracy. Isotretinoin treatment normalized 25 lipid metabolites in the acne model. Conclusion Our findings provide new insights into the role of lipid metabolism in the pathogenesis of acne and the action mechanism of isotretinoin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Wu
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Yunxia Zhu
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Shengcai Zhu
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Deng Zhang
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiuping Wang
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhen Xiao
- Department of Dermatology, Taiyuan Central Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanping Tan
- Department of Dermatology, Jiangxi Provincial Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Nanchang, Jiangxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoliang Ouyang
- Department of Plastic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Chunming Li
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, People's Republic of China
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12
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Lizama BN, North HA, Pandey K, Williams C, Duong D, Cho E, Di Caro V, Ping L, Blennow K, Zetterberg H, Lah J, Levey AI, Grundman M, Caggiano AO, Seyfried NT, Hamby ME. An interim exploratory proteomics biomarker analysis of a phase 2 clinical trial to assess the impact of CT1812 in Alzheimer's disease. Neurobiol Dis 2024; 199:106575. [PMID: 38914170 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2024.106575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 05/01/2024] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/26/2024] Open
Abstract
CT1812 is a novel, brain penetrant small molecule modulator of the sigma-2 receptor (S2R) that is currently in clinical development for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Preclinical and early clinical data show that, through S2R, CT1812 selectively prevents and displaces binding of amyloid beta (Aβ) oligomers from neuronal synapses and improves cognitive function in animal models of AD. SHINE is an ongoing phase 2 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial (COG0201) in participants with mild to moderate AD, designed to assess the safety and efficacy of 6 months of CT1812 treatment. To elucidate the mechanism of action in AD patients and pharmacodynamic biomarkers of CT1812, the present study reports exploratory cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarker data from 18 participants in an interim analysis of the first set of patients in SHINE (part A). Untargeted mass spectrometry-based discovery proteomics detects >2000 proteins in patient CSF and has documented utility in accelerating the identification of novel AD biomarkers reflective of diverse pathophysiologies beyond amyloid and tau, and enabling identification of pharmacodynamic biomarkers in longitudinal interventional trials. We leveraged this technique to analyze CSF samples taken at baseline and after 6 months of CT1812 treatment. Proteome-wide protein levels were detected using tandem mass tag-mass spectrometry (TMT-MS), change from baseline was calculated for each participant, and differential abundance analysis by treatment group was performed. This analysis revealed a set of proteins significantly impacted by CT1812, including pathway engagement biomarkers (i.e., biomarkers tied to S2R biology) and disease modification biomarkers (i.e., biomarkers with altered levels in AD vs. healthy control CSF but normalized by CT1812, and biomarkers correlated with favorable trends in ADAS-Cog11 scores). Brain network mapping, Gene Ontology, and pathway analyses revealed an impact of CT1812 on synapses, lipoprotein and amyloid beta biology, and neuroinflammation. Collectively, the findings highlight the utility of this method in pharmacodynamic biomarker identification and providing mechanistic insights for CT1812, which may facilitate the clinical development of CT1812 and enable appropriate pre-specification of biomarkers in upcoming clinical trials of CT1812.
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Affiliation(s)
- B N Lizama
- Cognition Therapeutics, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - H A North
- Cognition Therapeutics, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - K Pandey
- Emtherapro Inc, Systems Biology, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - C Williams
- Cognition Therapeutics, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - D Duong
- Emory University School of Medicine, Biochemistry, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - E Cho
- Cognition Therapeutics, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - V Di Caro
- Cognition Therapeutics, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - L Ping
- Emory University School of Medicine, Neurology, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - K Blennow
- Paris Brain Institute, ICM, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Sorbonne University, Paris, France; Neurodegenerative Disorder Research Center, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, and Department of Neurology, Institute on Aging and Brain Disorders, University of Science and Technology of China and First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei, PR China; Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, the Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Mölndal, Sweden; Clinical Neurochemistry Laboratory, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Mölndal, Sweden
| | - H Zetterberg
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, the Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Mölndal, Sweden; Clinical Neurochemistry Laboratory, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Mölndal, Sweden; Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London, UK; UK Dementia Research Institute at UCL, London, UK; Hong Kong Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China; Wisconsin Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - J Lah
- Emory University School of Medicine, Neurology, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - A I Levey
- Emory University School of Medicine, Neurology, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - M Grundman
- Global R&D Partners, LLC, San Diego, California, USA; Dept. of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, USA
| | | | - N T Seyfried
- Emory University School of Medicine, Biochemistry, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - M E Hamby
- Cognition Therapeutics, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
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13
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DeBoer CMT, Rasmussen DK, Franco JA, Mahajan VB. Emerging Oral Pharmaceuticals for Dry Age-Related Macular Degeneration: Mechanism of Action, Current Clinical Status, and Future Directions. Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina 2024; 55:528-534. [PMID: 38917394 DOI: 10.3928/23258160-20240430-02] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/27/2024]
Abstract
Dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD) has been historically managed with lifestyle modifications, monitoring for conversion to wet AMD, and vitamins. Recently there has been a flurry of research focused on discovering new targets to prevent worsening of dry AMD. In 2023, the US Food and Drug Administration approved the first two intravitreal complement inhibitors to slow the rate of geographic atrophy progression. However, serial intravitreal injections for a chronic progressive disease are burdensome for patients and have procedural risks. Therefore, there is significant research to discover novel oral medications to manage dry AMD. Several oral medications are currently in phase 2 and 3 clinical trials for dry AMD, whereas others have had recent readouts on their clinical trials and efficacy. The purpose of this review is to describe the therapeutic pathways currently being investigated and to provide an update on the clinical status of novel oral medications for the management of dry AMD. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina 2024;55:528-534.].
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14
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Zhang GL, Porter MJ, Awol AK, Orsburn BC, Canner SW, Gray JJ, O’Meally RN, Cole RN, Schnaar RL. The Human Ganglioside Interactome in Live Cells Revealed Using Clickable Photoaffinity Ganglioside Probes. J Am Chem Soc 2024; 146:17801-17816. [PMID: 38887845 PMCID: PMC11650378 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.4c03196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
Gangliosides, sialic acid bearing glycosphingolipids, are components of the outer leaflet of plasma membranes of all vertebrate cells. They contribute to cell regulation by interacting with proteins in their own membranes (cis) or their extracellular milieu (trans). As amphipathic membrane constituents, gangliosides present challenges for identifying their ganglioside protein interactome. To meet these challenges, we synthesized bifunctional clickable photoaffinity gangliosides, delivered them to plasma membranes of cultured cells, then captured and identified their interactomes using proteomic mass spectrometry. Installing probes on ganglioside lipid and glycan moieties, we captured cis and trans ganglioside-protein interactions. Ganglioside interactomes varied with the ganglioside structure, cell type, and site of the probe (lipid or glycan). Gene ontology revealed that gangliosides engage with transmembrane transporters and cell adhesion proteins including integrins, cadherins, and laminins. The approach developed is applicable to other gangliosides and cell types, promising to provide insights into molecular and cellular regulation by gangliosides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gao-Lan Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States
| | - Mitchell J. Porter
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States
| | - Abduselam K. Awol
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States
| | - Benjamin C. Orsburn
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States
| | - Samuel W. Canner
- Program in Molecular Biophysics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, United States
| | - Jeffrey J. Gray
- Program in Molecular Biophysics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, United States
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, United States
| | - Robert N. O’Meally
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States
| | - Robert N. Cole
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States
| | - Ronald L. Schnaar
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States
- Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States
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15
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Zhang Z, Liang F, Chang J, Shan X, Yin Z, Wang L, Li S. Autophagy in dry AMD: A promising therapeutic strategy for retinal pigment epithelial cell damage. Exp Eye Res 2024; 242:109889. [PMID: 38593971 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2024.109889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2023] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a prevalent clinical condition that leads to permanent damage to central vision and poses a significant threat to patients' visual health. Although the pathogenesis of dry AMD remains unclear, there is consensus on the role of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) damage. Oxidative stress and chronic inflammation are major contributors to RPE cell damage, and the NOD-like receptor thermoprotein structural domain-associated protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome mediates the inflammatory response leading to apoptosis in RPE cells. Furthermore, lipofuscin accumulation results in oxidative stress, NLRP3 activation, and the development of vitelliform lesions, a hallmark of dry AMD, all of which may contribute to RPE dysfunction. The process of autophagy, involving the encapsulation, recognition, and transport of accumulated proteins and dead cells to the lysosome for degradation, is recognized as a significant pathway for cellular self-protection and homeostasis maintenance. Recently, RPE cell autophagy has been discovered to be closely linked to the development of macular degeneration, positioning autophagy as a cutting-edge research area in the realm of dry AMD. In this review, we present an overview of how lipofuscin, oxidative stress, and the NLRP3 inflammasome damage the RPE through their respective causal mechanisms. We summarized the connection between autophagy, oxidative stress, and NLRP3 inflammatory cytokines. Our findings suggest that targeting autophagy improves RPE function and sustains visual health, offering new perspectives for understanding the pathogenesis and clinical management of dry AMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhao Zhang
- Tianjin University of Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 300193, China; The First Affiliated Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, National Clinical Research Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, 300193, China
| | - Fengming Liang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, National Clinical Research Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, 300193, China.
| | - Jun Chang
- Tianjin University of Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 300193, China; The First Affiliated Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, National Clinical Research Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, 300193, China
| | - Xiaoqian Shan
- Tianjin University of Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 300193, China; The First Affiliated Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, National Clinical Research Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, 300193, China
| | - Zhixian Yin
- Hebei University of Technology, School of Electronics and Information Engineering, Tianjin, 300401, China
| | - Li Wang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, National Clinical Research Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, 300193, China
| | - Shujiao Li
- Eye Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100040, China
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Li J, Shen H, Guo LW. Transmembrane protein TMEM97 and epigenetic reader BAHCC1 constitute an axis that supports pro-inflammatory cytokine expression. Cell Signal 2024; 116:111069. [PMID: 38290642 PMCID: PMC10997414 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2024.111069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
Pro-inflammatory cytokine production by the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) is a key etiology in retinal degenerative diseases, yet the underlying mechanisms are not well understood. TMEM97 is a scarcely studied transmembrane protein recently implicated in retinal degeneration. BAH domain coiled coil 1 (BAHCC1) is a newly discovered histone code reader involved in oncogenesis. A role for TMEM97 and BAHCC1 in RPE inflammation was not known. Here we found that they constitute a novel axis regulating pro-inflammatory cytokine expression in RPE cells. Transcriptomic analysis using a TMEM97-/- ARPE19 human cell line and the validation via TMEM97 loss- and gain-of-function revealed a profound role of TMEM97 in promoting the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, notably IL1β and CCL2, and unexpectedly BAHCC1 as well. Moreover, co-immunoprecipitation indicated an association between the TMEM97 and BAHCC1 proteins. While TMEM97 ablation decreased and its overexpression increased NFκB (p50, p52, p65), the master transcription factor for pro-inflammatory cytokines, silencing BAHCC1 down-regulated NFκB and downstream pro-inflammatory cytokines. Furthermore, in an RPE-damage retinal degeneration mouse model, immunofluorescence illustrated down-regulation of IL1β and CCL2 total proteins and suppression of glial activation in the retina of Tmem97-/- mice compared to Tmem97+/+ mice. Thus, TMEM97 is a novel determinant of pro-inflammatory cytokine expression acting via a previously unknown TMEM97- > BAHCC1- > NFκB cascade. SYNOPSIS: Retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) inflammation can lead to blindness. We identify here a previously uncharacterized cascade that underlies RPE cell production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Specifically, transmembrane protein TMEM97 positively regulates the recently discovered histone code reader BAHCC1, which in turn enhances pro-inflammatory cytokine expression via the transcription factor NFκB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Li
- Division of Surgical Sciences, Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
| | - Hongtao Shen
- Division of Surgical Sciences, Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
| | - Lian-Wang Guo
- Division of Surgical Sciences, Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA; Department of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA.
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17
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Walby GD, Gu Q, Yang H, Martin SF. Structure-Affinity relationships of novel σ 2R/TMEM97 ligands. Bioorg Chem 2024; 145:107191. [PMID: 38432153 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2024.107191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
The sigma 2 receptor (σ2R), which was recently identified as the transmembrane protein 97 (TMEM97), is increasingly attracting interest as a possible therapeutic target for indications in neuroscience. Toward identifying novel modulators of σ2R/TMEM97, we prepared a collection of benzoxazocine, benzomorphan, and methanobenzazepine ligands related to the known bioactive norbenzomorphans DKR-1677, FEM-1689, and EES-1686 and determined their Ki values for σ2R/TMEM97 and the sigma 1 receptor (σ1R). The σ2R/TMEM97 binding affinities and selectivities relative to σ1R of these new benzoxazocine, benzomorphan, and methanobenzazepine analogs are lower, often significantly lower, than their respective norbenzomorphan counterparts, suggesting the spatial orientation of pharmacophoric substituents is critical for binding to the two proteins. The benzoxazocine, benzomorphan, and methanobenzazepine congeners of DKR-1677 and FEM-1689 tend to be weakly selective for σ2R/TMEM97 versus σ1R, whereas EES-1686 derivatives exhibit the greatest selectivity, suggesting the size and/or nature of the substituent on the nitrogen atom of the scaffold may be important for selectivity. Computational docking studies were performed for the 1S,5R-and 1R,5S-enantiomers of DKR-1677, FEM-1689, and EES-1686 and their benzoxazocine, benzomorphan, and methanobenzazepine counterparts. These computations predict that the protonated amino group of each ligand forms a highly conserved salt bridge and a H-bonding interaction with Asp29 as well as a cation-π interaction with Tyr150 of σ2R/TMEM97. These electrostatic interactions are major driving forces for binding to σ2R/TMEM97 and are similar, though not identical, for each ligand. Other interactions within the well-defined binding pocket also tend to be comparable, but there are some major differences in how the hydrophobic aryl groups of various ligands interact with the protein surface external to the binding pocket. Overall, these studies show that the orientations of aryl and N-substituents on the norbenzomorphan and related scaffolds are important determinants of binding affinity of σ2R/TMEM97 ligands, and small changes can have significant effects upon binding profiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grant D Walby
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, United States
| | - Qi Gu
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, United States
| | - Hongfen Yang
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, United States
| | - Stephen F Martin
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, United States.
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18
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Vijverberg E, de Haan W, Scheijbeler E, Hamby ME, Catalano S, Scheltens P, Grundman M, Caggiano AO. A Pilot Electroencephalography Study of the Effect of CT1812 Treatment on Synaptic Activity in Patients with Mild to Moderate Alzheimer's Disease. J Prev Alzheimers Dis 2024; 11:1809-1817. [PMID: 39559892 PMCID: PMC11573871 DOI: 10.14283/jpad.2024.154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 11/20/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND CT1812 is a first-in-class, sigma-2 receptor ligand, that prevents and displaces binding of amyloid beta (Aβ) oligomers. Normalization of quantitative electroencephalography (qEEG) markers suggests that CT1812 protects synapses from Aβ oligomer toxicity. OBJECTIVES Evaluate CT1812 impact on synaptic function using qEEG measurements. DESIGN Phase 2, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, 4-week crossover study. SETTING VU University Medical Center and Brain Research Center Amsterdam, The Netherlands. PARTICIPANTS Adults with mild or moderate Alzheimer's disease (AD). INTERVENTION A daily 300 mg dose of CT1812 or placebo for 4 weeks. MEASUREMENTS A resting-state, eyes closed qEEG assessment occurred on Day 1 and on Day 29 of Treatment Periods 1 and 2, and at follow-up. The primary endpoint was global relative theta power (4-8 Hz), along with secondary EEG measures including global alpha corrected Amplitude Envelope Correlation (AEC-c). Cognitive and functional assessments, fluid biomarkers, and safety and tolerability were assessed. RESULTS 16 patients were randomized, and 15 completed. A non-significant (p=0.123) but consistent reduction occurred in global relative theta power and in relative theta power in frontal, temporal, parietal, occipital and central (p<0.006) brain regions with CT1812. A nominally significant (p=0.034) improvement was observed in global alpha AEC-c. Adverse events occurred in 11 patients with CT1812 and 6 with placebo - most commonly nausea, diarrhea, and procedural headache. No severe or serious AEs, deaths or discontinuations were reported. CONCLUSION CT1812 improved established EEG markers of spontaneous brain activity (spectral power, functional connectivity) in patients with mild-to-moderate AD, suggesting improved neuronal/synaptic function within a 4-week timespan.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Vijverberg
- Anthony O. Caggiano, MD, PhD, Cognition Therapeutics, Inc., 2500 Westchester Avenue, Purchase, NY 10577,
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19
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Nguyen NT, Jaramillo-Martinez V, Mathew M, Suresh VV, Sivaprakasam S, Bhutia YD, Ganapathy V. Sigma Receptors: Novel Regulators of Iron/Heme Homeostasis and Ferroptosis. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14672. [PMID: 37834119 PMCID: PMC10572259 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241914672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Sigma receptors are non-opiate/non-phencyclidine receptors that bind progesterone and/or heme and also several unrelated xenobiotics/chemicals. They reside in the plasma membrane and in the membranes of the endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria, and nucleus. Until recently, the biology/pharmacology of these proteins focused primarily on their role in neuronal functions in the brain/retina. However, there have been recent developments in the field with the discovery of unexpected roles for these proteins in iron/heme homeostasis. Sigma receptor 1 (S1R) regulates the oxidative stress-related transcription factor NRF2 and protects against ferroptosis, an iron-induced cell death process. Sigma receptor 2 (S2R), which is structurally unrelated to S1R, complexes with progesterone receptor membrane components PGRMC1 and PGRMC2. S2R, PGRMC1, and PGRMC2, either independently or as protein-protein complexes, elicit a multitude of effects with a profound influence on iron/heme homeostasis. This includes the regulation of the secretion of the iron-regulatory hormone hepcidin, the modulation of the activity of mitochondrial ferrochelatase, which catalyzes iron incorporation into protoporphyrin IX to form heme, chaperoning heme to specific hemoproteins thereby influencing their biological activity and stability, and protection against ferroptosis. Consequently, S1R, S2R, PGRMC1, and PGRMC2 potentiate disease progression in hemochromatosis and cancer. These new discoveries usher this intriguing group of non-traditional progesterone receptors into an unchartered territory in biology and medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Vadivel Ganapathy
- Department of Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA; (N.T.N.); (V.J.-M.); (M.M.); (V.V.S.); (S.S.); (Y.D.B.)
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20
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Christmann U, Díaz JL, Pascual R, Bordas M, Álvarez I, Monroy X, Porras M, Yeste S, Reinoso RF, Merlos M, Vela JM, Almansa C. Discovery of WLB-89462, a New Drug-like and Highly Selective σ 2 Receptor Ligand with Neuroprotective Properties. J Med Chem 2023; 66:12499-12519. [PMID: 37607512 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c01060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/24/2023]
Abstract
The synthesis and pharmacological activity of a new series of isoxazolylpyrimidines as sigma-2 receptor (σ2R) ligands are reported. Modification of a new hit retrieved in an HTS campaign allowed the identification of the compound WLB-89462 (20c) with good σ2R affinity (Ki = 13 nM) and high selectivity vs both the σ1R (Ki = 1777 nM) and a general panel of 180 targets. It represents one of the first σ2R ligands with drug-like properties, linked to a good physicochemical and ADMET profile (good solubility, no CYP inhibition, good metabolic stability, high permeability, brain penetration, and high oral exposure in rodents). Compound 20c shows neuroprotective activity in vitro and improves short-term memory impairment induced by hippocampal injection of amyloid β peptide in rats. Together with the promising effects in the chronic models where 20c is currently being evaluated, these results pave the way toward its clinical development as a neuroprotective agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ute Christmann
- Welab Barcelona, Parc Científic Barcelona, C/Baldiri Reixac 4-8,08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - José Luis Díaz
- Welab Barcelona, Parc Científic Barcelona, C/Baldiri Reixac 4-8,08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Rosalia Pascual
- Welab Barcelona, Parc Científic Barcelona, C/Baldiri Reixac 4-8,08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Magda Bordas
- Welab Barcelona, Parc Científic Barcelona, C/Baldiri Reixac 4-8,08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Inés Álvarez
- Welab Barcelona, Parc Científic Barcelona, C/Baldiri Reixac 4-8,08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Xavier Monroy
- Welab Barcelona, Parc Científic Barcelona, C/Baldiri Reixac 4-8,08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mónica Porras
- Welab Barcelona, Parc Científic Barcelona, C/Baldiri Reixac 4-8,08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sandra Yeste
- Welab Barcelona, Parc Científic Barcelona, C/Baldiri Reixac 4-8,08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Raquel F Reinoso
- Welab Barcelona, Parc Científic Barcelona, C/Baldiri Reixac 4-8,08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Manuel Merlos
- Welab Barcelona, Parc Científic Barcelona, C/Baldiri Reixac 4-8,08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - José Miguel Vela
- Welab Barcelona, Parc Científic Barcelona, C/Baldiri Reixac 4-8,08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carmen Almansa
- Welab Barcelona, Parc Científic Barcelona, C/Baldiri Reixac 4-8,08028 Barcelona, Spain
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21
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Wang T, Jia H. The Sigma Receptors in Alzheimer's Disease: New Potential Targets for Diagnosis and Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12025. [PMID: 37569401 PMCID: PMC10418732 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241512025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Sigma (σ) receptors are a class of unique proteins with two subtypes: the sigma-1 (σ1) receptor which is situated at the mitochondria-associated endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane (MAM), and the sigma-2 (σ2) receptor, located in the ER-resident membrane. Increasing evidence indicates the involvement of both σ1 and σ2 receptors in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD), and thus these receptors represent two potentially effective biomarkers for emerging AD therapies. The availability of optimal radioligands for positron emission tomography (PET) neuroimaging of the σ1 and σ2 receptors in humans will provide tools to monitor AD progression and treatment outcomes. In this review, we first summarize the significance of both receptors in the pathophysiology of AD and highlight AD therapeutic strategies related to the σ1 and σ2 receptors. We then survey the potential PET radioligands, with an emphasis on the requirements of optimal radioligands for imaging the σ1 or σ2 receptors in humans. Finally, we discuss current challenges in the development of PET radioligands for the σ1 or σ2 receptors, and the opportunities for neuroimaging to elucidate the σ1 and σ2 receptors as novel biomarkers for early AD diagnosis, and for monitoring of disease progression and AD drug efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Wang
- Key Laboratory of Radiopharmaceuticals (Beijing Normal University), Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China;
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400037, China
| | - Hongmei Jia
- Key Laboratory of Radiopharmaceuticals (Beijing Normal University), Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China;
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22
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LaBarbera KM, Sheline YI, Izzo NJ, Yuede CM, Waybright L, Yurko R, Edwards HM, Gardiner WD, Blennow K, Zetterberg H, Börjesson-Hanson A, Morgan R, Davis CS, Guttendorf RJ, Schneider LS, DeKosky S, LeVine H, Grundman M, Caggiano AO, Cirrito JR, Catalano SM, Hamby ME. A phase 1b randomized clinical trial of CT1812 to measure Aβ oligomer displacement in Alzheimer's disease using an indwelling CSF catheter. Transl Neurodegener 2023; 12:24. [PMID: 37173791 PMCID: PMC10176668 DOI: 10.1186/s40035-023-00358-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Henrik Zetterberg
- University of Gothenburg, Mölndal, Sweden
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Mölndal, Sweden
- Clinical Neurochemistry Laboratory, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Mölndal, Sweden
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London, UK
- UK Dementia Research Institute at UCL, London, UK
- Hong Kong Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China
- Wisconsin Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Steven DeKosky
- McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Harry LeVine
- Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Michael Grundman
- Global R&D Partners, LLC, San Diego, CA, USA
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, USA
| | | | | | | | - Mary E Hamby
- Cognition Therapeutics Inc., Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
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